American History Homework Six Answers - Student Nineteen

JonathanR

1\. Was the main goal of the newly elected President Lincoln to end slavery, or save the Union? His goal was to save the Union, but in doing so he had to end slavery.

Some say that his “quest” to save the Union descended from his past as a railroad attorney, because if one track was broken, they are all broken.

Correct, and good elaboration.

2\. Explain the purposes of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution.

The 13th Amendment’s sole purpose was to ban slavery. It was ratified quickly.

The 14th Amendment protected the rights of citizens against interference by any State. It also protected Congress by giving it more power, and it protected former slaves. But lately it has been expanded to include repulsive and extraneous acts of power like that of abortion.

The 15th Amendment was created to protect the former slaves’ right to vote: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. … The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”

Superb. Will use as a model.

3\. Who was your favorite military figure from the Civil War, and why?

General Robert E. Lee, because even though he was offered command of the Union forces, he decided to represent his home state, Virginia (the side which I myself wouldn’t have supported). But he had a humongous say in the outcome of the war, for the reason that he could have taken charge of the Union and led them to defeat.

Good.

4\. How would you have handled Reconstruction differently?

I wouldn’t have. That was an extraordinarily quick reconstruction period for that kind of trauma right after a huge war.

Excellent point.

5\. Abraham Lincoln was homeschooled. Do you see any characteristics in him that might have reflected his homeschooling, such as his independent thinking?

I do, and I don’t. I do see characteristics in him because he had a certain light-heartedness in hard situations (e.g. his letter to Gen. McClellan, or me with late American History HW). He probably had a better relationship with his parents and spent great amounts of time pursuing his educational interests. I don’t because a lot of people were homeschooled back then, and if anyone saw a distinguishable difference between him and a public school student, then almost everyone would be homeschooled today.

Good analysis.

6\. Please interpret the cartoon about the dream to the right. Its title is "Abraham's dream!--'Coming events cast their shadows before.'" Lincoln is fleeing to left while wearing a Scotsman's plaid cap and a cape. He declares, "This don't remind me of any joke!!"

The artist portrays Lincoln, tormented by nightmares of defeat in the election of 1864. The print probably appeared late in the campaign. Lincoln was said to have believed in the prophetic importance of dreams. He lies on a bed under a sheet embroidered with stars possibly symbolizing the states. In his dream, Columbia (a symbol of America), wielding the severed head of a black man, stands at the door of the White House. She sends a frightened Lincoln out of the White House with a kick. It is amazing that there was even an election with the Civil War still going on and a triumph for democracy because it was conducted in such a peaceful manner. The cap and cloak refer to an incident in 1861 before Lincoln's first inauguration. On being informed that an attempt would be made to assassinate him on his way to Washington, Lincoln took a night train and disguised himself in a large overcoat and hat. The press made the most of Lincoln's timidity, and it was widely reported that Lincoln was seen wearing a Scotch plaid cap and a very long military cloak. Lincoln also carries a rolled piece of paper that says "To whom it may concern.” On the right, General McClellan, who was running against Lincoln in the 1864 election, in his military uniform, climbs the steps to the White House, carrying a suitcase with his initials on it. This is probably part of Lincoln’s nightmare that McClellan would win.

Perfect answer!

7\. Please interpret the cartoon with Columbia below. The caption is, "The Chinese Question." Columbia says, "Hands off, gentlemen. America means fair play for all men."

This scenario alludes to the Chinese workers being scorned by American citizens because the Chinese saw it a great opportunity to work in America. The problem with this is that the Chinese worker can work for much less pay, and the Americans couldn’t, so that made it an easy choice for employers. Columbia is warning the mob that “America means fair play for all men.”

Superb.

Perfect paper! Congratulations: 70/70.--Aschlafly 19:09, 25 October 2008 (EDT)