Before the War: The Antebellum Years by Channingb

BEFORE THE WAR The Antebellum Years

By: Channing Bragg

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. II.

CHAPTER ONE: INNOVATIONS OF THE FUTURE CHAPTER TWO: WALKING ON SUNSHINE

III.

CHAPTER THREE: READY TWO PARTY

IV.

CHAPTER FOUR: JACKSON VS. THE WORLD

CHAPTER FIVE: IN THE LAND OF COTTON

VI.

CHAPTER SIX: WADE IN THE WATER

VII.

CHAPTER SEVEN: THE LIGHT OF TRUTH

VIII.

CHAPTER EIGHT: REFORMATION STATION

IX. X.

CHAPTER NINE: EVERYBODY IS A ROMANTIC ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON CHAPTER TEN: THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND

CHAPTER ONE

INNOVATIONS OF THE FUTURE TRANSPORTATION & MARKET REVOLUTIONS

Introduction The beginning of the 19th century was a prime time for change. Scientific changes were made, America had just become a new country, and business was booming. This progress however couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have happened without the changes with transportation which prompted a completely new style of farm-to-market which completely revolutionized the industry and kick started the agricultural and market economies. These were momentous events that set the pace for future economic revolutions.

TRANSPORTATION REVOLUTION No longer did traders have to travel treacherous paths in the wilderness, and no longer were men limited by the ability to only sail one direction on the river. The Transportation Revolution was every sense the word implies. Not only was it now easier to travel, but it was safer as well. The time saw the introduction of many new ideas as well like roads, railroads, canals, and new forms of transportation.

TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION From flatboat to steam locomotive the revolution changed how people got around. Before, travel was on foot, by wagon, or on a flatboat or the improved version, the keelboat. In 1807 there was even the invention of the steam locomotive by Robert Fulton, actually allowing those to sell both ways on the river. This increased the usage of boats and led to the building of canals, the most popular being the Eerie. From the steamboat came the steam locomotive that would change everything.

FROM ROADS TO RAILROADS Not only were there new ways to get one place to another, but there was now new routes to travel on as well. For the steamboat, canals. For anyone, roads. For locomotives, railroads. Everything was changing. The new Cumberland Road spanned across states and toll roads started popping up. The most influential power, however, would be railroads. Railroads ruled this time period becoming a dominant form of transportation and trade. They allowed lower shipping rates and helped make the Market Revolution possible. All

regions were connected. Cities with stops along the rails, became hubs for trade and activity, redefining Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major cities and setting influences and paths in place that would last to today.

MARKET REVOLUTION The Market Revolution was undeniably driven and an effect of the Transportation Revolution and its transformation of trade along with the newly established connection between the regions.

AGRICULTURE AND TRADE Because of the newer, faster, and most importantly, cheaper way of trade, agriculture grew from independent to industry. This was the rise of mass production and the farm-to-market thinking. During this time, agricultural production grew 3%. It was the age of an agricultural boom. Along with this, there were the invention of new tools like Iron or steel plows, grain cradles, and even new strains of crops to make farming faster and more efficient so the producers could make more product leading to more money.

THE NORTH AND INDUSTRY While the South and other regions saw a revolution itself in agriculture, industry boomed in the North with the same to-the-market ideas. Transportation allowed products being produced to go anywhere in the country leading to an increase of profit and production due to now rising demand. The progress of the North did have its negative parts, however. Due to the increasing differences, regional lines were becoming deeper within America.

CHAPTER TWO

WALKING ON SUNSHINE THE ERA OF GOOD FEELINGS

Introduction Time when the Republican Party was the only party and grew to dominate the politics of the period. Other key events include the Missouri Compromise, growth of Judicial Nationalism, John Marshall in the supreme court, and the Monroe Doctrine. The period also saw social change and the awakening of American Nationalism, expansion, and economic progress. It is no surprise the times earned such a name.

MISSOURI COMPROMISE In the time of slavery and the admission of new states, the question arose, Who would be a slave state and who would not? How is this to be decided? With the addition of the state of Missouri, these same questions came to the forefront. At this point, the number of slave and non-slave states were equal, so whatever the decision, it would upset the balance.

OUTCOMES OF DECISION The final decision of the Missouri Compromise was the idea of Henry Clay in which came to be that Missouri would be a slave state, but Maine would not, keeping the balance. It was also said that any future states below the 36’ 30’ line would be slave states while any above would be non-slave states, somewhat keeping the balance between the two.

MONROE DOCTRINE The Monroe Doctrine was put forward to congress for the purpose of recognizing independent latin countries’ governments. The men behind it had to be careful because of possible issues involving the Adams-Onis Treaty, in which Florida was ceded from Spain and new boundaries were defined. Henry Clay helped in convincing congress to pass the bill. There was an ulterior motive to the act, however. During this time there was a small movement to reinstill monarchies in several European countries because of this and that there were still lasting remnants of colonization, America wanted to prove

themselves in a way to eliminate these problems. In the end, Europe did not give much of a reaction, but it was an important display of American nationalism.

JOHN MARSHALL AND JUDICIAL NATIONALISM In a time of non-federalist agenda, John Marshall was the one who kept the fire going. In the cases, the rulings usually coincided with Federalist beliefs and values. Three popular cases arose during this time which serve as examples of federalist ruling, but also aided in the judicial nationalism movement and the promotion of strong federal power. The ways in which the court worked during these times set the standards courts still follow today. The court finally gained the power and position as a legitimate power in the new country. DARTMOUTH VS. WOODWARD

In 1819, the New Hampshire state legislature attempted to alter the original charter of Dartmouth College. By doing this, the state government and leader would have the opportunity to change the board of trustees, create a new board,a state board of visitors, that could override the trustees, and reinstate the deposed president. These changes would turn the college public and greatly alter their setting. This case went to the John Marshall court and they ultimately ruled in favor of Dartmouth, using the contract clause of the constitution as their backing. By the result, state governments now could not alter charters and contracts of this nature. This set the pace for future cases concerning charters as well as promoting strong business because the clause provided security for businesses as well. McCULLOCH VS. MARYLAND

Once again, in 1819, a case came to the John Marshall and court in which the state of Maryland made attempts to tax the bank. As typical of a federalist, Marshall believed that federal law had its place over state law and that the federal authority should be strong. The ruling of the case was that the state of Maryland did not have the power to tax the

bank. The case ultimately served as a testament of strong federal authority as well as court power. GIBBONS VS. OGDEN

This particular case arose when it was called into question if the state of New York could give a particular ferry monopoly over interstate waters. The ruling of the case was that New York did not have that power and that congress could regulate such matters alone. This once again reaffirmed the court and federal powers.

NEW AMERICAN NATIONALISM Since the birth of the new country, there had been a struggle to identify the American identity. This period saw the rise in those wholly identifying as such as well as the birth of true American nationalism. This time would start the chain reaction that would prompt all other movements after it. This movement affected many things even during its time. Writing was about being America and how great America was. Art featured the flag and more. And expansion into the west and growth only brought more. The time saw increases in production and manufacturing as well with the increased popularity of using real American made products. While not as large-scale as those to come, this movement set the track for those to come after.

CHAPTER THREE

READY TWO PARTY NEW AMERICAN POLITICS

Introduction In the age of new American nationalism, changes to the way politics work werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t far behind. This time saw new political parties, the development of mass democracy, and a new voting culture. The multi-party system and new voting culture are undeniably two of the biggest political changes this period saw. And with the rise of mass democracy, the

changes here, made way to today. The most important part, however, was the progress shown and the proof that the standards first set by the founding fathers had the ability to evolve to changing times.

VOTING CULTURE As mentioned, this time saw many positive improvements, but those were not without their negatives. This new democratic culture led to changes in dress and a large newspaper appeal, but also still existing inequality and poor practices like buying votes.

MASS DEMOCRACY Anybody who was white and male could vote. This may not seem like a real change in anything since the majority of people did not have the right to vote, but even this small change had a large effect. This allowed for social mobility and the idea of universal suffrage, even for one type of people, take root. With this true democracy and â&#x20AC;&#x153;the voice of the peopleâ&#x20AC;? took shape along with the developments in those finally having the chance for equal opportunity. The period even saw the creation of ideas like the spoils system and two political parties. Voting increased everywhere even if it did lead to more of these voting days being held instead of actual appointments.

TWO PARTY SYSTEM Since the beginning of the government, America has mostly had a two party system. In the beginning, it was the Democratic Republicans led by Jefferson and his beliefs. The other was the Federalist party led by Alexander Hamilton and his ideas. The federalist party eventually died out due to decreasing popularity and poor decisions. This was the time the Democratic party ruled until a new party arose. In 1828, Andrew Jackson came

into office. His election brought support as well as anti-jackson feelings. This is exactly what led to the birth of a new political party. The Whig Party came into spotlight as the party for anyone against Jackson. That included National Republicans, former Federalists, those for states rights, and those anti-masonic. A popular idea within the Whig party was the portrayal of Jackson was “King Andrew” which implies exactly what those thought of him.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY The Democratic party was the party for the “common man” and those of lower standing. This was the party that stood for the little man. With this, their beliefs were in smaller farms and emerging business. This party was for anybody from immigrants and Catholics to free thinkers and the farmers. They believed in the traditional and standard leadership.

WHIG PARTY The central beliefs of the Whig party were those of what Jackson was not. They supported a protective tariff for industry, internal improvements, market-based farming, smaller cities, an overall market economy, and the rule of the elite. In no way was this the “common man” party as the Democrats sold themselves as. The Whig party was for those of high class and businessmen; anyone that opposed Jackson.

CHAPTER FOUR

JACKSON VS. THE WORLD JACKSONIAN DEMOCRACY

Introduction After the loss in the election of 1824, Jackson was already preparing again for the Election of 1828. This time, he would win. During this, Jackson sold himself as the common man and a valid runner for the Democratic party. Through rallies and his already “war hero” persona, Jackson won with ease. With his beliefs, however, he did gain much hate which

led to the creation of the Whig party. Between the two, they sided very differently on the events soon to come.

INDIAN REMOVAL With increasing tensions between settlers and Native Americans and continued state calls for action, something had to be done. This came as the decision to give Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi control over their Native American populations and the moving of different tribes to new, government-provided lands more west. The most famous of these movements was that of the Cherokee during 1838 in the Trail of Tears. A total of 25%, 16,000 died. The political side of the issue had Jackson and the Democrats encouraging the movement for Native safety and state economic as well as land gain while the Whig party was in opposition since Jackson was for it.

NULLIFICATION CRISIS This issue came from the questions of slavery tariffs. This put state and federal power at odds over which would count over the other as well as a rift between Jackson and John C.

Calhoun, former vice president. The eventual result was a compromise put forth by Henry Clay, called “Great Compromiser”, in which federal law would have power over state law and states could not nullify federal law. South Carolina was upset by this, contributing to already brewing disunion. Jackson’s position in this issue was to protect the union at all times. On the flip side,of course, the Whig party was against such a ruling since one of their basic beliefs was in the power of state law.

BANK WAR The Bank War became an issue when the national bank’s charter came close to expiration and Nicholas Biddle decided to push forward an early recharter. Henry Clay was in support of such a move, in hope that it would damage Jackson’s support when he vetoes it.

BIDDLE’S PLAN Biddle decided to make another move in attempt to show the need for a national bank. He moved money into pet banks, contracted credit, put bank notes up for redemption, and called in loans. To gain support, Biddle planned to show the necessity of a bank by putting forward a new plan, However, Nicholas and Biddle’s plan completely backfired when the act actually increased Jackson’s support and caused more people to turn against the bank, believing one group should not have that much power in such a position.

CHAPTER FIVE

IN THE LAND OF COTTON THE ANTEBELLUM SOUTH

Introduction When one thinks of the antebellum South, one imagines a world of plantation, belles, and overall grandeur. Gone With the Wind would most likely come to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind as well. The

South wasn’t quite like what is pictured or portrayed though. Many times, idealistic and dreamy representations replace the harsh realities and truths the South really stood for at this time. Not only was there slavery, but the majority of Southerners didn’t even belong in the planter class. What one may imagine as the South is most likely watered down, mass-marketed image then what the South truly was as this time.

WHITE SOCIETY As stated, the Southern society isn’t what most expect. The famed planter aristocracy was only around one percent of the population and about twenty-five percent of all Southerners owned slaves. The majority of people at this time were yeoman farmers. Nothing is very grand about that.

PLANTERS The planter class is not all as expected, but they did behave as one would think. They thought themselves as “new money” and the competition to gain one of these high status spots was high. They weren’t quite the southern aristocrats they thought themselves to be, however.

YEOMAN FARMERS These farmers were small time land holders commonly found in the Ozark and Appalachian Mountains. They farmed for sustenance and raised livestock. These people were most commonly Jacksonian as well.

CHAPTER SIX

WADE IN THE WATER SLAVERY IN THE SOUTH

Introduction Under all the idealistic fluff of the antebellum South, hides the horrible truth; one that is all too conveniently forgotten. The integral part of the South was slavery. Alexander H. Stephens, the Confederacy’s future vice president, said himself that the South’s

“...foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery… is a natural and normal condition.” This is from his famous cornerstone speech. During this period, many truly believed this which led to the continued institution of slavery. At one point in time, it was okay for one human being to own another and force them to work under less than desirable conditions. And this is seen as a rather romantic time in history.

JUSTIFICATION As mentioned, many in support of slavery believed that it was just the natural thing that whites rule over others and that they should have the say since they have the greater culture. Other reasons for justification were that is was biblically supported and that once again that since the whites’ have the greater culture, that they are actually doing the slaves a favor, allowing them to come and serve for them. In response to northern accusations specifically, the South in turn attacked northern labor and the not very decent living conditions of those.

ECONOMICS OF SLAVERY By this time, the slave trade was nothing new. It had been going on for hundreds of years and continued with the increased demand in the deep south even with the count in the upper south decreasing. Slavery grew out westward as well.

LAND OF COTTON Cotton was becoming big and the invention of the cotton gin completely revolutionized the crop’s production. Before the main crops were tobacco, sugar, and rice, but then, cotton started booming. In a couple of years, it became America’s top export. Short

Staple Cotton became popular and it was grown and sold by everybody. In 1793, one would see about 13,000 bales produced. By 1860, 4.8 million bales were being produced. Because of this increase of work, there was a larger demand for slaves. Slaves became the key to this large scale mass production.

CONDITIONS OF SLAVES Slaves were forced to work in less than desirable condition without any protective rights and truly treated as property. They were an economic investment made to sell in markets like animals. When sold, it was common to separate them from family or other loved ones. Husbands and wives couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have the comfort of knowing they would together until death do them part. When sold, anything could happen whether the masters or overseers beat them or raped them, it was allowed. That was what was expected.

DAILY LIVES Their jobs were usually working inside the house or outside in the fields in task gangs. There were even urban slaves who did work around the city, serving different people. All of these types had the basics in common in which they were owned by another, had to be IDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d, whether by brand or by tag, and faced severe consequences if they ever tried to escape.

FIGHTING BACK Forced into a life they did not choose, it comes as no surprise some slaves tried

to rebel or at least escape. This was done through different means.

NAT TURNER REBELLION In August 1831, Nat Turner led a slave rebellion in Virginia. This was not like the other rebellions however. Turner believed he heard a divine voice telling him to lead the uprising which resulted in the highest death count, fifty-one killed, in a slave rebellion and widespread fear in the South. Fifty-six fellow slaves were executed for participation while more than two hundred were beaten by angry mobs. The uprising had less than ideal results.

ESCAPE One way slaves resisted was by running away. This was a very important decision since they could possibly face death or worst if ever found. A common way slaves escaped was through the Underground Railroad, a series of stops on a path to the North. The most famous “conductor” was Harriet Tubman who helped hundreds of slaves travel through the trail. One of the most interesting parts of the railroad was the use of songs and symbols to communicate messages from conductors to passengers or vice versa. The popular “Wade in the Water” was used by Tubman to warn slaves to get into the water so

no one would catch them on the path. Even Nat Turner used the song â&#x20AC;&#x153;Steal Awayâ&#x20AC;? to call meetings to plan his rebellion.

SLAVE LAWS To continue being the ones in power, and for their benefit, those of power in the South created laws to put the slaves in an even more limited position. These laws included that a slave could not read or write, gather without whites present, allow preachers, and freed blacks were watched and kept track of. The laws were put in place so the slaveholders and other remained in the power of position and to further extend their complete domination.

CHAPTER SEVEN

THE LIGHT OF TRUTH THE ABOLITIONIST MOVEMENT

Introduction In the time of slavery, many saw the wrongness of the practice and joined the movement to end such actions while also fighting its further expansion. This was the abolitionist movement in which slavery was being fought on the grounds of morals and religion, one reason the pro-slavery movement the was using at the same time. Blacks and whites alike aligned to fight for the shared cause, but not without some tension. The same

happened with the unfairness of the involvement of women in certain societies, leading to disagreement and new branches. Overall, however, the movement could be considered a success. Many important figures emerged to speak out as well as encourage others to do the same. New pieces of writing on slavery were published too, aiming to expose more to the true horrors of slavery. Some people were not completely sold though. The restriction of liberties, however, ultimately moved most to develop a stance against slavery.

IMPORTANT FIGURES Many men and women gave all they had to support the movement to end slavery. Some like Harriet Tubman who helped slaves along the Underground Railroad and spoke out against slavery. Some like Theodore Weld and the Grimke sisters, daughters of southern white plantation owners, who together wrote Slavery as It Is, a work only rivaled by that of Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, as influential on the movement. Some like

David Walker who wrote Appeal to Colored Citizens of the World , a call to arms and a call

for support for the movement. On the other end, there were those like the publisher Elijah P. Lovejoy, who eventually lost his life due to this beliefs. Taking part in this movement was no easy path, but these brave men and women did so without question. WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON

Garrison, founder of “The Liberator”,an abolitionist newspaper, was one of the top leaders in the movement. He founded the anti-slavery society and frequently spoke

on the issue of abolition. He also believed in emancipation without emigration, in direct opposition to the American Colonization Society who believed in emancipation, but then sending freed to a colony in Liberia West Africa. Garrison is known as one of the key influences of the time. FREDERICK DOUGLAS

When thinking of the main figures of the abolitionist movement, Frederick Douglas most likely comes to mind. During this time, he was the main voice for the cause, making him an essential public speaker and political icon. Other important contributions include his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave which documented his times while enslaved and also started the New York newspaper, The North Star , named after the star followed by runaway slaves to the North.

“I expose slavery in this country because to expose it is to kill it. Slavery is one of those monsters of darkness to whom the light of truth is death.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

REFORMATION STATION THE AGE OF REFORM

Introduction The Second Great Awakening marked the beginning of a new time. Not only did views change within the church, but the time saw many reform movements, undeniably tied with the new, more progressive view the Awakening brought on. The most important of these being those for womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights and improved public education. These events even

included major religious movements for those like the Mormon, led by Brigham Young. This time marked great leaps in thought, with transcendentalism, religion, and the reforming of issues not previously represented.

SECOND GREAT AWAKENING The Second Great Awakening was prompted by a new religious excitement in the early nineteenth century. Such increased interest brought new camp meetings in the West and common man preachers which swept towards the East, leading to new changes in all major branches of Christianity across America. No longer was the focus on the damned and those special ones, but it was now the natural goodness of humanity and a much softer belief. Perfectionism made its way into the movement as well, with those trying to create a greater, more just society. New organizations were founded during this time too, their purpose being reform within the church and within society, those being the American Bible Society and the American Temperance Society.

BRIGHAM YOUNG AND MORMON MOVEMENT Due to the assassination of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young took over as president of mormons in 1844. He led the movement of 16,000 Mormons from Illinois to Utah and helped develop the community by expanding national rail and telegraph lines. Here, Young created an ideal community that he looked over until his death in 1877. Even today, one can still see the lasting effects of the Mormon settlement today.

CULT OF DOMESTICITY During this period, women were the leaders of the home as well as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;protectors of moral virtueâ&#x20AC;?, an idea straight out of the Second Great Awakening. Men and women were

believed to be in “separate spheres” and had specific duties and roles within the home and outside. Women’s only place was the home and her role to keep it in order while men were responsible for the real issues.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS MOVEMENT In the time of the abolitionist movement, women were being denied leadership positions and membership into organizations and conventions, leading to the use of the movement as a platform for the beginning movement for women’s rights. The focus? Unfair marriage laws and the right to vote. Women’s rights awareness and change made many steps during this period.

LEADERS Many women stood in support of the movement, but there were several that could be accredited to becoming true leaders of the movement. The first being the Grimke sisters, daughters of a white plantation holder in South Carolina, who became key voices in the movement, but were also of those who were kept from leadership positions in the abolitionist movement. Second, were Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Stanton. These ladies were denied entrance into the 1840 World’s Anti-Slavery Convention and made changing laws and voting rights their goal in the movement.

SENECA FALLS CONVENTION In 1848, the first meeting of feminists was held in New York. The purpose of such an event was to change New York’s marriage laws to adopt a more ideal stance on women. The meeting was put together by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Stanton.

REFORM FOR MENTALLY ILL Dorothy Dix single-handedly helped reform the treatment for those that were mentally ill during the nineteenth century. Travelling state to state, she advocated for the reform of treatment and housing to those ill. She was the one “to create the first generation of mental asylums” and by the 1850’s, convinced 28 states to build mental hospitals.

PUBLIC EDUCATION REFORMATION From 1820-1850, America saw an expansion in the public schooling system. It was decided that such a thing was necessary for allowing self government and it couldn’t have been done without people like Horace Mann from Massachusetts who helped establish a board of education and tax for schools. Unfortunately, not all areas caught on, leading the south to once again be behind in social reforms.

PURPOSE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

The main purpose of a public education system was to produce upstanding members of society and good citizens. The widespread use of the McGuffy Reader helped teach lessons in how to behave as well as several other topics of interest. Another, positive the system provided was social mobility for those of low classes, but at the same time discluded them due to conflict with working hours. The system at this time had its good and bad, but it ultimately set forward a positive mold for future educational reform movements.

TRANSCENDENTALISM “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life. And see if I could not learn what it had to teach and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” This was said by

Henry Thoreau, one of the most popular transcendentalists along with Ralph Waldo Emerson and Margaret Fuller. The rise of transcendentalism allowed a new way of thinking to be introduced and take root. The basic beliefs include divinity of man, value of human tuition, nonconformity, and the importance of nature.

CHAPTER NINE

EVERYBODY IS A ROMANTIC ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON

ROMANTICISM

Introduction

Set as the main way of thought, the Enlightenment and its focus on logic took deep root within society. Hundred or so years later, Romanticism became the answer to the deep set logic. As was no surprise, with its connection with transect taksim. Romanticism arose as a powerful movement, focusing on feeling and changing societal norms. People could now go out and paint pictures of how beautiful America is. Writers could write about it. People could talk about it. So hand with hand with American romanticism, so rose American nationalism. The emphasis was now on the nature, feelings, and spontaneity.

HUDSON RIVER SCHOOL OF ART With the production of an art school finally, this helped the development of American art and its creating its own styles.

NEW AMERICAN LITERATURE â?&#x2013; Scarlet Letter â&#x17E;˘ Nathaniel Hawthorne

➢ 1850 ❖ Moby Dick ➢ Herman Melville ➢ 1855 Walt Whitman

Whitman was one of the most famous romantic poets, although he was not truly appreciated until after his death. His most famous work during this period was Leaves of Grass (1855).

“I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me.” 32

CHAPTER TEN

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND IMMIGRATION

Introduction Due to several wars, in America and not, immigration temporarily halted. The flow did not start again until the first wave from 1820-1860 in which primarily Irish and German peoples came over. The total number was around five million who of which mostly settled in the northeast or midwest. They did not favor the South due to unnecessary job competition with slaves. The results of this mass movement would be so strong, they can

be plainly seen today. The influx of new people and cultures did great things, but also caused problems.

IRISH IMMIGRATION Irish people came to America for opportunity as well as escape from issues in the country like the Potato Famine. Upon arrival, they settled primarily in the North East, largely Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. Due to the mass, there are areas in these cities still known for having an Irish/Irish American population. Other outcomes of their arrival, would be an increase in votes for the Democratic Party as well as an increase of Catholic churches. On the flip side, this also led to the a rise in anti-catholic sentiment and the creating of N.I.N.A or No Irish Need Apply. This resulted in the Irish mostly working the lowest level of jobs and poor treatment.

GERMAN IMMIGRATION German people mostly came to America for opportunity and a new start. With arrival, they were treated much better than the Irish due to having a better image and close to no stereotypes since they were and were viewed as a more diverse group. They mostly settled in the Midwest. Even with a bit more acceptance, they also had to take the low level jobs. Today one can see some

influence and there are some more “German” areas, but not as much as the Irish.

NATIVISM With the sudden influx of immigrants, some “native” Americans felt threatened. This led to the rise of nativism and the formation of the American Party, secret society turned political party, later called the Know Nothing Party. They believed that all new immigrants were threats, but especially the Irish. The Irish taking jobs and threatening republicanism were specific worries. The Know Nothing party didn’t go far, only gaining a few seats in congress before fizzling out.