How did economic and social experiences differ between the southern and northern regions of the United States, 1870 - 1914?

How did economic and social experiences differ between the southern and northern regions of the United States, 1870 - 1914? During the period between the American Civil War, which ended in 1870 and the First World War, which began in 1914, a significant number of economic changes took place in the United States. The process of industrialisation began to take over the previously predominately agricultural country. Before the Civil War almost 80% of the population were engaged in agriculture-based employment. There was little government intervention in the economy and no real industrialisation had taken place. However, historian and economist Harold Vatter writes that 'On the eve of the Civil War the United States was a semi industrial country with a large, relatively unexploited and unsettled frontier.' (1) This statement highlights how the onset of the Civil War prevented the country from beginning a process of exploiting its resources and expanding industrially. The consequences of the Civil War play a huge part in the differences between the economies of the north and south of the United States, especially due to the detrimental effects the war had on the south. The economic situation in turn impacted upon the social conditions of the time so as the north became more industrially developed, social conditions improved and in the south, with a stagnant economy, social

  • Word count: 1971
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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Why did British agriculture decline after 1870?

Why did British agriculture decline after 1870? During the twenty years preceding 1870 British agriculture experienced a period of prosperity and growth. The main system of farming used at this time was that of mixed farming which drew on the continuous methodological advances that had been made in both livestock and crop farming as far back as the seventeenth century. In this system livestock and grain crops were produced and sold whilst the silage crops, which could not be sold for cash, were consumed by the livestock. Thus producing greater supplies of manure which would, in turn, sustain greater yields of crops that could be sold as well as providing more fodder for the cattle and other livestock, such as sheep or horses, to graze on. In order to be successful a farm of this nature had to fulfil three main objectives: Firstly produce a sufficient quantity so as to be able to pay a rent to the landowner, secondly yield enough to return a profit to the farmer himself and thirdly maintain, and in some cases increase, the richness of the soil.1 A self-sufficient farm of this nature had a limited maximum output which could only be exceeded through the purchasing of fertiliser and feed from an outside source. Such an approach would only be taken if the increased productivity would justify this higher expenditure. For this to be the case the inputs required had to be

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  • Word count: 2243
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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To what extent napoleons reforms benefit the majority of French people

To what extent napoleons reforms benefit the majority of French people. After achieving power Napoleon set about reforming just about every aria of French life, he revolutionised the political system, and introduced the 'Code Napoleon' which brought about many new laws and rights. Some of these can be seen as advantageous to the French people and some can not. In this essay it will be discussed to what extent these reforms were actually beneficial to the common people. Many people would agree that the most critical reform Napoleon introduced that affected the general public was the introduction of the civil code, later dubbed the 'Code Napoleon'. This insured civil rights were insured for all French males as well as governing the laws of property ownership and inheritance. Despite this the code was actually quite repressive in many arias, it set woman out to be second class citizens and gave them next to know rights in marriage, a wife had to yield to her husband at all times and could be sent to prison for disloyalty. In contrast an adulteress male was not reprimanded in any way; in fact the woman was only given rights to file for divorce if the man insisted that she live alongside his mistress. Despite the relinquish of Catholic control over France divorces were still very hard to obtain especially for the woman. Napoleon did abolish feudalism which was a very popular

  • Word count: 719
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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Rebelion Estudiantil en Cordoba

Rebelión de Córdoba Desde jóvenes hemos estudiado Historia como materia, Historia Mexicana durante la primaria, Historia Universal -que en la mayoría de las veces más bien deberíamos llamar "Europea y un poco del resto del mundo"- durante la secundaria y la preparatoria, pero rara vez tenemos el privilegio de aprender de la cultura Sudamericana, de sus logros e infortunios, tanto es el caso que estos eventos viven solo en la memoria de historiados. Esta es razón por la cual la "Rebelión Estudiantil de Córdoba" representa un nuevo enfoque de lo que le sucedió a la época de guerra. Hace poco más de noventa años, ocurrió un evento mejor conocido como la reforma o revolución universitaria de 1918 que aunque hoy en día no se habla mucho de ella, marca una gran diferencia en la historia Latinoamericana. Este movimiento reformista tiene causas y motivaciones propias, está inscrito en un proceso mundial de comienzos del siglo XX, donde un fenómeno recorría el mundo "la revolución socialista". El 24 de junio de 1918 un grupo de estudiantes universitarios tomaron posesión de la Universidad de Córdoba e izaron la bandera Argentina, así esto marca el comienzo de la Reforma Universitaria. Este movimiento fue dirigido por Deodoro Roca -quien redacto el "Manifiesto Liminar de la Reforma Universitaria1"- entre otros líderes estudiantiles, también se dice, aunque no

  • Word count: 2641
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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JOHN D. LEE: A SCAPEGOAT? MYTHS AND FALLACIES CONCERNING THE ROLE OF JOHN D. LEE IN THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE

JOHN D. LEE: A SCAPEGOAT? MYTHS AND FALLACIES CONCERNING THE ROLE OF JOHN D. LEE IN THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE Keith Paxton History 497 Brother Coates Date due: July 17, 2012 Date turned in: July 17, 2012 Assignment: Final Draft JOHN DOYLE LEE: A SCAPEGOAT? (Outline) . Introduction 2. Thesis: Even though there were other, higher profile, men, such as William H. Dame, Isaac C. Haight and John M. Higbee, who were involved in the Mountain Meadows Massacre, John D. Lee was the only person singled out for participating in a massacre therefore making him a scapegoat—who was used by Brigham to protect the Church. 3. A discussion of Myths and Fallacies . The way I am going to use myth. 2. The term fallacy, how I am going to use it, and what fallacies I am going to use. . How I am going to use the term ‘fallacy” 2. The fallacies that historians use when they write about John D. Lee’s role in the Mountain Meadows Massacre . Mormonism Unveiled and The Mormon Menace (myths and fallacies about John D. Lee’s role in the massacre) . Mormonism Unveiled and the authorship question . The use of Mormonism Unveiled to describe John D. Lee’s role in the Massacre 2. Mormonism Unveiled and the Fallacy of Possible Proof . What the fallacy is 2. Some authors who make the fallacy and why it occurs (hidden motives) . The Mormon Menace and Mormonism Unveiled

  • Word count: 8315
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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Total War is as much a myth as total victory or total defeat - Discuss

Introduction to Modern History 1800-2000 ‘Total War is as much a myth as total victory or total defeat.’ How far do you agree? Total War is believed by some, to be the culmination of all warfare that was to be achieved before and up until the end of the twentieth century. The concept of Total War itself, when victory is believed to be the only option, is achieved through every aspect of a nation being mobilised and covers a wide range of criteria that must be fulfilled before the criteria of Total War can be met. A country’s economy, technological development, organisation of state and manpower must all be committed to aid a war effort – as well as the war itself having wider repercussions such as political and social impact and a wide geographical spread. Total War, therefore is very difficult to achieve as there are so many components that are expected to be fulfilled, hence why many feel there is strong validity for the argument that Total War is indeed a myth. Trying to define Total War in its entirety can be a challenging task due to the varying interpretations (that are mostly often down to personal opinion) of what defines Total War. Chickering et al[1] (2005, p. 55) refers to the caution that must be taken when trying to give Total War a label ‘A variety of overly narrow or overly broad definitions are now in competition.’ this can create confusion

  • Word count: 3098
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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Nationalism and Imperialism in the Late Nineteenth Century

Cote, Imperialism and it’s relation to Nationalism The last quarter of the nineteenth century was the classical age of European imperialism (Marshall,49). Western European countries such as Britain, France, Belgium and Italy were all trying to impose their imperialistic thoughts on other countries. Funk and Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia defines Imperialism as the practice by which powerful nations or peoples seek to extend and maintain control or influence over weaker nations...power and influence is extended informally, mainly through diplomatic and economic means, rather than formally through direct colonial rule. Besides the political and economic point of view, the process of imperialism cannot be defined without the cultural concepts such as imposing religion, traditions and or language of a nation. The three main goals for European imperialists were social, economic and political gain. Social motives focused on morals or ideologies. “Britain’s colonial empire was motivated at least in part by the idea that it was the “white man’s burden” to civilize “backward” peoples” (Imperialism,3). Britain believed that they were superior over all others and all countries were in need of British rule. This was Britain’s justification for their imperialistic policies. The most common motive for imperialism was economic. This was all about acquiring more raw

  • Word count: 1052
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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To what extent did Sir Robert Peel reshape the modern British state, 1841-46?

To what extent did Sir Robert Peel reshape the modern British state, 1841-46? Robert Peel introduced many radical reforms in his second term which changed the general attitudes within Britain and helped to push Britain towards a more modern state. He reshaped politics by ending the clear Whig, Tory divide and introducing a liberal attitude. His series of economic and social reforms metamorphosed Britain towards a more liberal modern state which encompassed the growing middle classes. Peel’s conservative politic position has been critically analysed by many historians. Historian Norman Gash promotes peel as the founder of modern conservatism while Richard A. Gaunt argues he developed a new liberal approach to politics.[1] His removal of tariffs and encouragement of free trade highlight his liberal attitudes. Peel rebuilt his party and as Douglas Hurd puts it reinvented his party to be more appealing to the growing middle class. The middle classes were growing in prosperity as well as numbers, they were becoming impatient with the old rigid ways but were against revolution. Historian G.H Francis describes peel as a slave to public opinion, he mentions in his work that ‘(Peel) his mind marched with that of the public’[2]. However it can be argued that Peels reorganisation and public confidence led to restoration of faith in politics. Peel built a cabinet of outstanding

  • Word count: 2000
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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Open University. What evidence is there in the extract above of the three explanations for Chartisms support that you learned about in Block2, Unit 2,

What evidence is there in the extract above of the three explanations for Chartism’s support that you learned about in Block2, Unit 2, Making sense of history, and which, if any, is stressed most strongly by the speaker? : In no more than 800 words, write an essay in response to the above question. The extract ‘Great meeting at York for the Charter’ published in Northern Star, issued on 6 July 1839 is a primary source of information. The Northern Star newspaper was a great supporter of Chartism which indicates that it will show only the positive side of the Chartist movement. The newspaper was launched in 1837 by Feargus O’Connor, providing information about Chartist meetings and gatherings across the country. The extract is showing three explanations for Chartism public support; mainly for the reaction to economic conditions, a national political movement and an inclusive cultural community. This essay will examine all three explanations and highlight that the national political movement was emphasised most strongly by the speaker. Economic circumstances were one of the main issues of Chartism. 1839 was a year of economic downturn which mainly affected the poor and working class and it often led to many riots and protests across the country. During times of economic hardship Chartist support was at its height (Rostow’s Graph of social tension, The Open

  • Word count: 935
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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Victorian moral values applied equally to all. Discuss this statement in relation to the lives of women as described in mid-Victorian texts.

'Victorian moral values applied equally to all.' Discuss this statement in relation to the lives of women as described in mid-Victorian texts. Moral values can be defined as the principles or standards shared by a social group as to what constitutes appropriate behavior. What were the moral expectations of the British society during Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901) and did they affect everyone's lives in the same way? This essay will explore this question by analyzing the lives of Victorian women, drawing on the works of two prominent and influential thinkers of the time: John Ruskin and John Stuart Mill. John Ruskin, in addition to being an art critic, also produced writings dealing with the social issues of his time. In his book Sesame and Lilies, 1865 (Ruskin, p.58), he not only describes how the ideal Victorian woman should be, but also urges his female audience to abandon their trivial pursuits and actively apply themselves for the betterment of society. From the outset, Ruskin states that although no gender superiority exists, men and women are biologically different from one another, and as such, must fulfil distinctively different roles. Unlike a man who is expected to use his power to create, discover and destroy in the outside world, Ruskin maintains that a woman must use hers to ensure that the home is safe, orderly, comfortable and beautiful. According to

  • Word count: 1140
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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