The US_History #FPSc_PPSC_CSS_PMS

#History_of_USA
Questions on Progressive Movement
PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT
 Discuss the progress of the Progressive Movement in the United
States between 1900 to 1916. (CSS 2001)
 Note: Progressive Movement. (CSS 2004)
Progressivism (1890-1920)
Introduction
By the beginning of the twentieth century, muckraking journalists were calling attention
to the exploitation of child labor, corruption in city governments, the horror of lynching,
and the ruthless business practices employed by businessmen like John D. Rockefeller.
At the local level, many Progressives sought to suppress red-light districts, expand high
schools, construct playgrounds, and replace corrupt urban political machines with more
efficient system of municipal government. At the state level, Progressives enacted
minimum wage laws for women workers, instituted industrial accident insurance,
restricted child labor, and improved factory regulation
At the national level, Congress passed laws establishing federal regulation of the meat￾packing, drug, and railroad industries, and strengthened anti-trust laws. It also lowered
the tariff, established federal control over the banking system, and enacted legislation to
improve working condition. Four constitutional amendments were adopted during the
Progressive era, which authorized an income tax, provided for the direct election of
senators, extended the vote to women, and prohibited the manufacture and sale of
alcoholic beverages.
Efforts to improve society were not new to the United States in the late 1800s. A major
push for change, the First Reform Era, occurred in the years before the Civil War and
included efforts of social activists to reform working conditions and humanize the
treatment of mentally ill people and prisoners. The second reform era began during
Reconstruction and lasted until the American entry into World War I. The struggle for
women's rights and the temperance movement were the initial issues addressed. A farm
movement also emerged to compensate for the declining importance of rural areas in an
increasingly urbanized America.
Who were Progressives?
Chiefly the Middle class residents of US cities were the active member of this revolution.
It was a movement by the urban middle class apart from doctors, lawyers, ministers and
storekeepers there now were thousands of white collar office workers and middle class
managers employed in banks, firms and other businesses. They were disturbed about
what might happen to American democracy.
Progressives Presidents
Theodore Roosevelt (1901 – 1909)
Howard Taft (1909 – 1913)
Woodrow Wilson (1913 – 1917).
Motives and Demands of Progressives
 Increasing gap between the rich and poor
 Violent conflict between labor and capital
 Dominance of corrupt politicians
 Racism
 Women suffrage
 Greater Democracy
 Monopoly
Role of the Muckrakers
The need for reform was highlighted by a group of journalists and writers known as the
muckrakers, who made Americans aware of the serious failings in society and built
public support for change. Exposés such as
 Lincoln Steffens ‗The Shame of the Cities (1904), an attack on municipal
corruption
 Ida Tarbell's History of the Standard Oil Company (1904), which chronicled
ruthless business, practices.
The muckrakers' impact could be powerful, as in the case of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle
(1906), a book whose vivid descriptions of working and sanitary conditions in Chicago's
meatpacking plants led directly to federal laws regulating the industry.
A. Political Reforms
 Tried to put more power into the hands of the people
 Innovative changes in city government
 Direct Election of Senators
 the Vote for Women
B. Social Reforms
 Child labor laws
 Ten-hour work days
 Minimum safety standards on the job
 Immigration Restriction
 Little Help for Blacks NAACP (1909)
Progressive Amendments to the Constitution
16th Amendment (1913)—federal income tax
17th Amendment (1913)—direct election of senators
18th Amendment (1919)—prohibition of Alcohol
19th Amendment (1920)—vote for women
Success of Progressives
Successes were many, beginning with the Interstate Commerce Act (1887) and the
Sherman Antitrust Act (1890). Progressives never spoke with one mind and differed
sharply over the most effective means to deal with the ills generated by the trusts; some
favored an activist approach to trust-busting, others preferred a regulatory approach.
Vocal minority supported socialism with government ownership of the means of
production. Other progressive reforms followed in the form of a conservation movement,
railroad legislation, and food and drug laws. The progressive spirit also was evident in
new amendments added to the Constitution (text), which provided for a new means to
elect senators, protect society through prohibition and extend suffrage to women.
Urban problems were addressed by professional social workers who operated settlement
houses as a means to protect and improve the prospects of the poor. However, efforts to
place limitations on child labor were routinely thwarted by the courts. The needs of
African Americans and Native Americans were poorly served or served not at all — a
major shortcoming of the progressive movement.
Progressive reforms were carried out not only on the national level, but in states and
municipalities. Such reforms as the direct primary, secret ballot, and the initiative,
referendum, and recall were effected. Local governments were strengthened by the
widespread use of trained professionals, particularly with the city manager system
replacing the frequently corrupt mayoral system.
Impacts of Progressive Movement
 The Exploitation was labor was checked and working hours were decided
 Natural resources were protected
 Brought a change in attitude of the politicians given them a sense of
responsibility.
 Fair distribution of powers among state and federation.
 Local governments were strengthened
Acts Passed During Progressive Era
1. Pure Food And Drug Act (inspection of meat)
2. Hep Burn Act (Uniform System of Railroads)
3. Antiquates Act (placed certain lands under federal control)
4. Clayton Anti Trust Act (Removed deficiencies in Sherman Anti Trust Act)
5. Federal Reserve Act (Federal Bank joined Federal Reserved System)
6. New York State Tenement House Act (Ban on Construction of dark and airless
buildings)
7. Folleters Sea man‟s Act (improved condition of labors on sea ships)
8. Worker men Compensation Act (for benefit of Federal civil servants)
9. Federal Aid Road Act (Construction of road from federal funds money)
10. Federal Form Loan Act (Provided loans to farmers)#History_of_USA
Questions on war of independence
WAR OF INDEPENDENCE
 ―The American War of Independence was a revolt against
Mercantilism.‖ Discuss. (CSS 2006)
 Describe the reasons that lead to the war of Independence. What part
did the dislike of mercantilism play in this war? (CSS 2008)
 The American Revolution was the child of Enlightenment. Comment.
(CSS 2003)
 Some American historians insist that the American Revolution was a
social upheaval as well as a political revolt. Discuss the social and
economic results of the Revolutionary years. (CSS 2005)
 The American first war with the Britain made them independent; the
second made them a formidable power. Discuss. (CSS 2012).
Road to Independence
Britain‘s 13 North American colonies matured during the 1700s. They grew in
population, economic strength, and cultural attainment. They were experienced in self￾government. Yet it was not until 170 years after the founding of the first permanent
settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, that the new United States of America emerged as a
nation.
Role of Spain and France
Decisive help came in 1778, when France recognized the United States and signed a
bilateral defense treaty. French government decided to support Americans in the war
against British.
Spain officially entered was in 1779 and supported Americans
Role of Blacks
The blacks were the slaves of British master and they were also the once who were
suffering from the hands of British. George Washington asked for their help in war and
promised them to be freed after the victory. Approximately 5000 black supported
America in the war.
Mercantilism
Mercantilism is economic
nationalism for the purpose
of building a wealthy and
powerful state. Adam smith
coined the term "Mercantile
system" to describe the
system of political economy
that enriched the country by
restraining imports and
encouraging exports. The
goal was to achieve a "favorable" balance of trade that would bring gold and silver into
the country, and maintain domestic employment.
This was a famous economic theory which was used by British to exploit its colonies.
According to this theory ―the colonies only existed for the benefit of their mother
countries.‖ Mercantilism was a cause of frequent Europeans wars during 16th to 18th
century and some schools of thought even suggest that mercantilism was one of the
supreme causes which led the colonies to fight for their independence. Few important
acts passed in mercantilism are as follow
1) Navigation Act of 1651
This act stated that all the goods that were carried to England will now only be carried in
British owned ships.
2) Enumerated Act of 1660
This act imposed ban on the colonies export. Now the commodities such as sugar, cotton,
tobacco and dyes were only to be exported to either England or its colonies only
3) Staple Act of 1663
These act provided that all the European exports to American colonies must be brought to
English port and be reshipped after the payment of duty.
4) Duty Act of 1673
This act aim at the enforcement of all earlier acts through the services of custom
collectors
5) Enforcement Act of 1696
This act provided strict measures for checking smuggling and all the colonial ship were
now necessarily to be registered in England.
6) Molasses Act 1733
This Act imposed ban on the import of French West Indian molasses into the English
colonies.
7) The Sugar Act of 1764
The Sugar Act of 1764 placed taxes on luxury goods, including coffee, silk, and wine,
and made import of rum illegal.
8) The Currency Act of 1764
The Currency Act of 1764 prohibited the printing of paper money in the colonies.
9) The Quartering Act of 1765
The Quartering Act of 1765 forced colonists to provide food and housing for royal
troops.
10) The Stamp Act of 1765
The Stamp Act of 1765 required the purchase of royal stamps for all legal documents,
newspapers, licenses, and leases. Colonists objected to all these measures, but the Stamp
Act sparked the greatest organized resistance.
Other Causes of War of Independence
1. Letters of Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams of Massachusetts was the most effective and influential person. He wrote
newspaper articles, made speeches and wrote letters to the politicians and influential
persons appealing to the colonists‘ democratic instincts. He helped organize committees
throughout the colonies that became the basis of a revolutionary movement
2. French Indian War
War between Britain and France in 1754-1763 was fought partly in North America.
Britain was victorious and soon initiated policies designed to control and fund its vast
empire. These measures imposed greater restraints on the American colonists‘ way of
life.
3. Royal Proclamation of 1763
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 restricted the opening of new lands for settlement. This
also prohibited the westward expansion of colonies toward Appalachian Mountains.
4. The Coercive Act/ Intolerable Act
Certain acts were passed, banning the manufacturing of goods in colonies;
 The Hat Act
 Iron Act
 Woolen Act
5. Self-Government
Self-government produced local political leaders, and these were the men who worked
together to defeat what they considered to be oppressive acts of Parliament. After they
succeeded, their coordinated campaign against Britain ended. Their goal was not
accommodation, but independence.
6. Great Awakening
This religious movement was started by Jonathan Edward in 1730 to 1740 which laid
stress on unity of the 13 colonies. This truly was the 1st event in American history which
made them realized that they can be united.
7. Boston Tea Party
British government impose ban on production of tea in the 13 colonies and impose the 3rd
tax on tea and forced the colonies to buy 17 million pounds of unsold tea of British East
India Company to overcome the losses.
8. British Action on Massachusetts
In December, a group of men sneaked into to three British ships in Boston harbor and
dumped their cargo of tea overboard. To punish Massachusetts for the vandalism, the
British Parliament closed the port of Boston and restricted local authority.
9. 1
st Continental Conference
British action on Massachusetts was strictly condemned by other colonies. All the
colonies except Georgia sent representatives to Philadelphia in September 1774 to
discuss their ―present unhappy state and draw their future policy against the atrocities of
the British imperial power.‖
10. 2
nd Continental Conference
. The Congress met on May 10, 1776, in the State House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It
is now called Independence Hall. The Second Continental Congress decided many
important things.
 Completely break away from Great Britain.
 Officially put the colonies in a state of defense.
 Form an army called the American Continental Army.
 Congress officially appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief of the
army.
 Decided to print paper money.
The Second Continental Congress was one of the most important government meetings in
the history of the United States of America. It decided some of the most important ideas
that the colonists fought for in the Revolutionary War, because, at that meeting, members
of the Second Continental Congress wrote and signed The Declaration of Independence.
11. Declaration of Independence
The Second Continental Congress appointed a committee, headed by Thomas Jefferson
of Virginia, to prepare a document outlining the colonies‘ grievances against the king and
explaining their decision to break away. This Declaration of Independence was adopted
on July 4, 1776. The 4th of July has since been celebrated as America’s Independence
Day.
12. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine crystallizes the argument for separation in a pamphlet called Common
Sense, which sold 100,000 copies. Paine discussed two main points in his pamphlet
 Independence as the will of people
 Revolution as the device of liberty and happiness
13. Sons of Liberty
Sons of Liberty was a political organization which opposed the stamp act and marched
out on the streets shouting Liberty, Property and No Stamp
14. Boston Massacre
2
nd march 1970, a large crowd gathered and
protested against the government. The soldiers
opened fire on the crowd which resulted in death
of three and many were injured. This incidence
created a sense of ill felling and hatred towards
the British Government.
15. The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris acknowledged the independence, freedom, and sovereignty of the 13
former American colonies, now states. The boundaries of 13 colonies were set and the
issue of access to the Mississippi river was settled between Great Britain and America.
This treaty also removed any chance of war with France.
Problems in Formation of National
Government
The 13 American colonies became the 13 United States of America in 1783, following
their war for independence from Britain. Before the war ended, they ratified a framework
for their common efforts. These Articles of Confederation provided for a union, but an
extremely loose and fragile one. George Washington called it a “rope of sand.”
a) No Constitution
b) No common currency;
c) No national military force;
d) Little centralized control over foreign policy
e) No national system for imposing and collecting taxes.
f) Differences between Federalist and Anti-federalist.
g) Foreign Policy
h) Economic Weakness
i) Slavery
j) Powers and election of president.

Federalist vs. Anti Federalist
Federalist
i. Strong Federation
ii. Representation according to
Population
iii. No need of Bill of Rights
iv. Wanted to Ratify the Constitution
v. Property and land should be
managed by aristocrats
Anti Federalist
i. Strong States
ii. Equal Representation
iii. In favor of Bill of Rights
iv. Opposed Constitution because
wanted more powers for state
v. Equal distribution of wealth#History_of_USA
Questions on Thomas Jefferson
 Thomas Jefferson described his election to the American Presidency
in 1800 as ―the Second American Revolution‖. Was the claim
justified? Support your answer with evidence. (CSS 2001)
 Discuss Jefferson's decision to purchase the Louisiana Territory, and
explain the political and economic impact of this decision on the
United States. (CSS 2004)
 Thomas Jefferson was termed ―a bull in the china closet‖ by the
Federalists when he became the President of the United States of
America but his policies and performance negated this impression.
Discuss. (CSS 2009).
Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)
Jefferson was born on 13th April, 1743
grew up in Virginia and was raised
with the orphaned children. He
studied law with George Wythe, the
first American law professor. He was
admitted to the bar in 1767.
Jefferson served in the House of
Burgesses (1769-74). He argued
against Britain's actions and was part
of the Committee of Correspondence.
He was a member of the Continental
Congress (1775-6) and then became a
member of the Virginia House of Delegates (1776-9). As a member of the second
Continental Congress (1783-4), he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He was sent to
France as a minister after the war (1785-89). He considered his presidency as the 2
nd
American Revolution.
“My Presidency is the 2nd American Revolution”
“Thomas Jefferson”
The Louisiana Purchase:
Napoleon Bonaparte, who came to power in France in 1799, dreamed of reestablishing
the French empire in North America. In the following year, he negotiated a secret treaty,
the Treaty of San Ildefonso, with Spanish King Charles IV, which returned the
Louisiana Territory to France
In 1803, Jefferson sent James Monroe to join Robert Livingston, the American
minister in Paris, to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans and West Florida.
Bidding of Louisiana
By this time, Napoleon had given up his plans for a colonial empire. Two American
representatives were therefore surprised to find the French government willing to sell all
of Louisiana, 280,000 square miles between the Mississippi River and the Rocky
Mountains for a paltry $15 million. Jefferson was unsure whether the United States could
legally buy the Louisiana territory because the Constitution said nothing about
purchasing land. He considered proposing a constitutional amendment but dropped the
idea because it might take too much time, and the opportunity could vanish. The bargain
was too good to pass up. Jefferson approved the purchase, the Senate ratified it, and the
United States abruptly doubled in size.
. Judicial Impeachment
John Marshall was the chief justice of the Supreme Court and a strong rival of Thomas
Jefferson. Therefore the relation between executive and judiciary remained tense in those
days. Jefferson tried to appoint his party men to the courts but he was heavily criticized
for this act. Whereas John Marshall managed to secures the independence of the federal
judiciary through brilliant legal arguments and skilled political maneuvering.
2. Albert Galton and Federal Budget
Jefferson was of the view that the federal budget should be understandable to the
common men also. Therefore he appointed Albert Galton and gave him the task of
making federal budget understandable even to the common man. So that their feedbacks
and suggestion could help improving the budget further.
3. Immigration Policy
The immigration policy before his presidency was quite strict and the immigration was
granted to the one who at least had spent 14 years in America. He reduced the time period
of 14 years to 5 years for acquiring the US citizenship.
4. Laissez Fair Economy
Laissez Fair Economyis an economic environment in which transactions between private
parties are free from tariffs, government subsidies, and enforced monopolies, with only
enough government regulations sufficient to protect property rights against theft and
aggression. Jefferson was of the view that there should be very little involvement of
government in private economy.
5. Religious Tolerance
Though he himself was an atheist but he was very much tolerant of other religions and
passes a bill in 1777 which promoted religious freedom for the state of Virginia (which
was before his presidency).
6. Autonomy to States
Since he was an Anti-Federalist and his main priority was to make state stronger.
Therefore he provided full autonomy to the states.
7. Slavery Issue
Jefferson use to consider slavery as an evil institution and believed in equality of man.
But no proper measures were taken during his presidency for the eradication of slavery.
Since he was a landlord and even he himself had 127 slaves, for which he was often
criticized.
8. Belief and importance to common man
He considered government as an instrument for the promotion of common men. He was
of the view that the common man should be given a chance to enter politics and run
government.
“Thomas Jefferson was the most brilliant man ever occupied the American
Presidency”
“John F. Kennedy”.#History_of_USA
Questions on Andrew Jackson
 In what way did the philosophy and purpose of Jacksonian democracy
differ from those of the Jeffersonian democrats? (CSS 2002)
 What are the Salient features of Andrew Jackson's Presidency and
Democracy? (CSS 2004)
 How did Jeffersonian Democratic thinking differ in philosophy and
purpose from the Jacksonian democracy? (CSS 2007)
 ―President Andrew Jackson was a people‘s president.‖ Discuss. (CSS
2006)
 Note: Andrew Jackson (CSS 2008)
 Jackson has been called the first modern President because he was the
first to see the power which a President might exercise – Discuss.
(CSS 2008)
Andrew Jackson (1829-1837)
The era of emergence of
popular politics in 1820‘s and
the presidency of Andrew
Jackson (1829-1837) is often
called as the Age of Common
Man, or the Era of Jacksonian
Democracy.
Andrew Jackson was born to a
Scottish family on the border
of South and North Carolina
on 15th March, 1768. He was
a son of Saddle maker and
was groomed in extreme poor
condition. He became orphan
at the age of 14 years and
tasted all the hardships in his
life during his childhood.
Jackson was a brilliant student of Law. He was very much enthusiastic to be military men
and served the military from 1813 to 1400. He was made Major General after defeating
Greeks and he also defeated British in the battle of New Orland. In 1828 he became the
president of America defeating John Quincy Adams. He was described as ―Old Hickory‖.
1. Rise of Democratic Society
The peoples who traveled from Europe to America (like Alexis de Tocqueville, French
Aristocrat) were amazed to see the informal and democratic attitude of Americans. As the
rich and poor use to dress in the same manner, they normally travel in the same busses
and trains and sits on the same tables in hotels. The principle of equality among the white
men in America was widespread belief.
2. Politics of Common Man
In 1830‘s and 1840‘s the politics of America moved out from the fine homes of rich
aristocrats to the lower and middles class society. This was the time when these classes
were given the right to vote and the number of vote for president increase from 350,000
in 1824 to 2.4millions in 1840.
3. Universal male suffrage
All the white men in America were given the right to vote regardless of their class or
religion. This increased the voting ration in America from 37% to 57.6%. The political
offices now could also be held by the lower and middle ranks of the society
4. Party Nomination Convention
In past days, a nomination for appointment of a candidate to an office was made by the
caucus. Te common peoples had no opportunity to participate. In 1830‘s the caucuses
were replaced by nominating convention. The politicians and voters would gather in a
large all to nominate the party candidate.
5. Maximum Use of Veto Power
Andrew Jackson used the veto power more than any other Americans president in the
history. He was the President who enjoyed all the powers of being the president.
6. Rise of Political Parties
Andrew Jackson realized the importance of political parties. There were only two parties
by that time, the democrats and the Whigs. Jackson allows many other parties during his
time. Anti-Masonic and Workingmen Party emerged during his tenure and the common
man got a chance to be involved in politics.
7. More Elected offices
During the Jacksonian era much larger number of states and locals officials were elected,
rather than appointed, as in the past. This increased the interest of voters to participate in
elections.
8. Popular Campaigning
Candidates for offices directed their election campaign to the interest of the common
people. Politics also became a form of local entertainment. Campaigns of 1830‘s and
1840 have featured marching bands and large rallies in which voters were treated with
free drinks and food.
9. Spoilt System
Winning government jobs became lifeblood of political parties. Jackson believed in
appointing peoples to federal post strictly according to whether they have campaigned for
Democratic Party. Jackson believed in system of rotation in office to make maximum
number of democrats to hold office. Spoil system was criticized as it promoted
government corruption.
10. Kitchen Cabinet
Kitchen Cabinet is normally the consultative and advisory body of the president, but
Andrew Jackson started the practice of consulting the informal group of advisers mostly
his friends including Major Lewis, Isaac Hill and General Duff.
11. Peggy Eaton Affair
The champion of common men also went to the wellbeing of common women at least in
the case of Peggy Eaton. She was the wife of Jackson Secretary of war. She by that time
was the target of malicious gossips by the other women who avoided inviting her to their
private parties. When Jackson insisted to invite Peggy Eaton socially most of his cabinet
including Vice President: John Calhoun resigned
12. Indian Removal Act 1830
Jackson concept of democracy did not extents to the natives Americans. He was of the
view that the natives should leave their tradition and customs and resettle west of
Mississippi. In the presidency of eight years Jackson had 94 treaties with the Red Indian
and ultimately used military to drive them out across the Mississippi. The hardship on the
―trails of tears‖ was so great that 4000 Cherokees died on the tragic westward trek
13. Re-chartering of Bank of USA
Jackson was of the view that central bank is abusing its powers and is serving the interest
of wealthy peoples. His suspicion increases to the arrogant personality of Nicholas Biddle
the President of Bank. Henry Clay opposition member was in support of Bank and
challenged Jackson on bank issue by persuading majority in congress on bank re-charter
bill. Jackson vetoed the bill and overhauled the banking system in America.
14. Foreign Policy
He managed a balanced and friendly foreign policy with friendly relations with France,
Britain and other Europeans Countries maintaining better trade relations and cordial
policies in political, economic and social relations. He settled the claims of France in
North America which were pending since 1815.#History_of_USA
Questions on War of 1812
 Note: War with England 1812 (CSS 2005)
 What developments lead to the war of 1812? How did the war
increase American prestige? (CSS 2008)
War of 1812
The war of 1812 is recorded as
a military conflict between the
British and Americans. This
probably was the 2nd war fought
between the two countries after
the war of independence.
Britain at first was on the
defensive mode as it was busy
in the war with Napoleon in
Europe but once the war with
France ended in 1814 British
adopted aggressive strategy and send large invasion armies to fight America.
The nation went to war bitterly divided. While the south and west favored the conflict.
The U.S. military was weak. The army had fewer than 7,000 regular soldiers, distributed
in widely scattered posts along the coast, near the Canadian border, and in the remote
interior. The state militias were poorly trained and undisciplined. But yet they decided to
declare the war against Britain.
Causes of War
From US point of view, pressure leading to war came from two sides the continued US
neutral rights on sea and troubles with Britain on western frontier.
i. Free Sea and Trade
As a trading nation America was dependant upon the free flow of ship over the Atlantic
Ocean. Yet the belligerents of Europe France and Britain had no interest in neutral rights
respect for each other. Due to support from France in American War of Independence
and French Revolution Americans had a soft corner toward France but the British
violation was taken very blatantly.
i. Impressments of American Merchants in Royal Navy
British was involved in capturing and impressing the US sailors in to the royal navy
which was another cause that led USA to enter the war with Britain.
iii. British Support to Red Indians
British were providing military and financial assistance to the Red Indians to fight against
the Americans which was denting the situation in America.
iv. War Hawks
In 1810 there was a group of young republicans in congress. Many of them were from
frontier states were very eager to fight a war with Britain. They were led by John
Calhoun and Henry Clay and they quickly gained significant influence in House of
Representatives
Declaration of War
America invited British to held talks on the neutral rights but British delayed. Bothe the
political pressure and British delay in talks led Madison to seek the declaration of war in
june1812.
Invasion of Canada
A poorly equipped American army led the expansion of Canada from three parts on 1812.
The forces captured Canada from Detroit, Niagara and Lake Champlain. The American
raid on Toronto and burnt officials buildings there but they British army easily repulsed
them out and gained control.
Burning of White House
By the spring of 1814, the defeat of Napoleon in
Europe enabled British to be more aggressive in
war against US and they send more troops
toward North America. At the Chesapeake
campaign, British troops marched and captured
Washington D.C and set white house and other
official building on fire.
British troops set
Treaty of Ghent
British Having fought Napoleon for more than a decade; they now were in desperate need
of peace in Europe. At the same time Madison and America recognized that America will
be unable to get a decisive victory. Therefore American peace commissioner traveled to
Ghent, Belgium in 1814 to held peace talk with Britain and finally a Treaty of Ghent was
signed between the two countries.
Main Points of Treaty of Ghent
 A halt to fight
 Return of all conquered territories to prewar claimants
 Recognition of prewar boundary between Canada and America
The War Legacy
From Madison‘s point of view, the war achieved none of its original aims. Nevertheless,
it had a number of important consequences for the future development of the American
republic. They may be listed as follows:
1. Having now survived two wars with Britain, a great power, the United States gained
the respect of other nations.
2. The United States came to accept Canada as a neighbor and a part of the British
Empire.
3. Widely denounced for its talk of secession and disunion in New England, the
Federalist Party came to an end as a national force and declined even in New England.
4. Talk of nullification and secession in New England set a precedent that would later be
used by the South.
5. Abandoned by their British allies, Native Americans in the West were forced to
surrender large areas of land to white settlement.
6. As European goods became unavailable due to the British naval blockade, more U.S.
factories were built, and Americans took a big step
toward industrial self-sufficiency.
7. War heroes such as Andrew Jackson and William Henry Harrison would soon be in the
forefront of a new generation of political leaders.
8. As a result of the war, there was a strong feeling of American nationalism and also a
growing belief that the future for the United States lay in the West and away from
Europe.
Missouri Compromise (1820)
In an effort to preserve the balance of power in Congress between slave and Free states,
the Missouri Compromise was passed in 1820 admitting Missouri as a slave state and
Maine as a free state. Furthermore, with the exception of Missouri, this law prohibited
slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36° 30´ latitude line. In 1854, the Missouri
Compromise was repealed by the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Three years later the Missouri
Compromise was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott
decision, which ruled that Congress did not have the authority to prohibit slavery in the
territories.
The American new boundary lines were being drawn during the presidency of James
Monroe. The population of America by that time was 10 millions. During this period of
explosive growth new states were being added almost every year and the issue of slavery
was increasingly dividing the nation.
Addition of as slave and Free states:
 Mississippi (slave State) 1817
 Illinois (Free State) 1818
 Alabama (slave State) 1819
By the time Alabama was added as a slave state the number of free and slave states
became equal as there were
 11 free states
 11 slave states
But the application of adding Missouri as a slave state was a threat to upset the balance
between the free and slave states. The issue was presented in the US congress for an
action. Congress had the right to abolish slavery in any of the state including Missouri but this action was strongly opposed by the leaders of the southern slave state. As they feared
abolishing slavery in Missouri may result in the imbalance this might help declaring
slavery as an illegal institution.
Henry Clay, a leading congressman, played a crucial role in brokering a two-part solution
known as the MISSOURI COMPROMISE.
1
st Point: Missouri would be admitted to the union as a slave state, but would be
balanced by the admission of MAINE, a free state, that had long wanted to be separated
from Massachusetts.
2
nd Point: slavery was to be excluded from all new states in the Louisiana Purchase north
of the southern boundary of Missouri.
3
rd Point: Ban on Slavery over the north of Missouri.
#History_of_USA
Questions on George Washington
 Who were FEDERALISTS? What were their political views and
economic vision for the US? (CSS 2003)
 Write comprehensively about the struggle between the Federalists and
anti-Federalists from 1787 to 1800 in the USA. (CSS 2006)
 President John Adam inherited George Washington policy but not his
aura of leadership. Elaborate?
George Washington (1789-1801)
George Washington was the
unanimous choice as the 1st
president of America after
winning the war of
independence. He was born
on 22nd Feb 1732 in Virginia
to an English family. His
brother‘s mirage to a royal
family helped him enter
politics. He was a soldier with
exceptional skills and led the
army of 13 colonies in war of
independence against British.
Initially a staunch supporter
of reconciliation with British
but he also felt that there should be no discrimination in the salaries and ranks of
continental and the royal army. He was a more of military General than a politician but
still good enough to drive the nascent America out of its crisis as the 1st president of
America.
Domestic Achievements
1. Hamilton Financial Plan
America was going through one of the most crucial financial crisis after its birth. In the
meanwhile Alexander Hamilton was appointed as the secretary state of treasury. He gave
a comprehensive plan to promote and stable the financial condition of America.
i. Revenue generation via taxation
ii. Payment of national and state debts ($54 million State Debts)
iii. Establishment of National Bank on the basis of Bank of England
iv. Establishment of Uniform Currency in all states of USA
2. Whiskey Rebellion
In western Pennsylvania a group of farmers refused to pay federal excise duty on whiskey
which was a challenge to the American constitution and the government itself. Farmers
insisted they won‘t be able to bear the burden to pay tax on the distilled whiskey from
surplus corn
Washington responded by federalizing 15,000 men in the state militia under the
supervision of Alexander Hamilton. This led to the collapse of whiskey rebel without any
bloodshed. This act of Washington was appreciated by the entire country
3. Westwards Expansion
Due to the treaty of Greenville and Jays,
US government controlled vast lands.
Congress passed a Public Land Act in
1796 for rapid settlement of land and
selling federal land at reasonable price.
This also allowed process of adding new
states to the union and in 1791 Vermont
became the 1st newly added stated
followed by Kentucky and Tennessee.
4. Judicial Act
This act was passed in 1789 and laid the foundation of judicial system of United States of
America. It laid stress that the states judiciary should be under the control of federal
judiciary. Further points, it discussed are as under
a) One Chief Justice
b) 5 Associate Judges
c) 13 Districts
d) Federal District Court along with Attorney General
5. Treaty of Greenville
The Native Americans were
defeated by the American army lead
by General Anthony Wayne and in
the battle of Fallen Timber in
Northwestern Ohio which led them
to sign the ―Treaty of Greenville‖ in
which the natives surrendered their
claims on the Ohio territory
Foreign Policy
1. French Revolution
Americans had humble feeling towards France because of the French Revolution and
France was the country that supported America in the war of independence against
British but when the revolution of France turned into violence. The American decided to
be neutral and sidelined from the internal affairs of France.
2. Citizen Genet
Edmond Genet was a French minister who came to America and asked for US assistance
in French cause as per treaty of 1778. Genet was so outrageous with his conduct that even
Jefferson approved Washington to ask French government to remove the offending
diplomat. Once recalled by French government Genet chose to live in USA, where he
married and became a US citizen.
3. Jays Treaty
Washington sent his Chief justice on a special mission to Britain that they should stop the
offensive practice of searching and seizing American Ships and impressing seamen in
British Navy. After a year of negotiation, John Jay brought back a treaty in which British
agreed to evacuate US post in western frontier but did not said any thing about search and
seizure of US ships.
4. Proclamation of Neutrality
A war between England and France broke out. Washington referred his cabinet whether
he should remain neutral or support France in the war. Majority of votes went in favor of
neutrality as America it self was a nascent country. On 22nd April 1973 Washington
issued ―Proclamation of Neutrality‖.
5. Pinckney Treaty
Spain was in desperate need to
have good relations with
America because of tense
relations with Britain. Realizing
the situation, America sent their
minister Thomas Pinckney to
Madrid where he signed the
“Treaty of Son Lorenzo”. This
gave Americans the access to
lower Mississippi and New
Oreland.
6. XYZ affairs
The Americans were angered by
the reports of US merchant ships search and seizure by France. America sent its minister
to France to hold talks with French government. Certain French ministers known as X, Y,
and Z met the delegation from US in Paris and demanded a large sum of bribe to enter
negotiations. American Delegation refused and returned back.
“Millions for defense but not a single cent for tribute to France” became the slogan in
America. the condition were so severe that Alexander Hamilton demanded to wage a war
against France in North America but John Adam refused saying that the American Army
and Navy was not that powerful and neither in the position to wage war against France.
7. Convention of 1800
Napoleon came into power in 1800 and there was a threat that he might wage a war
against America. America sent another mission to France to revive the treaty of 1778.
The mission was successful this time as napoleon too was eager to have good relations
with America and a convention was signed on 30th Sep 1800 which removed the peril of
war between the two countries.
8. Two Party System:
Washington himself was appointed as a unanimous president of America and it became a
popular belief that the political parties are not needed as nothing was mentioned about the
political parties in the constitution also. But this soon proved wrong as the debates
between federalist and anti-federalist indicated that the two party system would emerge in
America as the permanent feature of politics.
 Democratic Republicans
 Federalist
Washington Farewell Address
At the time of his retirement he wrote a farewell which was publish in 1796 in the
newspapers. This message had an enormous effect because of Washington‘s prestige. The
president spoke of the policies that he consider as unwise and warned Americans
 Not to get involved in European affairs
 Not to form political parties
 Not to avoid sectionalism
 Not to make any permanent foreign alliance.
#History_of_USA
Questions on US Constitution
 The American Constitution is a system of ―Checks and Balances‖.
Discuss. (CSS 2001)
 Describe the salient features of the constitution of USA. (CSS 2006)
 Give the salient features of the Constitution of the USA. (CSS 2008)
 What were the major flaws in the Articles of Confederation (the first
constitution of the United States of America) that led to the
Philadelphia Convention and the drafting of a new constitution?
Discuss the salient features of the present constitution of the United
States of America. (CSS 2009).
Constitution of United States of
America
What Is Meant By a Constitution?
“A Constitution consists of those fundamental rules which determine & distribute
functions & powers among the various organs of the Government’’
 (Oxford Dictionary)
The United States Constitution was written in May 1787 during Philadelphia Convention,
when the states decided to make necessary changes in Article of Confederation but then
started all over again and came up with the US constitution. After ratification in eleven
states, in 1789 its elected officers of government assembled in New York City, replacing
the earlier 1781 Articles of Confederation government. The American constitution is one
of the most remarkable and important document in the history which was written more
than 200 years before and only amended 17 times after the 1st ten amendments of bill of
rights.
The American constitution is in written form consisting of 7 articles and 27 amendments.
It takes a very lengthy process to make any amendment to it. Therefore it is known as the
most rigid document in the constitutional history of the world.
Article of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was unanimously adopted in 1781 once Maryland agreed.
Over the previous four years, it had been used by Congress as a ―working document‖ to
administer the early United States government.
Errors in Article of Confederation
The article of confederation seems to have many flaws which were far beyond
corrections. James Madison called the articles woefully inadequate. Some of major
shortcomings in the articles are stated below
i. One house congress
ii. No separate executive
iii. Considerable powers to state
iv. Lack system of judiciary
v. Central government had insufficient power to regulate commerce.
vi. It could not tax, generally impotent in setting commercial policy
vii. It could not effectively support a war effort.
viii. It had little power to settle quarrels between states.
Drafting the constitution
The 13 colonies were called at a convention in Philadelphia with the sole and express
purpose of revising article of confederation. Rhodes Island was the only one which did
not trusted the convention and refused to send its delegation.
The Delegation
The delegation of 55 men met in Philadelphia headed by George Washington. Benjamin
Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Dickenson and James Madison (father of American
Constitution) were the other well known politicians in the delegation of 55 men. Where
as John Jay, Tomas Jefferson, John Adams and Thomas Paine were on a diplomatic
business trip abroad therefore they were not the part of delegation.
The American constitution was based on two plans; it was a compromise between the two
plans that which plans should be given more weight-age in constitution.
 Virginia plan
 New Jersey Plan
Two alternative plans were developed in Convention. The nationalist majority, soon to be
called ―Federalists‖, put forth the Virginia Plan, a consolidated government based on
proportional representation among the states by population. ―Anti-Federalists‖, advocated
the New Jersey Plan, a purely federal proposal, based on providing each state with equal
representation. This issue remained unsettled for 4 weeks until the Connecticut comprise
came as an alternative.
Connecticut Compromise
Connecticut compromise was composed by William Samuel Johnson which allowed both
plans to work together. It suggested that there should be two houses of congress
i. House of Representative (Representation on population)
ii. Senate (Equal Representation)
The compromise suggested representation on the basis of population in ―House of
Representative‖ and equal representation in Senate with 2 Senators from each state. Even
the Connecticut compromise was not sufficient enough to bring constitution in working
form as 9/13 states had to ratify it. But the small farmers, New York and Virginia were
not happy with the idea until the Bill of Rights was added to the constitution.
Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights were the 1st ten amendments in the American constitution granting rights to
the ordinary people of America. Following are the amendments if the bill:
1. Freedom of religions, speech, assembly, press and petition
2. Right to possess arms
3. No quartering of soldiers during peacetime
4. No search and seizure of people‘s property
5. No criminal case to stand twice for same crime
6. Speedy trail of cases
7. Right to jury in case of 20 dollars and above
8. No excessive bails and cruel punishments
9. Rights not mentioned in constitution lies with
peoples
10. Powers not mentioned in constitution will be exercised by states
The Amendment Process
There are essentially two ways spelled out in the Constitution for how to propose an
amendment. One has never been used.
The first method is for a bill to pass both houses of the legislature, by a two-thirds
majority in each. Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the
route taken by all current amendments. Because of some long outstanding amendments,
such as the 27th, Congress will normally put a time limit (typically seven years) for the
bill to be approved as an amendment.
The second method prescribed is for a Constitutional Convention to be called by two￾thirds of the legislatures of the States, and for that Convention to propose one or more
amendments. These amendments are then sent to the states to be approved by three￾fourths of the legislatures or conventions. This route has never been taken, and there is
discussion in political science circles about just how such a convention would be
convened, and what kind of changes it would bring about.
Salient Features of the American
Constitution
Checks and Balances:
One of the most powerful weapons in the US constitution which makes it one of the most
important written documents in world is the system of check and balance between the
three tiers of state i.e. executive, legislative and judiciary.
Brief & Simple:
The US Constitution hardly consists of 6000 and is less than 12 pages in length which
makes it one of the shortest and simply written constitutions of the world.
Written Constitution:
The US constitution is in the written form and comprises of 7 articles and 27 amendments
had been made since the constitution was made in 1787.
Dual Citizenship:
The peoples living in America are authorized to have dual citizenship according to their
constitution. The 1st citizenship of being an American and the 2nd is of the state which a
citizen belongs to.
Secular State:
Since the constitution declares America as a secular state. Therefore no law can be made
which prohibits or dents any religion in the country.
Supremacy of the Constitution:
The US Constitution is the supreme document as described in the article IV. The
constitution is declared superior over the entire citizens, law making agencies and the
government. No law can be passed contrary to the constitution.
Strong Federation:
Article I, section 789 declares the federal form of government in America. The stress is
laid upon the strong center and relatively weaker states.
Bill Of Rights:
Bill of rights were the 1st ten amendments in the US constitution which defined the rights
of the peoples living in America.
Rigid Constitution:
US constitution is a rigid constitution because it requires a difficult procedure to amend
it. Every amendment, which can be moved in two different ways, must be ratified by
three-fourths of the states.
Separation of Powers:
The constitution is based on the doctrine of separation of powers. According to
the constitution the national powers are divided into three departments i.e.
executive, legislature and judiciary.
Bicameralism:
American parliament is known as Congress. It consists of two chambers. Upper house is
the Senate and lower house is the House of Representatives.
Independent Judiciary:
The president of USA appoints the judges but he has no power to remove them. It is only
the legislature according to Article 1 Section 6, which can impeach the judge of Supreme
Court.
Universal Suffrage:
The Constitution has given right to vote to every citizen who is 18 years old without any
distinction of male or female.
Division of Powers:
As the Federal Government requires a double set of Government. That of center and
those of states there must be a division of powers between the two parts. All those powers
which are not stated in the constitution are to be exercised by the states.

Spoils System:
This system was introduced by President Andrew Jackson. According to this system the
new president appoints all important official of the government sacking the previous
administration. This system is known as the ―Spoilt System‖ because the jobs are
distributed among the party men regardless of their merit, experience and talent.
Presidential form of government:
The Constitution establishes a presidential form of government. The constitution vests all
executive powers to the president .The president is the head of the state as well as the
government.
Republicanism:
There would be Republicanism in the political structure of the US. Laws made by the
legislature shall be supreme as it represents the will of the people. The people who made
those laws are elected by the people themselves.

Sovereignty of the People:
The preamble of the US Constitution emphasizes the theory of popular sovereignty i.e.
the ultimate authority has been vested in the people of the USA.
Amendments in American Constitution
1
st Ten Bill of Rights
11th Immunity of states from suits from out-of-state citizens and foreigners not living within
the state borders. Lays the foundation for sovereign immunity
12th Revises presidential election procedures
13th Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime
14th Defines citizenship, contains the Privileges or Immunities Clause, the Due
Process Clause, the Equal Protection Clause, and deals with post-Civil War
issues
15th Prohibits the denial of suffrage based on race, color, or previous condition of
servitude
16th Allows the federal government to collect income tax
17th Establishes the direct election of United States Senators by popular vote
18th Establishes Prohibition of alcohol (Repealed by Twenty-first Amendment)
19th Establishes women's suffrage
20th Fixes the dates of term commencements for Congress (January 3) and the
President (January 20); known as the "lame duck amendment"
21st Repeals the Eighteenth Amendment
22nd Limits the president to two terms, or a maximum of 10 years (i.e., if a Vice
President serves not more than one half of a President's term, he or she can be
elected to a further two terms)
23rd Provides for representation of Washington, D.C. in the Electoral College
24th Prohibits the revocation of voting rights due to the non-payment of poll taxes
25th Codifies the Tyler Precedent; defines the process of presidential succession
26th Establishes the official voting age to be 18 years old.
27th Prevents laws affecting Congressional salary from taking effect until the
beginning of the next session of Congress
System of Check and Balance in American Constitution
The United States Constitution provided very direct safeguards to the freedoms of all
Americans as the first three Articles of the United States Constitution discuss about the
specific powers reserved to the three branches of government that enable a balance of
power. The national government is divided into three branches:
 Legislative
 Executive
 Judicial
These three branches are not independent of one another because the Constitution set up a
system of checks and balances to help ensure that no one branch becomes too powerful.
Each branch has powers that it can use to check and balance the operations and power of
the other two branches. Following is a look at the specific checks that each branch has
been given.
The Legislative Branch of Government Makes the Laws
Section Seven outlines the procedure for passing bills and resolutions. Here we find a
good example of ―checks and balances.‖ A bill might arise in the House and passed with
a simple majority. If then passed by the Senate, it goes to the President for signature.
Once signed, the bill becomes law. However, if the President vetoes the bill, both
chambers can still pass the bill with a two-thirds vote. This is referred to as a vote to
―override‖ the veto.
 May override presidential vetoes with a two-thirds vote
 Has the power over the purse strings to actually fund any executive actions
 May remove the president through impeachment
 Senate approves treaties
 Senate approves presidential appointments
The Legislative Branch has the following checks over the Judicial Branch:
 Creates lower courts
 May remove judges through impeachment
 Senate approves appointments of judges
The Executive Branch of American Government
The Executive Branch is given the power to carry out the laws. It has the following
checks over the Legislative Branch:
 Veto power
 Ability to call special sessions of Congress
 Can recommend legislation.
 Can appeal to the people concerning legislation and more
The Executive Branch has the following checks over the Judicial Branch:
 President appoints Supreme Court and other federal judges
The Judicial Branch of United States Government
The Judicial Branch is given the power to interpret the laws. It has the following checks
over the Executive Branch:
 Judges, once appointed for life, are free from controls from the executive branch
 Courts can judge executive actions to be unconstitutional through the power of
 Judicial review
The Judicial Branch has the following checks over the Legislative Branch:
 Courts can judge legislative acts to be unconstitutional.
Conclusion
The American system of checks and balances has worked well over the course of
America's history. Even though some huge clashes have occurred when vetoes have been
overridden or appointees have been rejected, these occasions are rare. The system was
meant to keep the three branches in balance. Even though there have been times when
one branch has risen preeminent, overall the three branches have achieved a workable
balance with no one branch holding all the governmental power.#History_of_USA
Questions on Monroe Doctrine
 Monroe Doctrine was a Charter of America‘s Isolation. Still what
circumstances compelled U.S.A. to plunge into the World Wars. (CSS
2000)
 What is Monroe Doctrine? On what occasions has it been enforced
and with what results? (CSS 2005)
 Note: The Monroe Doctrine (CSS 2001), (CSS 2007)
Monroe Doctrine (1823)
The Monroe Doctrine was a regular
annual address of the president to the
nation delivered on 2
nd Dec, 1823
which ultimately became the pillar of
US foreign policy in the nineteenth
century, but its importance in the
twentieth century is disputed. On the
one hand, it laid the grounds for
American expansion in the Western
Hemisphere and provided a
framework of reciprocal non-interference in transatlantic relations. Therefore, a
reconsideration of its impact is relevant to the discussion of the tension between
internationalism and isolationism. An assessment of the relevance of the Monroe
Doctrine in twentieth-century US diplomacy must take into account that
(i) It outlined a regionalist view of world affairs
(ii) It expressed widespread notions of American culture, history, and national identity.
The period of 1817 to 1829 can be divided in two phases. The 1st period belongs to James
Monroe who brought peace and security in the country therefore his period is known as
era of good feelings. The period of John Quincy Adams was considered to be the period
of hardship and difficulties. Thus it was known as era of hard feelings
 1817-1824: Era of Good Feelings
 1825- 1829 Era of Hard feelings
The Principles of Monroe Doctrine:
 Anti-Colonization
 Non-Intervention
 Self Defense
 American Nationalism and Self-Awareness
Main Points in Doctrine
1. American continent cannot be considered as subject for further colonization by
European powers.
2. European political system is different than that of Americans and any attempt to
extend to this system to American hemisphere will be considered dangerous to
our peace and security.
3. America will not interfere in European war and their politics neither we do have
any aim to oppress them.
Use of Monroe Doctrine
 Objection to British Alliance in Texas in 1836
 1845 Westward expansion during the presidency of James Polie
 1863 French empire in Mexico was seriously taken by Americans as violation of
Monroe Doctrine
 President Theodore Roosevelt declared American right to intervene in continent.
Effects
The effects of the Monroe Doctrine on Europe were mixed. While Spain did not attempt
to restore empire in Latin America, Britain continued as a dominant trade power there.
Some Latin American nations resented the implications that the United States was
somehow responsible for their well-being. It was not until the 1880s and the development
of the U.S. Navy that the U.S. actually had the military power to enforce the Monroe
Doctrine.#History_of_USA
Questions on Abraham Lincoln/ Civil War
 The American Civil War brought revolutionary dangers in warfare,
but more important, produced significant economic and political
reconstruction in the country. Discuss. (CSS 2000)
 American Civil War (1860-65) was a clash of economic interests as
well as of Social Ideals. Elaborate. (CSS 2003)
 Was the institution of slavery in the Southern States responsible for
the Civil War? Discuss with examples. (CSS 2007)
 Discuss the major factors responsible for the ‗sectional divide‘
between the Northern and the Southern states of the United States of
America that finally led to the American Civil War. (CSS 2009)
Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865)
Abraham Lincoln was born on
February 12, 1809 in a log cabin
near present day Hodgenville,
Kentucky. His parents, Thomas
and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, named
him after his pioneer grandfather
who was shot dead by hostile
Indians in 1786. 1809 was the 16th
President of America. His family
moved to Indiana and then to
Illinois, and Lincoln gained what
education he could along the way. While reading law, he worked in a store, managed a
mill, surveyed, and split rails. In 1834, he went to the Illinois legislature as a Whig and
became the party's floor leader. For the next 20 years he practiced law in Springfield,
except for a single term (1847–49) in Congress, where he denounced the Mexican War.
In 1855, he was a candidate for senator and the next year he joined the new Republican
Party.
Achievements of Abraham Lincoln
1. Popular Leadership
A poll was released in February 2009. This poll was sponsored by C-SPAN and consisted
of a survey of 65 historians. The participants were asked to rank the presidents in ten
categories ranging from public persuasion and economic management to international
relations and moral authority. Abraham Lincoln finished first, George Washington was
second, and Franklin Roosevelt was third.
Abolition of Slavery
Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his vital role as the leader in preserving the Union
during the Civil War and beginning the process that led to the end of slavery in the
United States. The actual fact is that legal freedom for all slaves in the United States did
not come until the final passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in December of 1865.
Lincoln was a strong supporter of the amendment, but he was assassinated before its final
enactment.
3. Lincoln and Domestic Society
President Lincoln's domestic policies included support for the Homestead Act. This act
allowed poor people in the East to obtain land in the West. He signed the Morrill Act
which was designed to aid in the establishment of agricultural and mechanical colleges in
each state. Also, Lincoln signed legislation entitled the National Banking Act which
established a national currency and provided for the creation of a network of national
banks. In addition, he signed tariff legislation that offered protection to American
industry and signed a bill that chartered the first transcontinental railroad.
4. Wisest US President
Politicians love to quote Abraham Lincoln because Lincoln is considered America's
wisest president. A major effect Lincoln has on the U.S. today is simply through the good
example he set when it came to leadership and integrity.
5. Fugitive Slave Act
To soften the attitude of peoples in south Lincoln supported the Fugitive Slave Law or
Fugitive Slave Act which was passed in 1850. This was one of the most controversial acts
of the 1850 compromise and heightened Northern fears of a "slave power conspiracy". It
declared that all runaway slaves will be brought back to their masters.
6. Good Relations with Cabinet
Lincoln managed excellent relations with his advisors, cabinet and military. When ever,
there was disagreement among advisors and he, his leadership style often involved telling
a story that demonstrated his point. Lots of times this method worked, and cabinet
admired and respected him for it. He could virtually disarm his enemies with his highly
moralistic, skillful leadership. Lincoln possessed qualities of kindness and compassion
combined with wisdom. In fact, one of his nicknames was "Father Abraham."
7. Foreign Policy
The Major achievement of Lincoln foreign policy was that it geared toward preventing
foreign intervention in the Civil War. He was a very shrewd diplomat and an excellent
negotiator. Many countries would have entered the American civil war, had there been no
Abraham Lincoln as the President of Union by that time. Some of his major
achievements in foreign policy were:
 Made Great Britain neutral in Civil War
 Not opted for any political support to abolish slavery from America.
 Maintained better trade relations with neighboring countries and Europe.
Civil War
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States. He defeated
Stephen Douglas because of the greater northern population. Southerners were angered
by the growing abolitionist movement, and when Lincoln was elected, they feared that
their way of life was in jeopardy. South Carolina seceded on December 20, 1860. Within
the next two weeks, six other southern states had left the union (Alabama, Florida,
Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas). Little did people know that a very bloody
four year war was to come.
PEOPLE
North(Union) South(Confederacy)
Abraham Lincoln
U.S. Grant
William T Sherman
Jefferson Davis
Robert E Lee
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
Causes Leading to Civil war
i. Election of Lincoln
ii. Discrimination of race
iii. Slavery
iv. The abolitionist (people who wanted to stop slavery) movement
v. Difference in economy
vi. Western expansion
Consequences of the Civil War
1. Physical Devastation
The American Civil War lasted four years. Measured in physical devastation and human
lives, it was the costliest war the American people have experienced. the war killed over
620,000 men and at least that many more had been wounded in a nation of about 35
million.
2. Spread of Disease and Sickness
North lost a total of about 364,000 soldiers (nearly one of every four soldiers). Also more
than 37,000 black soldiers lost their lives fighting for freedom during the American Civil
War. The conditions of the war were so bad more men died of disease and sickness than
on the battlefield.
3. Hunger and Homelessness
After the war, over 4 million slaves were freed. They didn't know what the future had in
store for them. With freedom came hunger and homelessness. Some slaves stayed on the
plantations, but others went north. Either way, thousands of former slaves were without
homes, clothes, food, jobs, and didn't have any education. The Freedman's Bureau helped
both blacks and whites after the war by providing them with food and medical care.
Effects of the Civil War
The Civil War was one of the most tragic wars in American history. More Americans
died then in all other wars combined. Brother fought against brother and the nation was
torn apart. In the end, we must look at the important consequences of the conflict. There
may be others, but this is a good list to work off.
1) The nation was reunited and the southern states were not allowed to secede.
2) The South was placed under military rule and divided into military districts.
Southern states then had to apply for readmission to the Union.
3) The Federal government proved itself supreme over the states.
4) Slavery was effectively ended. While slavery was not officially outlawed until the
passage of the 13th amendment, the slaves were set free upon the end of the war.
5) Reconstruction, the plan to rebuild America after the war, began.
6) Industrialism began as a result of the increase in wartime production and the
development of new technologies.#History_of_USA
Questions on Colonial Period
 Describe in detail the colonial period in the history of United States of
America. (CSS 2008)
 Account for America's emergence as an imperialist -colonialist power
after 1898. (CSS 2004)
 Explain the characteristics of Colonial assemblies and representative
government from 1776 to 1789. (CSS 2004)
 Why England failed to take the initiative in the colonization of the
American continent? What factors were responsible for the British
interest in establishing their colonies in the areas that are now part of
the United States of America? (CSS 2009)
Answers:
Exploration of America
Europe towards Exploration of the New Land
Until the 15th century nobody knew that there was a continent across
the Atlantic. The first and most famous of these explorers was
Christopher Columbus whose voyage of exploration finally brought
the Americans and Europeans in contact. Columbus was born in 1447
in Genoa, Italy; he was a son of a wool comber. He spent eight years
seeking to be financed for his trip to explore the Indies across Atlantic
Ocean. Christopher Columbus, a Genoese sailor, believed that sailing
west across the Atlantic Ocean was the shortest sea route to Asia.
Ignorant of the fact that the Western Hemisphere lay between Europe
and Asia and assuming the earth's circumference to be a third less than
it actually is, he was convinced that Japan would appear on the
horizon just three thousand miles to the west. Like other seafarers of
his day.
Christopher
Columbus
Columbus was ready to sail for
whatever country would pay for his
voyage. Either because of his
arrogance (he wanted ships and
crews to be provided at no expense
to himself) or ambition (he insisted
on governing the lands he
discovered), he found it difficult to
find a patron. He was twice rejected
by Portuguese, and the rulers of England and France were not interested. With influential
supporters at court, Columbus convinced King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain to
partially underwrite his expedition. In 1492, Granada, the last Muslim stronghold on the
Iberian Peninsula, had fallen to the forces of the Spanish monarchs.
Voyages of Columbus
 1
st voyage, 1492: San Salvador, The Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola
 2
nd voyage, 1493: Dominica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica
 3
rd voyage, 1498: St. Vincent, Grenada, Trinidad, Margarita, Venezuela
 4
th voyage, 1502: St. Lucia, , Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama
Once Columbus landed in America he discovered that there were already civilizations
living in America. He named the Native of America as Red Indians, thinking that he had
landed in India and those peoples are Indian.
Native Americans
Before Europeans there were four civilizations living in America and they were
 Red Indians
 Mayas
 Aztecs
 Incas
John Cabot
John Cabot of Venice came five years later on a mission for the king of England. His
journey was quickly forgotten, but it provided the basis for British claims to North
America.
Name of America in Beginning
 New World
 Strange Land
 Golden Land
Name of America
After the death of Columbus in 1506, Amerigo Vespucci, another Italian navigator, sailed
extensively along the American coast and is considered to be the first to realize that the
Indies were in fact a ―New World‖ and not part of Asia. The first map that identified
known parts of the Western Hemisphere as ―America,‖ after Vespucci, was published in
1507.
Colonization in the New Continent
The first permanent European settlement in what was to become the United States was
established by the Spanish in the middle 1500s at St. Augustine in Florida. However, it
would not play a part in the formation of the new nation. That story took place in
settlements farther north along the Atlantic coast in Virginia, Massachusetts, New York,
and the 10 other areas colonized by a growing tide of immigrants from Europe.
Treaty of Tordesillas
Columbus returned from his first voyage, they persuaded Pope Alexander VI to issue an
edict giving Spain all lands west of an imaginary line through the Atlantic. Portugal was
not satisfied. Through the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494), the two countries agreed to
move the line further west and give Portugal exclusive right to the territory to the east.
Although the result of the shift was unknown at the time, the change put the eastern
quarter of South America (Brazil) in the Portuguese sphere
Colonial Period
Most settlers who came to the British colonies in the 1600s were English. Others came
from The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, France, and later from Scotland and Northern
Ireland. Some left their homelands to escape war, political oppression, religious
persecution, or a prison sentence. Some left as servants who expected to work their way
to freedom. Black Africans were sold into slavery and arrived in shackles.
By 1690, the population was 250,000. Less than 100 years later, it had climbed to 2.5
million. The settlers had many different reasons for coming to America, and eventually
13 distinct colonies developed here. Differences among the three regional groupings of
colonies were even more marked.
Causes of Colonization
1. Improvement in Technology
In Europe, there occurred a rebirth of classical learning. Columbus and other navigators
lived in the time when the creativity was vitally at the peak and navigator and mariners
were being financed to find out the shortest and safest routes to Asia. Europeans were
improving in technology from gun powder to the sailing compass. There were also major
improvements in ship building and map makings.
2. Renaissance in Europe
1400 AD onwards is considered that to be the rising time of Europeans after the Dark
Age which was 200 to 1200 AD. The Europeans now were making progress in every
field of life and were keenly involve in learning and exploring. The technology of
printing press after 1450 also spread the knowledge across Europe which played a very
important role in educating the common man in Europe.
3. Religious Conflicts in Europe
The later years of renaissance were a time of religious zeal and conflict in Europe. The
dominant Roman Catholic culture was threatened by Othman empire while the
Protestants revolted against the pope‘s authorities in Rome led to a series of war between
Protestants and Catholic Christians. The reforms by Protestants were known as
Protestants Reformation.
4. Expanding trade
Roots to Asia were blocked after Othman had taken over the city of Constantinople in
1453. Europe were dependant on Asian for trade, herbs and agriculture therefore they
were in extensive need to find any other route to Asia.
5. Search for New Routes
To maintain the trade relation with Asia Europeans wanted to find out the shortest
possible root which can again connect them to the sub-continent. They started financing
navigators for exploration of new sea routes, which ultimately led them to the discovery
of America. Although in 1448 Vasco De Gama was the 1st person to reach India by the
route of Africa.
6. Pressure of population
15million Peoples were living in Europe before America
7. Trade and Agriculture
Since Europe is not an agrarian continent therefore it heavily depended on the agriculture
of Asia to fulfill the demands for their huge population. But the discovery of America
gives them a land where they were able to cultivate the crops themselves with ideal
weather and big rivers i.e. Mississippi and Missouri.
8. Desire for wealth
By the time America was discovered it was known as a ―Golden Land‖. The normal
perception was as if there is a lot of gold in America which can be easily excavated. This
was another important factor leading toward the colonization of the New Land.
9. Imperial Race
The Imperial powers of Europe were in race of having more and more land of America.
As in older days the country with most colonies and vast majority of land was considered
to be a super power. Which today is been replaced by economy and technology.
10. Royal Proclamation
Treaty of Westphalia was signed in 1648, between Spain and Dutch
republic by which each state would have the right to determine the religion
of his own state and also colonial claims were adjusted.#History_of_USA
Questions on Great Depression
 Note: The great depression 1929(CSS 2006)
 Discuss in the details the causes and effects of the Great Depression
on the people and society of the United States of America. (CSS
2009)
Great Depression (1930)
The Great Depression represents one of the darkest periods in American economic
history. Most people think the Great Depression started in October 1929, with the famous
Black Tuesday stock market crash, but economists and historians point to an economic
downturn which took hold in early 1929. The stock market crash led to unprecedented
selling of 1, 30, 000, 00 shares alone on 24th Oct, 1929. This stock market crash is often
known as ―Wall Street Crash‖.
Franklin D. Roosevelt‘s New Deal is largely credited with bringing America out of the
Great Depression by providing jobs and relief, but in truth, the country didn‘t fully
recover until 1941, when munitions and ammunition factories geared up for World War ll
Causes of Great Depression
1. Dust Bowl Draught
From 1930-1936, American farmers struggled with conditions of the Dust Bowl, a
drought that affected more than a million acres of farmland, and the result was mass
migrations of people from rural lands to urban areas.
2. Unequal Distribution of Wealth
Although the nation's wealth grew by billions throughout the 1920s, it was not distributed
evenly. The top 1% received a 75% increase in their disposable income while the other
99% saw an average 9% increase in their disposable income. 80% of Americans had no
savings at all.
3. War Debts
At the end of World War I, European nations owed over $10 billion to their former ally,
the United States. Their economies had been devastated by war and they had no way of
paying the money back. The U.S. insisted their former allies pay the money. This forced
the allies to demand Germany pay the reparations imposed on her as a result of the Treaty
of Versailles. All of this later led to a financial crisis when Europe could not purchase
goods from the U.S. This debt contributed to the Great Depression.
4. High Tariffs
In 1922, the U.S. passed the Fordney-Mc Cumber Act, which instituted high tariffs on
industrial products. A tariff is a tax on imports. Other nations soon retaliated and world
trade declined helping bring on the great depression.
5. Overproduction in Industry
Factories were producing products; however wages for workers were not raising enough
for them to buy. Few workers could afford to buy the factory output. The surplus
products could not be sold overseas due to high tariffs and lack of money in Europe
6. Farm Overproduction
Due to surpluses and overproduction, farm incomes dropped throughout the 1920‘s.
The price of farm land fell from $69 per acre in 1920 t0 $31 in 1930. In 1929 the average
annual income for an American family was $750, but for farm families it was only $273.
The problems in the agricultural sector had a large impact since 30% of Americans still
lived on farms.
7. Stock Market Crash
24th Oct 1929, Stock Market Crash lead to selling of 1,30,000,00 shares in one day
because stocks were overpriced due to speculation, meaning they were not worth their
sale price. Massive fraud and illegal activity occurred due to a lack of regulation and
rules. Margin buying, or buying using credit
Effects of the Great Depression Facts
1. Unemployment
The primary effect of the Great Depression was that it caused millions of workers to lose
their jobs. Unemployment during the Great Depression rose from 3% in 1929 to 25% by
1933.
2. People lost their life savings
Because of the Great Depression, more than 9,000 banks closed during the 1930s,
causing millions of people to lose their life savings.
3. Drop in US GNP
From 1929 to 1933, the U.S. Gross National Product (which is a measurement of how
many goods and services are produced in a year) dropped by 33%.
4. Federal welfare or social programs
At the start of the Great Depression, there was no federal welfare or social programs in
place. Out of the Great Depression and FDR‘s New Deal, these programs were created:
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC); Federal Housing Administration (FHA); Public
Works Administration (PWA); Social Security Act (SSA).
5. Increased Taxes
One of the effects of the Great Depression is that the tax rate changed significantly for the
wealthiest Americans. In 1927, the top tax rate was reduced to 25%, which is a large part
of what caused the Great Depression. In 1932, in an effort to pull out of the Great
Depression, the rate was raised to 63%. In 1936, it was bumped again, to 79%. In 1945, it
reached an incredible 91% and hovered at 88% or greater until 1963 when it was reduced
to 70%. In comparison, today‘s top tax rate is 35%.
•The FDIC was created to insure that people‘s money would be safe and protected
against bank failures.
6. Changes in Stock Market
Changes were made to the stock market to prevent rampant speculation and further
crashes, the most notable of which was that people could no longer buy stocks on margin
Great Depression Facts
 At its highest point during the Great Depression, unemployment reached 25% (in
1933).
 The Great Depression began in 1929 and ended in 1941 when America prepared
to enter World War II.
 Social Security, a program that continues to this day, was introduced by Franklin
D. Roosevelt in the midst of the Great Depression.
 The ―Roaring Twenties‖ weren‘t roaring for everyone. By 1929, 1% of
Americans controlled 40% of the wealth in this country.
 The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was formed in 1934 to insure
deposits in banks and restore customers‘ faith in the American banking system.
 The Dust Bowl years spanned 1930-1936, when a million acres of farmland
across the Plains became worthless due to severe drought and over farming.
 After the stock market crash in 1929, it took 27 years to reach pre-crash levels.
 In 1939, the unemployment rate in America had dropped from a high of 25% to
15%, largely due to the New Deal programs introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
 Tuesday, October 29, 1929 is known as Black Tuesday because of the plunge the
stock market took, and it largely symbolizes the start of the Great Depression,
though the economy had been in decline for at least six months prior to that date.
 By 1933, more than 11,000 of the nation‘s 25,000 American banks had shuttered
victims of the Great Depression.
 In March 2012, it was reported that 4 out of 15 of the major U.S. banks (including
Citigroup) wouldn‘t survive another severe recession, much less a depression. #FPSC_PPSC_KPSC_SPSC_BPSC