Introduction
The history of the United States of America includes numerous events that have had a powerful impact on the country at present. At the same time, these were both positive and negative changes. The period from 1840 to 1877 made an exceptional contribution. This period was marked by both successes in social, political, and cultural spheres and failures that left their mark on the history of the United States. The study of this kind of event contributes to a more complete understanding of what caused what can be seen in America today.
Successful Events in the US History
Manifest Destiny
First of all, it is worth starting with events that can be noted as successful in the history of the United States. The leading one is undoubtedly the westward expansion and Manifest Destiny initiatives of the 1840s-1850s. Manifest Destiny had a powerful impact on this period as it meant that “The United States had a divinely appointed mission, so obvious as to be beyond dispute, to occupy all of North America” (Foner, 2019, p. 350). In other words, during this period, the country’s government took successful measures to promote westward expansion and acquired territories such as Oregon, Texas, and the Mexican Cession. This process brought not only geographical expansion but also economic benefits that contributed to the West’s economic independence and freedom.
Homestead Act
Another event that can be considered a success in the history of the United States is the Homestead Act. This initiative was formed in 1862 and was authorized by Congress to grant 160 acres of public land to a western settler who had to live on the land for five years to establish title (Foner, 2019, p. 546). In other words, this act implied the transfer of land to individuals with a specific condition. They were supposed to be cultivating crops. Thus, the government gained an economic advantage while also contributing to the development of settlements in the western territories.
Emancipation
Emancipation was the next significant event in America between 1840 and 1877. In 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the enslaved people in areas under Confederate control (Foner, 2019). Thus, it has become one of the leading and significant political, social, and cultural terms for the country. Moreover, it became one of the most important steps towards achieving the complete abolition of slavery in the United States of America. This is because it did not imply the liberation of all enslaved people in the states, but excluded the loyal border slave states.
Seneca Falls Convention
It is also worth noting that during this period in the United States of America, there was a significant advance in the women’s rights movement. A special place in this context is occupied by the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848. The key figures who motivated this initiative were Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. The convention was one of the first to openly discuss and proclaim the challenges and suffrage that women faced. It was stated that “only the vote would make women ‘free as men are free,” since in a democratic society, freedom was impossible without access to the ballot” (Foner, 2019, p. 464). Thus, the Seneca Falls Convention became a pioneer and the first step in the long struggle for equality between women and men in American society and, more broadly, in American history.
Historical Failures During 1840-1877
Compromise of 1850
Despite significant advancements and successes between 1840 and 1877, the period also saw setbacks for the country. One of the most significant of these was the Compromise of 1850. It “attempted to settle issues arising from the acquisition of territory from Mexico by admitting California as a free state” (Foner, 2019, p. 492).
Additionally, it emphasized that the settlers themselves would determine the status of slavery in such states as Utah and New Mexico. Thus, the main problem caused by this compromise was that it temporarily postponed the issue of slavery. In other words, it failed to become a tool that would give individuals hope for the complete repeal of this law, thereby causing significant discontent and increasing tension in the country.
Fugitive Slave Act
In the context of the discussion of slavery, it is essential to pay attention to the Fugitive Slave Act, which is another critical failure. Hence, initiated in 1850, it was aimed at capturing and returning escaped slaves to their owners. This aspect extended even to those enslaved people who were in the territory of the free states at the time of capture.
The main negative characteristic of this policy was the fact that the fate of the enslaved people was within the authority of the special federal commissioners. They could, without a jury or trial, independently determine the punishment for the individuals caught. This aspect had a significant negative perception among society, which further increased discontent.
Dred Scott Ruling
The Dred Scott decision is one of the most infamous rulings in the Supreme Court’s long history. This imprint of U.S. history was made in 1857 when “Chief Justice Roger B. declared that only white persons could be citizens of the United States” (Foner, 2019, p. 501). In addition, as part of this decision, it was mentioned that black individuals do not have the rights that the white population could respect. This event led to profound social and cultural upheavals, as it contributed to the deterioration of the situation with inequality and discrimination in the country.
Reconstruction
The last event worth mentioning in considering the period from 1840 to 1877 is the failed Reconstruction. This period spans the years 1865-1877, after the Civil War. It began back in 1863 with the Ten-Percent Plan of Reconstruction imposed by President Lincoln. He “offered an amnesty and full restoration of rights, including property except for slaves, to nearly all white southerners who took an oath affirming loyalty to the Union and support for emancipation” (Foner, 2019, p. 556). However, after the implementation of the Reconstruction Plan, it faced many challenges when reintegrating the former Confederate states into the Union. Moreover, significant problems arose with the formation of new civil rights for formerly enslaved people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this research paper has shown that the US’s history has had both ups and downs. Among the successes, westward expansion and Manifest Destiny, the Homestead Act, emancipation, and the Seneca Falls Convention stand out. On the other hand, among the failures in the country’s history stand the Compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act, the Dred Scott decision, and Reconstruction. Each of these events had a unique contribution to the development of the United States as it is now.
Reference
Foner, E. (2019). Give me liberty!: An American history (Seagull 6th Ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.