final exam hist c131
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Cerro Coso Community College *
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131
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History
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Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Uploaded by JudgeSteelKouprey38
11/29/2023
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MYA SALTER
Final Exam
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1. Sherman's March to the Sea was a military campaign led by Union General William T. Sherman during
the American Civil War in 1864. The march involved Union forces advancing from Atlanta to the port city
of Savannah, destroying infrastructure and resources along the way. It aimed to demoralize the
Confederacy, break the Southern will to fight, and shorten the war. The march is crucial in both the war's
context and aftermath. During the war, it inflicted significant damage on the Confederacy, disrupting
supply lines and weakening its ability to continue the fight. After the war, Sherman's March to the Sea
became a symbol of the Union's strategic innovation and the concept of total war, influencing military
tactics in subsequent conflicts.
2. The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on
January 1, 1863, during the Civil War. It declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be
set free. While the proclamation did not immediately free all slaves, as it applied only to areas under
Confederate control, it had profound implications. It shifted the war's focus from solely preserving the
Union to incorporating the abolition of slavery as a war aim. The Emancipation Proclamation both
symbolized Lincoln's commitment to ending slavery and served as a wartime strategy. By framing
emancipation as a military necessity, Lincoln aimed to weaken the Confederacy by undermining its labor
force and encouraging enslaved individuals to escape, potentially swelling Union ranks. Therefore, the
Emancipation Proclamation can be seen as both a moral stance against slavery and a pragmatic wartime
measure.
Introduction:
The institution of slavery has profoundly impacted the trajectory of the United States, shaping its
economic, social, and political contours. This paper aims to delve into the intricate evolution of slavery in
the U.S., exploring the means by which African slaves were brought to the country, the perceived
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significance of slavery, the living conditions of enslaved individuals, the factors perpetuating slavery, the
political schisms culminating in the Civil War, and the eventual measures and events that culminated in
the abolition of slavery. Through a nuanced and critical analysis, this exploration seeks to underscore the
profound importance of comprehending this complex historical narrative within the broader context of
United States history.
Thesis Statement:
The evolution of slavery in the United States, spanning from the arrival of African slaves to the eventual
abolition of slavery, constitutes a multifaceted and crucial dimension of American history. This historical
trajectory intricately weaves together economic, social, and political forces, and a comprehensive
understanding of its impact is imperative for grasping the challenges and divisions that have indelibly
shaped the United States.
Body:
The transatlantic slave trade served as the ominous portal through which African slaves were forcibly
brought to the United States, subjecting them to dehumanizing conditions and laying the bedrock for the
institution of slavery. The Southern economy became deeply entangled with slavery, as the labor-
intensive nature of agriculture made it indispensable for economic prosperity. This economic
dependence, in turn, sculpted the Southern way of life, with political and social structures intricately
interwoven with the maintenance of the slave labor system.
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The lives of enslaved individuals unfolded under the shadow of harsh conditions, systemic oppression,
and the denial of basic human rights. Enslaved individuals faced relentless toil, endured family
separations, and lived under the omnipresent threat of violence, collectively contributing to the
dehumanization of an entire population. The perpetuation of slavery was sustained by a complex web of
political and societal issues, encompassing states' rights, economic interests, and deeply ingrained racial
ideologies. Legal frameworks like the Fugitive Slave Act further solidified the institution and shielded the
interests of slaveholders.
The escalating schism over slavery between the Northern and Southern states manifested in pivotal
political developments, such as the Missouri Compromise and the Wilmot Proviso. These conflicts
presaged the deepening sectionalism that ultimately erupted into the devastating conflict of the Civil
War. The war, a crucible of transformation, became a turning point, with the Emancipation Proclamation
and the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment standing as watershed moments that heralded the
demise of slavery.
Conclusion:
In summation, the evolution of slavery in the United States emerges as a complex and integral facet of
the nation's history. From the dark origins of the transatlantic slave trade to the tumultuous abolition of
slavery through the crucible of the Civil War and the instrumentality of the Emancipation Proclamation
and the 13th Amendment, this historical trajectory intricately reflects the interplay of economic, social,
and political forces. Appreciating the profound impact of slavery is essential for deciphering the
challenges and divisions that have etched themselves into the fabric of the United States. By critically
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engaging with this history, we gain nuanced insight into the struggles and triumphs that have defined the
nation, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Introduction:
The evolution of the executive office, particularly the presidency, from the Continental Congress to
Abraham Lincoln's era is a fascinating journey marked by significant changes in power, function, and
perception. This period spans the early experiments in governance, the drafting of the Constitution, the
establishment of the presidency, and the challenges presented by events such as wars and conflicts. This
essay will explore the evolution of the executive office during this time, highlighting major events that
influenced its development, the application of constitutional thought by key figures, and the evolving
perception of the presidency among the American people.
Thesis Statement:
The executive office underwent a transformative evolution from the Continental Congress to Abraham
Lincoln's presidency, shaped by events like the Constitutional Convention, conflicts such as the War of
1812, and the profound impact of figures like George Washington and Andrew Jackson. The application
of constitutional thought by these leaders played a pivotal role in defining the presidency's powers and
responsibilities. This evolution significantly influenced how Americans perceived the executive office,
transitioning from initial uncertainties to a more established and powerful institution by the mid-19th
century.
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Body:
1. Early Experiments and the Constitutional Convention:
The Continental Congress initially struggled with the idea of a single executive, as the nation grappled
with the aftermath of the Revolutionary War. The failure of the Articles of Confederation underscored
the need for a stronger central government, leading to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The
framers, influenced by Enlightenment ideals, debated the structure and powers of the executive. The
compromise reached established a presidency with limited but clearly defined powers, reflecting a
delicate balance between the fear of tyranny and the need for effective governance.
2. George Washington and the Establishment of Presidential Authority:
The first President, George Washington, played a crucial role in shaping the presidency's early trajectory.
His leadership during the Whiskey Rebellion demonstrated the executive's power to enforce federal laws
and maintain order. Washington's Farewell Address set a precedent for the peaceful transfer of power
and warned against the dangers of political factions. These actions helped establish the presidency as a
stabilizing force and contributed to the development of constitutional thought regarding executive
authority.
3. The War of 1812 and Expansion of Presidential Powers:
The War of 1812 tested the fledgling nation and its executive office. President James Madison's wartime
actions, such as the suspension of habeas corpus, showcased the presidency's ability to respond
decisively to national crises. This period marked a subtle but significant expansion of executive powers,
raising questions about the balance between national security and individual liberties, a tension that
persisted throughout American history.
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4. Andrew Jackson and the Rise of the Common Man:
The presidency continued to evolve with the election of Andrew Jackson in 1828. Jackson's populist
approach and his use of the veto power to challenge Congress marked a departure from the earlier,
more restrained executive office. His administration emphasized a more direct connection between the
president and the people, contributing to the democratization of American politics. However, Jackson's
presidency also sparked debates about the appropriate scope of executive authority and its potential for
abuse.
5. Crisis of the Union and Abraham Lincoln's Leadership:
The mid-19th century witnessed the ultimate test of the executive office during the Civil War. President
Abraham Lincoln faced the unprecedented challenge of preserving the Union. His use of executive
power, such as the suspension of habeas corpus and the Emancipation Proclamation, demonstrated the
presidency's ability to navigate crises and shape national destiny. Lincoln's actions reflected a nuanced
understanding of constitutional thought, balancing the preservation of the Union with the imperative of
ending slavery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the evolution of the executive office from the Continental Congress to Abraham Lincoln's
presidency is a story of adaptation, crisis response, and the ongoing negotiation of power and authority.
Major events such as the Constitutional Convention, the War of 1812, and the Civil War, along with the
leadership of figures like Washington, Jackson, and Lincoln, shaped the presidency and influenced how
constitutional principles were applied. This evolution not only expanded executive powers but also
contributed to a changing perception of the presidency among the American people, from a cautiously
established institution to a powerful symbol of national leadership. The enduring legacy of this evolution
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continues to shape discussions about executive authority and the role of the presidency in the United
States.
Extra Credit:
Thomas Jefferson's letter to Maria Cosway in 1786, known as "The Dialogue Between My Head and My
Heart," is considered unusual because of its literary style and format. In this letter, Jefferson adopts a
unique structure where he presents a conversation between his head (representing reason) and his
heart (representing emotion). The dialogue format allows him to explore the conflicting emotions and
thoughts he was experiencing at the time.
Thomas Jefferson's letter to Maria Cosway, known as "The Dialogue Between My Head and My Heart" in
1786, deviates from the conventional style of formal letters, especially those exchanged between
statesmen and women during the 18th century. Typically, letters from prominent figures like Jefferson
were characterized by formality, directness, and a focus on specific subjects. However, this particular
letter stands out due to its introspective and emotional nature as Jefferson engages in a unique dialogue,
reflecting on the complexities of love, reason, and passion.
Jefferson's letter to Maria Cosway is considered a remarkable example of the blending of personal and
philosophical elements in his writing, showcasing his intellectual and emotional depth.
In the letter, Jefferson engages in a philosophical and introspective dialogue between reason (head) and
emotion (heart). He explores the conflict between his rational thoughts and his passionate feelings,
particularly in the context of his relationship with Maria Cosway. The letter is known for its emotional
and expressive language, as well as its literary and philosophical qualities.
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Jefferson uses vivid and poetic language to convey his inner struggles and conflicting emotions, providing
readers with insight into his complex personality and thoughts. While the style may be considered
unconventional for a personal letter, it reflects Jefferson's intellectual depth and creativity. The "Dialogue
Between My Head and My Heart" is often celebrated for its literary merit and as a unique example of
personal expression from a prominent historical figure.
Key references:
Essay 1
History.com Editors. (2023, October 4). The evolution of slavery in the United States. History.com.
https://www.historycrunch.com/history-of-slavery-in-the-united-states.html
Public Broadcasting Service. (2023, September 28). The African slave trade. PBS.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S72vvfBTQws
The Atlantic. (2017, December 14). Slavery's enduring legacy. The Atlantic.
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/full/10.1086/709830
Berlin, I. (2011). American slavery: From colonial times to emancipation. Cambridge University Press.
Baptist, E. E. (2014). The half has never been told: Slavery and the making of American capitalism. Basic
Books.
Blackmon, D. A. (2008). Slavery by another name: The re-enslavement of black people in America from
the Civil War to World War II. Doubleday.
Essay 2
Ellis, Joseph J. (2002).
American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson
. New York: Vintage Books.
Fischer, David Hackett. (2011).
Washington's Crossing
. New York: Oxford University Press.
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McCullough, David G. (2017).
From the Wilderness: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the Doomed
Duel That Shaped America
. New York: Simon & Schuster.
Baker, Jean H. (1992). George Washington and the Structure of the Presidency.
The American Political
Science Review
, 86(2), 325-349.
Cherny, James H. (1994). The Evolution of the American Presidency: From George Washington to Bill
Clinton.
Presidential Studies Quarterly
, 24(1), 21-46.