2. Large amounts of diversity developed in the United States as massive amounts of Europeans and Asians migrated to California with hopes of finding gold. These hopes gradually became less realized and the migrants transitioned into business development. The United States also acquired huge amounts of new territories from the French and English through circumstance that could not have been predicted. The Manifest Destiny for U.S. habitation from coast to coast started to become a feasible reality. Acquired the Southwest from Mexico after the Mexican American War. Though expanding and succeeding, divisions were also developing within the United States over issues such as slavery, trade, and sovereignty. 19th century americas
3. South America was a volatile environment full of violence and power struggles. Mexican Revolution from Spain left a power vacuum that led to massive conflict and bloodshed for the next several decades. Public displays of dramatic violence became popular ways to exhibit power and control. Government finally made headway toward stabilization and the Mexican Constitution was redrafted to include civil rights and redistribution of power. Canada accomplished independence and a unity between French Canadians and British Canadians without bloodshed. British allowed the French to retain their civil law and religion. United Canada in order to prevent the United States from invading. Developed a Canadian international railroad in order to truly unite the country. 19th century americas
4. Played a role in dismantling Spain as the dominant world power. Spanish Armada suffered massive losses due to freezing storms as it attempted to retreat around the British Isles. Aided in the westward expansion of the United States. Enduring snow and cold in the northeastern United States caused ¾ of the corn crops to fail. Caused those who may have otherwise stayed home to seek new opportunity in the West. Played a major role in the downfall of Napoleon’s Empire. Exceptional cold caused massive casualties as Napoleon’s troops invaded and retreated from Russia. Directly linked to the impulsive dash for cash that was the Louisiana Purchase. The Little ice age
5. The Louisiana purchase created huge opportunity for exploration and expansion in the United States. Territory had seen repeated change in hands between French and Spanish. Largely regarded as useless land, only served as a buffer for Spanish mines in Mexico. Lewis and Clark’s journey’s returned enticing information for would be frontiersman. The Frontiersman were nearly ready to separate from the Union in order to possess the port of New Orleans. The purchase was largely made possible by the massive success of the slave rebellion in Saint-Dominguez (Haiti). Napoleon had made underhanded plans to occupy the Louisiana Territory and deny access to New Orleans in direct opposition to the wishes of the United States. Due to the failure and loss of French troops in Saint-Dominguez, Napoleon had little to spare for the occupation of New Orleans. Resulted in the establishment of the United States as a world power. The american frontier
6. Native Americans were driven from their homelands as the United States either destroyed of forcefully relocated them. Fiercely resisted in the Western Hemisphere despite inferior armament and numbers. The South American frontier called for a rough existence. Gauchos were accustomed to virtually no comforts and became highly adept in violence. The lack of money and armament often led to extensive knife fights in order to resolve conflicts. Knife fighting skills were honed on the Frontier as knives were utilized to dispatch animals. Constant flux in power and lack of stability led virtually everyone down a path of very rough existence accompanied by constant violence. The american frontier
7. American Civil War Fought over conflicting definitions of freedom. Though slavery was an underlying issue, it was not a main focus of the war effort at first. Began with domination from the Union forces. Pendulum began to swing back and forth between Union and Confederate victories. Bloodiest war in American History. The battle of Antietam alone saw between 6300 and 6500 Americans killed. Four times the death toll of D-Day’s invasion of Normandy. Twice the losses suffered during September 11th, 2001. Crossroads of freedom
8. In order to achieve victory, the South needed only defend what it already possessed while the North needed to conquer and occupy the south while destroying the Confederate Government. General McClellan was placed in charge of the Army of the Potomac. Largest Army in the Union, consisting of over 100,000 men at full strength. McClellan was well received by his soldiers, referred to as the “little Napoleon.” McClellan had an impressive resume of victories. Took very few, if any risks. Largely disagreed with his commanders, including the president, on many political and tactical issues. Viewed by his men as a hero. Crossroads of freedom
9. South sought foreign recognition and aid as a means of ending the war. Initially thought that their only chance of victory would be foreign aide. Generals Burnside, Farragut and Grant as well as Admiral Foote achieved huge victories for the Union at the start of the war. The North was elated with the prospect of a quick war. The South, including its president, were despondent and were losing hope of contending with the Union army. McClellan could have easily taken Manassas and secured a large buffer between Washington and Richmond. Instead decided to move toward Richmond, but seriously overestimated the enemy and simply camped in Virginia while his men, as well as his government, lost momentum and patience. Crossroads of freedom
10. The Battle of Antietam. Took place at a virtual zero-hour for Union defeat. Several major victories by the South had shifted the momentum of the war in Confederate favor. Europeans were on the very cusp of recognizing the Confederate States and calling for mediation. Lincoln himself was not willing to make his Emancipation Proclamation until the North could achieve at least one major victory. Began with a chance interception of battle orders by McClellan’s men. Though McClellan failed to take advantage of this fortune on two occasions, allowing the Confederate army to be at nearly full force in battle. McClellan’s men outnumbered those of Lee by almost two to one, even with Lee’s army at full strength. Due to delays, errors, and tactical miscalculations, Lee was able to maneuver his army across several fronts, achieving near equal firefights within the battle. Despite its massive numerical disadvantage, the Confederate Army put up a great fight. Achieved a massive escape as McClellan cautiously waited for reinforcements. Union victory at Antietam can arguably be credited with the condition of the United States as we know it. Another defeat to an already demoralized Union, could have easily meant the end of the war. European recognition of the Confederate States of America was nearly assured with a victory at Antietam. Lincoln’s war-changing Emancipation Proclamation would have never been issued without the victory. Crossroads of freedom
