USA HISTORY RECAP

26/02/2024
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Frida Sofia
Juliana González
Daniel
Massimo
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End of the Civil War (1865)

The Civil War was the deadliest conflict ever fought on American soil with approximately
620,000 fatalities. The fighting, which began in 1861, eventually ended with the original
states that seceded re-joining the Union.
The outcome of the Civil War resulted in a strengthening of U.S. foreign power. The
definitive Union defeat of the Confederacy firmly demonstrated the strength of the United
States Government and restored its legitimacy to handle the sectional tensions that had
complicated U.S. external relations in the years before the Civil War.

Murder of Abraham Lincon (1865)

With the death of Abraham Lincoln, the presidency passed to his vice president, Andrew
Johnson, who, like Lincoln, believed that the process of restructuring the South was in the
hands of the Presidency. When white Southerners displayed attitudes and policies
reminiscent of those in place before the start of the war, radicals in Congress took the reins
of the reconstruction of the South and created a series of Reconstruction Acts designed to
punish and rebuild the South.
The last of the Southern states complied with the dictates of Congress' Reconstruction Acts,
including acceptance of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, and were
returned to the union in 1870.
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln had significant consequences for the United States,
including the ascension of Andrew Johnson to the presidency, shifts in Reconstruction
policies, implications for civil rights, a nationwide manhunt for the conspirators, and
Lincoln's enduring legacy as a symbol of freedom and democracy.

Thirteenth Amendment (1865)

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "Neither slavery nor
involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been
duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their
jurisdiction."
With the adoption of the 13th Amendment, the United States found a final constitutional
solution to the issue of slavery.
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Start of the Ku Klux Klan (1865)

The Ku Klux Klan is an American secret society, created in 1865 in Tennessee that sought to
defend white supremacy since they believed that blacks threatened it with their sexual
appetites, their presence in local militias and their participation in political life. The racial
violence of this time had a clear political component and, in fact, increased in electoral
campaigns. In the state of Louisiana alone, 1,081 deaths and hundreds of injuries were
recorded during the 1868 campaign, although not all victims were African-American nor
could they be attributed to the Klan. Crime also affected white members and sympathizers
of the Republican Party. Its legacy of racial resentment is still very much alive in American
society.

Monroe Doctrine (1869)

The Monroe Doctrine experienced a significant reaffirmation during the presidency of
Ulysses S. Grant. In this year, the United States extended diplomatic recognition to the
newly formed Republic of Cuba, further solidifying its commitment to the principles of the
doctrine. This move underscored America's resolve to oppose European intervention in the
Western Hemisphere while asserting its influence over regional affairs. The recognition of
Cuba showcased the enduring relevance and application of the Monroe Doctrine in shaping
US foreign policy well beyond its initial proclamation.

Second Administration of Ulysses S. Grant (1869 - 1877)

Grant was a leading general during the Civil War and his leadership proved crucial to the
Union's victory over the Confederate states. However, his presidency was plagued with
problems, including government and economic corruption.
Grant strongly supported efforts to rebuild the southern states and ensure equal rights for
newly freed African Americans. Grant passed the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which prohibited
racial discrimination in public accommodations. Grant's administration also faced
economic challenges, including an economic depression known as the Panic of 1873, which
resulted in a prolonged economic recession and rising unemployment nationwide.
During his campaign for re-election in 1872, Grant was attacked by Liberal Republican
reformers. He called them “narrow-headed men,” their eyes so close together that “they
can look out of the same gimlet hole without winking.” The General’s friends in the
Republican Party came to be known proudly as “the Old Guard.”

Manifest Destiny (1872)

Manifest Destiny, a prevailing ideology in post-Civil War America, continued to shape the
nation's expansionist policies. In this year, the US government enacted the General Mining
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Act, facilitating the settlement of the western frontier by promoting mining and resource
extraction. This legislative action exemplified the ongoing commitment to Manifest
Destiny's principles of westward expansion and the exploitation of natural resources. The
General Mining Act encouraged migration to the western territories, furthering the
territorial ambitions of the United States and cementing Manifest Destiny's role in shaping
the nation's trajectory in the aftermath of the Civil War.

Compromise of 1877 and End of Reconstruction (1877)

The Compromise of 1877 marked a pivotal moment in American history, signaling the end
of Reconstruction following the Civil War. This compromise, forged to resolve the disputed
presidential election of 1876, resulted in the withdrawal of federal troops from the South,
effectively ending Reconstruction efforts. With the removal of federal oversight, Southern
states regained control over their governments, leading to the imposition of Jim Crow laws
and the disenfranchisement of African Americans. The Compromise of 1877 ushered in a
new era of racial segregation and discrimination, halting the progress made during
Reconstruction and shaping the trajectory of race relations in the United States for decades
to come.

Completion of the Northern Pacific Railway (1883)

The completion of the Northern Pacific Railway in this year marked a significant milestone
in American expansionism and westward expansion. This transcontinental railroad,
stretching from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest, facilitated the movement of
people, goods, and ideas across the continent, furthering Manifest Destiny's vision of
American territorial expansion. The railway opened up vast areas of the American West to
settlement and development, fueling economic growth and transforming the region's
landscape. The completion of the Northern Pacific Railway exemplified the ambitious spirit
of Manifest Destiny, as the United States sought to extend its influence and control over
the vast expanse of the North American continent.

Haymarket Affair (1886)

The Haymarket Affair, a pivotal event in American labor history, highlighted the tensions
between labor movements and industrial interests during the late 19th century. Occurring
in Chicago's Haymarket Square, a peaceful labor protest turned violent when a bomb was
thrown, resulting in casualties among both police officers and civilians. The aftermath saw
the scapegoating and wrongful conviction of several labor activists, sparking outrage and
further polarize public opinion. The Haymarket Affair galvanized the labor movement,
leading to increased calls for workers' rights, fair treatment, and improved working
conditions. It also fueled fears of radicalism and government repression, shaping the
trajectory of labor relations in the United States for years to come.
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Unveiling of the Statue of Liberty (1886)

The unveiling of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor marked a symbolic celebration of
freedom and democracy, embodying the ideals of liberty and opportunity that the United
States represented to immigrants from around the world. A gift from France to
commemorate the centennial of American independence, the Statue of Liberty served as a
beacon of hope and inspiration to millions of immigrants arriving on America's shores.
Standing as a towering symbol of welcome and inclusion, the statue welcomed newcomers
to the land of opportunity, reinforcing the notion of America as a land of immigrants and a
bastion of freedom. The unveiling of the Statue of Liberty represented a defining moment
in American history, encapsulating the nation's commitment to liberty, democracy, and the
pursuit of the American Dream.

Dawes Act of 1887

The Dawes Act, also known as the General Allotment Act, was a landmark piece of
legislation aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American society. This
act authorized the federal government to divide tribal lands into individual allotments,
which were then distributed to Native American households. The goal was to encourage
private land ownership and farming among Native Americans, with the ultimate aim of
promoting assimilation and cultural integration. However, the Dawes Act had devastating
consequences for Native American communities, leading to the loss of millions of acres of
tribal land and the erosion of traditional ways of life. It facilitated the dispossession of
indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands and contributed to widespread poverty and
social upheaval. The Dawes Act reflected the prevailing attitudes of the time towards Native
Americans and underscored the government's efforts to forcibly assimilate indigenous
peoples into mainstream American society.

Spanish-American War (1898)

The Spanish-American War was primarily fought over Cuba's independence from Spain.
The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 fueled public outrage and led to
U.S. intervention. The war lasted only a few months and resulted in a decisive American
victory. The Treaty of Paris of 1898 granted the United States control over several
territories, positioning it as a colonial power and marking the beginning of its overseas
empire.

Assassination of President William McKinley (1901)

McKinley's assassination in 1901 by anarchist Leon Czolgosz shocked the nation. His death
elevated Vice President Theodore Roosevelt to the presidency. Roosevelt's tenure was
characterized by progressive reforms, including trust-busting, conservation efforts, and
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consumer protection initiatives through legislation such as the Pure Food and Drug Act and
the Meat Inspection Act.

Theodore Roosevelt's presidency (1904)

Manifest Destiny persisted as a guiding principle during Theodore Roosevelt's presidency,
shaping American foreign policy and expansionist ambitions. In this year, Roosevelt
introduced the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, asserting the United States'
right to intervene in Latin American affairs to maintain stability and protect its interests.
This expansion of the Monroe Doctrine exemplified Roosevelt's commitment to Manifest
Destiny's ideals of American hegemony and territorial influence in the Western
Hemisphere. The Roosevelt Corollary reflected a continuation of the belief that the United
States was destined to exert its power and influence across the continent, further
solidifying Manifest Destiny's legacy into the 20th century.

The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904

The Great Baltimore Fire was a catastrophic disaster that began around 10:48 a.m. at the John E.
Hurst & Company, a hat factory located on German Street (now Redwood) and Calvert Street in
downtown Baltimore, Maryland. Due to strong winds and the lack of adequate firefighting
systems at that time, the fire spread rapidly throughout the city, destroying numerous structures.
Despite the efforts of Baltimore firefighters and firefighting brigades sent from other cities, the
fire could not be contained until the following day. In total, the fire caused estimated damages of
over $100 million (equivalent to billions in today's dollars) and left over 35,000 people
homeless. The city's reconstruction took years and led to the implementation of strict building
codes to prevent similar disasters in the future.

The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair

1. Cultural and Technological: The fair showcased numerous technological
innovations of the time, including advancements in electrification, transportation, and
communications. It also served as a platform to exhibit art, architecture, and cultures from
around the world, promoting cultural exchange and international understanding.
2. Urban Development: The fair spurred urban development in St. Louis, Missouri,
including the construction of new buildings and attractions to host the event. This helped
transform the city’s image and attracted investments and tourism.
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3. Economic: The fair generated significant economic activity in St. Louis and its
surrounding areas, including tourism revenue, ticket sales, sales of exhibited products, and
business opportunities.
4. Tourism Promotion: The fair attracted millions of visitors from across the United
States and the world, helping to promote the city of St. Louis as a tourist destination and raise its
profile nationally and internationally.
In summary, the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair had a significant impact across various aspects, from
urban and economic development to cultural promotion and tourism.

The San Francisco earthquake

Occurred on April 18, 1906, and was one of the most devastating natural disasters in
United States history. The earthquake, estimated to have a magnitude of 7.9 on the Richter
scale, caused widespread destruction in San Francisco and its surrounding areas. The
quake itself resulted in significant damage to buildings and structures, but what truly
caused devastation was the subsequent fire that broke out after the earthquake.
The earthquake triggered a series of fires throughout the city due to ruptured gas and
water mains, as well as electrical short circuits. The fires spread rapidly due to strong winds
and the inability of firefighters to contain them. For three days, the fires engulfed
approximately 4.7 square miles (12 square kilometers) of the city, destroying over 28,000
buildings and leaving some 250,000 people homeless.
The earthquake and resulting fire claimed the lives of approximately 3,000 people and left
tens of thousands more injured. The city of San Francisco faced a long and arduous task of
reconstruction after the disaster, but eventually recovered and rebuilt with stricter building
standards to mitigate future seismic risks.

The Financial Crisis of 1907

Also known as the Panic of 1907, was a banking and financial crisis that affected the United
States in October 1907. Some of the key events of this crisis were:
1. Bankruptcy of the Knickerbocker Trust Company: On October 21, 1907, the
Knickerbocker Trust Company, one of the largest banks in New York at the time, failed to
meet the withdrawal demands of its depositors and declared bankruptcy. This triggered a
wave of panic and deposit withdrawals at other banks.
2. Financial Panic: The bankruptcy of the Knickerbocker Trust Company led to widespread
financial panic, with massive withdrawals of deposits from other banks and a sharp decline
in stock prices on the New York Stock Exchange.
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3. J.P. Morgan's Intervention: Financier J.P. Morgan played a crucial role during the crisis,
organizing the formation of a group of bankers to inject funds into the financial system and
stabilize the markets. Morgan used his own fortune and reputation to restore confidence in
the banking system.
4. Economic Impact:The 1907 financial crisis had a significant impact on the U.S. economy,
leading to a credit contraction, a decline in industrial production, and an increase in
unemployment.
5. Legislation: The crisis led to increased scrutiny of banking and financial practices and
served as a catalyst for the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913, aimed at providing
stability to the financial system and preventing similar crises in the future.
In summary, the Financial Crisis of 1907 was a major event that led to a series of reforms
and the creation of institutions aimed at strengthening the U.S. financial system.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Was founded on February 12, 1909, in New York. It resulted from a meeting organized by a
diverse group of civil rights activists, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells, Mary White Ovington,
and others. The NAACP was created to advocate for the civil rights of African Americans and to
combat racial discrimination in the United States. Its mission included fighting racial violence,
promoting civil rights equality, and eliminating Jim Crow laws. The organization played a
significant role in many civil rights struggles throughout the 20th century and continues to be an
influential voice in advocating for racial justice today.

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