engine of souls | forum 3

mre · Senior Member

Assignment #10: Blogging the Textbook (Mid Term Review)

Charlene · Veteran Member

When Abraham Lincoln accepted his senatorial nomination in Chicago, he addressed the slavery issue in the nation: “a House divided by itself cannot stand.” Lincoln said, “I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.” The issue of slavery became the major political issue among the federal government. The bloody struggle in Kansas and other related events contributed to the polarization of the Democratic Party, the “indecisive party”, the rising popularity in the North of the Republican Party, the “pro-slavery” party and torn the country apart.

The Dred Scott Case:

This section covers one of the most well-known Supreme Court cases Scott v. Sanford, also known as the Dred Scott Case. In 1846, Dred and Harriet Scott, who were slaves, filed a suit against their master, U.S. Army Major John Emerson, in Missouri. According to the Scotts, they argued that they were technically considered “freed” since they traveled with Emerson in northern territories that prohibited slavery under the Missouri Compromise. On 1857, two days after the inauguration of President James Buchanan, the Dred Scott Case finally came to an end. The Supreme Court, ruled by its southern majority, had a 7-2 decision. The Court decided that Scott’s case was invalid, since he was African American and African Americans, as Justice Robert Taney describes, were considered “beings of an inferior race”. Furthermore, enslaved blacks were not considered citizens of the United States and instead were considered merely “property” of their owners. Whether the state was considered “free” or not, it didn’t affect the status of slaves. If this was the case, then was the Missouri Compromise actually valid or not? Since Congress had no power to ban slavery in territories, the Court ruled the Missouri Compromise as unconstitutional. The Dred Scott case became a hot issue in both the federal government and general public. New questions arose regarding the rights of blacks, state rights and the validity of the Missouri.

Constitutional Crisis:

Remember popular sovereignty and "Bleeding Kansas"? Kansas was also facing an constitutional crisis. A pro slavery constitutional convention was held at Lecompton, Kansas as the state prepared to be admitted to the Union. The constitution allowed voters to decide whether more slavery should be permitted, wanted to prevent free blacks from entering the state and wanted to guarantee property rights for owners. The Lecompton constitution was then sent to Congress for approval. While President Buchanan supported it to maintain support from Southerners; Stephen Douglas, a Southern Democrat senate from Illinois, eager to hold support of the northern wing of his party in for upcoming election for Senate in 1858, challenged the president’s power by going against Buchanan’s standing. After the Lecompton constitution failed to pass, the status of Kansas was left in uncertainty.

Lincoln and the Illinois Debate:

The Illinois senatorial election and Lincoln-Douglas debates, where the issue of slavery was the dominant topic, also sparked interests. While Douglass was an relatively known Southern Democrat, miniature and pro-slavery; on the flip side of the coin, Lincoln was an relatively unknown Republican, gigantic and anti-slavery. While Lincoln was no where near an abolitionist, believing that African-Americans shouldn't be granted complete equality; Lincoln argued against Douglas' positions and believed slavery's “course of ultimate extinction” was necessary.

The John Brown Raid:

While Lincoln and Douglas were debating in Illinois, John Brown, a fiery and violent abolitionist, took matters to his own hands by planning an attack. Brown's plan was set in motion on October 16, 1859 in Harpers Ferry, Virginia in an event that would be infamously known as the “Harpers Ferry Raid”. By raiding an federal arsenal, Brown aimed to arm slaves and provoke an uprising. Yet his plan was proved unsuccessful when he and his men were overwhelmed by federal troops.

Brown was captured, tried and hanged. As a result, the Harpers Ferry Raid and execution of John Brown caused much controversy. Basically, the anti-slavery Northerners painted Brown as an martyr while the pro-slavery Southerners pictured Brown as an murdered. The Brown controversy pushed the country to it's breaking point and the way specific sections of the country reacted to the events further represented the division of the nation. As Spartacus' actions contributed to the Third Servile War, Brown's actions contributed to the Civil War. Less than a year later, the first shots of the Civil War fired was heard at Fort Sumter. -to be edited-

-- Edited by Charlene on Thursday 7th of January 2010 05:06:26 PM

michaella · Member

The Lives of Freed people

Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. You may be wondering why is their a list of common known presidents, under a blog for “The Lives of Freed people?” The reason being is that these three men weren’t only presidents but slave owners as well. Thomas Jefferson was known to be a “good” slave owner and George Washington left instructions in his will to free his own slaves following his death. It took decades for slaves to finally become free. But were they really free? African Americans still had restrictions and limitations to what they could and couldn’t do in society. And after they became free, what were they to do, where were they to go, were they safe from beatings and other brutalities?

The Freedmen’s Bureau ( pg. 533)
The main goal for the Freedmen’s Bureau was to help the freed people. Members of this organization helped blacks re-connect with their family members that had once been taken away, and even get legally married. They wanted to make sure that African Americans received fair trials, unlike the Dred Scott case. The organization set up churches and schools to help educate blacks. After all education is power, and that is what whites feared the most. That blacks could potentially become more powerful than whites and rebel. The Freedmen’s Bureau not only helped with education, churches, and families but also helped African American’s find land to settle on and helped them to find a job to support themselves. The Freedmen’s Bureau was successful in helping African Americans start over and make better lives for themselves, even if they still weren’t accepted by some southerners and northerners.

Economic Freedom by Degrees (pg. 534)

Congress failed to promise the 4o acres and a mule to the freed people, leaving them to become dependent on their ex- masters. Some signed contracts to work for money, yet they still were whipped if they didn’t work fast enough. It was like being a slave all over again. The freed people still had to work from sunrise to sunset and only received a certain amount of food every month. The only difference from being a slave was that they were now being paid. Other freed people chose to lease the land. Leasing allowed freedwomen to send their kids to school, instead of having them in the fields all day. Many freed people wanted to be independent and to escape from having an overseer overlooking them all day. This caused many to break the contracts, barter over their wages, and even burn barns. Tenant farmers were allowed more freedom and would sell their crop to a local merchant in return for renting land, tools, and other provisions. Do you think it was wise of freed people to return to their masters, or should they have just found a place and work on their own, and suffer through the hard times?

White Farmers during Reconstruction (pg 537)
Freed people weren’t the only ones who were struggling to survive. Both yeoman and poor white farmers were affected by the change in southern culture. Many feared that African Americans were to take farm land away from the. Due to the dependence of cotton, there was not much food crops, resulting in the reliance on merchants. Many poor white farmers were less productive than black sharecroppers, as far as growing corn and potatoes. Because of the competition between blacks and whites, many whites went to work in the cotton mills where they knew blacks were not accepted.
During these hard times many poor white and yeoman farmers turned to religion for guidance and support, while other stuck to their beliefs in white supremacy and joined organizations such as the KKK. Because many blacks feared and were persecuted from groups, such as the KKK, they too began to organize churches and schools of their own. Many black teachers replaced whites, many African American ministers tried to apply community leadership and oppose discrimination. They did this by going into politics, while other preachers focused on sin, salvation, and revivalist enthusiasm. All of their hard work paid off, because by 1870 there was a 20% gain in free black adult literacy, more than 1.5 million children attended school, with 28, 560 black teachers. African Americans achieved much for themselves during this time, but they still had other challenges to face. What other challenges do you think African Americans will have to face in the future?

Arthur · Veteran Member

The term “the Gilded Age” was coined in the satirical book co-authored by Mark Twain in 1873.If you find yourself interested in this book, check out this link it’s pretty cool! http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Gilded-Age9.html. This expression characterized the political and social life in the last twenty years of the nineteenth century. During this era, there was a lot of corruption and political trickery. Most of this political mischief started during President Grant’s term.

The great importance of the gilded age was that two important changes took place. The first change was the “development of a professional bureaucracy of elite specialists in congressional

(Collage of gilded age themes)committees and executive offices”.This was a result of the supposed “dangers” of the majority. The other one was the fostering of a political shift in the 1890’s which was on behalf of the new issues of the time, the “stalemate” of the democratic and republican party, and concerns that the majority all shares.

POLITICS, PARTIES, PATRIONAGE, AND PRESIDENTS (p. 626- 627)

During the late nineteenth century, many people believed that the national government shouldn’t tackle problems of poverty, unemployment, and trusts because they mistrusted the government and realized that in the past, most of its interferences had negative effects. Would it have been beneficial for the government to focus of poverty and unemployment during that era though?

One of the leaders of the post civil war period was roscoe Conkling who explained that the role of government was to “clear the way of impediments and dangers, and leave every class and every individual free and safe in the exertions and per pursuits of life.” This was important because it helped to clear up the misconceptions of the public that the government wasn’t working for the best interest of the citizens.

The gilded age was one of corruption and unproductive government. Henry Adams was ashamed of the times and low quality of the democratic politics especially compared to that of his grandfather’s, (John Quincy Adams), and great grand-father’s (John Adams). Throughout the presidents of the gilded age, none of them made distinguished contributions to history. From Hayes to Harrison, not one of the presidents was able to serve two consecutive terms. Why was it that these presidents were more unsuccessful than previous ones? Was it because of the “hard-to- keep-up-with” times or were the American people just demanding too much of an already weak government?

NATIONAL ISSUES (p. 628-629)

There four issues which were particularly important at the national level during the gilded age.Those issues were the tariffs, which added to the debt of the yeoman farmers, the currency which was constantly inflating (to have hard or soft money, is the question), the civil service, which was a topic almost as volatile as slavery, and last but not least, the government regulation of the railroads, which was the main and most important form of shipping and transportation.All of these issues had vital importance to the country because they dealt with the economy and its upcoming innovations, the debt and currency, and also industrialization and the abilities of the people to meet the cost of living while in low paying industrial jobs.Which of the four great problems do you think had the most impact (good or bad?) and what should or shouldn’t have been one of the issues listed above?

THE LURE OF LOCAL POLITICS (p. 629-631)

During the gilded age, or nineteenth century, voting turnout percentages were some of the highest that America has ever seen(on average as high as 78.5%). But why, if the government is so unproductive, dull, and weak, do most people (78.5%) show so much interest in politics?

It is said that many of the people were brought to the ballots by all of the pretty banners and displays that made it look appealing but also by local issues and for reasons that directly affected the average family. Also, immigrants who lived in the city played a role in the higher political stimulation. This is so because the American born elite who normally controlled politics were moving into the field of big business and urbanization. Those politicians were replaced by urban bosses, who depended of the immigrant’s votes and promised policies like informal welfare systems and gave out jobs, food, rent, fuel, and bail. This along with a lot of exciting parades, rallies, buttons, songs, and oratories made the general public interested in the election and willing to go for both the practice of voting and for a good time. Party leaders used what ever they thought would make them popular among the public to their advantage.

Do you consider this corrupt and anti American or just a political strategy?

The political cartoon to the right shows Grover Cleveland, “Grover the good” angry and frustrated with the rumors of him having an illegitimate child.With such a strong accusation of what was a big deal of the time, why do you think that during the election of 1884, did Grover the good still without any damage from the cartoon, get elected?

(oops, i thought that i could post pictures along side the text...... i guess i can't sorry....if you wanted to see the political cartoon, it is in the book at the bottom left hand side of page 630 or on the website below)

You can find out more information of this topic at: http://symonsez.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/dr-george-tiller-and-grover-cleveland-any-connection-arctic-sea-ice-20-yr-time-lapse/

-- Edited by Arthur on Friday 8th of January 2010 01:01:35 PM

AWHBRY · Veteran Member

biggrin Chapter 13: Moving West

Probing the Mississippi West

Before the beginning of the 19th century the number of Americans

residing past the Mississippi River were inconsequential. The few who had were
mostly tradesmen in the fur business, with small families; some were involved
with the trade of exporting sea-otter skins to China as well. Mexicans and the
Native Americans however, were the majority in the West.

Spain had
control over Mexico until 1821, when Mexico declared independence. Though we
did not cover it, why or rather how exactly did Mexico gain independence
against a relatively strong imperial power?

However, Mexico did acquire much of the land Spain had
controlled past the Louisiana Purchase. To the benefit of Americans Mexico was
incapable of governing their distant population and protecting the land they
inhabited. With such a weak government Americans learned they could migrate
further westward much easier than they had before. Along with the southwest
becoming increasingly available the Oregon territory was close behind.
Originally over five countries had claims on the Oregon Territory, but
negotiations in 1819 and 1824 boiled it down to just America and Great Britain
- making it easier not only for Americans to start migrating there in larger
numbers but also increasing their chances at soon owning that territory. From
other countries deciding to withdraw their claims (in such a profitable land)
one could infer that although they may have had a substantial amount of their
people located there or a profitable business, it was no match for the number
of British and Americans coming in.

As mentioned earlier there were those Americans whom penetrated the Trans-Mississippi West about 40 years before masses did. However because the Native population was still very large at that time they could pose a threat, possibly influencing the migrating Americans to form alliances with them. Those who did move out there were also more likely to be less afraid (than those on the east coast for example) and less prejudice toward the Natives because they knew how many still resided far out west. To stick with the decision of going out there meant they had come to terms of realizing they were people, who were using the land too. Though some early migrants included families many of them were young single men attracted by the opportunities in the fur trade and sea-otter-skin business; as a result they did marry Indian women and did assimilate into their culture/society.

Missionaries were also among some of the first to migrate westward, revealing some Americans' interest and determination in educating, and civilizing the Native Americans to assimilate them into the American culture. Missionaries such as the whitmans paved the way for future missionary projects to make further success however little it may have increased. Europe was even involving themselves in missionary processes by sending Roman-Catholic priests to work among the native peoples... now why would they be trying to help in the assimilation of indians? If missionary missions were successful how would that benefit people millions of miles away in Europe?

As a few years passed tensions rose as a result from thousands moving west. Fore after Mexico declared its independence in 1821 it did not take long for flocks of Americans to migrate west in pursuit of their dreams. Among the large numbers of white Americans settling in the trans-mississippi west (specifically Oklahoma) were the South and the Old North-west tribes (who were driven there by the American government). "Ironically some of these tribes acted as agents of white civilization by introducing cotton, the plantation system, black slavery and schools." Plains Indians found this practice atrocious and were appalled by the eastern Indians' actions, naturally conflict erupted between the two different nations. While these tensions were building and erupting in small fights whites continued to push further west. Not before long there grew a popularity of literature providing detailed advantageous information for immigrants and emigrants alike. Lansford Hastings's "Emigrants Guide to Oregon and California" (1845) suggest the hot topic of the era.

On top of all of the people whom had already moved onto the newly acquired land (legally or illegally acquired) and the energy produced by the movement the definition of manifest destiny quickly became a national characteristic."Manifest Destiny" was the term created for the Americans to justify all they did in regard to obtain western land, coined in 1845 by John O' Sullivan. Through MANIFEST DESTINY people believed it was their god given right (of the white people) to expand from coast to coast.... (because they were superior to all else).

In the meantime nother chunk of Mexican land became available to U.S. citizens in 1853 with the Gadsden Purchase. By this time America had gained quite a bit of land and was expanding rapidly; they were pushing natives off of their forefathers' land, acquiring Mexican territory and overpopulating what it had left, as well as bringing industrialization wherever they went.

"By the 1840s, the successful absorption of the Louisiana territory, rapid population growth, and advances in transportation, communication, and industry bolstered the idea of national superiority"....

Justin BRAGA · Veteran Member

#40 The Political Response to Change
Chapter 12
Pgs. 392-403

During the late 1850’s, stated that the preservation on the young nation’s freedom, pended on how many registered voters went to the polls. The paper went on to say that it was the “positive duty of every citizen of a Republic to vote.” Do you agree with this statement? Quite clearly, the influx in voting rights was due to reduction of property rights in many states and the establishment of universal white male suffrage. Also, a rise in political parties, vigorous campaigning, and constituent politics led to an increase of 26.9% of registered voters voting for President in 1824 to 80.2% in 1840.What other fact ors may have led to the quadruple in voters throughout this time period?

Changing Political Culture (pg. 393)- After an endorsement for J.Q. Adams by Henry Clay, with the promise of becoming Secretary of State through the “corrupt bargain”, Andrew Jackson broke the Democratic- Republican Party into two, creating his own Democratic Party, and Adams a National Republican. Do “corrupt bargains” similar to the one between Adams and Clay take place in politics today? For example Senator Ben Nelson’s State of Nebraska receiving $200 million in Medicaid benefits for his state in order to ensure his “Yea” vote on the Senate’s Healthcare Reform Bill. Not only did these political parties take sides on policies, but also appealed to popular emotions, religious beliefs, and ethnic prejudices. Is it ethical for a voter to vote for a candidate on any of those three preferences, or should voters strictly vote based on policy preferences?

Jackson’s Path to the White House (pgs. 393-395) Clearly the battle lines were drawn for the Election of 1828: Jackson and the Democrats v. Adams, Clay, and the National Republicans. Jackson’s military past enthused people and he claimed that he was the common man’s candidate. He labeled Adams as an intellectual and the slogan for the election became: “a man who can fight (Jackson), a man who can fight (Adams).” Do politicians competing today for an elected office make similar accusations about each other? Vigorous campaigning that had never been seen before as well as political methods in passing the Tariff of Abominations in order to try to court Northern voters to Jackson, helped “Old Hickory win the Presidency with 565 of the vote. What techniques do politicians use today to appeal to voters and are they similar to those of the Antebellum Period?

Old Hickory’s Vigorous Presidency (pgs. 395- 396) Jackson made his authority clear as an executive officer. He became the bully on the playground to Congress, vetoing 12 bills during his two terms, something a President had never done before. He also made it clear that he would set a precedent for future Democrats to prevent federally funded internal improvements by doing such things as vetoing the Maysville road project. Do Democrats for the most part hold to this policy of Jackson today? Finally Jackson had to quite frankly hold a crippling nation together. Study these three attitudes:
“Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and inseparable.”-Sen. Daniel Webster
“Our Union-it must be preserved.” President Andrew Jackson
“The Union- next to our liberty most dear.” Vice President John Calhoun
What inferences can you make about the relationship between the President and the Vice President? Should they have nearly identical political ideologies?

Jackson’s Native American Policy (pgs. 396-399)- Andrew Jackson made it clear: he wanted Native Americans out of the way of Anglo-Saxon Americans. In doing so he wished to set up reservations for them west of the Mississippi River. The policy of assimilation that the U.S. Government policy had toward Natives was the complete opposite of Jackson. Jackson felt so strongly on this issue that he broke the law by violating judicial review (Remember Marbury v. Madison?) in cases which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the sovereignty and land protection of the Native American people. However with Indian Removal and Indian Intercourse Act of 1834 Jackson sent the N.A.’s west (Trail of Tears), deploring them of everything and sending them into shambles. But remember: Jackson had fought a vicious war years prior with the Creek, not only defeating their army but their entire civilization. So I ask you this: Was Jackson’s Indian Policy based off of political belief or a racial hate for the red people, or both? You decide!

Jackson’s Bank War and Van Ruin’s Depression (pgs. 399-401)-33% unemployment in 1837 under Van Buren because of Jackson’s policies? And Jackson is great? Poor Martin! Jackson’s appeal to the “common man” carried to the national bank. Jackson, in order to uphold his populist promises declared war on and destroyed the national bank, by placing government funds in state or “pet banks”, however, the effects of this was massive inflation. While Jackson had one foot out the door ready to leave office, he created specie circular, requiring the payment of government land in the mid west in specie. This in a way showed a concession of Jackson’s War on Biddle and the Bank as a mistake. Should political popularity be more important in a decision for America than what is right?

The American Party System (pgs. 401-403)- “Tippecanoe and Tyler too,” twas the ring to Whig victory over Martin “Van Ruin” in the Election of 1840, where the Democratic idea of increased voting backfired on the Democrats, with an astounding 80% of voters showing up at the polls. The failure of the National Republican Party evolved it into the Whig Party with similar policies of moral reform and federal internal improvements, however their tactics of giving liquor to voters and parades led them to victory in 1840 and built themselves up to be a strong political party until their falter in the late 1850’s. Are these political tactics still used today to attract voters? What are different tactics used today?

-- Edited by Justin BRAGA on Friday 8th of January 2010 08:12:10 PM

-- Edited by Justin BRAGA on Saturday 9th of January 2010 10:15:30 AM

Matthew Wasilowski · Veteran Member

Chapter 10 Reading 29 Economic Growth
As we all know between 1820 and 1860 the American economy changed from being agricultural to being industrial. This had profound effects on the economy. The average Americans’ income increased by 2% per year between 1820 and 1840. However that was of course a downside. There was often periods of economic boom and bust during these times. These of course caused layoffs. Is this similar to the economy today?
Britain led the way for the industrial revolution. They invented cheaper iron and ways to use steam power. This caused the British textile industry to become an economic giant. How did this affect the U.S.? Well now the British need more cotton which they got from the U.S south. After seeing their growth the Americans decide to copy their old friends the British.
The U.S had many natural resources (some of which were yet to be discovered) and also had many new immigrates coming to the country. This created a great combination of a large workforce and an abundance of raw materials. The canals made it easier to transport these raw materials. The British government and other countries would invest more than $500 million in transportation, state bonds and land. What did they expect in return?
As the work became more industrialized the jobs of some workers were replaced with machines. Doesn’t this still happen today? Hand labor was lost to machines called “spinning Jennies’ don’t machines like ATMs take jobs away? Could this happen to other jobs in the 21^st century? If so, what jobs could be replaced?
What effects did the industrialized America have on the environment? Trees had to be cut down for heat for houses and for steam for steamboats. Other animals’ natural habits were destroyed. The rivers fish live in were next to sawmills which clogged there gills with sawdust. Also burning coal of course pollutes the air we breathe. How far have we come today to reducing pollution and creating a more environmentally clean society?

Justin BRAGA · Veteran Member

#59 National Reconstruction Politics
Chapter 16
(pgs. 528-533)
Extra Credit

Bringing a nation together that just fought a war regionally against each other was enough of a task. The country knew that they would have to deal with the issues annexing the South back in to the Union and slavery, and black rights. But who would have thought that Reconstruction would include a power grab battle between Congress and the Presidency, the impeachment of a President, a battle within a strong Republican Party, and the issue of women’s rights coming into play? Your guess is as good as those who lived through Reconstruction. However the Reconstruction era would clearly either make or break the future of a nation that at the end of a regional war within itself was less than one hundred years of age. Policy and politics would clearly shape this age and the future of our nation.

Presidential Reconstruction by Proclamation (528-529)- Andrew Johnson, the only Southern Democrat who remained loyal t the Union throughout the war, was now handed the task of reconstructing an unsteady nation. However he proclaimed himself to reconstruct the nation, clearly at Congress’ disapproval. His first premise was that the South never left the Union. Does that make any sense since they seceded? Let’s look at it from another perspective in retrospect that the South just simply rebelled but never technically left the boundaries of the Constitution. This would contradict Congressional theory. However, Johnson provided amnesty for the entire South, except taking a crude stance to his rivaled planter class, making them personally apply for a pardon. Is it fair to make one group of people attain a right than another group of people based on racial, social, etc. discriminatory grounds?

Congressional Reconstruction by Amendment (pg. 529-531) The popular Northern song in 1866 “Who shall rule this American Nation?” asked whether the “murder of the innocent freedmen (the South)” or the “loyal millions (the North)” should rule. Congress clearly sided with the loyal millions. Radical Republicans, under the State Suicide Theory, viewed the South as betrayers who left the Constitution and should only be allowed back in on Union grounds. They claimed it was Congress’s Constitutional right to perform Reconstruction. But should the President and Congress have worked together to reconstruct the nation, or were their differences too deep? Congress, unlike Johnson who was a white supremacist attempted to pass a Civil Rights Bill in 1866 but it was vetoed by Johnson. Therefore, in the Reconstruction Act of 1867, Republicans in congress who viewed the South as traitors, divided the Southern States into 5 military districts and forced them to amend the 14th Amendment to the Constitution which stood for “due process under the law for all people.” Clearly the battle lines had been drawn between Johnson and Congress.

The President Impeached (pg. 531-532) When things couldn’t get much worse between the President and Congress, The Tenure of Office Act burst the levy. This law restricted the President for approval of the Senate to fire cabinet members which required its approval. Do you sense a challenge here? Well Johnson broke the law and was impeached by the House of Reps. But was not removed from the Presidency by the Senate by just one vote. The critical question though is that as to whether or not congress was overstepping its checks and balances boundaries or was it Johnson who was doing do as Executive Officer? You decide!

What Congressional Moderation Meant for Rebels, Blacks, and Women (pg. 532-533)- Reconstruction certainly brought times of excitements and disappointments but as well reliefs. Luckily for Southern Rebels, only one Southern Officer was imprisoned and Jefferson Davis was imprisoned. However clearly, although readmission to the Union would be made difficult by Congress, rebels got off easy with Johnson’s pardons. Should they have gotten off this easy? Black men made significant gains, for under the 15th Amendment they gained the right to vote. One black preacher for this said that the Republican Party had done the “Negro good.” Left however were women, which fired up a women’s rights movement led by those such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton. However did it contradict primarily Republican views of equality to give the right to vote to black men, but not women in general?

-- Edited by Justin BRAGA on Friday 8th of January 2010 09:12:17 PM

-- Edited by Justin BRAGA on Friday 8th of January 2010 09:25:29 PM

Cara · Veteran Member

Cara Zajac
B-Block
Reading 39

RELIGIOUS REVIVAL AND REFORM PHILOSOPHY

Alexis de Tocqueville visited the states in the 1830's and observed that “no country in the whole world in which the Christian religion retains a greater influence over the souls of men than in America.” He was speaking about influence of Protestants in the political and social values of the U.S. While not everyone agreed what needed to be changed, they used religion as an anchor of sorts to base their belief off of as well as the way they saw and formed opinion of events. Many could say that religion, while it not in everyone, still has this profound effect on people today. For example, Roman Catholicism does have a set of political views it champions.

Finney and the Second Great Awakening

Religion, namely Protestantism, was spread like wildfire through out the U.S. and becoming more democratic. Rochester, New York transformed from a "sleepy village" to a "bustling" commercial center. The town was undergoing many social changes at the time, saloons were popping up, workers were not as loyal to their masters, etc. This phenomena was new to the towns residents, who seemed to prefer the old ways. Blaming the current up rise of absenteeism and poverty, the citizens of Rochester turned, as many have done before and as many still do now, to religion and called in the famous revival preacher Charles Finney. He was known for his successes in converting many, bringing them back to observe religious values. With the help of his wife, he converted the city's elite, as well as the workers. He was very theatrical in his preaching, which was a big part of his success. He would have people so into his speeches, when he would throw an imaginary brick representing the devil, people would actually duck. He would also threaten eternal damnation, so convincingly that those sitting in the back row would stand up and look for the dissension into the fiery depths. This dramatic style of preaching is still used today in many baptist churches. Examples of these tactics, which appeal to emotion and logic (pathos and logos if you're in AP English 11 :D) can be seen still today, for example, the documentary Jesus Camp (http://www.jesuscampthemovie.com/) can show to what dramatic lengths preachers could go.

One of Finney's main ideas was that humans were not "passive objects of God's plan" who were helpless in the grander scheme of things, but were "moral free agents" free to make their own decisions concerning their eternal fate. Whether or not he was right can never really be decided though his ideas bring up many deeper, philosophical questions such as, "If we were actually passive agents of God's will, would he plan for people's devotion to wavier only to come back to him (or her :D ) during the revival?" or "If we are all moral free agents, why would God give us this ability if he knew that we would make wrong decisions? Would he/she be forgiving if humans made the wrong decisions?"

The Transcendentalists

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a pretty cool guy. He authored many works which had profound effects on the reform movements. Those who followed him believed that the absolute truth would be found beyond the institution of society. They would transcend this institution and look towards nature to find true "self-knowledge, self-reliance, and the spark of divinity
burning within them." An example of this would be Henry David Thoreau's (a known transcendentalist) work "Walden". Emerson saw his purpose in life to be inspiring others to find these things. He influenced many important figure in history including Margret Fuller, Herman Melville, and Nathan Hawthorne, to name a few. His values of the self reliance, self knowledge, anti materialism, and concern for the evils in society (during this time, it was slavery) still are popular today. [In Janet Tashjian's young adult novel, "The Gospel According to Larry," the main character finds his inspiration from the Emerson's principles. He strives to only own 75 posessions at any time, organizes protests, and meditates at Walden Pond. It's a wicked good book if you're interested in looking at how these principles can be applied today. :) http://books.google.com/books?id=hX5G5WftQcoC&dq=gospel+according+to+larry&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=siBKS7juLo7OlAeOm60I&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBcQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=&f=false Tashjian illustrates Thoreau's commitment to living on a principle in her main character's actions. ] Questions that could be discussed: "Thoreau lived on his principle by refusing to support the government he didn't believe in through not paying taxes. Was this the best way to support his belief (Especially because Emerson paid the tax anyway)? Can one be devoutly religious and a transcendalist at the same time? (Religon looks to a higher power while Transcendentalists look within.)

-- Edited by Cara on Sunday 10th of January 2010 11:20:01 AM

courtney · Veteran Member

Chapter 9 pg.304-307

THE END OF NEOCOLNIALISM

- The War Of 1812
The election of 1810 brought war hawks or, new Jeffersonian leaders, into office. The War Hawks believed that the US had tolerated Britain’s presence in America, Indian Raids, and attacks on American commerce for too long. President Madison asked congress to declare war on June 1, 1812. Britain beat back American Forays and blockaded American coastal Waters. A British force occupied Washington, torched the capitol, and sent the presidents, congress, and the people off to Virginia in a panic. During the war people were beat in the streets. Before the war ended American forces won several victories in which ended any threat of British invasion from Canada and weakened the British –Indian alliance. The British government was concerned about Europe so the offered to begin negotiation and America accepted. The two sides reached the agreement and Britain would leave western posts and fighting would come to an end. The war mad a huge impact on America. African Americans fought in the war and began to be looked at in a different way.

- United States and the America
After the war the president and congress proposed new policies for Latin America. Europe talked of helping Spain build an empire which alarmed Great Britain and the US. The British foreign secretary proposed the idea of Anglo- American cooperation to prevent Spain’s intentions and John Quincy Adams opposed the idea. A new Latin American Policy was now proposed. The Doctrine stated that the American continents were closed to the New European Colonization, Political systems were separated from Europe, US would consider Europe as dangerous, and the US would not interfere with existing colonies.

-- Edited by courtney on Sunday 10th of January 2010 01:23:57 PM

-- Edited by courtney on Sunday 10th of January 2010 01:25:18 PM

courtney · Veteran Member

Chapter 9 pg.307-314
Knitting the Nation Together

- Conquering Distance
During this time period it would take approximately 5 days to get word from Washington DC to Philadelphia. When George Washington died this is how long it took. There was no way in communicating besides the original “Human Communication.” Imagine having an important message or question that needs to be sent across the country and you had to wait 5 to 11 days to get your very important statement or question answered. This was a major obstacle. By the 1820’s major changes had already been made. Turnpikes had been developed and also the first national road. This very much reduced time travel but to some people prices were too high and people stuck to there horse. People often preferred to travel over water. In the early 19th century the first steamboat was launched by Robert Fulton called the Clermont. Another tool that helped greatly improved communication is printing. The first news paper was developed and drastically changed communication. After this period the American Postal System expanded, from the time of Washington to the early 1800’s the postal system expanded from nearly 75 post offices to 8500 post offices.

- Strengthening American Nationalism
As we know rituals of patriotic celebration suck as 4th or July and Washington ’s Birthday helps unify our country. National unity was also strengthened through Supreme Court cases such as Marbury v. Madison, Martin v. Hunter Lessee, and McCulloch v. Maryland.

- The Specter of Sectionalism
After the War of 1812 the Nation tried unite themselves through rituals and celebrations. There was talk of disunion which comes to show that the attempt to strengthen American Nationalism did not work. Slavery was one of the main concerns. Because of the Norhtwest ordinance slavery was prohibited north of the Ohio River but allowed expansion in the south. Before entering the Union Senator Rufus said that Missouri must prohibit slavery. His proposal led to a debate about the regulation of slavery. In the end Missouri was able to enter the union as a slave state while Maine a free state. The line was drawn at latitude 36 degrees 309 to the Rocky Mountains and lands south of this line would be open to slavery and areas north would not. How much of an effect do you think this would have leading up to the civil war?

-- Edited by courtney on Sunday 10th of January 2010 03:00:36 PM

Kyle Hamel · Member

Reading 55 - Clashing on the Battlefeild (1861-1862)

The civil war was the most brutal and destuctive conflict in American history. The Reason for this was the invention of a longer range rifle that increased a range form 100 to 500 yds. Anthor invention that led to this was the French minnie bullet and the new military techniques with tthis new rifle. How did the Civivl War stragey change from other wars faught in history? Military leaders increasingly valuved the importance of the strong defece postion. Which led Confederate General Robert E. Lee to have his men make EarthWrokd. What effects did Earthworks have on the civil war? and did it save soliders lives?

- WAR IN THE EAST
This section talks about some of the batles that were fought on the east half of the coutnry between this time period. Some of the battles they talked about were Bull Run, battles fought in northern Virgina, and souhtern Maryland. They also tlak about the soliders trainng and how they arrived at the battle feild and how they reacted once in battle. Do u find the context in this section goes to depth enough about some of the battles in the East during the beggign fo the war? It shows Lincolin pursuit of a general that could win. It talks about the person who lincion chose. Gen. Geroge Mcclean and how he trained the Union troops and his military stragies. Do you feel Mcclean was a good leader?

- WAR IN THE WEST
The section talks about how the Cilvil War was fought in the west. The west was the Aplication and Mississippi River layed the western theater. The union command wanted the port of New Orleans. Why did Union generals want the port of new orleans so bad? Future general of the union army Ulusus S. Grant rose to populairty by fighting in the west durin the civil war. In the West what confederate states the the union caputre? It talks about the background fo the military stargery of gen. grant. What were some challenges union troops had to face while fighting in the West.

-NAVAL WARFARE
Licolin decied to strangle the south with a naval blockade. Why did Lincolin want a blockade of the south? Wy did the Union have such a high adavantage un the navy? Unions most major naval victoy was at the port of New Orleans. what was the importance of the Iron clad ships? Two of the mso tcommon ironclads were the Monitor and the merimack.

Vanessa Souza · Member

Chapter 14
Reading #51

KANSAS AND THE TWO
CULTURES
The issue of slavery has not disappeared. While Democrats wanted to expand it, Republicans wanted to stop slavery’s advancement into the West.

Competing for Kansas
After the Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) many people migrated into Kansas. David Atchison was a Democrat who wanted to protect slavery in the territories, and under his leadership, many societies formed in Missouri to challenge the Free Soilers entering Kansas. Voting ballots doubled while only 20 of 600 voters were legal due to intimidation. In Topeka, a free-soil government was formed banning blacks form the state. Despite these events, President Peirce did nothing when he could have easily nullified illegal elections. Why would he choose to not interfere with the slavery debate residing in Kansas?

“Bleeding Kansas”
A poet named Walt Whitman, wrote about his faith in American Democracy, however in 1850 his faith faded when he realized the issues within America would bring on the “red blood of civil war.” On May 1856 a mob of anti free-soilers destroyed the town of Lawrence. A few days later John Brown led a small band of men and killed five men with swords, claiming he was doing God’s will. Abolitionist Charles Sumner, a senator, was attacked by Congressman Preston Brooks with a cane after Sumner insulted Brooks nephew, Andrew Butler. Despite Brooks senseless beating of Sumner, he was praised by pro-slavery citizens. What could peaceful citizens living in Kansas do against such violence?

Northern Views and Visions
The North viewed themselves as self-made men and women who believed in values such as respect for rights, rule of law, and morality based from religion. They valued a government which guaranteed rights to free men and promoted industrial growth, expansion of railroads and immigration. Northerners believed that slavery was “the root of all evil” because it removed freedom from men. Many people in the North hated proslavery southerners.

The Southern Perspective
Unlike Northerners who valued economic growth, Southerners valued social pursuits. “The South saw itself as an ordered society guided by the planters’ genteel code.” The south believed in a democratic view was best.

CassandraBorges · Newbie

Reading # 66- THE NEW SOUTH
By 1900, nearly 40% of Westerners lived in the cities. During this time, many workers who worked in mines, forests, and fields provided a flexible workforce that attempted to support economic growth in the South. How do you think these factors affected the Southern Economy at this time? The Agricultural labor force was becoming extinct in the South. Were they now dependent on the North?

POSTWAR SOUTHERNERS FACE THE FUTURE (574)
In this section, we look into the South’s economic struggle after the war; making an attempt to create a “New South” by relaying railroads and adjusting rolling stock to fit the northern gauges. Birmingham, Alabama was known to “symbolize” the “New South”. Do you think the text provides enough info to support that this is true?

THE OTHER SIDE OF PROGRESS (574)
This section highlights the growth of Industrialization in the South. One writer had in fact boasted that the South was “throbbing with Industrial and Railroad activity” Based on the text, do you believe this quote to be true? At this point, share cropping was now being pushed aside. And many now said hello to factory life-low skilled jobs; low wage jobs. What classes of people were taking these jobs? Did gender, race, and age determine and/or affect ones hours and pay in factory jobs?

COTTON STILL KING (575)
The South dreamed of an agricultural revolution! What factors made that “dream” nonexistent? After the war, cotton prices rose, and then plummeted, then rose again etc. Farmers struggled to keep up with the changes in cotton prices. They were constantly caught in a cycle of debt and poverty! How did this factor affect the South’s food production?

THE NADIR OF BLACK LIFE (576)
The Race Issue. Had slavery really become nonexistent after the war? Think about how large of an impact the end of slavery must have had on the South’s economy. Therefore, blacks had agreed that racial cooperation was crucial in order to help the South. Based on the text, do you find that if blacks had not found themselves inferior to whites, that the informal system of segregation would have been introduced? Railroads, schools, libraries, restaurants, etc. were segregated- “Jim Crow” law. In this section, really think about the approach in Plessey vs. Ferguson, on how “separate but equal” facilities did NOT violate the 14th amendment. What were these different types of discrimination going on in this period?

DIVIDING BLACK RESPONSES (578)
Blacks were calling were separation! Black Nationalism! They were now fighting for equality and social justice! Looking at society today, can you see how Fredrick Douglas was right in how for generations blacks would have to fight for their equal rights in this country?

Mel · Member

Chapter 18: The Rise of Smokestack America

Reading #69-

The Industrial City (1880-1900) pg 596

Between the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, the industrial cities of the United States attracted many individuals. As new transportation systems were created, it helped the city expand which allowed people to live on the outside parts of the city. The middle–class and the upper-class would live in the suburbs that had “pure air, peacefulness”, and “natural scenery.” Previously, the cities were known as “walking cities”. During this period, the “walking cities” changed to a commercial atmosphere with banks, shops, theaters, professional firms, and businesses. They also had industrial buildings, grandiose civic monuments, parks, and acres of substantial middle class homes. Many individuals and families from all over the world came to the United States to start a new life. As more immigrants came to America the cities became segregated. But why, why would they risk all they had in their native land to come to the U.S.?

Neighborhoods and Neighborhood Life pg 597

As the cities developed, the working class foreigners entered the center of the cities as the middle-class and the rich left to the suburbs. Immigrants often lived in the same streets, same neighborhoods, and in the same houses as other immigrants. During this time, they lived in unsanitary slums where the houses were divided to allow housing availability for more families. What uncomfortable conditions did the families face? To start, the houses were small, dark, and compact with people. Unlike our presently clean water source, outdoor hydrants supplied their water which women used to wash, cook, and clean. They normally would dump their waste into the unpaved alleys and courts served by inadequate sewage systems. As the outside environment became more unsanitary and unhealthy for people, the urban rate rose. The skilled workers were so fortunate that they were able to afford rent for comfortable quarters, while some had the opportunity to own their own house. Unfortunately for the unskilled workers, they were crammed into a four room tenement.

The working–class immigrants became victims of the environment, but with the help of their religious and ethnic identities, they felt right at home. Many religious participants organized their own religious church or society to help bring communities together. African Americans dealt heavily with living conditions than any other group in the cities. Blacks in the North lived in segregated areas and, in the South, they lived in poor alleys and small streets. After a certain period of time, African Americans churches grew dramatically. As a result, many blacks shifted to the middle-class society.

Streetcar Suburbs pg 599

Transportation systems gave the middle-class and the upper-class societies the ability to live on the outskirts of the cities. They made their money from big businesses, commerce and the professions, or inherited family fortunes. Many people, like Robert Work, made an enormous fortune. They bought houses in the suburbs and commuted many miles on transportation systems to go to work. These households were composed of parents, children, servants, and boarders. Unlike the poor conditions faced by working-class families, the middle and upper classes were fortunate to have hot and cold running water, indoor bathrooms, central heating, and other modern conveniences of the age. Beautifully carved furniture, rugs, draperies, and laced curtains decorated the mansions.

The Social Geography of the Cities pg 599

As more people arrived into the U.S., people were sorted out by class, income, occupation, and race. Why were the cities segregated? Everybody is human, why can’t everybody get along? The industrial developments affected the size of the family and domestic life. The middle-class families had fewer kids, while the lower-class families had many kids. The children of the lower class were sent to work to help the families receive more income to sustain their lives. Conflicts rose between the lower-class and upper/middle classes. Lower-class families were criticized for taking their children out of schools and sending them to work. Middle-class newspaper writers described the men as “loafing” and criticized the “crowds of idlers, who, day and night, infect Main Street.” The idlers were pressured because they were unemployed. How can the higher classes judge the lower ones without knowing what their current life situation is? Thankfully, upper classes could find jobs and earn a good income. In contrast, lower classes had to struggle to find jobs and maintain their families. With extremely hard work and dedication to their families, this class was able to rise above their poor living conditions to survive.

theaa · Veteran Member

Reading #28

Politics in Transition

The Collapse of the Federalist-Jeffersonian Party System

The fall of the Federalist Party was due to several reasons. They were discredited by accusations of disloyalty during the War of 1812, held differing views within the party; some endorsed broad suffrage for social stability and other members against it. They also continued to believe that political leadership should be exercised by “the wise and the good”. Who were the wise and the good? The industrious?

The Jeffersonian Party system reached political success after War 1812. They contained the nation’s diversity of economic and social interests and newly emerging political leaders.

To appeal to the west, northeast and nationalist sentiment, Madison launched Federalist like program like the bill for second bank of united states, protective tariffs, federally sponsored roads and canals; drew criticism and questioned of state government rule or federal. The election of 1824 triggered the final collapse of party; charged of “corrupt bargain”

Women at the Republican Court

Women often visited Supreme Court and sessions of Congress to listen to debates and even filled the House galleries as electoral votes. Being a part of the political scene allowed women to create friend networks for dinner parties and social gatherings to promote political alliances. They also challenged the lines of public and private sectors. Some women were more privileged than others in politics but as the political parties started to grow in numbers, the men dominated and became defining act of political participation.

A New Style of Politics

Voter turnouts greatly increased due to the growing strength of democratic beliefs and decisions due to state programs of road and canal building, bank regulation, etc. which activated people’s self interest. States began to perfect the techniques of democratic politics making registration drives and party conventions commonplace. Politicians aimed for informing the masses about their places in government so they would vote.

PatriciaC · Member

THE LIFE OF THE MIDDLE CLASS

The life of the middle class was of great value during the 19th century industrialization era. You might be wondering why it’s of such great value? More middle class Americans income grew during this time, about 30%, more middle class families owned homes about 36%, and they also sought opportunities that they never had before such as no having to take care of household chores, the ability for them to rise their living standards and being able to desire material items and then able to go out and shop for them.

NEW FREEDOMS FOR MIDDLE-CLASS WOMEN (601):

During the time of industrialization many men allowed their wives to have more independence. We can establish this because before many men believed they owned their wives and we all know they weren’t treated equally to men. Women during this time now were given more property rights, able to wear more comfortable clothing such as shirtwaist blouse and ankle-length skirt. But did they give them too much freedom, enough that will make them want more and more? Because of their new freedoms many joined organizations of all kinds. Women realized their talents and started contacting other people and problems outside of their own lives. Realizing their talents made them want more, so many set out to get jobs. Even though job opportunities were limited and didn’t pay well, many attempted to get one. By now many middle class women were accepted better in society. Education opportunities expanded ad by 1900 nearly 20% of women graduated from college. Advances in birth control fueled the fire of having fewer babies. About every 1 woman in 5 were childless which increased the man’s fear of decreasing family size and increase in divorces. Were women becoming less dependent on males? Many men despised of these new freedoms women had, many started campaigns and tried to reinforce traditional sex roles. Many men still believed women were not equal to men but where their enough women and men that believed they deserved equal rights to win the fight? I believe that men were scared of women developing all of these new freedoms and I think they were scared that one that they will over power men. Men believed they were in control because they were able to overpower women but giving women new freedoms took more control away from the men.

MALE MOBILITY AND THE SUCCESS ETHIC (601-603):

Females were not the only ones who changing so were the men. As the lower-class world became more specialized the number of middle-class men jobs increased. This comes back to the “poor man’s fight but a rich man’s battle,” they weren’t fighting a war but they were industrializing which would benefit the rich but would hurt the poor. Yeah the poorer people who get jobs but the conditions of those jobs and the hell it put them through was a fight for survival. An education was now required for many new careers that were now being developed. Poor class citizens were not able to go to school this long because their families needed help just making ends meant so this gave middle class people a chance to get more education and get better jobs. This caused the expansion of school from about 160 schools to 6,000 schools. This section talks a lot about new school forming and the people who helped make it possible, so pay close attention to who goes with what. The need for many new careers helped with the expansion of aw schools, medical schools, business schools and even dental schools. As businesses expanded, so did career opportunities. Even though many ranked a person by their family background and their social rank this didn’t stop people with good characters and diligent work habits like Rockefeller and Carnegie. But equal and unlimited opportunity for upward advancement in America has never been easy as it sounds, these lower class people had to work 20 times harder than a middle class or upper class man had too.

-- Edited by PatriciaC on Monday 11th of January 2010 06:31:42 PM

BritanyR · Member

BritanyR wrote:

# 46 Going West and East

The Emigrants - Many of the emigrants that migrated far west were white and American born and they usually headed to where slavery was prohibited they traveled from the Midwest and the upper south by 1840, more than 11,000 slaves toiled in Texas and 20,000 in Arkansas this was because emigrants coming from the deep south usually selected Arkansas or Texas as their destination and when they migrated they took their slaves with them. During the gold rush years was when people headed to the west independently otherwise migration was usually a family experience.
Question: why do you think slaveholders took their slaves with them on the journey why didn’t they just sell them before leaving?
Migrant motives - Emigrants migrated to the far west for a simple reason the wide variety of opportunity that the gold rush brought. Thousands of emigrants sought riches in the form of gold others west in order to make a fortune as shopkeepers, peddles and merchants most migrants dreamed of bettering their life by cultivating the land. The preemption acts allowed many emigrants to settle so did the homestead act and the Oregon land policy. These were helpful because it provided alluring price for land that many emigrants took advantage of. Some emigrants went west because of health issues, many were suffering from diseases and was told by their doctors that a good out- door trip would help cure them.
Question: What’s the difference between the Oregon land policy and the homestead act?
Emigrants also migrated west because of religious or cultural missions. Missionary couples would set out to find followers bring Protestantism and education west and morons went to establish societies that was in conformity with their religious belief. Though many emigrants were migrating west it doesn’t mean that this trip was free and easy to make their were many considerable expenses. Trips by sea were the most comfortable and also the most expensive while the cost of traveling over land was less comfortable but less money. Though this trip was made by many the trip was not made by the very poor because the financial cost was too great.
Question: who went on the journey west (specify as to what class)?
　American citizens weren’t the only ones to make this trip west. Chinese immigrants came to America seeking a better life and some emigrants did fid a better life, that why so many more immigrants came because a few others before them came to America and achieved success. In the 1860’s the Chinese immigrants would work on the railroads for a month and earn a $30 pay.
　Overland Trail - emigrants began their vigorous journey’s west at the points in Iowa and Missouri. Emigrants usually got about 15 miles a day. The trip was what most expected to encounter until the 1850’s conflict with the native Americans. While on the journey men would drive and repair the wagon if needed, while women would take care of domestic work and the young children would stay out of the wagons way and older children would lend a hand where needed. While on the trail disease struck and animals died, families had to lighten the load conditions got worse for many families. But when their destination was reached the families were happy and relieved that they were some of the few that made through the long hard trip.
Question: What effect do you think the Native Americans have on the travelers of the overland?
Important vocabulary
Preemption acts (1830’s and 1840’s) - These acts gave “squatters” the right to settle public lands before the government offered them for sale and then allowed them to purchase these lands at the minimum price once they came on the market.
Homestead act (1862) - Offered 160 acres of government land free to citizens or future citizens over 21 who lived on the property, improved it and paid a small registration fee.
Oregon’s land policy (1862) - Awarded a single man 320 acres of free land and a married man 640 acres, provided he occupied his claim for four years and made improvements.

-- Edited by BritanyR on Monday 11th of January 2010 08:39:51 PM

Savanna · Veteran Member

The DividedHouseFalls

President Lincoln said "A house divided by itself can not stand." But in 1860, South Carolina seceded from the Union, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Texas followed. The house was now divided. The main issue between the states were the issue of the expansion of slavery and if slavery should be allowed to expand into the new territories. South Carolina was the first to leave the Union, yet it was not the biggest slave state. Why would South Carolina be the first to secede if they did not have as big of a slave population as the other states? Another question is why did the other states only leave the Union after South Carolina did?

Now that the states had left the Union, what was the action that Congress had to take? Now that the states had banded together and became the Confederacy, they were their own country. Many thoughts loomed over Congress, none were very positive; the northern businesses feared the loss of the profitable economic connections with the South and there was always the possibility of war. The Border States still remained between the North and South, all waiting to see what Lincoln would do. What do you think the best course of action would be to take?

Fort Sumter, located in the capital of South Carolina, in the heart of the Confederacy, was a Union fort and was running low on supplies. Major Robert Anderson, in charge of FortSumter, requested supplies and ammo for the fort. Lincoln sent everything but ammo to the soldiers in need. Why not ammo? Being located in the Confederacy’s capital was the perfect set of for an attack. The North did not support the idea of going to war against the South. Jefferson Davis attacked FortSumter, winning of course. Could it be possible that Lincoln set the Union up for this loss? And if so, why would he? Remember, the northern people did not like the idea of a war. Having the Confederates attack and kill the men at FortSumter might ignite the people into supporting the war.

Kellyman · Member

Chapter 17

Reading # 63 - pages 556 - 566

The West -

The term " West " and its meaning has shifted throughout the decades of American history.Prior to the Gold Rush of 1849, in which California became the primary focus, the West for settlers lay beyond the Appalachian Mountains. However, by the 1860s, the term "West" referred to the land across the Mississippi River, from the Great Plains to the Pacific Ocean , With its rich natural resources and fertile soil During the years of 1880 and 1900 the western population grew at a faster rate than that of the nation as a whole.

How did business and technology transform agriculture in the West? Industrialization played an immense part for transformation in the west. The development of tools and machinery changed American agriculture as these technological developments increased production. Agriculture was now big business , and corporate consolidation to control large sectors of the economy. Innovations, such as the barbed wire, created by Joseph F. Glidden, a sheriff from Illinois, replaced the 'free range' and revolutionized the cattle business. Barbed wire displaced smaller farmers and created a tumultuous and often violent relationship with "fence cutters."

Was thewest just a male phenomenon?

Brenda K Jackson a former activist during the late 1800's of the west , argued that women redefined themselves as leaders of a new western environment through

community activism, volunteerism and political participation.Women helped the west transform as well , since the north and the new south was very successful.

The Frontier Thesis in National and Global Context -

The young American historian Fredrick Jackson Turner sparked the end of the frontier as a milestone in the nations history. The frontier shaped the character and Americans instution's around.Jackson had a point which involved many supporters , supporting the unique nature that Americas experience had to offer and it linked to the frontier.Turners frontier scheme gave the place of honor to the farmers who transformed and civilized the wilderness , but however before the Civil War many real farmers did not move to the west due to weather issues , such as no rain.

The Cattleman's West 1860 - 1890

Was grass an important factor back on the Great plains ?

Farmers did not settle down in the Great Plains , but its grasses provided the foundation for the cattle kingdom.The future of the Great Plains for cattle raising soon became clear.

Farmers on the Great Plains , 1865 - 1890s

In the first boom period of settlement , from the years 1879 to the 1890' s , thousands of families moved onto the Great Plain and began farming. Most of the settlers were immigrants , making the Great plains the second most important destination for foreigners. In the late nineteenth century industrial innovations also helped settlers overcome a few obstacles , such as the timber fences , which kept animals in one secure location at many public events. As of Twine binders , this innovation helped speed up grain harvesting , and reduced the threat of losing crops to unpredictable weather. These inventions made a farmers life much easier and stress free , while they settled on the Great plains.

Cornucopia on the Pacific

When gold was discovered in California , many people rushed with intention to discover something for themselves as well. The states agricultural success rested on railroads , machinery , and irrigation.California's farms were in deed very larger than other farms in the rest of the country.

Was californias crop every in any competiton with other states crops , since california did not face many obstacle?

California faced stiff competition from farmers on the plains and in other parts of the world.

The Mining West

Mining developed quickly , as the first and best known mining rush occurred in 1848 when gold was discovered in California. Mining discoveries , involved the following precious metals - silver , iron , copper , coal , lead , zinc , and tin. Mining discoveries attracted many people and there bussiness west, often to places far away from agricultural settlements.

The requirements for a successful mine ;

A LARGER LABOR FORCE

INDUSTRIAL TOOLS

RAILROAD LINKS.

Exploiting Natural Resources

Mining was very big by the late nineteenth century , with high cots and a basic dynamic that encouraged rapid and through exploitation of the earths resources.the rapid exploitation of resources combined with the increasing pace of industrialization made some Americans uneasy.

michaella · Member

Extra Credit: Resolving the Native American Question:

Similar to the African Americans, the Native Americans were not accepted by the whites. The difference though, is that while African Americans were brought over here, Native Americans were already living here. Whites continued to push the Indians further and further out west, as they took over their precious land. Cutting down trees, killing animals, the whites took advantage of all the natural resources, that the Native Americans treasured and only used sparingly. Due to restriction of weapons, it was difficult for Native Americans to fight for their land back. How do you think whites would respond if the Native Americans came in and took their land back? Do you think the Native Americans would have a greater chance of winning the battle, if they had the same weapons and amount of weapons as whites did?

The White Perspective: (pg. 567)

The federal governments way to prevent fights between the Indians and the whites, by trying to persuade the Plains tribes to stay away from whites wagon trails and settlers. As said before, whites did not care much about the Native Americans. All that they wanted was their land. Not only did the whites take their land but they took one of the Native Americans most commonly eaten animal, the buffalo. White the whites killed buffalo for a sport and for fur, the Native Americans only killed when needed. Using every part of the animal, the Native Americans did not waste a single part. By 1883, 13 million buffalo had been killed. Whites tried to make the Native Americans “civilized people” and tried to teach them the “white ways.” Railroads and other new industrial innovations weren’t helping the situation either. Even adding more problems between the Native Americans and the whites. What sort of problems occurred due to railroads being built? Do you think the Native Americans should have stood their ground, and not given up so easily?

The Tribal Perspective: ( pg. 570)

Native Americans way of defending themselves against the whites and their action, was by protesting the wholesale violation of treaties. Other tribes, such as the Sioux, attacked the whites, and weren’t about to give up their land as easily as the Cherokee had, for instance. They were defeated, due to lack of weapons and the determination of the U.S. army. Due to lack of food, such as buffalo, also caused the Native Americans to be weak against the whites. Many starved and died, or were to weak to fight.
In the 1890’s the Indians began to perform a dance called the Ghost Dance. By doing this dance, the Native Americans believed that a natural disaster would occur, whipping out the white race, and bringing back the Native Americans ancestors and buffalo.

The Dawes Act of 1887:

The Dawes Act was a federal policy that’s main purpose was to end Native American power and culture. President Teddy Roosevelt approved of this act. Instead of giving reservation land to the Indians, individuals would receive a certain amount of land, given by the president. Despite, Native Americans trying to resist the act, the Congress told them that white people knew what was best for the Native Americans. While each Indian family received 160 acres of land, millions of “surplus”acres would go to the white settlers. Within 20 years of the Dawes Act, Native Americans had lost 60% of their lands.

Kellyman · Member

Extra Credit : Chapter 17 - Reading #65

The New South -
Why was the south , going through misery when it came to agricultural growth ?
Between all regions , the souths agriculture was the the poorest. In 1880 , the agricultural labor force was neither efficent , nor mobile , nor prosperous enough to invest in the most needed improvements.The new south remained dependent on the North. Workers faced difficult obstacles , dead end jobs with little pay.

Postwar Southerners Face the Future -
After the dreadful war and its reconstructuion , arguments and opinions began to increase from political positions. The effort to create a new south was far ranging but many spoke and exposed the new souths idea and what its intentions was.The most startling example of commitment to the vision of the New South may have come in 1886 when southern railroad companies in a crash effort , relaid railroad tracks and adjusted rolling stock to fit the northern gauges. Many southern cities began to flourish.

The Other side of Progress -
Many south leaders , bragged about the growth of industrialism as well for the new south. Many new industries and signs of progress abounded , two of the new industries depended on tobaccoa and cotton , traditional crops long at the center of rural life.
1860 - the south had 17 percent of the countrys manufacturing concerns
By 1904 it had 15 percent.
The south would obviously never compare to the north , or be equal because of its hard problems the south faced as to the north.
Many southerners worked for northen companies and corporations.
Did women and children , be in difference as to the men in a work force ?
Women and children earned lower wages then men.

Cotton Still King -
New South advocates recognized that the need for agricultural change , needed to be done.The overdepedence on the king cotton himself , made farmers the victims of faraway market forces anbd oppresive credit system.Henry Grady a very important vocal spokesman , urged that raising choice produce for urban markets could result in simply wonderful profits. As time went on the new aggricultural south with new class and economic arrangements did emerge and spread , but not as grady imagined. Tenancy by black and white farmers grew all over the rural americas , many from the south.

The Nadir of Black Life/ Diverging Black Responses -
To refer back to the cotton still king blogsection , Henry grady also wanted to end slavery , which he though had helped the southern economice backwardness. The system of segregation was meant to be pyut to a end , and many advocates agreed , since it had begun back in the 1700's when blacks had no right at all.Soon bu 1882 , supreme court , introduced the Civil rights act of 1875 m which made asure that the blacks had equal rights to public places.
Did the thought of equal rights for blacks in the south , come forward the court and white settlers ?
Encouraged by northern public opinion , and the blessing of the court , southern citizens and legislatures aought to make blacks permanetly second class memebers of the southern society.Blacks never wanted to have a decling position on the southern society so in result , many joined the Knights of Labor and many other organizations , in cities such as Richmond and Atlanta and then in rural areas.

Charlene · Veteran Member

What do Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, and Harrison have in common? Besides their facial hair, they part of the group of the nation's forgetful presidents. Like the presidencies of Harrison, Taylor and Pierce during the last decade of the antebellum age; the presidencies of Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland and Harrison during the “Gilded Age”, a satirical term coined by American writer Mark Twain, was lackluster and corrupt. The Republican Party of this period failed to live up to the integrity and brilliance of the Republican Party during the Civil War period. For example, Grant, the nation's most well-known alcoholic with a bright military career and a dull presidency, appointed specific people whom manipulated Grant and the political scene according to their taste. Thus these presidencies are often regarded for not their significance, but rather for their failure. Instead, the legislative branch and “elite specialists” in the executive office and Congress emerged as the puppeteers of American politics during the Gilded Age.

Party affiliation depends on several things, such as economic, cultural, social and religious positions. The Republican votes mostly came from northeastern businessmen and farming migrants from the Upper Midwest while the Democrat votes came from workers from the North, southern whites and Catholic immigrants. Why did these specific group of people vote for these parties? What were the economic, cultural, religious or cultural views of the Republican and Democratic Party?

During the Gilded Age, there were four major issues presented: civil service, currency, tariff and regulation of railroads. In order to protect businesses from foreign competition, Republicans wanted an higher tariff. On the flip side of the coin, Democrats wanted a low tariff. Yet the federal government were financially dependent on tariffs for revenue, which helped pay government programs and patronage jobs.

The issue regarding currency, an problem that was hotly debated during the Civil War and Reconstruction, was also prominent during this time period. In 1875, the Specie Resumption Act, which removed greenbacks from circulation and promoted a gold standard instead. Yet due to the abundance of silver in the West, soft-money advocates advocated coinage of silver. While the money supply increased, deflation in prices occurred. The silver issue continued to be debated well into the 1890s.

felicity · Veteran Member

Chapter 10: Reading 30: Economic Growth (pg. 322-332)
Intro:
The years of 1820-1860 were a time of great change economically; for the first time in American history, agriculture lost its importance economically; a torch which was passed to technological and industrial advances. The capita output grew two percent annually, a major feat. However, the new industrialized jobs did not require a skilled labor force, so new employees could be hired with minimal effort. Also, the regional economies affected one another; one couldn’t flounder without affecting another.
The Transatlantic Context for Growth:
Britain was the home of the Industrial Revolution; a major event which had a tremendous impact on the way things were created and in turn, the material aspects of life. For the first time the production of goods was so quick it exceeded the rate of population growth. The eighteenth century was a time if innovation; iron, which was durable and inexpensive, could be manipulated into machines that led to an increase in goods. Steam-powered vehicles also were revolutionary; steam boats and steam-powered locomotives were created in this period, brand new ways to travel. Great Britain’s textile industry was gargantuan; it needed huge amounts of raw cotton, which further strengthened the south’s economic dependency on its main cash crop and slavery. By 1850 Britain was the wealthiest country in the entire world. Between their booming coal and textile industries, Great Britain was a great role model for America’s Industrial Revolution. New England farmers now turned to cattle raising, such as diary farms, as a way to generate revenue.
Factors Fueling Economic Development:

America was brimming with a wide array of natural resources, such as oil, iron, coal, and timber, due to the diversity of its climates and regions. Immigrants were also arriving on American soil in drives, increasing populations and facilitating economic growth (large unskilled workforce). Transportation was integral to both economic growth and geographic expansion. The Erie Canal linked New York City to the Great Lakes and the Northwest, making trading and shipping much easier than ever before. The Erie Canal transported both people and goods at an affordable rate, a great improvement from the high freight rates of the past. Impressed by British advances, and confident after the successes of the canals, politicians began to push for railroads. Despite initial problems, over 5,000 miles were laid out by 1840. The combination of canals and railroads was beneficial to farmers, and led to a mass-migration westward. Transportation truly was revolutionary; Chicago was transformed into a bustling city and it took only 36 hours to journey to Philadelphia from Boston, a journey that once took two weeks.

Capital and Government Support:

The internal improvements of this time all required capital’ most of which was foreign. Between the years of 1790-1861 over 500 million dollars worth of British capital was utilized. However, domestic capital was also used; mercantile efforts, local, and state governments all tried to generate revenue. New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Virginia publicly financed almost 75 percent of the canal systems in their states between 1815 and 1860. The Second Bank of the United States was financially sound, and investors were unafraid to loan out money. The Supreme Court also began to make decisions to support aggressive economic growth with cases such as Palmer vs. Mulligan. Contracts became increasingly more important, despite the fact there were few laws concerning how contracts should be conducted. The McCormick harvester, the Colt revolver, Goodyear vulcanized rubber products, and the
Sewing machine—all were developed and refined in America. In 1827, Horace Mann, an education reformer, preached that public schools should begin to instate curriculums to further education, and make it uniform across the nation.

Ambivalence Toward Change:

Many people tried to merge both educational and moral lessons within school systems, a thought process borrowed from England. Hard work was idolized within Benjamin Franklin’s beloved Poor Richard’s Almanac. Although the teachings were a tad idealistic, they were also true. Workers who were slow would not be treated well, frugality was wise in times of economic instability, and championed middle class values. Factories made artisans, cottage industries, and family businesses obsolete, and changed the way the economy worked. The putting-out system not only reorganized production but also entangled rural families in the
market economy and affected their relationships with one another. In the 1830’s patriarchs were having a hard time finding jobs, which forced other family members to join the work force, including women and children. Transportation and the “putting out system” revolutionized the industrial businesses, and put some families out of business. Due to the simple life of the rural people, the decrease price of goods made things like leather shoes more tangible. Lowell and Moody were two men who single-handedly changed America; they created the first major factory on U.S. soil. The Lowell system swept across the nation, and cities modeled themselves after the Massachusetts town that spurned on the economic boom. Regions began to specialize their goods: Philly was known for fine textiles, RI made cheaper materials, and Maryland produced quality goods. Gone were the days of homespun clothing, America was moving up, and leaving old traditions behind. However, despite the positive changes, negative changes also occurred. Saw mills polluted waters and killed fish, and the call for lumber ravaged forests across the nation. New York was now perpetually dingy; dark clouds hung on the horizon, soot was everywhere, and horrid smells tainted the air. Many Americans were infuriated by the blatant disrespect towards the environment, and called for change

Sarah Flood · Veteran Member

Urban Life (p. 338-348)

Cities in the United States were areas that were most highly affected by the drastic economic growth in the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. In the year of 1860, one-third of the Northeastern residents lived in urban cities or towns followed by fourteen percent of westerns and seven percent of Southerners. At changing time in the economy on the country, the rise of urbanization and industrialization was at its greatest peak.

The Process of Urbanization-

Commercial centers, mill towns, and transportation hubs were the three districts that made up an urban city. New York replaced Philadelphia as the most important city and soon became the ultimate center for trade and commerce. Water power became essential for mill towns like Lowell and other cities like Chicago prospered from the business process for example, the selling of lumber. As immigrants began pouring into the northeastern ports, the percent of foreigners in the country rose to 20 percent with the Irish being the largest group. Conditions of the city were most often dirty and dangerous to be living in but people continued to pile in to the crowded tenements and slums unless they were wealthy enough to move away from the urban area.

Class Structure in the Cities-

During the rise of cities, a rise in wealth also increased compared to the United States during colonial times. The economy and money aspects of many cities began to be controlled by the businessmen in the area. Workers or artisans began gaining new opportunities and a larger middle class became distinct in the occupations aspects of the country. Along with growth of the middle class, the number of people in the lower class also increased at a drastic rate.

The Urban Working Class-

The harsh conditions of everyday live in the slums of the cities was extremely difficult for the lower class residents, primarily consisting of immigrants. The build of the neighborhoods in the cities made it almost impossible to construct a sense of a united community. Other people that never entered the slums knew nothing of the duplicable living situations that families were forced to face. Children as young as six years old would often have to live the house in order to work to support their family. Women were also avid contributors to the workforce in families which sometimes led to issues between the parents, causing violence in many cases.

Middle Class Life and Ideals-

The middle-class citizens benefited from the lifestyle and economic positions at this time. New conveniences were arising and a more comfortable way of life had arrived for the people of the middle-class. The new expectations of the roles of men, women, and children also shaped for formation of life in middle-class families. The decrease in price and increase in availability of certain items or even transportation made it unnecessary for women to hand-make the items themselves.

Mounting Urban Tensions-

Urban violence was intensified due to ethic and racial tensions after the civil war and with the astronomical number of immigrants entering the country. Riots broke out in all the major cities and a height of danger became evident for all city dwellers. Many of the mobs that were formed and the rioters were of Irish background and fought with the African-Americans for the lowest jobs. Much of the violence was aimed at blacks and they were seen as a threat to society to many people. The expansion of urbanization proved to be the main cause of the uprising of violence in the cities and between different racial groups.

The Black Underclass-

Free blacks in the years between 1800-1860 typically flocked to the cities in order to find greater opportunities for jobs and housing. The lowest paid, complete lack of benefits, and the most dangerous and straining jobs were usually the ones that blacks were forced to obtain because there was no other available work. Many restrictions were placed regarding the freedoms of blacks and they were restrained from much of the independence that other citizens were granted. With limited opportunities and a lack of jobs and housing, blacks in urban settings dealt with severe hardships during the upraise of urbanization in America.

-Sarah

Sarah Flood · Veteran Member

Living in the West (p.440-448)
Extra Credit

“Pioneers though we are,
and proud of it, we are not content with the wilds . . .
with the idleness of the land, the rudely construct[ed]
log cabin,” -An Oregon Settler

Many emigrants moved father West in order to start new and create a different life for themselves and their families.

Farming in the West-

Make a claim, clear the land, construct a shelter- the three main factors contributing to the development of settlers in the West. Although emigrants eagerly clamored to settle the vast area, many difficult challenges lurked all around their everyday lives and requirements of the settlement were not very easy to undertake.

Mining Western Resources-

The rich resources of the West influenced people to leave behind their old lives and seek out new fortunes and benefits of the unknown potential of a new, faraway place. During California’s gold rush, the population of residents started at 14,000 and reached almost 100,000 afterwards. Many of the emigrants were “forty-niners” and majority of people living in California at this time were in their 20’s. Whispers of gold were spread all throughout the country and California became the prime place for mining and other such resources that would grant great wealth and immediate riches to people seeking a new life.

Establishing God’s Kingdom-

For emigrants traveling to the far West, Salt Lake City, Utah was the primary resting stop and a major place of amazement to people that knew little of the Mormon religion. The different lifestyle of the Mormon people was unique to the emigrants that had never experienced the lifestyle of the Mormon people sense Joseph Smith and his followers fled from the settled parts of the eastern United States. Even more Mormons continued to migrate the Salt Lake City in pursuit of acceptance and belonging. Although threats faced the unique city and their people, they were able to survive against the altering course of the nation in which they belonged until Utah became more connected to the rest of the country and their united city began to loose its impact.

Cities in the West-

Many emigrants moving West had the destination of a urban city such as San Francisco, Portland, or Denver to pursuit opportunities in business and real estate. The Chinese community was extremely large as well as the population of young men moving West to the area, but it was the commercial life that affected much of the migration to this Western area of the country, as well as the chance of great fortune for the common man.

Sarah Flood · Veteran Member

Urban Expansion in the Industrial Age (p.592-600)
Extra Credit

When the main source of power changed from water to steam, workers were offered different services that hadn’t been available to them before, resulting in cities expanding even more than before. Populations tripled in major cities like New York and Philadelphia with Western and Southern cities following their lead by also gaining significant increases in size. By 1900, 40% of Americans lived in an urban setting.

A Growing Population-

As populations grew 2% a year, cities were exploding with newcomers from rural towns and cities because of the advances in farm machinery opposed to human labor.

The New Immigration, 1880 to 1900-

Ending in the year of 1880, the “old immigrants” began to stop immigrating to the United States and instead the “new immigrants” began to arrive. The “old immigrants” were from the British Isles, Germany, and Scandinavia and this group of “new immigrants” came from the southern and eastern parts of Europe.

The Industrial City, 1880 to 1900-

Business districts began to pop up around city environments with the pattern of the poorest people in the center of it all. Neighborhoods were not only separated by class, but also occupation, race, nationality, religion, and numerous other factors. With the pool of “new immigrants” entering the cities at a rapid pace, transportation improvements were made in order to transport people to their destinations, which also helped urbanize American cities or even towns.

Neighborhoods and Neighborhood Life-

Although native-born Americans and immigrants most commonly lived in the same city environments, certain nationality groups were discriminated against and therefore small units were necessary for foreigners to feel secure with there own people. The slums and tenements of the city were of despicable conditions with quarters unbearably tight. Little services were offered or even available to people living in the bad areas of the city, causing major health problems for many people, especially workers performing the most dangerous jobs of all which were usually the ones to have limited benefits. The different nationalities that received most of the discrimination began forming organizations for better benefits in health, education, and other important necessities in the attempt to help the suffering of their own. Amongst the rubble of the poor communities, there were hidden pockets of middle-class neighborhoods that were clean and appropriate forms of living but these kinds of streets were typically seen on the outskirts of the city and not the heart of the city.

Streetcar Suburbs-

Suburbs consisted of the middle-class and wealthy people with the recent transportation advances benefiting their success even more with their easy commute to work in the city.

The Social Geography of the Cities-

People in the United States were offered different forms of conveniences and improvements in their daily lives due to their positions in society. Even though the average American family size was shrinking, immigrants and the working class families remained fairly large in numbers of children because the more children that went to work, the better off families would be economically. Separation of different forms of living in some cases made certain people ignorant to the harsh and gruesome lifestyles of the lower class city residents.

-Sarah

mre · Senior Member

Grades Updated 1-19-10