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Mexican War 1846-47
The Mexican war was the first war to be fought on foreign land and was fought due to the American expansionist mindset (Manifest Destiny). One of the most iconic battles was the battle at the Alamo, at which the Mexican's won, however, boosted American interest in the war with the battle cry "Remember the Alamo!" The end of the war, signified by the Treaty of Guadalupe, led to internal issues in regards to the massive gain of land and slavery borders. This was solved through the Wilmot Proviso. -
Civil War
With a combination of the Compromise of 1850, KS-NE Act of 1854, and the election of 1860, the South were not very happy with the state of the country. Slavery was an incredibly important part of the south's life and the economy and Southerners felt as though their way of life was being threatened with said acts. This fear led to increased hostility and agitation which eventually led to South Carolina seceding from the Union and creating a chain effect until all of the south had seceded. -
Slavery
During this time, slave revolts and resistance grew to its max height. Events such as the raid on Harpers Ferry, Sumner Brooks incident, and the publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin helped the North encourage the abolition of slavery. These things didn't sit well with the South who pushed for the enactment of the Fugitive Slave Law. -
Economic Stress
The Panic of 1857 was an economic depression for the Northern states; people lost jobs and their homes leading to waves of panic. Not only did it affect the American Economy, but it also affected the economy of countries around the world since they were all connected to each other. The panic eventually led to the Civil War due to the emphasis on the slave south being "essential." -
Civil War Conflicts
Due to the controversy over slavery, the North and South fought a war. The War started with the bombardment of Fort Sumter by SC which was the first defeat for the Union. The first official major battle was the battle of Bull Run, which was also a Confederate victory. However, Antietam and Gettysburg were Union victories leading for the tide of the war to turn. Eventually, the Union won the war, forcing the south to surrender in 1865. -
Civil War Outcomes
The end of the civil war led to the enactment of various amendments and civil rights acts. The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were all passed as a response to slavery and the defeat of the Confederacy. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 and 1875 were also passed. These few bills all granted African Americans new rights and treatment allowing them to live lives of freedom (to an extent). However, these bills wouldn't get rid of all of the racism wedged into the hearts of Americans.
