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Start of the Civil War
The Civil War started out in the backyard of the McLean’s house in 1861. Originally, the war started in a way to preserve the Union but in the end, the North was fighting to end slavery. Considering the North had many more people and resources, people thought it would be a quick and easy battle but sadly they were wrong. -
1st Battle of Bull Run
This battle took place in Virginia and was the first OFFICIAL battle of the Civil War. There were people who showed up to the battle field expecting it to be quick with few casualties. The further it progressed, the more dangerous it became for everyone. Even though the Union outnumbered the Confederates, the Confederates won the battle. -
Homestead Act
During the Civil War Abraham signed this act to help encourage people to move westward. It gave 160 acres to people who agree to live on an improve the lad they were settling on. This was a good way to get away from the South as well as the Civil War, a way to start fresh for people from all different backgrounds, and find/experience new job opportunities. -
Lincoln’s 10% Plan
Lincoln’s 10% Plan stated that 10% of the voting population in 1860 in all former Confederate states had to swear their allegiance to the United States of America as well as agree to the emancipation agreement. If the states met that 10%, they would be accepted again back into the Union. Out of all the plans, this was the most laid back one to go with as well as the easiest to fulfill. -
The War Ends
In the McLean’s house, General Lee showed up with his best suit without a single speck of dirt while General Grant showed up with dirt on his suit and face. Despite their differences, General Grant let the South off with very generous terms despite the differences and problems between the Union and Confederates. Once the terms were determined between the Generals, Grant waited to celebrate their win with his men until he was out of sight of the Confederates. -
Lincoln’s Assassination
Not long after the war was over, Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. John snuck into the presidential booth, killed Lincoln, and broke his leg climbing down onto the stage where he yelled, “Sic Semper Tyrannis” meaning thus always I bring death to tyrants. Booth went missing for a small period of time and when he was captured, he asked a guard to raise his hands up for him to which he said, “Useless, useless.” -
Compromise of 1877
During the elections of 1876 Hayes and Tilden faced an electoral votes tie. The House decided to meet with each other and discuss a deal that would be mutually beneficial. Hayes would get the presidency and in return troops fro the Union would be removed from the former Confederate states, one southerner would be on the Cabinet, and a railroad would be rebuilt in the South. -
Brooklyn Bridge Opening
The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John Roebling originally and was one of the longest suspension bridges in the world in the time that it was opened. Previously suspension bridges were often feared and not thought of as safe or reliable until Roebling came into picture. John’s bridge, once finished, because a major symbol of America’s ingenuity. -
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was designed by Frederic A. Bartholdi on behalf of France as a gift. They wanted to celebrate with us the 100 year anniversary of the American Revolution and friendship France and America now shared. The statue’s full name is “The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World”. -
Dawes Act
This Act addressed the fights amounts Natives and American soldiers were having out in the frontier and encouraged Natives to act more like Americans and become more educated. It encouraged children to go to boarding schools and adapt into white culture in way such as changing their clothing style, cutting their hair, talking in a certain way, and more. This act also divided land into plots so some tribes could no longer live in the nomad style following the buffalo. -
Ellis Island Opening
Ellis Island opened January 1st 1890 and was the first immigration center in America. It processed over 12 million immigrants between 1892&1954. People primarily from Europe would immigrate through Ellis Island in hopes of a better future in America. Immigrants would be questioned before and after arriving, deloused, as well as have a mental and physical examination. -
Closure of the Frontier
The closeup of the frontier was marked officially by the Census of 1890. This census stated that there was no longer any available land in the westward area for people to settle on. The land rush of Oklahoma was officially over and America had most of its states at this point. -
Plessy vs Ferguson
This was the “separate but equal” case where Homer Plessy, a man who was 1/8th black, was arrested for sitting in the “whites only” section. He refused to move and as a result was arrested to which he sued for his rights being violated. The case went up to Supreme Court where they ruled segregation as legal as long as facilities were “separate but equal”. -
Sinking of the Maine
The USS Maine, an American Naval boat, sunk at Havana Cuba Harbor killing 240 soldiers. It was sent by President McKinely who wanted to avoid war with Spain but this incident ended up being the very reason Congress declared war. Americans believed Spain bombed it but upon later examinations in 1976 showed that the explosion was likely caused by an explosion on the inside thus, not caused by the Spanish. -
Start of the Spanish-American War
After the explosion of the USS Maine, many Americans quickly assumed it was Spain’s fault. Yellow journalists fueled their suspicions with their exaggerated headlines and dramatized articles to convince the people that war was the only way to go. The war was won by America which as a result put America up as a world power economically as well as with their military.