The Civil War and Reconstruction

The Civil War was perhaps one of the most momentous events in US History. The struggle to maintain the United States as a whole nation was at risk. This war would test everything that our nation prides itself on. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Before the Civil War even took place, many problems arose over slavery and rights for everyone. The Union was under much pressure; it was a make it or break moment. The fight for land led to the Compromise of 1850, making California a independent state from Mexico and becoming one with the US. New Mexico and Utah were both recieving the decision to choose if they would allow slavery or not. The Kansas Nebraska Act also brought forth many issues between the north and south over the right to own slaves or not. Throughout the fight for individual states to recieve the rights to choose if they wanted slavery or not, Stephen Douglas emerged as a great leader; leading many slave states into freedom. The Democratic and Republican party both grew immensly right before the Civil War. The war was not only about slaves, but the manlyhood of the individual states in the South. In March of 1857, after the Dredd Scott vs. Sandford ruling, Abraham Lincoln drafted his campaign for Senate. The Election of 1860 would prove to be very important for all who knew that change was needed. Based off of Lincoln's win, the Lower South and Upper South automatically seceded from the North and the war began. 

During the first two years of the Civil War, the most fighting took place. The Battle of Manassas would mark the bigenning of the war. Both the Union and the confederates had a strong militarry and were not going to give up a fight. Stonewall Jackson a.k.a Thomas Jackson made all the calls when it came to tactics for the Confederates. Jackson knew that to win, he could not leave any room for the Union to attack. Not only had war tactics improved, but technology had as well. The bullets, cannons, shells, and canisters had all been improved and specialized to hit accurately. Jackson knew that if he imposed a war of attrition on the confederates he could win the battle and so he did. George McClellan of the North committed himself to lead the North to victory. Under general Ulysses S. Grant, the Union became a very tough military that would be a force to recon with. The battle at Shiloh did prove to show some weaknesses in the Unions battle plan, but Grant would not surrender. The troops attack from all sides and the war is on. The most deaths to ever be taken on US soil. 

The Civil War would get many laws drafted and passed for the better.Lincoln the head of the federal government was no longer going to stand for the chaos. On September 22, 1862 President Lincoln read his Emancipation Proclamation stating that all enslaved people would be set free. Granted this did not take immediate affect but it held great significance in history. The Battle of Gettysburg would be one of the most decisive battles to take place in the North. The Battle of Gettysburg was a Horrendous mistake on the part of Robert E. Lee. His Calvary General, J.E.B. Stuart went ahead as normal but didn't keep Lee appraised of where he was. When Lee reached Gettysburg, PA, he didn't know that General Meade had shown up with the Entire Union Army. What contact Lee had with Union Forces were small units in the vanguard. He didn't realize that Meade was shortly behind those units. Lee took up fortifications in the area and then engaged Meade. After loosing several key battles (Cemetery Ridge, Vicksburg, Little Round Top, the Corn Field including Pickett's Suicidal Charge), Lee withdrew and headed back into Maryland. Meade had the opportunity to end the war right then but was unsure of how large Lee's forces were so he retreated back towards Washington D.C.. 

With the war over, it was time for the United States to pick up the pieces and reconstruct. The ratified amendments had now given rights to the african americans and they were going to do whatever it took to get them. In spite of all the angered white people, Freedmen's Bureau was created to help freed slaves establish a new life. After the assassination of President Lincoln, Andrew Jackson rose to presidency and helped the confederates rejoin the United States society. Northern Republicans the Carpetbaggers and the Southern Republicans the Scalawags were both fighting to keep the old society and refused change. The Ku Klux Klan began in Tennessee to commit crimes against what they were to believe was an inferior race. There goal was to intimidate the race into submission. 

Throughout the late 1800's many initiatives took place not only for the better. From the Freedom of Slaves to the Civil War. Many deaths over what our country is today. Going from African Americans having no rights, to having a African American President, the United States has made great strides in history.

Letter to Lily

April 27, 1849

My Dearest Lily,

            Life sounds just wonderful out in the west. I am so happy that you and Willie have finally settled down and are ready to start your family. As for Anthony and I we are always busy.  The children are starting school again next month. I am proud to say that I finally have a job working in a factory. Anthony’s business is really slow right now. It seems that people no longer need tailors to repair their clothes. Instead, they throw it away like it is just trash. I had to start working just to help put food on the table. We would love to reunite with you guys over there, but you must understand that the trip is quite costly and not easy to make with three children. The west sounds wonderful though. I truly miss you! You are the only person I can speak to now that mom is gone and to know that you are about 3000 miles away and we can only speak through mail. That why it hurts me to say that we cannot join you there. Our life is here in Pennsylvania. We must do what is best for our children. We cannot simply tell them we are moving and make them leave their lives here. I hear such wonderful things about the west. The open land and the great weather but right now it just can’t be done. We just don’t have the means right now to do it. I am so sorry my dear. I miss you so much and tell Willie hello for us. Anthony and the children miss you all dearly.

Love,

Tina

From Jefferson Through Jackson

During the early republic, history of the United States was drastically changed. From the late 1780’s to the middle of 1840’s the nation grew to become a whole new republic and government.

Political Parties did not exist until the Election of 1800. The Jeffersonian Republicans created the first American Party system, by separating the political parties into two individual groups. Alexander Hamilton attempted to create a stronger government by putting into place many excises on all foreign goods. These tariffs were faced with a very angry group of anti-federalists. These anti-federalists were so angered by the charges, that they created the Whiskey Rebellion. This rebellion was a fight to stop the tax on a common western drink of whiskey. Through all the issues that Washington had to fight to keep his country in order, he set a precedent that Presidents of the US government would only run for two terms. The campaign of the 1800’s ended up being a very close race for Jefferson, who in turn had to deal with a large amount of issues as well.

Colonists traveled to the Northwest Territories of the United States, which was established in 1787.  In June of 1812, war was declared under the instruction of Andrew Jackson. The Native and African Americans were very vulnerable at this time and were condemned to do whatever the US told them. The Indians were forced to move west, and the Africans were being bought as slaves. Missouri was on the border of what separated the slave states and the non slave states. After a time of debate, the Missouri Compromise was created to state that Missouri would be considered a slave state. As the US progressed, the Industrial Revolution began and caused a major change in the economy. Eli Whitney a man from New England, invented a cotton gin that made it easier to clean cotton much more efficient than that of a slave. The Industrial Revolution brought many new thoughts and people into the US. During the early 1800’s, religion sparked a movement called the Second Great Awakening. This evangelical movement shaped the religious belief and brought many new followers. The focus among this major religion was the idea of preaching instead of religious institutions. The common belief was that God could save them from going to hell. African Americans as well as Democratic government took part in the religious beliefs.

With a growing population, the US went through a market revolution, which caused men to strive for the main chance. Men started creating work for themselves and became entrepreneurs. Capital became an extremely important factor and capitalism became a large part of how the society would create money. No longer was the household economy important. Commodities were becoming popular throughout the household to create something that could be bought and sold. In an effort to make an easier work place, entrepreneurs centralized their manufacturing companies for marketing and production. As the market continued to progress, Americans learned to purchase more and capitalism was becoming a common practice.

Economically, colonists were becoming aware that sections were being created to divide the separate regions. The North was separated into two divisions: the Northeast and the Old Northwest. Mills and factories were built in the North to help farmers create a larger economy for themselves. The Northeast had large cities that almost twelve percent of the population lived in. New York one of the most bustling cities had a population of 516,000 by 1850. Capitalists created the capital for factories that in turn would bring money back into the household. The South had most crops, and was most known for its slavery. Southern cities consisted of almost a twelve percent African American population. Southerners owned slaves as a sign of power. People such as Denmark Vasey and Nat Turner both fought for African American rights. Rebellions that always ended in death and angry slaves against their owners.

The election of 1824 brought four new candidates to the race for presidency. Son of John and Abigail Adams, John Quincy Adams had a grand support system because of the Monroe doctrine that he created. John J Calhoun worked with Adams and would soon drop out of the race to become vice president with Adams. Henry Clay had a large vote from the southern states because of his support of slavery.  In the end, he became the most hated candidate because of his view of African Americans. Andrew Jackson held a super close race against Adams, with the support from the common people. With the close tie between Adams and Jackson, two new parties were created. Adams followers began calling themselves National republicans, where as Jacksonian Democrats were in favor of Jefferson. The second American part system is what we would call now the separation between republicans and democrats. In the end, Jackson prevailed. Part of Jacksons federal power, he forced the Native Americans to walk the Trail of Tears that was a forcing of Native Americans to relocate to reservations for the new Americans to take over the land.

This holds such a huge significance in what we call the United States of America today. Without Jackson and Adams, there would be no separation of government and we would still be ruled under one party.

 

The Constitution of the United States

The Constitution created on July 4, 1776, will be marked in the history of The United States of America for the rest of life. This day of Independence truly shows the power of what the Untied States had even back in the 1700’s.

In the summer of 1787, delegates of the new colonies gathered in Philadelphia to create new laws. James Madison was most influential because of the way he was able to eloquently speak, but as well get his point understood easily. It was decided that no one would leave Philadelphia until a constitution and a set of laws was created. The Virginia Plan became the focus of the group early on. This Plan was calling for the creation of a bicameral government. Like the Virginia Plan, The New Jersey Plan was put in place, which gave Congress power to tax and create executive and judicial branches. On July 2^nd, the continental congress was stuck in a deadlock. The Great Compromise arose because of the inability to make decisions. This final decision had the legislative branch split into two different houses, and each state would have a house of representatives based on the size of their state. Through The Great Compromise, the Three-Fifths Compromise was created to give 3/5 the rights to enslaved African Americans. Now the Constitution called for a separation of powers among three powers, which we still use today. There were three so the new government could have a checks and balances system. This system made it possible for an equal government and to have everything balanced. The Electoral College was created to collect the votes of the individual states, and whichever candidate had the most was awarded with the most votes became President.

            The supporters of the Constitution such as Alexander Hamilton and George Washington were called federalists. These Nationalists were in support of the Constitution, but also argued that it needed to be approved. The Anti-Federalists were extremely against the Constitution believing that it would be the fall of American Liberty. After the Federalists won ratification, The Bill of Rights was passed which composed of 10 Amendments that gave the rights to the people.

            Finally in the Fall of 1788, the new government was finished.  George Washington was The United States of America’s first President. Washington was to appoint a cabinet that he believed would be best to help him run the country. The secretary Thomas Jefferson was to manage the Nation’s relations, and Alexander Hamilton was to be the Treasury Secretary. During the first few years of Washington’s administration, there were many issues to handle and the officals had jobs that no one knew how to do before. Washington believed that the public should treat him like a royal. He lived in a very large and extravagant house, which was to be called the White House. To create a capital city, they decided that a 10 square mile tract of land would be used as the capital called District of Colombia. This was right on the Potomac River and was close to Washington’s house. 

The Revolutionary Era

Not soon after the arrival to the New World, Britain, one of the largest economies at the time was suffering from depression. In response to the economic slump, they turned to the Colonies to pay taxes on all goods that were being imported. King George III passed the sugar act in attempt to raise money. Colonists very angered by this created a small army of their own called the minutemen. They were to be ready at the drop of a hat. First came boycotts, but from the frustration, the American Revolution started, which quickly turned into the War for Independence. Now the war for independence was much more them a fight of anger, it was a fight for freedom from the British. People such as Thomas Paine wrote pamphlets to gather the attention of all the colonists to fight against this so called government. American aristocrats  such as Thomas Jefferson gathered at the Continental Congress to write the Declaration of Independence in hope of cutting ties with Great Britain. Even though women’s opinions were not very accepted in government one man John Adams would receive letters from his wife Abigail with her opinions on the new government being created, and to the best of his abilities he would try to change them. Abigail Adams was truly one of the first women’s rights activists in The United States of America.

            Now going into detail about the War for Independence that lasted over a year. The American Patriots were extremely angered with the other colonists that called themselves Loyalists who preferred to remain loyal to King George. The war starts at The Battle of Bunker Hill, which then turned to Saratoga. The French officer Marquis de Lafayette convinced 6,000 men of the French Army to fight alongside the patriots in the war for their independence. But the French were not the only ones to help get the American Army in order.  Baron von Steuben a Prussian officer helped drill the Patriots into a well organized military. The war had affected every aspect of life in the colonies. The civilians were probably most affected. With the war going on, the inflation in the economy made it extremely for the colonists to purchase everyday staples. The Native American tribes were even dragged into this war and sided with the Patriots; which helped lead the Americans into victory.

            While the War still brewing, the colonies created a confederation that was put together to create the 1^st United States Government. The Continental Congress created the Articles of Confederation, which put in order how the government would be ran. There was a legislative branch, in charge of making laws, a executive branch that put the laws into action, and a judicial branch that consisted of judges deciding if the laws had been broken. Even though the confederation had many weaknesses, they were determined to create a constitution that would make better for the people. The representatives of each colony served in a unicameral or bicameral legislature. They were created of either one house of representatives or two houses.  Nationalists such as Ben Franklin and James Madison were extremely fearful that the government was way too weak that there was no counterbalance in what they saw as the unpredictable behavior of the states. Upon meeting up, the nationalists decide that it is time to discuss the economic issues caused by the Articles of Confederation. In between this meeting, the struggle of the taxes and debts were really taking their tolls on the colonists causing the start of Shay’s Rebellion. Once this was over, it convinced many people to take action. This was to” decide forever the fate of republican government”

Encounters and Colonies

Who were the first Americans? Almost 40,000 years ago the first settlers came to what is to be known as the United States of American. Three major cultures were soon to meet and have to find a way to develop as one unit. The three cultures would soon lead a vast global interchange and be the start to a brand new world.

Even though the three cultures had similar customs, they were all different in their own ways. The Native Americans who were native to the lands had kinship networks that made their families extremely close and social. In their opinion they didn’t need anything more then what they had. The Europeans who were 1st cross to the new lands were the ones who in the end, bring the cultures together. People seeking refuge from the hierarchy of Europe made the trip to start a new life. The last of the three cultures were the Africans. Africa, the head of trade had much to offer to the new lands. Songhai, one of the largest empires at the time had an abundant amount of gold and ivory to trade with the rest of the world. When the Europeans mainly Spanish and Portuguese came, they brought the Africans with them for free labor. The trade off to the Africans working for them was that after 7 years of backbreaking labor, they would receive their own piece of land and were free to do what they wanted with it. With all the new ideas happening in the new world, Europe enters the Renaissance for a quest of knowledge to learn and understand much more.

Navigating the seas wasn’t always an easy task, but for Christopher Columbus there was no fear in searching for something new. Columbus set off west hoping to land in India. Sometime during the journey Columbus and his crew land on the islands in the Caribbean being greeted by the Tainos Indians. This trip was not made history because of its discovery, but for is encounters with the people. With this sail came the exchange of many goods from people all the way to technology. The Columbian Exchange brought many great and innovative ideas to the Indians but as well as death with the spread deathly disease.

            After 1942, the Dutch, Spanish, French and English reach America and all have ideas of how to make themselves rich. The Conquistadores of the Spanish, invaded many congregacions in éattempt to win power over the Americas. In attempt to make friends with the Native Americans, the Spanish created a system know as the encomienda system. This system created jobs for the Native Americans to work under the Spaniards. After colonization, the Spanish established Persidos to mark as outpost and keep watch during battles. A man named Popé assembled the discouraged people and revolted against the Spaniards which in the end drives the Spanish away. Powhatan the leader of the Native Americas was very upset with the Spaniards and distrusted them very much. Soon, the Native Americans became allies with the English and created a treaty; pay for land. With all the land, the English decide to grow tobacco. A small farm turns into multiple and there is not enough hands to work the fields. The English turn to indentured servants who would work for a period of seven years and then receive land in return. The English brought a huge wave of new immigrants which includes the Puritans. The reformation pushed the Puritans out of their native lands seeking religious toleration. 

            Mercantilism was practiced throughout the colonies in hope of give more power to their state, but to sustain their power they had to maintain a balance of trade. This meant they must import as much goods as the export. At the beginning it worked to their benefit, but Great Britain did not hold up to their side of the deal and created the salutary neglect. The agriculture throughout the Americas, Africa, and Europe created the triangular trade, which proved to sustain a great amount of significance throughout the century. The middle passage was a route traveling between Africa and Europe bringing enslaved Africans who would soon be sent to America. The people of the Americas were not extremely rich landowners, but  gentry  the people of the colonies who could not afford to have people work for them. All seemed well until the Great Awekening arose and bought great tension to the colonies. Preachers traveled around the colonies reminding the people of the power of God and the authority of the clergy. With this, many people decided that they would stand up for themselves and speak against the opposing theories.

            In the end, the trip to the Americas brought many new ideas and opportunities. The Relations were made stronger between many countries and cultures. A new age of people arose and the colonists finally had a place to call their own and be who they wanted to be.