How The Americas Change

How the Americas Change: The Long 19th Century

Robert Wesley Bridger JrHistory 141, 71154

The Americas In The 19th Century:Expansion and Blood

• Canada– Close relationship to Great Britain– No civil war even though they had cultural differences– Westward movement, primarily in fear of the possible encroaching of the

United States (Quickly increasing in size)

• United States– Civil War in 1861-1865 primarily due to slavery and states' rights– Westward movement, inspired by Lewis and Clark, raising population and the

gold rush (Quickly increasing in size)

• Central and South America– Governing themselves proved difficult due to lack of experience– After breaking from Spain, constant revolts and civil wars continued to break up

the new nations more and more (Quickly decreased in size)

The Americas In The 19th Century:United States Civil War (1861-1865)

• Turmoil had been boiling for decades between north and south about slavery and states' rights.

• Began with the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States in 1860, when 7 states seceded from the Union.

• The North had 90% of the industry and 2/3 of the railroad, yet it was a hard and bloody fight. In the end the North was victorious and slavery abolished.

The Little Ice Age:How It Affected The United States

• Caused an increase in foreign immigration to the United States, particularly those of the middle and lower classes.

• Pushed many Americans to settle the untamed and newly acquired west, starting the United States’ big westward movement.

Frontiers Of The Americas:The Louisiana Purchase

• In just one day the United States nearly doubled in size with the Louisiana Purchase.

• The United States(Thomas Jefferson) purchased it from France (Napoleon), during a time of possible conflict to secure the port of New Orleans.

• Cost was about 4 cents per acre, or $15 million total.

Frontiers Of The Americas:Knife Dueling And Honor

• During the 19th century, especially in the borderlands of South America, it was common to see violence, and even murder.

• There were often duels, which were most commonly done with a foot long knife known as a facon.

• Honor was held high and was often physically demonstrated by way of violence.

Crossroads Of Freedom:Union Individuals

• Abraham Lincoln– Voted President in 1860, and one year later began the

Civil War.– Intelligent and diverse. Used politics and the morale of

the people to maintain support for the Union’s cause.• General McClellan– Disregarded orders from President Lincoln on

numerous accounts.– Despite a charismatic demeanor, he was a remarkably

inadequate leader.

Crossroads Of Freedom:Confederate Individuals

• Robert E. Lee– Intelligent General that served in the east to guard

Richmond, VA– Pushed his men and gained tactical advantage by

taking risks• Stonewall Jackson– Known for his quick moving infantry nicknamed

“Jackson’s foot cavalry”– Died in 1863 when shot by mistake entering his own

camp

Crossroads Of Freedom:Antietam

• Battle on Union land that repelled the Confederate army on September 17th, 1862

• Union forces led by General McClellan and Confederates by General Lee

• Bloodiest day in American history with over 6,000 dead

• Gave hope, and renewed the faith of the northern citizens to continue the fight

Crossroads Of Freedom:North vs South

North “Union”– Had the advantage of

the Navy, which they used to blockade Confederate ports.

– Also had the advantage the Emancipation Proclamation, keeping European countries out of the war

– Victorious in 1865

South “Confederate”– In first two years slave

manpower helped push along war efforts.

– Better use of Generals and Commanders, which skill playing a primary reason for promotion not politics.