HST 201 Module #12
Module Twelve: The Brothers' War (1861 CE - 1865 CE)
The period between 1861 CE and 1865 CE marks one of the most critical moments in US history. This period was characterized by a civil war that pitted the Confederate States of America (CSA) against the United States of America (USA). The conflict was primarily over the issue of slavery, with the CSA fighting for the right to own slaves while the USA fought for their abolition. The war had significant consequences that continue to impact American society today. This essay will explore the historical significance of the Civil War and why it is essential to study this subject today.
One of the primary outcomes of the Civil War was the end of slavery in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared all slaves in Confederate-held territories to be free. Although the proclamation did not immediately free all slaves, it was a significant step towards their eventual emancipation. The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified in 1865, formally abolished slavery throughout the United States. This event marked a turning point in US history and set the stage for the civil rights movement that would come decades later.
Another critical consequence of the Civil War was the preservation of the Union. The Confederate States had seceded from the Union in 1860, and the war was fought to restore the United States. Had the Confederacy been successful, it is likely that the United States would have been divided into two separate countries. The preservation of the Union ensured that the United States remained one country, with a single government and constitution. This event was critical in shaping the country's future and ensuring its continued stability.
However, the Civil War also had significant negative consequences. The conflict resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 soldiers and civilians, making it one of the deadliest wars in US history. The war also caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in the South, particularly in cities such as Atlanta and Richmond. The economic impact of the war was significant, with the cost of the conflict estimated at over $6 billion.
Moreover, the end of slavery did not immediately bring about equality for African Americans. Even after the Civil War, they continued to face discrimination and oppression, with laws such as Jim Crow laws and segregation keeping them from fully participating in American society. The legacy of slavery and racism continues to impact American society today, making it essential to study the Civil War and its aftermath to understand the roots of this ongoing issue.
In conclusion, the period between 1861 and 1865 was a crucial moment in US history, with the Civil War having significant consequences that continue to impact American society today. The end of slavery and the preservation of the Union were significant positive outcomes, but the war's negative consequences, such as the loss of life and economic impact, cannot be ignored. Moreover, the legacy of slavery and racism continues to impact American society today, making it essential to study the Civil War and its aftermath to understand the roots of this ongoing issue.
THE RUNDOWN
QUESTIONS
Was the War About Slavery?
" Our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite idea; its foundations are laid, its corner-stone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition. This, our new government, is the first, in the history of the world, based upon this great physical, philosophical, and moral truth."
Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens, March 21, 1861
The period between 1861 CE and 1865 CE marks one of the most critical moments in US history. This period was characterized by a civil war that pitted the Confederate States of America (CSA) against the United States of America (USA). The conflict was primarily over the issue of slavery, with the CSA fighting for the right to own slaves while the USA fought for their abolition. The war had significant consequences that continue to impact American society today. This essay will explore the historical significance of the Civil War and why it is essential to study this subject today.
One of the primary outcomes of the Civil War was the end of slavery in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared all slaves in Confederate-held territories to be free. Although the proclamation did not immediately free all slaves, it was a significant step towards their eventual emancipation. The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified in 1865, formally abolished slavery throughout the United States. This event marked a turning point in US history and set the stage for the civil rights movement that would come decades later.
Another critical consequence of the Civil War was the preservation of the Union. The Confederate States had seceded from the Union in 1860, and the war was fought to restore the United States. Had the Confederacy been successful, it is likely that the United States would have been divided into two separate countries. The preservation of the Union ensured that the United States remained one country, with a single government and constitution. This event was critical in shaping the country's future and ensuring its continued stability.
However, the Civil War also had significant negative consequences. The conflict resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 soldiers and civilians, making it one of the deadliest wars in US history. The war also caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in the South, particularly in cities such as Atlanta and Richmond. The economic impact of the war was significant, with the cost of the conflict estimated at over $6 billion.
Moreover, the end of slavery did not immediately bring about equality for African Americans. Even after the Civil War, they continued to face discrimination and oppression, with laws such as Jim Crow laws and segregation keeping them from fully participating in American society. The legacy of slavery and racism continues to impact American society today, making it essential to study the Civil War and its aftermath to understand the roots of this ongoing issue.
In conclusion, the period between 1861 and 1865 was a crucial moment in US history, with the Civil War having significant consequences that continue to impact American society today. The end of slavery and the preservation of the Union were significant positive outcomes, but the war's negative consequences, such as the loss of life and economic impact, cannot be ignored. Moreover, the legacy of slavery and racism continues to impact American society today, making it essential to study the Civil War and its aftermath to understand the roots of this ongoing issue.
THE RUNDOWN
- The period between 1861 and 1865 was a critical moment in US history due to the Civil War.
- The war was fought primarily over the issue of slavery, with the Confederate States fighting for the right to own slaves while the United States fought for their abolition.
- The Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1863, declared all slaves in Confederate-held territories to be free, and the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified in 1865, formally abolished slavery throughout the United States.
- The preservation of the Union was another critical outcome of the Civil War as it ensured that the United States remained one country with a single government and constitution.
- The Civil War resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 soldiers and civilians, making it one of the deadliest wars in US history, and caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in the South.
- The end of slavery did not immediately bring about equality for African Americans, and they continued to face discrimination and oppression after the Civil War, with laws such as Jim Crow laws and segregation keeping them from fully participating in American society.
- The legacy of slavery and racism continues to impact American society today, making it essential to study the Civil War and its aftermath to understand the roots of this ongoing issue.
QUESTIONS
- What were the primary causes of the Civil War, and how did they contribute to the conflict between the North and South?
- In what ways did the Civil War impact American society and culture, and how do these effects continue to influence us today?
- How did the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment change the status of African Americans in the United States, and what impact did these changes have on society?
Was the War About Slavery?
" Our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite idea; its foundations are laid, its corner-stone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition. This, our new government, is the first, in the history of the world, based upon this great physical, philosophical, and moral truth."
Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens, March 21, 1861
#12 Perception Is More Important Than Reality
Before you report me as some doublespeak Big Brother agent, look at the current world we live in. The Age of Information never promised to be useful information, let alone accurate information. Social media is riddled with half-truths, pretenses, manipulated numbers, and flat out lies. This is to be expected, mainly when we accept that human beings are all emotional beings. And emotions can subdue logic often quickly and effortlessly. If you want to believe an election was stolen, you will. But one does not have to go far in history to see events veiled in fabrication that swayed public opinion. There are almost no cases in which the United States has been to War that hasn't been more fiction than fact. Whether you choose to believe in systemic racism or the presence of "weapons of mass destruction," history does not bother with these things.
In this mysterious world, we inhabit, the notion that perception reigns supreme over reality resonates deeply. The present epoch bombards us incessantly with many information streams, confounding our ability to differentiate truth from fiction. The so-called Age of Information, once lauded for its potential to enrich our understanding and wisdom, has instead brandished a dangerous two-edged blade that offers misleading half-truths, sham facades, distorted statistics, and brazen untruths. These deceptions proliferate with alarming frequency in social media, where logic and reason are often smothered by emotion.
History's got a funny way of foolin' us into believin' a bunch of hogwash. The good ol' US of A ain't no stranger to this sort of thing, especially when it comes to war. Take the Vietnam War, for instance. Like that Gulf of Tonkin incident, the whole thing was built on a flimsy foundation of lies. Supposedly, North Vietnamese forces attacked our Navy ships, but that was all a big lie. The government used it as an excuse to ramp up the war effort. And don't even get me started on the Iraq War. We went in there lookin' for "weapons of mass destruction," but it was all based on some bogus intelligence. These examples prove that what we think is the truth isn't always so. The way we see things shapes our opinions and decides our fate.
Perception can be a tricky thing, a double-edged sword, if you will. But, sometimes, it can be a catalyst for some much-needed change. Take, for instance, the civil rights movement of the 1960s. People saw the stark inequalities and injustices and wouldn't take it lying down. Nope. In droves, they took to the streets, demanding justice and equality for all. And you know what? They made a difference. They fought tooth and nail, and it paid off in the end. Or how about the #MeToo movement? This one hit the scene a bit more recently, but boy, did it ever make an impact. People started to see the rampant sexual harassment and assault that had been going on for far too long. And they said, "Enough is enough!" They banded together, shared their stories, and held those accountable who had been getting away with this kind of behavior for far too long. It wasn't easy, but it was necessary. And you know what? It's working. Of course, there's still work to be done, but we're moving in the right direction. And that's all thanks to perception, my friends.
Okay, let's break it down: history is like a time capsule that holds the secrets of our past. It's a treasure trove of insights that can help us decode human behavior and decision-making. By sifting through the annals of yesteryear, we can start to see how perception can twist reality and how those in power can bend it to their will. Take a look at the way historical events have played out. The winners write history books. Well, what if the winners could be better guys? What if they're just really good at manipulating public opinion? By examining the past through this lens, we can learn to be more discerning information consumers. We can separate the truth from the lies and make up our minds about what happened. So, why is all of this important? Because perception shapes our world. It determines how we see ourselves and how we see others. It can even influence the course of history. By studying the role of perception in the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of the present and make more informed decisions about the future.
Perception can make or break how we see things, which can have serious consequences. It can be used to bend the public's will and steer outcomes in a shady direction, but it can also be a catalyst for positive change, holding those in power accountable and driving social progress. So, what's the key to unlocking the potential of perception? Well, my friends, it's all about studying history. By delving into the past, we can understand how perception shapes reality and how we can use that knowledge to be more informed information consumers. We can't afford to be duped by propaganda and fake news, especially today. We need to be sharp, we need to be discerning, and we need to be proactive in building a society that's just and equitable for all.
So, if we can manipulate the outcomes of our future, can we predict what happens next?
THE RUNDOWN
THE STATE OF THE UNION
Before you report me as some doublespeak Big Brother agent, look at the current world we live in. The Age of Information never promised to be useful information, let alone accurate information. Social media is riddled with half-truths, pretenses, manipulated numbers, and flat out lies. This is to be expected, mainly when we accept that human beings are all emotional beings. And emotions can subdue logic often quickly and effortlessly. If you want to believe an election was stolen, you will. But one does not have to go far in history to see events veiled in fabrication that swayed public opinion. There are almost no cases in which the United States has been to War that hasn't been more fiction than fact. Whether you choose to believe in systemic racism or the presence of "weapons of mass destruction," history does not bother with these things.
In this mysterious world, we inhabit, the notion that perception reigns supreme over reality resonates deeply. The present epoch bombards us incessantly with many information streams, confounding our ability to differentiate truth from fiction. The so-called Age of Information, once lauded for its potential to enrich our understanding and wisdom, has instead brandished a dangerous two-edged blade that offers misleading half-truths, sham facades, distorted statistics, and brazen untruths. These deceptions proliferate with alarming frequency in social media, where logic and reason are often smothered by emotion.
History's got a funny way of foolin' us into believin' a bunch of hogwash. The good ol' US of A ain't no stranger to this sort of thing, especially when it comes to war. Take the Vietnam War, for instance. Like that Gulf of Tonkin incident, the whole thing was built on a flimsy foundation of lies. Supposedly, North Vietnamese forces attacked our Navy ships, but that was all a big lie. The government used it as an excuse to ramp up the war effort. And don't even get me started on the Iraq War. We went in there lookin' for "weapons of mass destruction," but it was all based on some bogus intelligence. These examples prove that what we think is the truth isn't always so. The way we see things shapes our opinions and decides our fate.
Perception can be a tricky thing, a double-edged sword, if you will. But, sometimes, it can be a catalyst for some much-needed change. Take, for instance, the civil rights movement of the 1960s. People saw the stark inequalities and injustices and wouldn't take it lying down. Nope. In droves, they took to the streets, demanding justice and equality for all. And you know what? They made a difference. They fought tooth and nail, and it paid off in the end. Or how about the #MeToo movement? This one hit the scene a bit more recently, but boy, did it ever make an impact. People started to see the rampant sexual harassment and assault that had been going on for far too long. And they said, "Enough is enough!" They banded together, shared their stories, and held those accountable who had been getting away with this kind of behavior for far too long. It wasn't easy, but it was necessary. And you know what? It's working. Of course, there's still work to be done, but we're moving in the right direction. And that's all thanks to perception, my friends.
Okay, let's break it down: history is like a time capsule that holds the secrets of our past. It's a treasure trove of insights that can help us decode human behavior and decision-making. By sifting through the annals of yesteryear, we can start to see how perception can twist reality and how those in power can bend it to their will. Take a look at the way historical events have played out. The winners write history books. Well, what if the winners could be better guys? What if they're just really good at manipulating public opinion? By examining the past through this lens, we can learn to be more discerning information consumers. We can separate the truth from the lies and make up our minds about what happened. So, why is all of this important? Because perception shapes our world. It determines how we see ourselves and how we see others. It can even influence the course of history. By studying the role of perception in the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of the present and make more informed decisions about the future.
Perception can make or break how we see things, which can have serious consequences. It can be used to bend the public's will and steer outcomes in a shady direction, but it can also be a catalyst for positive change, holding those in power accountable and driving social progress. So, what's the key to unlocking the potential of perception? Well, my friends, it's all about studying history. By delving into the past, we can understand how perception shapes reality and how we can use that knowledge to be more informed information consumers. We can't afford to be duped by propaganda and fake news, especially today. We need to be sharp, we need to be discerning, and we need to be proactive in building a society that's just and equitable for all.
So, if we can manipulate the outcomes of our future, can we predict what happens next?
THE RUNDOWN
- In our world today, how we see things is more important than what's actually true.
- Because of the Internet, there's a lot of fake or tricky information on social media.
- Throughout history, some events were made up to change people's minds.
- How we see things can help or hurt us, but it can also make things better.
- If we learn about history, we can understand how our views affect what happens and make better choices.
- How we see things affects everything around us, including how we see ourselves and others, and even what happens in the future.
- To make a fair and equal society, we need to be careful and active when we look at information.
THE STATE OF THE UNION
Picture 1865—a year packed with history practically spilling over, a chaotic blend of blood, sweat, and telegram wires. In the U.S., the Civil War dragged to a bitter end, with Robert E. Lee surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant, only for the nation’s fragile peace to be shattered by Lincoln’s assassination at the hands of John Wilkes Booth. The Thirteenth Amendment swaggered in to end slavery on paper while the struggle for equality was beginning. Across the Atlantic, Europe, still nursing its Napoleonic hangover, saw Bismarck stitching Germany together while Queen Victoria played global Monopoly amid the chugging steam engine of the Industrial Revolution, a force that was reshaping the world. Asia was anything but calm—Japan leaped into modernization with the Meiji Restoration, while China struggled in the grip of the Taiping Rebellion, with Western powers circling like vultures. Africa’s kingdoms eyed the looming shadows of European colonization, and in South America, Paraguay’s bloody war against its neighbors left it in ruins. As the world tore apart, the Industrial Revolution churned, belching smoke and stringing the globe together with telegraph wires, demonstrating the global impact of this era. At the same time, the fading Romanticism gave way to the gritty realism of a world too busy burning to bother with moonlit nights. 1865 was a year where peace and violence, progress and decay, hope and despair danced in a frenetic waltz, leaving the world forever changed.
HIGHLIGHTS
We've got some fine classroom lectures coming your way, all courtesy of the RPTM podcast. These lectures will take you on a wild ride through history, exploring everything from ancient civilizations and epic battles to scientific breakthroughs and artistic revolutions. The podcast will guide you through each lecture with its no-nonsense, straight-talking style, using various sources to give you the lowdown on each topic. You won't find any fancy-pants jargon or convoluted theories here, just plain and straightforward explanations anyone can understand. So sit back and prepare to soak up some knowledge.
LECTURES
LECTURES
The Reading section—a realm where our aspirations of enlightenment often clash with the harsh realities of procrastination and the desperate reliance on Google. We soldier on through dense texts, promised 'broadening perspectives' but often wrestling with existential dread and academic pressure. With a healthy dose of sarcasm and a strong cup of coffee, I'll be your guide on this wild journey from dusty tomes to the murky depths of postmodernism. In the midst of all the pretentious prose, there's a glimmer of insight: we're all in this together, united in our struggle to survive without losing our sanity.
READING
This class utilizes the following textbook:
Carnes, Mark C., and John A. Garraty. American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation. 4th ed. Vol. 1.: Pearson, 2011.
Mark C. Carnes and John A. Garraty are respected historians who have made notable contributions to American history. First, we've got Carnes - this guy's a real maverick when it comes to studying the good ol' US of A. He's all about the secret societies that helped shape our culture in the 1800s. You know, the ones that operated behind closed doors had their fingers in all sorts of pies. Carnes is the man who can unravel those mysteries and give us a glimpse into the underbelly of American culture. We've also got Garraty in the mix. This guy's no slouch either - he's known for taking a big-picture view of American history and bringing it to life with his engaging writing style. Whether profiling famous figures from our past or digging deep into a particular aspect of our nation's history, Garraty always keeps it accurate and accessible. You don't need a Ph.D. to understand what he's saying, and that's why he's a true heavyweight in the field.
RUNDOWN
READING
- The Declaration of Causes of Seceding States
- Carnes Chapter 15 “The War to Save the Union”
This class utilizes the following textbook:
Carnes, Mark C., and John A. Garraty. American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation. 4th ed. Vol. 1.: Pearson, 2011.
Mark C. Carnes and John A. Garraty are respected historians who have made notable contributions to American history. First, we've got Carnes - this guy's a real maverick when it comes to studying the good ol' US of A. He's all about the secret societies that helped shape our culture in the 1800s. You know, the ones that operated behind closed doors had their fingers in all sorts of pies. Carnes is the man who can unravel those mysteries and give us a glimpse into the underbelly of American culture. We've also got Garraty in the mix. This guy's no slouch either - he's known for taking a big-picture view of American history and bringing it to life with his engaging writing style. Whether profiling famous figures from our past or digging deep into a particular aspect of our nation's history, Garraty always keeps it accurate and accessible. You don't need a Ph.D. to understand what he's saying, and that's why he's a true heavyweight in the field.
RUNDOWN
- The chapter explores the various causes that led to the Civil War, focusing on the tensions between the North and South over issues like slavery, states' rights, and economic differences.
- It discusses how several Southern states seceded from the Union after Abraham Lincoln was elected president, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America.
- The chapter describes the beginning of the Civil War, including the attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861, which marked the official start of the conflict.
- It explains the different strategies the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South) used, such as the Union's Anaconda Plan to blockade Southern ports and the Confederacy's defensive strategy.
- The chapter covers significant battles, such as the Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Gettysburg, highlighting their impact on the war's outcome.
- It discusses President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate-held territory and changed the war's focus to include the abolition of slavery.
- The chapter looks at how the war affected civilians in both the North and South, including economic hardships, the role of women, and the experiences of African Americans.
- It describes key turning points, like the Union's victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg and Confederate General Robert E. Lee's eventual surrender at Appomattox Court House in 1865, which led to the end of the war.
- The chapter concludes with an overview of the early plans for Reconstruction and the effort to rebuild and reunite the nation after the war.
Howard Zinn was a historian, writer, and political activist known for his critical analysis of American history. He is particularly well-known for his counter-narrative to traditional American history accounts and highlights marginalized groups' experiences and perspectives. Zinn's work is often associated with social history and is known for his Marxist and socialist views. Larry Schweikart is also a historian, but his work and perspective are often considered more conservative. Schweikart's work is often associated with military history, and he is known for his support of free-market economics and limited government. Overall, Zinn and Schweikart have different perspectives on various historical issues and events and may interpret historical events and phenomena differently. Occasionally, we will also look at Thaddeus Russell, a historian, author, and academic. Russell has written extensively on the history of social and cultural change, and his work focuses on how marginalized and oppressed groups have challenged and transformed mainstream culture. Russell is known for his unconventional and controversial ideas, and his work has been praised for its originality and provocative nature.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.

Zinn, A People's History of the United States
"... The 'Lowell system,' in which young girls would go to work in the mills and live in dormitories supervised by matrons, at first seemed beneficent, sociable, a welcome escape from household drudgery or domestic service. Lowell, Massachusetts, was the first town
created for the textile mill industry; it was named after the wealthy and influential Lowell family. But the dormitories became prisonlike, controlled by rules and regulations. The supper (served after the women had risen at four in the morning and worked until seven
thirty in the evening) often consisted merely of bread and gravy.
So the Lowell girls organized. They started their own newspapers. They protested against the weaving rooms, which were poorly lit, badly ventilated, impossibly hot in the summer, damp and cold in the winter. In 1834, a cut in wages led the Lowell women to strike, proclaiming: 'Union is power. Our present object is to have union and exertion, and we remain in possession of our own unquestionable rights. . . .' But the threat of hiring others to replace them brought them back to work at reduced wages (the leaders were fired)...
... The strikers marched through the streets of Lowell, singing. They held out a month, but thentheir money ran out, diey were evicted from the boardinghouses, and many of them went back to work. The leaders were fired, including Harriet Hanson's widowed mother, a matron in the boardinghouse, who was blamed for her child's going out on strike.
Resistance continued. One mill in Lowell, Herbert Gutman reports, discharged twenty-eight women for such reasons as 'misconduct,' 'disobedience,' 'impudence,' 'levity,' and 'mutiny.' Meanwhile, the girls tried to hold on to thoughts about fresh air, the country, a less harried way of life. One of them recalled: 'I never cared much for machinery. I could not see intotheir complications or feel interested in them. ... In sweet June weather I would lean far outof the window, and try not to hear the unceasing clash of sound inside.'
In New Hampshire, five hundred men and women petitioned the Amoskeag ManufacturingCompany not to cut down an elm tree to make space for another mill. They said it was 'a beautiful and goodly tree,' representing a time 'when the yell of the red man and the scream of the eagle were alone heard on the hanks of the Merrimack, instead of two giant edifices filled with the buzz of busy and well-remunerated industry....'"
"... The 'Lowell system,' in which young girls would go to work in the mills and live in dormitories supervised by matrons, at first seemed beneficent, sociable, a welcome escape from household drudgery or domestic service. Lowell, Massachusetts, was the first town
created for the textile mill industry; it was named after the wealthy and influential Lowell family. But the dormitories became prisonlike, controlled by rules and regulations. The supper (served after the women had risen at four in the morning and worked until seven
thirty in the evening) often consisted merely of bread and gravy.
So the Lowell girls organized. They started their own newspapers. They protested against the weaving rooms, which were poorly lit, badly ventilated, impossibly hot in the summer, damp and cold in the winter. In 1834, a cut in wages led the Lowell women to strike, proclaiming: 'Union is power. Our present object is to have union and exertion, and we remain in possession of our own unquestionable rights. . . .' But the threat of hiring others to replace them brought them back to work at reduced wages (the leaders were fired)...
... The strikers marched through the streets of Lowell, singing. They held out a month, but thentheir money ran out, diey were evicted from the boardinghouses, and many of them went back to work. The leaders were fired, including Harriet Hanson's widowed mother, a matron in the boardinghouse, who was blamed for her child's going out on strike.
Resistance continued. One mill in Lowell, Herbert Gutman reports, discharged twenty-eight women for such reasons as 'misconduct,' 'disobedience,' 'impudence,' 'levity,' and 'mutiny.' Meanwhile, the girls tried to hold on to thoughts about fresh air, the country, a less harried way of life. One of them recalled: 'I never cared much for machinery. I could not see intotheir complications or feel interested in them. ... In sweet June weather I would lean far outof the window, and try not to hear the unceasing clash of sound inside.'
In New Hampshire, five hundred men and women petitioned the Amoskeag ManufacturingCompany not to cut down an elm tree to make space for another mill. They said it was 'a beautiful and goodly tree,' representing a time 'when the yell of the red man and the scream of the eagle were alone heard on the hanks of the Merrimack, instead of two giant edifices filled with the buzz of busy and well-remunerated industry....'"

Larry Schweikart, A Patriot's History of the United States
"... Southern ideals of what secession entailed sprang from three main sources. First, during the past decade Southerners had come to hate free-soil concepts, finding them deeply offensive not only to the cotton economy to which they were committed but to the system of white superiority ingrained in the culture of the South. Second, a residual notion of states’ rights from the days of the AntiFederalists, nurtured by such thinkers as George Mason and John Calhoun, had gained popularity in the 1850s. The sovereignty of the states over the Union had a mixed and contradictory record of support by leading Southerners, including Jefferson and Jackson. Under the Confederacy, the
principle of states’ rights emerged unfettered and triumphant. The third was the widespread view of the propagandists of the South that “Cotton Is King!” and that a Southern republic would not only be freer, but economically superior to the North.
Demonizing Northerners followed in short order. New Englanders were 'meddlers, jailbirds, outlaws, and disturbers of the peace.' (There had to be some irony involved in the labeling of former Puritans as jailbirds and outlaws by a region that prided itself on its frontier violence and, in the case of Georgia, had had felons as its first settlers!) Outright lies about Lincoln’s intentions occurred with regularity in order to put the citizens of the new “republic” in the proper frame of mind..."
"... Southern ideals of what secession entailed sprang from three main sources. First, during the past decade Southerners had come to hate free-soil concepts, finding them deeply offensive not only to the cotton economy to which they were committed but to the system of white superiority ingrained in the culture of the South. Second, a residual notion of states’ rights from the days of the AntiFederalists, nurtured by such thinkers as George Mason and John Calhoun, had gained popularity in the 1850s. The sovereignty of the states over the Union had a mixed and contradictory record of support by leading Southerners, including Jefferson and Jackson. Under the Confederacy, the
principle of states’ rights emerged unfettered and triumphant. The third was the widespread view of the propagandists of the South that “Cotton Is King!” and that a Southern republic would not only be freer, but economically superior to the North.
Demonizing Northerners followed in short order. New Englanders were 'meddlers, jailbirds, outlaws, and disturbers of the peace.' (There had to be some irony involved in the labeling of former Puritans as jailbirds and outlaws by a region that prided itself on its frontier violence and, in the case of Georgia, had had felons as its first settlers!) Outright lies about Lincoln’s intentions occurred with regularity in order to put the citizens of the new “republic” in the proper frame of mind..."

Thaddeus Russell, A Renegade History of the United States
"... Black people weren't the only Americans who violated the rules of Reconstruction. For one thing, they did not have a monopoly on shiftlessness. Though many white Americans had made themselves into the hardest workers in the world, fortunately, great numbers had been ignoring and resisting the work ethic since the Revolution. When the first factories were built, with their regimented work rules and long hours, many of the white people employed in them proved to be terrible workers. Among the very first factories built in the United States were the Hamilton Company mills in Lowell, Massachusetts, which employed only women. Within two years of the company’s founding in 1825, more than half its work force had been fired for the following reason:
"... Black people weren't the only Americans who violated the rules of Reconstruction. For one thing, they did not have a monopoly on shiftlessness. Though many white Americans had made themselves into the hardest workers in the world, fortunately, great numbers had been ignoring and resisting the work ethic since the Revolution. When the first factories were built, with their regimented work rules and long hours, many of the white people employed in them proved to be terrible workers. Among the very first factories built in the United States were the Hamilton Company mills in Lowell, Massachusetts, which employed only women. Within two years of the company’s founding in 1825, more than half its work force had been fired for the following reason:
- 6 were discharged for misconduct
- 5 were discharged for mutiny
- 3 were discharged for disobedience to orders
- 1 was discharged for impudence to the overseer
- 1 was discharged for levity
- 1 would not do her duty
- 5 were discharged for lying, misrepresentation, or circulating false stories
- 1 was discharged for captiousness
- 1 ran away
- 1 was hysterical
- 1 had written after her name emphatically 'regularly discharged forever'..."
The American Civil War, a grand old brawl from 1861 to 1865, left an indelible mark on the United States like a tattoo on a drunk sailor. Sure, slavery was the show's star, but let's not forget the supporting cast that stirred the pot of tension until it boiled over. Take the Lowell system and its labor practices, for instance. That whole shebang of factory work and tight schedules had folks fuming like a pressure cooker on the verge of explosion. Then you had those Southern secessionist ideals, sprouting like stubborn weeds in a manicured garden, hell-bent on breaking away from the Union. Reconstruction came around with its fancy notions of work ethic and an excellent old dose of resistance. All these elements played their part in shaping the American Civil War. This historical hootenanny gives us a front-row seat to the tangled web of socioeconomic and ideological factors that had our nation locked in a fierce tug-of-war.
The Lowell system was a charming little arrangement from the early 19th century, with the good folks of Lowell, Massachusetts, buzzing. A gaggle of young, unmarried women, plucked from their peaceful rural dwellings, were brought into the bustling textile mills as a bargain workforce. Sure, it was a chance for these women to earn a living, but the conditions weren't exactly a walk in the park. We're talking endless hours of toil, paltry paychecks, an iron-fisted regime that would make even the strictest headmaster blush, and, to top it all off, they had to share cramped quarters in company-owned boarding houses.
The organized protests and strikes that emerged in response to these oppressive conditions highlighted the exploitation of workers and contributed to growing discontent among laborers. Such protests shed light on the power imbalances between workers and factory owners, and they planted seeds of labor activism that would later influence the labor movement in the United States. For example, the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association, founded in 1844, sought to improve working conditions and promote women's rights.
In the South, secessionism simmered like a stubborn pot of gumbo, providing the spicy backdrop to the Civil War extravaganza. Those fervent secessionists clung to the belief that holding onto slavery was the holy grail of their existence, an essential ingredient for their lifestyle and economic triumph. Their cotton-filled dreams and notions of racial superiority marinated together, creating a potent stew of desire for secession among the cream of Southern society.
The secessionist hollering had a knack for casting Northerners as the devil's spawn, painting them as menacing foes hell-bent on dismantling the very fabric of Southern society. And that cauldron of division bubbled over. The issue of slavery masquerading as states' rights, like a scorching sun on an already blistering day, only added fuel to the raging fire. The Southern states championed their God-given right to mold their policies as they pleased, including expanding slavery. These divergent ideals and chasms festered deep, decaying into a festering animosity between North and South. And so, it came to pass, the great and terrible Civil War, where brother fought against brother in a storm of blood and sweat.
The Reconstruction era was when the winds of change blew fiercely through the labor relations scene. Black and white workers, casting aside the chains of societal expectations and economic structures, dared to challenge the very notion of work ethic. Those newly emancipated souls, the once enslaved, craving to assert their long-denied rights and better their lot. They had no time for the status quo. Down in the South, those poor white workers, caught in the crosshairs of financial woes and job competition, too gave a rebellious nod to the work ethic, stirring up quite the social unrest.
The stubborn resistance to a strong work ethic did nothing but fan the flames of discord, igniting a blazing inferno of hatred between different races and social classes. The collision of these warring factions posed a grave danger to the delicate equilibrium of post-war society. It fueled the never-ending battles fought on the battlegrounds of economics and politics long after the smoke had cleared from the Civil War battlefield.
To truly comprehend the tangled roots of the American Civil War, one must delve into the intricate tapestry of the Lowell system's labor practices, the stubborn allure of Southern secessionist dreams, and the post-war battle against the work ethic during Reconstruction. These historical episodes hold the key to unraveling the complex web of power dynamics, socioeconomic disparities, and ideological clashes that still leave their mark on the fabric of American society today.
This study reminds us again that labor rights, racial equality, and social justice are as timeless as an old Springsteen record. By digging into the past, we can find the secret tracks that reveal how these issues have persisted and evolved. It's like a greatest-hits compilation of all the ways we need to tackle exploitation, discrimination, and systemic inequalities in our modern world.
In the hazy realm where the Lowell system intersected with organized protests, a psychedelic storm of labor activism was unleashed, transcending the mundane boundaries of the American working class. Like acid-laced revelations, these rebellious demonstrations shattered the masses' illusions, revealing the grim truth of their oppressive toil. The gritty streets of Lowell became the battleground for this hallucinatory crusade, awakening the dormant spirit of resistance within workers' weary souls. With every placard hoisted and every chant roared, their collective voices echoed through the corridors of power, demanding an end to their exploitation. Their bold actions reverberated throughout history, igniting the fires of change and fueling the future labor movements that would emancipate the proletariat from their shackles of bondage. Thus, the seeds of labor liberation were sown, and a defiant legacy was born from these fervent protests.
The treacherous dance of Southern secession and those rebellious ideals, steeped in the putrid depths of racial hierarchies, breathed new life into the odious institution of slavery. Like a venomous serpent coiling around the fragile unity of a nation, this division birthed a savage war, drenched in crimson, becoming the bloodiest chapter in America's tumultuous history—countless lives consumed by the merciless jaws of conflict, leaving behind a landscape ravaged and desolate.
THE RUNDOWN
QUESTIONS
The Lowell system was a charming little arrangement from the early 19th century, with the good folks of Lowell, Massachusetts, buzzing. A gaggle of young, unmarried women, plucked from their peaceful rural dwellings, were brought into the bustling textile mills as a bargain workforce. Sure, it was a chance for these women to earn a living, but the conditions weren't exactly a walk in the park. We're talking endless hours of toil, paltry paychecks, an iron-fisted regime that would make even the strictest headmaster blush, and, to top it all off, they had to share cramped quarters in company-owned boarding houses.
The organized protests and strikes that emerged in response to these oppressive conditions highlighted the exploitation of workers and contributed to growing discontent among laborers. Such protests shed light on the power imbalances between workers and factory owners, and they planted seeds of labor activism that would later influence the labor movement in the United States. For example, the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association, founded in 1844, sought to improve working conditions and promote women's rights.
In the South, secessionism simmered like a stubborn pot of gumbo, providing the spicy backdrop to the Civil War extravaganza. Those fervent secessionists clung to the belief that holding onto slavery was the holy grail of their existence, an essential ingredient for their lifestyle and economic triumph. Their cotton-filled dreams and notions of racial superiority marinated together, creating a potent stew of desire for secession among the cream of Southern society.
The secessionist hollering had a knack for casting Northerners as the devil's spawn, painting them as menacing foes hell-bent on dismantling the very fabric of Southern society. And that cauldron of division bubbled over. The issue of slavery masquerading as states' rights, like a scorching sun on an already blistering day, only added fuel to the raging fire. The Southern states championed their God-given right to mold their policies as they pleased, including expanding slavery. These divergent ideals and chasms festered deep, decaying into a festering animosity between North and South. And so, it came to pass, the great and terrible Civil War, where brother fought against brother in a storm of blood and sweat.
The Reconstruction era was when the winds of change blew fiercely through the labor relations scene. Black and white workers, casting aside the chains of societal expectations and economic structures, dared to challenge the very notion of work ethic. Those newly emancipated souls, the once enslaved, craving to assert their long-denied rights and better their lot. They had no time for the status quo. Down in the South, those poor white workers, caught in the crosshairs of financial woes and job competition, too gave a rebellious nod to the work ethic, stirring up quite the social unrest.
The stubborn resistance to a strong work ethic did nothing but fan the flames of discord, igniting a blazing inferno of hatred between different races and social classes. The collision of these warring factions posed a grave danger to the delicate equilibrium of post-war society. It fueled the never-ending battles fought on the battlegrounds of economics and politics long after the smoke had cleared from the Civil War battlefield.
To truly comprehend the tangled roots of the American Civil War, one must delve into the intricate tapestry of the Lowell system's labor practices, the stubborn allure of Southern secessionist dreams, and the post-war battle against the work ethic during Reconstruction. These historical episodes hold the key to unraveling the complex web of power dynamics, socioeconomic disparities, and ideological clashes that still leave their mark on the fabric of American society today.
This study reminds us again that labor rights, racial equality, and social justice are as timeless as an old Springsteen record. By digging into the past, we can find the secret tracks that reveal how these issues have persisted and evolved. It's like a greatest-hits compilation of all the ways we need to tackle exploitation, discrimination, and systemic inequalities in our modern world.
In the hazy realm where the Lowell system intersected with organized protests, a psychedelic storm of labor activism was unleashed, transcending the mundane boundaries of the American working class. Like acid-laced revelations, these rebellious demonstrations shattered the masses' illusions, revealing the grim truth of their oppressive toil. The gritty streets of Lowell became the battleground for this hallucinatory crusade, awakening the dormant spirit of resistance within workers' weary souls. With every placard hoisted and every chant roared, their collective voices echoed through the corridors of power, demanding an end to their exploitation. Their bold actions reverberated throughout history, igniting the fires of change and fueling the future labor movements that would emancipate the proletariat from their shackles of bondage. Thus, the seeds of labor liberation were sown, and a defiant legacy was born from these fervent protests.
The treacherous dance of Southern secession and those rebellious ideals, steeped in the putrid depths of racial hierarchies, breathed new life into the odious institution of slavery. Like a venomous serpent coiling around the fragile unity of a nation, this division birthed a savage war, drenched in crimson, becoming the bloodiest chapter in America's tumultuous history—countless lives consumed by the merciless jaws of conflict, leaving behind a landscape ravaged and desolate.
THE RUNDOWN
- The American Civil War took place from 1861 to 1865 and significantly impacted the United States.
- Slavery was THE cause of the war, but other factors also contributed to the tensions between the North and South.
- The Lowell system in Massachusetts brought young, unmarried women into textile mills to work under harsh conditions.
- The poor working conditions led to protests and strikes, highlighting the exploitation of workers and planting seeds of labor activism.
- In the South, secessionist ideals emerged, driven by the desire to maintain slavery and preserve Southern society.
- The issue of slavery as states' rights deepened the divide between the North and the South, leading to the outbreak of the Civil War.
- The Reconstruction era saw changes in labor relations, with newly emancipated individuals seeking to assert their rights.
- Resistance to a strong work ethic fueled discord, furthering divisions between races and social classes.
- The Civil War and Reconstruction legacy still affect American society today, including labor rights, racial equality, and social justice.
- Studying these historical events helps us understand ongoing exploitation, discrimination, and systemic inequalities.
- The Lowell system and organized protests contributed to labor activism, while Southern secessionist ideals fueled the war.
- The Civil War resulted in immense loss of life and devastation, impacting the nation.
QUESTIONS
- What lessons can we learn from the Lowell system protests, secessionism, and the Reconstruction era in addressing issues like exploitation, discrimination, and systemic inequalities in the present day?
- Reflecting on the metaphorical language used in the passage, discuss the importance of labor activism and protests in effecting change and challenging oppressive systems throughout history.
- In what ways did the American Civil War leave a lasting impact on the nation's history and collective memory, and how does it continue to influence societal dynamics today?
Prepare to be transported into the captivating realm of historical films and videos. Brace yourselves for a mind-bending odyssey through time as we embark on a cinematic expedition. Within these flickering frames, the past morphs into a vivid tapestry of triumphs, tragedies, and transformative moments that have shaped the very fabric of our existence. We shall immerse ourselves in a whirlwind of visual narratives, dissecting the nuances of artistic interpretations, examining the storytelling techniques, and voraciously devouring historical accuracy with the ferocity of a time-traveling historian. So strap in, hold tight, and prepare to have your perception of history forever shattered by the mesmerizing lens of the camera.
THE RUNDOWN
In the early 19th century, the United States was like a tense dinner party with an equal number of free and slave states delicately balancing their opinions on a silver platter. But oh, how the notion of Manifest Destiny added spice to the mix, fueling the country's ravenous appetite for westward expansion. Things got cooking when Missouri and Maine became states, igniting a fiery debate about the spread of slavery. And let's not forget the Mexican-American War, which increased the heat between the North and the South. Texas waltzed into the union as a slave state, thanks to President Polk's aggressive salsa moves in acquiring Mexican territories. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo then brought a buffet of additional territories. To smooth things over, the Compromise of 1850 tried to address the slavery issue, while the concept of popular sovereignty had the final say on the status of new territories. But then came Bleeding Kansas, a messy and violent prelude to Kansas's entrance as a free state. The cultural clash between the refined Northern palate and the bold Southern flavors and economic factors and concerns over state rights turned up the heat on this culinary calamity. The Fugitive Slave Act and the spicy emergence of the Republican Party only fueled the fire. Enter Abraham Lincoln, stirring the pot and Kansas adding an extra pinch of chaos until finally, the grand feast of the Civil War erupted, leaving the nation with a bitter aftertaste. Bon appétit, America.
Welcome to the mind-bending Key Terms extravaganza of our history class learning module. Brace yourselves; we will unravel the cryptic codes, secret handshakes, and linguistic labyrinths that make up the twisted tapestry of historical knowledge. These key terms are the Rosetta Stones of our academic journey, the skeleton keys to unlocking the enigmatic doors of comprehension. They're like historical Swiss Army knives, equipped with blades of definition and corkscrews of contextual examples, ready to pierce through the fog of confusion and liberate your intellectual curiosity. By harnessing the power of these mighty key terms, you'll possess the superhuman ability to traverse the treacherous terrains of primary sources, surf the tumultuous waves of academic texts, and engage in epic battles of historical debate. The past awaits, and the key terms are keys to unlocking its dazzling secrets.
KEY TERMS
KEY TERMS
- First Battle of Bull Run
- Shiloh
- Antietam
- Gettysburg
- Vicksburg
- African Americans and the Civil War
- Women and the Civil War
- Asian Americans and the Civil War
- Muslims and the Civil War
- Jews and the Civil War
- Homosexuals and the Civil War
- Native Americans and the Civil War
- Sex and the Civil War
- Food and the Civil War
- Medicine and the Civil War
- Opium
- Robert E. Lee
- Ulysses S. Grant
- George B. McClellan
- George W. Flagg
- Robert Smalls
DISCLAIMER: Welcome scholars to the wild and wacky world of history class. This isn't your granddaddy's boring ol' lecture, baby. We will take a trip through time, which will be one wild ride. I know some of you are in a brick-and-mortar setting, while others are in the vast digital wasteland. But fear not; we're all in this together. Online students might miss out on some in-person interaction, but you can still join in on the fun. This little shindig aims to get you all engaged with the course material and understand how past societies have shaped the world we know today. We'll talk about revolutions, wars, and other crazy stuff. So get ready, kids, because it's going to be one heck of a trip. And for all, you online students out there, don't be shy. Please share your thoughts and ideas with the rest of us. The Professor will do his best to give everyone an equal opportunity to learn, so don't hold back. So, let's do this thing!
Activity #1: The First Bull Run
Objective: Guide your character through the First Battle of Bull Run by making choices in each round.
How to Play:
Activity #1: The First Bull Run
Objective: Guide your character through the First Battle of Bull Run by making choices in each round.
How to Play:
- Each round presents a new situation and two choices.
- Choose an action to see if it helps or harms your character's progress.
- Rounds: There are 10 rounds in total, each with a mix of historical facts and humorous outcomes.
- End of Game: After the 10th round, the game will give you an overall result.
- Reset: Use the "Reset Game" button to start over and try different choices.
The First Battle of Bull Run
Welcome to the First Battle of Bull Run! You’re an officer in the Union Army, navigating humorous and historical scenarios from the battle.
Activity #2: Siege of Vicksburg
Objective: Lead General Grant's troops through the Siege of Vicksburg to secure a Union victory.
Instructions:
Objective: Lead General Grant's troops through the Siege of Vicksburg to secure a Union victory.
Instructions:
- Start the Siege
- Make Choices
- Avoid Mistakes
- Reach Victory
- Reset Anytime
Siege of Vicksburg: The Game
Welcome, General Grant! Can you lead your troops to victory?
Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round for the pièce de résistance of this classroom module - the summary section. As we embark on this tantalizing journey, we'll savor the exquisite flavors of knowledge, highlighting the fundamental ingredients and spices that have seasoned our minds throughout these captivating lessons. Prepare to indulge in a savory recap that will leave your intellectual taste buds tingling, serving as a passport to further enlightenment.
The years between 1861 and 1865 were an explosive powder keg in the annals of American history as the nation was thrust into the fiery abyss of the Civil War. Slavery, that infernal devil's pact, lay at the heart of the conflict, with the Confederate States shedding blood and tears to preserve their ghastly grip on human bondage. At the same time, the United States fought tooth and nail for the liberation of every shackled soul. Two monumental milestones etched their mark on this tumultuous era: the thunderous proclamation of emancipation in 1863, tearing the chains asunder for enslaved people in Confederate territories, and the righteous 13th Amendment's hallowed ratification in 1865, forever banishing the scourge of slavery from the United States. But the price paid for such emancipation was steep, as the brutal war claimed the lives of over 600,000 brave souls and left a smoldering wasteland of destruction in the once-proud lands of the South.
Yet, even with the chains of slavery broken, the veil of discrimination still clung tenaciously to the backs of African Americans. Like an insidious specter, Jim Crow laws and segregation emerged from the shadows to deny these newly freed men and women their rightful place in American society. The legacy of such oppression and inequality continues to haunt our present as a bitter reminder that the struggle for true racial justice and equality is far from over. In this age of swirling information, the truth has become a hazy mirage in the desert of the internet, where social media propagates falsehoods and deceit with an alarming fervor. Throughout history, we have witnessed the deliberate distortion and fabrication of events, cunningly crafted to shape public perception and steer the course of human action. In this distorted landscape, the importance of perception reigns supreme, overshadowing the barren realm of mere facts. How we perceive the world around us holds the power to mold our reality, determining our future trajectory. To navigate this treacherous terrain, we must delve into the annals of history, uncovering the profound impact of our perspectives on our actions and arming ourselves with the knowledge to make enlightened choices. The lenses through which we view the world influence every facet of our existence - from the intricate tapestry of our self-perception to the tangled web of our interactions with others and even the mysterious forces that shape the destiny of events yet to unfold. In pursuing a just and egalitarian society, we must wield the sword of skepticism, carefully and vigilantly dissecting the information we encounter, ensuring that we do not fall prey to the siren song of false narratives that threaten to lead us astray. Only then can we hope to forge a path toward a world where fairness and equality reign supreme.
Or, in other words:
The years between 1861 and 1865 were an explosive powder keg in the annals of American history as the nation was thrust into the fiery abyss of the Civil War. Slavery, that infernal devil's pact, lay at the heart of the conflict, with the Confederate States shedding blood and tears to preserve their ghastly grip on human bondage. At the same time, the United States fought tooth and nail for the liberation of every shackled soul. Two monumental milestones etched their mark on this tumultuous era: the thunderous proclamation of emancipation in 1863, tearing the chains asunder for enslaved people in Confederate territories, and the righteous 13th Amendment's hallowed ratification in 1865, forever banishing the scourge of slavery from the United States. But the price paid for such emancipation was steep, as the brutal war claimed the lives of over 600,000 brave souls and left a smoldering wasteland of destruction in the once-proud lands of the South.
Yet, even with the chains of slavery broken, the veil of discrimination still clung tenaciously to the backs of African Americans. Like an insidious specter, Jim Crow laws and segregation emerged from the shadows to deny these newly freed men and women their rightful place in American society. The legacy of such oppression and inequality continues to haunt our present as a bitter reminder that the struggle for true racial justice and equality is far from over. In this age of swirling information, the truth has become a hazy mirage in the desert of the internet, where social media propagates falsehoods and deceit with an alarming fervor. Throughout history, we have witnessed the deliberate distortion and fabrication of events, cunningly crafted to shape public perception and steer the course of human action. In this distorted landscape, the importance of perception reigns supreme, overshadowing the barren realm of mere facts. How we perceive the world around us holds the power to mold our reality, determining our future trajectory. To navigate this treacherous terrain, we must delve into the annals of history, uncovering the profound impact of our perspectives on our actions and arming ourselves with the knowledge to make enlightened choices. The lenses through which we view the world influence every facet of our existence - from the intricate tapestry of our self-perception to the tangled web of our interactions with others and even the mysterious forces that shape the destiny of events yet to unfold. In pursuing a just and egalitarian society, we must wield the sword of skepticism, carefully and vigilantly dissecting the information we encounter, ensuring that we do not fall prey to the siren song of false narratives that threaten to lead us astray. Only then can we hope to forge a path toward a world where fairness and equality reign supreme.
Or, in other words:
- The years between 1861 and 1865 were a critical time in American history called the Civil War.
- The main reason for the war was the issue of slavery, with the Confederate States fighting to keep it and the United States fighting to end it.
- Important moments during this time were the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared enslaved people in Confederate areas free, and the 13th Amendment in 1865 officially abolished slavery in the whole country.
- The war was devastating, causing the deaths of over 600,000 people and destruction in the South.
- Even after slavery ended, African Americans faced discrimination and unfair treatment with laws like Jim Crow and segregation.
- The impact of slavery and racism from that time can still be seen in society today, so it's important to study the Civil War to understand how it has shaped our present.
- Nowadays, it's crucial to be careful about the information we see, especially on the internet and social media, because there can be a lot of fake or misleading information.
- Learning about history helps us understand how our beliefs and perspectives affect our actions so that we can make better choices.
- How we see things influences many aspects of our lives, like how we see ourselves and others and what happens in the future.
- To create a fair and equal society, we need to be critical and active when looking at information and ensure we're not being deceived.
ASSIGNMENTS
Forum Discussion #13
PragerU is an American non-profit organization that creates videos on various political, economic and philosophical topics from a conservative or right-wing perspective. The videos are posted on YouTube and usually feature a speaker who lectures for about five minutes. Despite having "University" in its name, PragerU is not an academic institution, does not hold classes, and does not grant certifications or diplomas.
Colonel Ty Seidule, Professor of History at the United States Military Academy at West Point, settles the revisionist debate. Do some research and please answer the following questions:
- Forum Discussion #13
- QUIZ #4
Forum Discussion #13
PragerU is an American non-profit organization that creates videos on various political, economic and philosophical topics from a conservative or right-wing perspective. The videos are posted on YouTube and usually feature a speaker who lectures for about five minutes. Despite having "University" in its name, PragerU is not an academic institution, does not hold classes, and does not grant certifications or diplomas.
Colonel Ty Seidule, Professor of History at the United States Military Academy at West Point, settles the revisionist debate. Do some research and please answer the following questions:
What caused the Civil War? Did the North care about abolishing slavery? Did the South secede because of slavery? Or was it about something else entirely?
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
THE RUNDOWN
The American Civil War was fought because of slavery, despite ongoing controversy over 150 years later. Slavery was the primary cause of the Civil War for Northern and Southern states. Southern states seceded from the Union to protect their "peculiar institution" of slavery, as clearly stated in their secession documents. Even the Confederacy's Vice President, Alexander Stephens, explicitly said their new government was founded on slavery. Arguments claiming the war was about states' rights or economic differences do not hold up. States' rights were sought to maintain and spread slavery, and the North and South were agrarian societies then. All classes in the South embraced slavery, as it also provided social benefits to non-slaveholding whites. President Abraham Lincoln initially aimed to preserve the Union but recognized that the country could not endure as half-slave and half-free. As the war progressed, ending slavery became Lincoln's moral objective, leading to the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The American Civil War was a crucial conflict that abolished slavery, freed millions from bondage, and preserved the United States of America.
Hey, welcome to the work cited section! Here's where you'll find all the heavy hitters that inspired the content you've just consumed. Some might think citations are as dull as unbuttered toast, but nothing gets my intellectual juices flowing like a good reference list. Don't get me wrong, just because we've cited a source; doesn't mean we're always going to see eye-to-eye. But that's the beauty of it - it's up to you to chew on the material and come to conclusions. Listen, we've gone to great lengths to ensure these citations are accurate, but let's face it, we're all human. So, give us a holler if you notice any mistakes or suggest more sources. We're always looking to up our game. Ultimately, it's all about pursuing knowledge and truth.
Work Cited:
Work Cited:
- Foner, Eric. Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877. Harper & Row, 1988.
- Levine, Bruce. The Spirit of 1848: German Immigrants, Labor Conflict, and the Coming of the Civil War. University of Illinois Press, 2017.
- McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press, 1988.
- Roediger, David R. The Wages of Whiteness: Race and the Making of the American Working Class. Verso, 2017.
- Wikipedia contributors. "American Civil War." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 9 Apr. 2023. Web. 23 Apr. 2023.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
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