The Northern Victory at the Battle of Vicksburg - Assignment Example

Questions Question The 1863 has been cited as a turning point of the civil war for various reasons. This is due to success in two greatest wars in the period. The first decisive turning point was the northern victory at the battle of Vicksburg. The success of the battle led to secession of the southern troops from its stronghold, which was Mississippi River. As a result, the Confederate army under the command of Robert E. Lee lacked necessary supplies for the continuation of the war. For example, there were no more supplies of food and weapons. Moreover, the war resulted to a large army of the confederates surrendering. AS a result, the number reduced making it inferior to withstand the forces from the north. The other success was in Gettysburg. In the battle, the army under the command of Lee suffered a significant loss. In the battle, there were massive casualties. As a result, Lee side was demoralised on invasion of the north and, therefore, had to retreat to Virginia. Question 2 The 1890 can be described as a watershed of the 1900’s in different ways. In the period, various changes defined the 1900’s. First, there was consolidation of various railway projects that had begun in the second part of the century. The consolidation helped in emergence of various industries that helped spur economic growth in the 1900’s. Moreover, the emergence of industries led to economic dominance of United States in the following century. Secondly, industrialization led to increased immigration to America. For example, there was increasing number of immigrants. Most came from Europe. They were looking for work and increased freedom. Consequently, there was growth of cities where the immigrants settled leading to increased urbanization. However, the period also saw increased discrimination. The discrimination was directed to African American. The period saw the passage of authoritarian laws such as Jim Crow laws that authorised segregation of African Americans. The law also allowed lynching of African Americans in the southern side. The changes led to rise of civil rights groups in then 1990’s. Moreover, there was a rise of exceptional leaders agitating for equality of different races over the same time such as Dubois and Martin Luther King. Additionally, the period saw the rise of various political parties. The parties were because of activism of farmers. In the period, farmers complained of reduced prices of commodities such as wheat and cotton. One of such parties was the People’s Party (Populist Party). The party was agitating for political and economic reforms that could be beneficial to farmers. In conclusion, it is clear that the 1890’s were the watershed of the 1900s. The reason is that many things that occurred in 1890 led to a series of events in the 1900’s. Some of events include urbanization, economic prosperity, civil rights movement, and political parties’ rejuvenation. Question3 The reconstruction period attracted changes in America’s political life. First, there were a number of changes at the national level. In the level, there were new laws as well as the constitutional amendments. As a result, the federal system was altered significantly. Moreover, there was new kind of definition of American citizenship. Secondly, there were changes in the South. For example, the black community participated in political discussion. As a result, together with the white allies they help to propel the Republican Party to power. The changes also helped in creation of new governments in the state that were previously under confederates. Moreover, the reconstruction period saw the rise of a number of black voters. For example, in many of the new states in the South, the majority of the voters were black people. In addition, there was an increase of black political leaders. The leadership was based on the fight for elimination of racial prejudices and economic progress for the former slaves. Question4 There are factors that prompted United States entrance into World War I. First, there was sinking of American ships. Most of the ships were moving goods to Britain. Moreover, there was an announcement of German attack on any ship entering the war zones without establishing its origin. This agitated the United States. Secondly, there was death of many Americans in attacks carried by Germans on Britain ships. The attacks killed many Americans passengers. The death of Americans triggered changes of Americans opinions and hence they favoured war. The other factor was severing diplomatic ties between the two countries. The enmity was because of German uncontrolled attack. Moreover, America was taking care of economic interest. It wanted to aid Britain that was a key trading partner with its allies in the period of war. Question 5 The 20th century was a period of greatest wars in the world. Most of these wars involved countries that dominated the world. One of such countries was the United States. The country was involved significantly in the Vietnam War. There are many reasons for United States participation in the war. Various factors prompted United States involvement in the war. The war was fought on two fronts. There was South Vietnam supported by United States. On the other hand, there was North Vietnam supported by countries leaning towards communism. The involvement was primarily due to the pact signed between the South Vietnam and United States. In the pact, United States was supposed to provide military and economic aid to the country. As a result, a large number of troops were sent to restore stability in the country. Consequently, United States participated in several attacks to the northern region that was under communist control. The effects were protracted battle that led to heavy casualties in both sides that were involvement in the war. Secondly, United States found the war as a way of helping to reduce the influence of communism. As results, a number of air raids were carried by United States in the North side as well as southern countries leaned towards communism. However, the United States was not successful in the war. Moreover, the war received heavy criticism both in the domestic and international arena. Consequently, United States withdrew from the war with immense economic and emotional burden to the American people. The end of the war led to the unification of both warring sides. In conclusion, it is clear that American involvement in the war was a mistake. This is because the war had a massive economic and emotional connection to the people of United States. Read More