The Appomattox Court House

On April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered 28,000 troops to Ulysses S. Grant in Wilmer McLean's (a 47 year old farmer and merchant) home in Appomattox Court House located in Appomattox Country, Virginia. This is one of the most important events because it marks the end of the Civil War and the official win of the Union. General Robert E. Lee of the confederacy surrendered to the Union because Lee was planning to meet with additional confederate forces in North Carolina and resume fighting but Grant was able to cut off his final retreat.

Even after the surrender of Robert Lee, 175,000 Confederate soldiers were still I
in the field fighting. They were lead starving and hopeless with no commander to lead them. Only a couple of commanders were left; after news of Lee's surrender, General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered in North Carolina, General Kirby Smith surrendered at New Orleans. The final military action of the Confederacy was the Battle of Palmito Ranch.

JOURNEY THROUGH SLAVERY PART 4

               In 1830, Pierce Butler became the heir of an inheritance in Butler Island. Butler married a woman by the name of Fanny Kemble and she was an abolitionist. His family was rich due to slave labor. It would not be as a surprise because slavery became a billion dollar industry and it was one of the biggest forms of investments. Both the North and South depended on the usage of slaves to cultivate cotton and send it to textiles in the North.

               David Walker was never a slave, however, he became an abolitionist and published An Appeal to the Coloured Citizens of the World. Walker discusses black unity in order to rise up against masters and eliminate racial bondage. On the other hand William Lloyd Garrison published a newspaper called The Liberator. Garrison was one of the few white abolitionists and his paper became the voice of the abolitionist movement. Unlike Walker, Garrison talks about moral persuasion. He believed that through moral persuasion, slave owners would realize how wrong slavery is. Living in the North also caused tensions for free blacks. The African community was not allowed to become a church member or vote.

               Many southerners feared the elimination of slavery because it would eventually lead to a civil war and there would be multitudes of uneducated and uncivilized blacks living freely among whites. As part of the abolitionist movement, women also started to speak out in public and it definitely demonstrated a threat to the social order.

               By 1838, an increasing number of slaves continued to flee to the North and the Fugitive Slave Act continued to be enforced and one hundred lashes was the punishment. However, in the North, there was no physical bondage but there was segregated freedom. Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass became leaders of the abolitionist movement and in Douglass' newspaper, The North Star, he discusses the fight for the emancipation of both women and blacks.

Primary source: An excerpt from The Liberator/ letter to the public


http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h2928t.html

JOURNEY THROUGH SLAVERY PART 3

                    The Age of Enlightenment seemed like a series of encouraging ideas for white men to advance in society but the idea of liberty for slaves did not seem beyond reach. Even though early documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution do not defend the rights of slaves or free blacks, Thomas Jefferson, the creator of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and owner of 130 slaves, believed that slaves would one day rise against their masters. Jefferson also believed that biologically, blacks were like children that needed to be taken care of.

                   Richard Allen was the first to found the African church and one of the few blacks to work to buy his freedom. He founded the church in Philadelphia for the oppressed in what is called the Evangelical revolution. Benjamin Rush was a white man and a doctor that was also a leader of the African church.The African church paved the way for abolitionist movements to make an impact in the North.

                    In 1793, Eli Whitney invented something that would change the course of America and affect slaves themselves. The cotton gin was advanced but it affected slaves.Since the invention of the cotton gin, cotton became the number one cash crop and it called for a higher demand for slaves.

In that same year, ten thousand blacks formed societies and churches in Philadelphia in order to help fugitive slaves. For instance, in 1817, the American Colonization Society focused on the resettlement of free blacks back in Africa

                     Some of the first slave rebellions were led by Nat Turner and Gabriel Prosser in an uprise towards whites. It brought awareness and fear among white men as well as hope for slaves. However, the taunting of blacks continued with the cartoon characters made by Edward Clay to ridicule blacks and in the 1830s a stage character by the name of Jim Crow was also a taunting image of blacks.



Primary Source: Letter from William Lloyd Garrison to the American Colonization Society
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/address-to-the-colonization-society/

Johann George Rapp & Charles Grandison Finney

Johann George Rapp

George Rapp is recognized as a German- American that fled to the U.S to escape from religious persecution. He founded the sect of the Harmonists that formed communes in the United States and promoted Equality.

Document: A book published by Rapp titled Thoughts on the Destiny of Man

A: Johann George Rapp, (1757- 1847)

P: Harmony Society in Indiana 1824/1825

P:  In relation with the Second Great Awakening

A: The Harmonists, philosophers and politicians

R: Stating the importance of obtaining faith and confidence in order to be a proper disciple of God and that individuals need to make good use of the gifts that God gives in other to be devoted to the Christian faith.

T: The Christian religion is the answer when our mind and bodies are acting against morality and to restore the lost dignity of men.

S: Harmony will restore the rights of a society; men will learn to think in a spiritual manner as well as with love in order to become righteous people and as saviors of humanity in the same way as Jesus did.

Charles Grandison Finney

Charles Grandison Finney was a leader in the Second Great Awakening and is recognized as the father of the Modern Revivalism. He fought for a social reform for women, African Americans and religion.

What a Revival of Religion is.

A: Charles Grandison Finney

P: Rochester, New York 1801

P: Finney was one of the most successful revivalists of the Second Great Awakening

A: People that call themselves Christian, sinners

R: Charles Finney wanted to start a revival movement in which people realized their sinful ways and have a new moral focus through the church. It was a process of conversion that involved an emphasis on emotional responses.

T: Every person is sinful and needs to cleanse themselves from sin in order to be able to revive their spirit. Repentance is the only way to start a new beginning.

S: The reformation and salvation of sinners will change these people and the rest of the society; therefore, bringing a government of peace as well as just. Finney argues that if people learn to love God and put God in to their lives, then "the worst part of society [will] be softened and reclaimed."

 

Cochise, Chiricahua Apache Leader/ Stephen W Kearny

               Chief Cochise, recognized as one of the greatest leaders of the Apache Indians. hated the intrusions of Mexicans and Americans during the mid 19th century.The lands of the Apache Indians extended from Southern Arizona to Northern Mexico. Cochise led many raids against both groups north and south of the border. In one incident, a band of Apache Indians raided the ranch of John Ward and kidnapped his son. John Ward believed that Cochise was the head of the kidnapping and attacks; therefore, he demanded for Cochise to be captured under the command of George Bascom. The Apaches were tricked by Basacom to have a night of entertainment and they were imprisoned. Cochise had managed to escape and set up a new band of raids on American settlers. In 1872, the U.S demanded peace and offered a reservation in southern Arizona. Cochise died two years later due to stomach cancer and his body remains in a rocky crevice known as Cochise's Stronghold.

Colonel Stephen W. Kearny was born in 1794 and served during the War of 1812. He was the commander of the army in the west during the Mexican American War.

War broke out between the United States and Mexico and he was ordered to recruit an army and head down the Santa Fe Trail in order to seize New Mexico. Despite the protest of Texas officials, Kearny established a territorial government in province. He led the army to Rio Grande and then to California. Kearny arrived in Los Angeles after a revolt broke out against U.S control. He was wounded at the Mexican victory of San Pascual but he managed to restore U.S control. Stephen W. Kearny can best be seen as the conqueror of California even though John C. Freemont and Robert F. Stockton had been there before and claimed the land.

The Chesapeake Leopard Incident!

              The Chesapeake did make the right choice in refusing to surrender the men on their ship. Even though the ship suffered an attack, the captain of the Chesapeake was wise to defend the integrity of the sailors because they were seeking freedom and relief from the difficulties of the Leopard. I do believe it would have been different if the ships were farther away from sea and not under the influence of the British. The British did not want to let the Chesapeake do as they please because it would be a defiance of of their power and it would let other ships know that the British are not strong enough to defend their seas. Closer to shore, would have gotten either the Americans or the British involved in order to defend their nation and it would have resulted in a greater attack or even a war.

              This incident should not lead America to go to war; there is no cause to defend like the War for Independence. However, it is necessary to once again prove to Britain that America is no longer under its control. In the case that the military was more prepared, more economically stable, and that the British were kidnapping soldiers on a daily basis, then America has a good reason to set an attack against the British. With the essential resources to win a war and the injustices by the British, it would not be a bad idea to wage in war. The British want to keep exercising their power over the Americas even after gaining their independence. It would not make the difference for the British to have forts on the Mississippi River. The British do not have a right to demand for the sailors that left to the American navy because it was their own free will and the British could not hold those men by force. The Americas should not have been held responsible for the fugitives because the captain was only giving them shelter and a safe haven. It is not worth a war unless there was a constant harassment by the British ships. The just thing to do would be for the British and the Americas to make a Treaty or contract that would set the rules straight at sea once and for all.

Thomas Jefferson- Law Changes to American Government and Impact on the World

Thomas Jefferson- Laws Changes to American Government and Impact on the World

Thomas Jefferson changed many of the policies and customs that were often seen in government during George Washington and John Adams’ presidency. For instance, Thomas Jefferson changed the Federalist “etiquette” atmosphere that was initially brought up by George Washington. Jefferson established the rule of pel-mel, meaning that there was seating without rank. Jefferson pardoned martyrs that were serving their sentences due to the Alien and Sedition Acts, unjustly imposed during Adams’ term and unappreciated by the states. Jefferson established the Naturalization law of 1802; directing the clerk of the court to record the number of aliens and their biography. Aliens were permitted in the states and were given many of the same rights as natural born citizens. All immigrants had to declare and ask for permission to be granted citizenship.

Thomas Jefferson got rid of the excise tax on whiskey that had started the Whiskey Rebellion. This was used as a way to increase central government power as said by Alexander Hamilton. Farmers who used left over corn and grain in form of whiskey had to pay a tax. Jefferson reduced the military establishment and had more police enforcement. This showed that the states had an indirect peace treaty; however Jefferson ordered that two hundred tiny gunboats were constructed. Jefferson made a significant impact through the Louisiana Purchase. As Americans were moving westward into Ohio River and the Missisippi but the Spanish were going to give back the lands to France. The U.S was scared that France, under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte, he would take away those resources from the U.S. Livingston and James Monroe were asked to negotiated with French minister Charles Maurice de Talleyrand for the purchase of New Orleans. It was sold for ten million dollars. Treaty dated on April 30^th and the bargain price was for less than 3 cents and acre. In 1804 territorial government was established.

The purchase of the Louisiana Purchase contributed to the discovery of an overland trail to the Pacific. During Jefferson’s presidency, the navy was weak. He also settled the Embargo Act of 1807 that forbade export of all goods from the U.S. This deeply hurt the commerce of New England because there were mounting piles of tobacco, corn and grain. On the contrary, the Embargo Act did not hurt Europe’s economy due to other ports in Latin America that were willing to export with Europe. Jefferson’s ideal view of an agricultural society came crashing down when New York decided to reopen its factories due to the Embargo Act.

John Galloway: Traitor and Philospher

              Joseph Galloway, an American politician and Loyalist, was born on 1731 in West River, Maryland. Galloway is most popular for becoming a loyalist during the Revolutionary War and a delegate of Pennsylvania in the First Continental Congress.He was also reputable for winning cases before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. John Galloway proposed a Plan of Union to the Congress arguing the reconcile of the colonies and Britain and that there should be a presidential general to be appointed by the king and a colonial legislature to have rights and duties similar to the House of Commons. The colonies that were in favor for the proposition were New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
               On October 22nd, 1774, the Plan of Union was rejected by Congress. Upset by this matter, Galloway left Pennsylvania and joined General Sir William Howe's army and accompanied him on his seize of Philadelphia. Galloway earned the title of administrator. Galloway organized many of the Loyalists of the city. In 1778, the British pulled out of Philadelphia and Galloway fled to Watford, England after the French joined the war. John Galloway fled with his daughter and that same year he was convicted of treason and was confiscated of his estates. On August 10, 1803 he passed away in England.
               
             

Francis Bacon

Rene Descartes

The Constitution and Declaration of Independence
 

Time of Illumination: The Enlightenment

               Superstitious and ignorant ideas hindered Europeans and early American colonists to "think outside the box." During the mid 1600s and 1700s the human ability to reason finally broke through in what is known as the Enlightenment, Age of Reason or Time of Illumination. In this important period in the history of western civilization, scholars, writers and scientists used rational thought to replace the irrational ideas of humanity. The Enlightenment led to improvements in math and science and the belief in basic human rights and a democracy. The founding fathers of the Enlightenment were Francis Bacon and Rene Descartes. Bright individuals as they were, published books that inspired scientists such as Isaac Newton and Robert Hook.
               Francis Bacon and Rene Descartes strongly believed that science was essential to get rid of ignorance. Francis Bacon promoted experimentation and conclusions based on experimentations. Descartes reasoned that math and reasoning was all that was needed for science. During the Age of Reason, the scientific method was developed as well as major discoveries in chemistry, physics, biology and electricity. From Bacon and Descartes, Isaac Newton was able to derive ideas of calculus, laws of gravity and laws of motion. In addition, Anton van Leuwenhook and Robert Hook developed experiments in biology and microscopic organisms.
               As well as science, the Enlightenment focused on ideas of the mind and political subjects. One of the great philosophers of the time was John Locke (1632-1704). Locke believed the people should choose who governs and that some of the basic rights of humans were life, liberty, ownership of property, freedom of press, religious tolerance and education reform. These ideas shaped revolutions in both America and France and led to the creation of two important documents: the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Other great thinkers include the French philosopher Voltaire that emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and Montesquieu believed in the separation of powers and that has influenced America's form of government as the separation of legislative, executive and judicial branches.

Virginia --> The Virginia Company

               The Virginia Company was founded by English stock companies and it was a combination of the Plymouth and London companies. The Virginia company was chartered by King James I on April 10, 1606. Even though, the royal crown of England owned the Virginia Company, the settlers in New World were able to govern themselves. In order to finance the voyages to settle in the New World, the English encouraged individuals to purchase shares of stocks in the New World. This would help in the expenses of overseas settlement. Money would also contribute to the purchase of ships and supplies as well as to recruit laborers.
              
               Merchants hoped that new industries would be developed and King James I wanted Protestant Catholicism to be the established religion in the colonies. There were also hopes that the New World would become a trade market for English goods and the finding of the Northwest Passage. However, the Virginia Company encountered an early problem: not every person wanted to buy stock in the Americas. The only way for the English to make money was from running lotteries.

               The London Company settled Jamestown by John Smith and Sir Thomas Gates was the governor of the Virginia Colony. It was established on May 14,1607. John Smith made alliances with the Powhattan tribe until both waged in war. On the other hand, the Plymouth Company established their settlements in Chesapeake Bay. Before the Pilgrim settlement in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Plymouth Company established the Potham Colony in what is now present day Maine. The Pilgrims arrived one year later and formed Plymouth Colony in which they engaged with the Patuxet, Wampanoag, Mohagan and Nipmuck tribes.

Magnet APUSH Post #1

Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

              Francisco Vasquez de Coronado is lauded with the discovery of the Grand Canyon as well as credited with the exploration of the American Southwest. His story begins in 1510 in Salamanca, Spain born to a prosperous and wealthy family. However, seeing that he was the youngest and would not inherit the family estate Coronado decided to go to New Spain. There, Francisco Vasquez earned a position in the colonial government and soon enough met his wife, Dona Beatriz who was the daughter of the colonial treasurer.

              Through the explorer Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, Vasquez found out about the Seven Gold Cities of Cibola. European explorers believed that due to the immense wealth discovered in the Aztec and Inca empires, the same amount of treasures would be found in the Americas. In 1539, he decided to go out and find Cibola. Coronado set out with 300 soldiers and 1,000 Indians. He ended up encountering Indians in New Mexico. He destructed the tribe of the Zunis that offered no type of wealth or luxuries and also encountered other tribes such as the Hopi. Continuing on his exploration, one of Coronado’s men, Garcia Lopez de Cardenas spotted the Grand Canyon located in Arizona. Coronado continued on his search to Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

                                    

               He returned to Spain in 1542 and became the governor of Nueva Galicia. The inability to find wealth in the explored lands broke off the friendship between Coronado and Antonio de Mendoza. Coronado was removed from his position as governor due to his cruel treatment towards the natives. He later lived in Mexico City where he ended up passing away on September 22^nd in 1554. After Coronado's attempt to find the Seven Golden Cities of Cibola, many Spanish explorers branded him a failure. He is one of the first Europeans to explore the American west.