The document discusses several topics related to 19th century Americas: 1) The quest for wealth brought immigrants to the Americas, increasing diversity. Independence from Europe was a major theme, achieved through war for the US and fears of encroachment for Canada. 2) Latin America gained independence from Spain and Portugal but then experienced political turbulence as new leaders lacked experience in self-governance. 3) The Little Ice Age from 1300s-1850s caused global famine and death through cold temperatures and failed crops. Immigrants brought cultural traditions like beer to America.

1. Assignment 1A Difficult Past- How the Americas Change By Talitha Skarnas, History 141

2. The Americas in the 19th Century The quest for wealth brought immigrants to the Americas. Their presence brought diversity, especially in areas such as restaurants and stores. Much expansion occurred during this time. Sometimes land was taken by force, other times it was paid for. Independence from Europe was a major theme. The United States obtained theirs by war, while Canada’s independence was a result of fears that the United States would encroach on their territory. As more nations gained independence it inspired more colonies to attempt the same.

3. The Americas in the 19th Century cont. Latin America united to defeat settlers, but this unity fell apart once independence was obtained. Latin America had been ruled by the Spanish and Portuguese, who had a more despotic approach to the colonies. As a result newly established leaders did not have experience in self government. Latin America experienced much turbulence. Initially it was the upper class (creoles) who ruled. They were overthrown by regional military leaders (caudillos) who ruled with an iron fist. The Mexican revolution (1911-1920) was not entirely successful, but some good still did come from it in the form of the Constitution of 1917, which provided education, minimum wage, and land, amongst other provisions.

4. The Little Ice Age Came on abruptly in the early 1300s, and lasted until around 1850. Devastated the world by causing famine as well as temperature and famine related deaths. The French Revolution is directly tied to the Little Ice Age- starving peasants flocked to the cities demanding aid. Lack of adaptation contributed to many of the deaths. Farmers didn’t modify crops to the new weather changes, and their crops continued to be destroyed. Vikings were aware of the Inuit’s survival skills, but didn’t copy them most likely because they believed them inferior people group. Even today we see the after effects of the Little Ice Age. For example 93% of Americans drink beer and hard liquor instead of wine. Grape crops being destroyed by the cold during the 14th century Instead they used their cereal crops to make beer and liquor. Mostly in Northern Europe, which is where most immigrants to America came from Immigrants brought their culture, including taste in alcoholic beverages, to America.

5. The Frontiers of the Americas The Louisiana Purchase occurred April 30, 1803 and cost the United States $15 million Louisiana was claimed by the French in 1682. The French did nothing with it, and eventually gave it to Spain as a gift Spain uses it as a buffer zone to protect its silver mines. Goods are shipped down the Mississippi river in order to get them to the ocean. Napoleon swaps a province in France for Louisiana. Only he never makes good on his end of the bargain. The French colony of Saint-Domingue is responsible for 2/3 of France’s foreign trade. Their slaves revolt, starting a bloody, costly war. France is strapped for cash as a result of this war and sells Louisiana to the United States. The United States initially didn’t want the entire territory, just New Orleans.

6. The Frontiers of the Americas cont. 1833 Prince Maximilian zuWied goes to America to study natives He takes with him a Swiss artist, Karl Bodmer Spent most time in Missouri area Preserved Indian culture by journal entries and paintings and sketches. Dances Clothing Hair styles Traditions Their work has allowed Native Americans today to have insight into their own culture.

7. Crossroads of Freedom The Battle of Antietam took place September 17, 1862. Southerners know it as Sharpsburg, the name of the nearby town. More than 12,000 soldiers died, making it the deadliest war on American soil. Despite superior numbers, General McClellan failed to make a move, allowing General Lee’s outnumbered army to fight back. General Lee’s attempt to seize Maryland was thwarted at this time, despite his success at Antietam. With the enemy being driven out of Maryland, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, giving freedom to all slaves.

8. Crossroads of Freedom cont. Newspapers, both Northern and Southern, greatly influenced the war, by effecting the moral of the public as well as the soldiers. The headlines were often inaccurate, and written in a way to try to influence the public’s view on the war. When times were tough, the papers would have headlines like “The silver lining” to boost morale. During the Battle of Shiloh, Confederate General Beauregard thought that his men were going to win the battle, and prematurely wired Richmond with the news of his “victory”. He never corrected this statement, leading both sides to believe for a long time that the South had won this battle. Newspapers provided the public with an outlet to express their feelings about the war.

9. Crossroads of Freedom George Be McClellan was appointed General in Chief on November 1st, 1861, at age 34. He had an impressive record, graduating 2nd in his West Point class, and served in the Mexican War, as well as several small battles in West Virginia. He was a charismatic leader, loved by his soldiers. However, he was so afraid of failure that he never took risks. He cited incorrect estimates of enemy numbers, weather, and lack of supplies for his inaction. In March of 1862 President Lincoln demoted McClellan. After a large loss at the battle of the Seven Days McClellan made blamed the government for the loss, instead of acknowledging his inaction. At one point a Union soldier happened upon special orders that detailed the plans of the south. Armed with this information, McClellan still waited to move until the next day, enough time for Lee to re-arrange his plans. After the terrible loss at the Battle of Antietam McClellan was relieved of duty.

10. Crossroads of Freedom “Contrabands” The Confederates used their slaves in the war. The slaves did the menial tasks, which freed up white men for battle. Since part of the point of the war was the abolition of slavery, the Union did not have slaves to use in the same manner. The Union found a way around this problem, by referring to runaway slaves that escaped to the North as contraband. Congress passed a confiscation act, which allowed for Union soldiers to seize property, which included slaves. The slaves then worked for the Union military, in the same way slaves did for the Confederacy.