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Mexican-American War
The war was a conflict between the United States and Mexico, primarily over territorial disputes and U.S. expansionist ambitions. It took place near the Rio Grande, where Polk justified a declaration of war. The U.S. captured major territories, and it was a significant event in the history of both nations, reshaping the U.S. and intensifying debates over slavery. It was a turning point for the US and its expansion while leaving a lasting effect on the relationship they had with Mexico. -
Mormon hegira to the Great Salt Lake basin
The Mormon hegira to the Great Salt Lake basin included one of the largest mass migrations of members of the LDS church to Salt Lake Valley, which is now present-day Utah. The purpose of the migration was to allow these members to practice their faith freely. This movement exemplifies the determination and resilience of a community and its commitment to gaining religious freedom. The Salt Lake basin became the center of the LDS Church and is the same today.(McPherson,63-67) -
Battle of Buena Vista
This battle was crucial for the U.S. forces when facing Mexican troops. The Mexican forces had more men fighting this battle, challenging the U.S. and its defensive positioning. The U.S. held the battlefield and claimed victory, solidifying U.S. control in northern Mexico. This led Zachary Taylor to secure the presidency in 1848 and marked a turning point in the Mexican-American War. -
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed to end the Mexican-American War. This gave the United States all of what was the southwestern United States. It expanded U.S. territory, succeeding in the goal of the Manifest Destiny. Opposing the U.S., Mexico lost half of its territory and left conflict between Mexican leaders. This treaty was important because it politically shaped the landscape of the United States and Mexico. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 sought to ease tensions between free and slave states after the Mexican-American War. It admitted California as a free state, allowed popular sovereignty in New Mexico and Utah, strengthened the Fugitive Slave Act, abolished the slave trade in Washington, D.C., and settled Texas’ boundary disputes. While it temporarily balanced North-South interests, it deepened sectional tensions and foreshadowed the Civil War.(Varon, 212-215) -
Caning of Sumner
The Caning of Charles Sumner was a violent incident in the U.S. Capitol that underscored escalating tensions over slavery. Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner gave a passionate speech titled "The Crime Against Kansas," condemning the expansion of slavery and criticizing Southern leaders. The attack intensified divisions between North and South, marking the collapse of civil discourse and foreshadowing the coming violence of the Civil War. -
Dred Scott Decision
The Dred Scott Decision, delivered by the Supreme Court on March 6, 1857, marked a significant turning point that exacerbated national conflicts regarding slavery. Dred Scott, an enslaved individual, petitioned for his freedom because he had resided in free territories alongside his owner. The verdict bolstered the position of pro-slavery supporters, provoked the ire of abolitionists, and heightened sectional discord, representing a crucial event leading up to the Civil War. -
Transatlantic Telegraph Cable
The first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was inaugurated, allowing for near-instant communication between the United States and Great Britain. The first successful messages reduced communication time from weeks to minutes, fostering faster international trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. It marked a milestone in global connectivity, laying the foundation for modern telecommunications and transforming how nations and individuals communicate. -
Battle of Solferino
On June 24, the Kingdom of Sardinia, in alliance with Napoleon III's armies, secured a victory over Emperor Franz Joseph I's forces in northern Italy. This battle held great military political significance, and humanitarian consequences. The suffering and number of casualties on the battlefield left a lasting impact on Swiss businessman Henri Dunant, who observed the aftermath firsthand. This experience inspired him to help found the International Committee of the Red Cross. -
Election of 1860
The election of 1860 had profound implications for the future of the United States, leading directly to the outbreak of the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln emerged victorious in his bid for the presidency, representing the Republican Party, whose platform was centered around the critical goal of halting the expansion of slavery into new territories and states. Lincoln's campaign resonated with many Americans who were increasingly troubled by the implications of slavery’s spread.