Timeline:
Primary Sources:
Summary: This is the resignation of Robert E. Lee. In it he states it is to benefit the confederacy that he's leaving. Also, he relays his feelings of gratitude and comradeship towards the men he served with and most importantly, his superiors. At this time, the union was beginning to gain a foothold and demonstrate they were not to be pushed around or underestimated which was an obvious shock to Lee, which he took personally.
Significance: This document is significant because it shows the dedication General Lee had to his cause and illustrates the stubbornness the south showed by wanting the best in order to gain power. It is exemplified furthermore because his letter was rejected and he went on to lead the south to several victories and he was an important asset. Student: Megan J. Summary: Alice Williamson is a Confederate sympathizer that talks of her resentment of the Union Army - how they have terrorized her city- and of the people who have the same mindset as her. She also includes the grievances that Confederate troops and how the Union soldiers kill them for being rebels. Although there is not much about her personal life, this journal gives readers a new perspective on why the people who resented the Union and how they felt.
Significance: This is significant because a 16 year old girl wrote it during a time where education is very limited for women. In addition to that, this one of the few journals about the civil war by someone that lived during that time and was able to preserve it til today. This means that this is a chance to get an account from someone that has lived during that time period. Student: Priscilla L |
Summary: John O'Sullivan used the Manifest Dynasty as a source of proof when discussing the anexation of texas because our goal was to fullfill the Manifest Dynasty at that time, but because Texas became an independent state there was the chance that Mexico would interfere. Also the matter of a free or slave state being admitted added more controversy on the matter and caused America to act quickly in their decisions, although this was occuring it had nothing to do with the annexation of Texas because that was out of the hands of the people.
Significance: This is important because it illustrates the publics view and opinion on the matter involving Texas. It also enables a clear understanding of the presures that the government was under in the decision because in order to continue with the Manifest Dynasty Texas had to be entirely with America because the problems we faced were with the southern part of Texas involving Mexico. Student: Rilley R. Summary: For 7.2 million dollars, the United states was to buy Alaska from Russia. It ensured that the Russia would no longer be present in what was now part of America. It defined the boundaries of the territory and also explained how the established churches were to be dealt with. It also addressed the standing military and citizenship.
Significance: It was significant because with Alaska as property of the United States, it helped to foster better trade relations with Asia. It was also great land that had few inhabitants and plentiful natural resources. Russia though didn't have the money or military to protect this area and would rather see it be part of America then its enemy, Britain. Student: Melissa H. |