November+Journals

A Nation of Immigrants, //The American Journey,// Chapters 12-13, and //Paddy's Lament: Ireland, 1846-//1847, November Journal Entries:

=**Brenda Hollis, Bagley Jr. High School**= Chapters 12-13: The new movement of the country toward industrialization was key to this period of time. Immigration, nativism, urbanization, women gaining notice, and the rise of intolerance of alcohol was central to how lives at the time were being directed. The new moral state of society also brought about a new situation for the moral leaders. They frantically tried to redirect thinking in society. The new role of women and their being less submissive caused an even greater rift. Women began to step into society and try to make sweeping changes for other women especially in the workplace. You might say it was the first Women’s Liberation Movement. I believe that the ideas that women wanted to move forward is what gave strength to the implementation of institutions and the idea of developing society and individual character. Public education, improved prisons, start of mental institutions as well as the rise of abolitionists were the result of the new feminine involvement. __Manifest Destiny.__ The movements to the western part of the country was the result of a population boom in America in the 1800’s. Land for farming was available for ownership and wheat became the main cash crop. This movement west into the Great Plains, first by mountain men and then the farmer, found that native Americans already inhabited the lands. The most prominent tribes were the Sioux and the Comanche. The Southwest was owned by Mexico. The Mexican government invited settlers to occupy what is now Texas. This lead to a war and Texas independence. Other Mexican land, was being settled and Brigham Young found a place there to bring his followers. This would enable them to be free to worship without ridicule. The idea of Manifest Destiny and the continent to go from coast to coast resulted in a war with Mexico. This conflict resulted in the completion of the goal. California, Texas, New Mexico and the Oregon Country were added to the United States. I will be able to use this information within my curriculum. It will provide “meat” for my covering the Alabama Course of Study Standards 1, 2. and 4. It also fulfils the Alabama High School Graduation Exam requirements: #II (2A), #III (3A)#IV(1C), #V (1A, 2A, 2B),#VI (1A & 1C)

Paddy's Lament: Prior to reading this book written by Thomas Gallagher, my knowledge of the “Potato Famine” was quite incomplete and somewhat misinterpreted. I even thought Paddy was a reference to a person’s name, not the slang for the Irish people. Also, I am ever amazed and astounded by my own naiveté concerning human nature. The vivid and, in my opinion, the somewhat over indulgence of detail concerning the plight of the Irish peasantry was enlightening yet most disconcerting. I found it most difficult to read except in small increments. It was not Gallagher’s use of innumerable and noninvasive quotes. It had nothing to do with his vocabulary or organization. I found his writing style to be quite complimentary to my reading likeness. Also, it was not so information oriented as to distract from its readability. However, the documentation of the unpleasantness of the Irish dilemma was too repetitive. It was, if you will, “over done,” in my opinion. It appeared as though he wanted to make sure the reader got a first person point of view from all factions, i.e. the priests, the government, the people directly involved, the relief organizations, the newspapers, and the public at large. I did find the section describing “The Voyage” to have less offensive detailing. The use of characterization and the somewhat story telling format to describe the voyage of //Mersey// was a welcome diversion from the gruesomeness of the book’s beginning. It might be said that this part is the “comic relief” the reader needed in order to continue, but by no means does it make the “escape” from Ireland appear pleasant. I was taken aback, however, by Gallagher’s comparison of Irish passage to that of a slave ship. I do not totally agree that the Irish passage was worse than that experienced by the slaves. The Irish made a conscious choice to come to America. They were not chained to the floor and though access was limited, they were allowed to move about freely. They were at liberty to entertain themselves and though deplorable and only two available, bathrooms were provided. I assume the adage of “the eye of the beholder” could be applied here. Capitalizing on that thought, I have surmised that this book has to be looked upon from this aspect, as well. I know that the situation with Ireland and England was inexcusable as far as how England handled it. I say that with a jaded opinion after having read the horrid detail of Gallagher’s carefully documented accounts. I realize too that he has an Irish background, therefore his writing might be somewhat biased. I am able to learn about this situation after the events have unfolded and are now resolved. As a result, I can better judge the actions taken because it is now “after the fact.” However, as a child who grew up during the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960’s, I feel I can somewhat identify with the people in England in the 1840’s. The general population was probably not privileged to what the English government was actually doing to the Irish people. They were probably only aware of their own everyday lifestyle and customs and not that of the privileged class. Public communication was limited and that which was shared was surely politically biased propaganda. I would like to believe that if the common people had been more aware of the real self interest motivations of their political and business leaders they would have been more proactive about the Irish plight. (There, I might be showing my naiveté again.) Nonetheless, I did find this result of Thomas Gallagher’s countless hours of research to be believable, heart wrenching, informative, and well documented. It is a worthwhile read. =Barry Johnson, Mt. Olive Elementary School=

American Journey Chapters 12 & 13 Slavery, which had up to now received little public attention, began to assume much greater importance as a national issue. In the early years of the republic, when the Northern states were providing for immediate or gradual emancipation of the slaves, many leaders had supposed that slavery would die out. In 1786 George Washington wrote that he devoutly wished some plan might be adopted "by which slavery may be abolished by slow, sure and imperceptible degrees." Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe, most all Virginians, and other leading Southern statesmen, made similar statements. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 had banned slavery in the Northwest Territory. As late as 1808, when the international slave trade was abolished, there were many Southerners who thought that slavery would soon end. The expectation proved false, for during the next generation, the South became solidly united behind the institution of slavery as new economic factors made slavery far more profitable than it had been before 1790. This particular chapter and subject matter plays very well into what I have to teach in regards to Alabama’s role in slavery. Chief among these was the rise of a great cotton-growing industry in the South, stimulated by the introduction of new types of cotton and by Eli Whitney's invention in 1793 of the cotton gin, which separated the seeds from cotton. At the same time, the Industrial Revolution, which made textile manufacturing a large-scale operation, vastly increased the demand for raw cotton. The opening of new lands in the West after 1812 greatly extended the area available for cotton cultivation. Cotton culture moved rapidly from the Tidewater states on the East coast through much of the lower South to the delta region of the Mississippi and eventually to Texas. This is very similar to what happened in Alabama during its early years. Sugarcane, another labor-intensive crop, also contributed to slavery's extension in the South. The rich, hot lands of southeastern Louisiana proved ideal for growing sugarcane profitably. By 1830 the state was supplying the nation with about half its sugar supply. Finally, tobacco growers moved westward, taking slavery with them. This while southern states like Alabama lead in the production of cotton. As the free society of the North and the slave society of the South spread westward, it seemed politically expedient to maintain a rough equality among the new states carved out of western territories. In 1818, when Illinois was admitted to the Union, 10 states permitted slavery and 11 states prohibited it; but balance was restored after Alabama was admitted as a slave state. Population was growing faster in the North, which permitted Northern states to have a clear majority in the House of Representatives. However, equality between the North and the South was maintained in the Senate. In 1819 Missouri, which had 10,000 slaves, applied to enter the Union. Northerners rallied to oppose Missouri's entry except as a free state, and a storm of protest swept the country. For a time Congress was deadlocked, but Henry Clay arranged the so-called Missouri Compromise: Missouri was admitted as a slave state at the same time Maine came in as a free state. In addition, Congress banned slavery from the territory acquired by the Louisiana Purchase north of Missouri's southern boundary. At the time, this provision appeared to be a victory for the Southern states because it was thought unlikely that this "Great American Desert" would ever be settled. The controversy was temporarily resolved, but Thomas Jefferson wrote to a friend that "this momentous question like a fire-bell in the night awakened me with terror. I considered it at once as the knell of the Union." I thought this was an interesting and relevant quote. Review of Paddy's Lament by Thomas Gallagher Paddy's Lament" tells the story of those who lived through and died in the Irish Potato Famine of 1846-1847. Throughout the book I kept wondering if my ancestors lived through the horrors described. The economic setting of Ireland is laid out as that of an island of tenant farmers and large, often absentee, landlords. Agriculture produced wheat and beef for export to England. A small proportion of the land was planted in potatoes, the only food which could feed the population on such small acreage. With the advent of the textile industry in England, wool became a more profitable crop than the traditional ones, if only the native population could be done away with. A fungus led to the destruction of the potato crop in 1846. Relief was available through the prohibition of the exportation of grain, a step which had previously been taken in other famine stricken countries. The control of Ireland's destiny was within the control of the British Lords who regarded the Irish as a subhuman species of which they would prefer to be rid. The aid extended by foreign nations, particularly the U.S., was a sharp indictment of British indifference. The Famine would not have occurred in a country in control of its own fate. The famine cause tenants to fall behind in their rents. Massive evictions and destruction of homes followed. Many Irish were forced from their home villages to travel across the land. Is this why Mary McKeever's two brothers were born in the East, but she was born in the West? Relief came in bits and spurts. The British Lords commissioned the chef of the Reform Club, their gathering place, to create an economical recipe for Irish soup kitchens. Emphasizing economy, he created a soup which was easy on the British exchequer, but provided little nutrition to the Irish. Did William Casey eat this greasy water? The famine led to widespread starvation. The vivid description of the appearance of the victims is grotesque. Did Matthew Gallen's parents die this death? Privation forced the Irish to abandon their homes in search of a new life beyond the hated British Empire. The practice of the American wake, in which the family mourned the loss of the son or daughter who was to leave forever was a heart rending affair for all involved. Many sought to avoid the wake by running away. Is this why Thomas English and his brother ran away from home? The reader accompanies a group of immigrants on a voyage in the stinking, rocking, wretched steerage section of a British ship. The inferiority of the British ships as opposed to American is explained. The sailor's grim prediction that there would be more room the further out they got became hauntingly true. Again the details are presented in such detail as to turn the stomach of the readers even after all of these years. Is this the type of voyage on which Johanna Lynch chose a crewman for her husband? A new life started for the survivors upon arrival in New York. The contrast between the lethargy of the Irish in Ireland and their industry in America spoke eloquently of the altered prospects for reward for their labors. Although many stayed in New York, others moved out to rural environments more reminiscent of Ireland. Is this how Patrick Nealon got to Bath, Maine? The British realized that, as they ridded Ireland of its excess population, they were creating an America which was becoming Irish and anti-British. The failure of the potato crop was an act of God. The famine was an Act of Parliament. This perception turned the Irish dissatisfaction with the British into an intense hatred. This book helps us understand our past and what made us they way we are.

=**Charzetta Richardson, Hueytown Middle School**=

I am thankful that this book is on the book list. It was a good read. I was not a long book that truly caught my attention. This book gives an incredibly detailed and descriptive account of what really happened during those years of the potato famine. Thomas Gallagher brings these events to life with his impressive facts and first – hand accounts. As I read this book, I was reminded of the struggles and mistreatment of other groups of people. I can not imagine why one group of people would try to rule over or even control another group people because they are different. Immediately, I compared the Irish struggle with the struggle of the Africans slaves, the Jews and the Holocaust, and the Japanese internment camps here in America. I was heartbroken that there was plenty but only one segment of society reaped the benefits. I am amazed at the strength and courage that a people must have to survive terrible situations and circumstances. The Irish suffered unbelievably inhumane treatment from Britain. Ireland in the mid 1800s was primarily a population of peasants who were forced to live on a single, moderately nutritious crop, the potato. This was all they really had. In 1846, an unknown and uncontrollable disease turned the potato crop into an inedible food source. This threatened all of Ireland and left the Irish hopeless. The fate of Ireland’s future was not its own, it was within the control of the British Lords who thought of the Irish as a subhuman species who they could do without. The famine caused tenants to fall behind in their rent, causing evictions and destruction of homes. It even forced many Irish to leave their villages and travel across the land. Starvation and death was evident. Thomas Gallagher introduces Paddy’s Lament as a Prelude to Hatred. As I continued to read this very interesting book, one comment came to mind, “To hate someone or a group because of their nationality, religious beliefs, ethnicity, or beliefs is a horrible thing.” This book truly defines what it means to survive, to have strength, courage, and determination. Thank you for this wonderful experience.

=**Clara N. Billups, Brighton Middle School**=

This book gives a strong narrative of the reasons for the "hatred" between the Irish and the English. Rather than citing "intellectual argument" he uses the facts, histories, and information to give a first person account as if it is happening right now. He puts names to the suffering. As the reader, the book touched my heart because I became meshed into the story so much so that I felt it was happening to me. After I finished reading, or rather sobbing through, Paddy's Lament, I can not even think about it without tears in my eyes. I had to put it down several times to compose myself enough to continue. As sad as the whole thing was though I am glad I read it and will give it to many other people to read. I really think this book should be a "must-read" because it has definitely inspired me to see what can be done to right the wrongs that were done. I know all those people are gone now, but there is a legacy of pain and hatred that was left behind that still needs healing. One bright thing to point out is that Americans finally have some history to be proud of (page 80). I am so grateful to those Americans who sent the equivalent of 30 million dollars worth of aid in one year alone. Who knows if maybe that is the reason many were able to survive. That touches me so deeply I can't properly express it. And it also tells me that individuals can make a difference if we have the courage and the will to do it.
 * Paddy’s Lament- Thomas Gallagher**

=**Sylvea Hollis, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute**= __The American Journey (Ch. 12-13) & Paddy’s Lament__

__Chapter Summary__

The transportation revolution reduced the price of travel and greatly aided in its technology. Goods were exchanged more efficiently and at cheaper prices. As a result America’s fastest growing region becomes the Midwest. Pittsburgh became the center of iron and glass manufacturing and St. Louis, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee, and Chicago were also centers of Western urbanization.

After the transportation revolution many regions in the Northeast began to develop capital markets, access to technological skills of artisans, and greater labor supplies. The immigrant population greatly aided the numbers for labor. School reform and expansions of the types of religion quickly followed this era’s changes.

Additional institutions were established as well. Places such as prisons, workhouses and asylums. There were also alternatives to these strictly established units for social order—the shakers were one such example.

__Book Summary/Analysis__

The Irish and other immigrants found themselves in very difficult positions in terms of labor, housing, and establishing strong foundations to build. They were considered their own race—a group beneath the more established white gentry. The group came out of extreme poverty looking for an opportunity to gain better footing within a new society.

__Classroom Implementation (Civil Rights Outreach Programming)__ -Power looms and factory women on page 299 of T//he American Journey// (TAJ) Gender, Economics, Labor -Sketch of Loucretia Mott on page317 of TAJ Race, Slavery, Gender -Manifest Destiny Paintin, page 345 of TAJ Race, Economics, Gender Candace Heard Minor High School Teaching American History Grant Reaction to //Paddy’s Lament// by Thomas Gallagher Rhoda Connor was born February 5, 1899, in Southern Illinois. Her parents and grandparents also hailed from the same area. However, prior to the 1840s, the Connors settled in North Carolina. So, Rhoda, my paternal grandmother, although obviously Irish, was not in the lineage of the Irish immigrants featured in Gallagher’s work. Nonetheless, I felt a connection to the plight of the Irish—their ignorance, their poverty, their superstition, their garrulity, their faith, their persistence, and their courage. Gallagher’s style invited the reader onward into the narrative. Although he was scholarly, the work was not pedantic. I was amazed at how he could produce rising action in a paragraph whose climax was the bursting of the intestines of a louse! I have been aware of the huge surge of Irish immigrants to the cities along our eastern seaboard and the potato famine that spurred the diaspora. I did not realize the extent of the hardships of the actual passage nor the misery and defeat of the peasantry. Indeed, the descriptions of the trip in steerage reminds me of the writing of Olaudah Equiano as he recounts his voyage on the middle passage of a slave ship to North America. Gallagher’s description of the cycles of the various diseases, the growing hunger, the desperate search for food, and the inertia of the starving were graphic and moving. These piteous situations and circumstances paled when one considers the callous, indifferent, and negligent behavior of the British government during the crisis. I suppose every nation that has existed for a certain length of time will have had a blot or black mark in its history. Certainly, slavery as it was practiced in America until the Civil War and the discrimination of the black man in the South after that war illustrate this point. But consider the irony in place in the British treatment of the Irish. England was a nation that in the 1830s abolished slavery in all of its possessions. She expressed pride in her enlightened emancipation of the former slave. Yet, the same nation could and did keep a large segment of its white population in a form of slavery because of the way Ireland was “added” to the British Empire. Even American slave owners took better care of their “property” than the British did of its Irish constituents. A bastardized form of mercantilism, which the British dubbed “political economy,” allowed the exportation of huge quantities of foodstuff from Ireland to pampered and demanding British consumers. This selfsame supply of provender could have allayed the starvation of millions. The British recalcitrance is reminiscent of the attitude and actions of George III in dealing with the colonies. On a more positive note, Gallager showcases the tireless kindness and largess of several individuals as they attempted to aid the peasantry. It is also ironic that the work begins with the Irish toiling in the brown soil and the black, slimy ruins of the potato crop, for it ends with the equally brown and noisome product in American cities by which many Irish-Americans made a living—the manure removal business. Although scorned, derided, and swindled by Americans upon their arrival, many descendants of their Irish citizens have contributed to American diversity in the arts, music, theater, and politics. Perhaps that fact should be considered when one thinks of the present influx of Latinos. Nativists in the 1840s were virulent in their condemnation of the Irish, and again in the 1890s, another wave of xenophobia expressed itself. Although the immigrants of the 1840s and the 1890s were legal, they did assimilate and become productive citizens. I would like to see a plan for managing immigration in such a way that historians in years to come will commend the USA for its foresight and compassion. April Lufkin Miller, Ed. D. Teaching American History Grant Jefferson County October 27, 2007

//The American Journey// Chapters 12 -13

This month’s reading revolved around chapters 12 and 13 of //The American Journey//. This is a fascinating time period in the country’s history: transportation and industrial revolutions; reforms a’plenty; manifest destiny, the ideal and the actualization. Having taught American history for a decade or so, it still intrigues me to find information that I hadn’t previously had. The reform movement is especially interesting because of the various changes that were being sought. I had not, however, ever heard of the “benevolent empire” prior to this chapter. The benevolent empire is a very apt descriptor: the imperial spirit is growing at all levels of the country and the idea of the paternalistic motive guiding each hand seems to be the correct motif. Whether it was eradiating the sinful alcohol or evil slavery, or taking better care of the criminals and the insane, Americans of this period chose to make a difference (even if it wasn’t within their power to affect such dramatic changes). Most of these reforms can hardly be questioned – where would be without public education? Even though it took another 40 years, slavery was publicly questioned and its abolition promoted. Perhaps the Oneida utopia went a bit beyond the pale with its plural marriage (and this is all the book says about this – however more details can be found in //American Reformers 1815 – 1860,// by Ronald G. Walters) but by and large the reform movement lives up to the benevolent empire which helped create it.

Sabrina Porrill October 27th, 2007 //__The American Journey__// Synopsis of Chapters 12-13

“Chapter 12: The Market Revolution and Social Reform 1815-1850” looks at the many changes occurring in the United States from the conclusion of the War of 1812 until just before the Civil War. The chapter begins with a look at the industrialization and urbanization of the Northeast. New technologies in transportation and manufacturing helped spur this movement along. The increase in immigration to the U.S. during this time period from Europe also occurs and helps form new social classes in America. A small super-wealthy class and a larger, new middle class and working class emerge. Reform movements were also popular during this time period- particularly in the temperance, abolitionist and women’s rights arenas. Moving the anti-slavery issue from the social theater into the political one helps stir up the old North versus South fire and will lead the nation to the Civil War. “Chapter 13: The Way West 1815-1850” looks at the westward movement and settlement of the United States from the end of the War of 1812 until just before the Civil War. The chapter begins by explaining the great population boom that occurred from 1800-1850 where our population more than doubled in size. With this growth, the need to migrate and settle farther and farther west occurred. The idea of Manifest Destiny was born. The differences between the Northern West and Southern West are examined as well as our strained relationship with the Plains Indians as white settlers would encroach upon their lands. Our relationship, war, and annexation of Texas and California from Mexico are also discussed as the chapter ends. Jeremy Campbell October 27, 2007

//The American Journey// Chapters 12-13

In the early to mid 1800s, the Industrial Revolution took hold in the United States, creating a tremendous growth in both transportation and manufacturing. With the increase in industry came a population boom, particularly in areas of the Northeast. The urban areas of this region became a magnet for European immigrants, especially those from Ireland and Germany. The European immigrants usually competed with one another as well as unskilled native-born Americans for low paying factory employment positions. However, due to the urbanization of America, new opportunities presented themselves for the rapidly expanding middle class. With the introduction of the new middle class of Americans came a renewed sense of evangelical morality and middle class values. Along with reformers motivated by religion, many idealists influenced by the Enlightenment began advocating social reform—the abolition of slavery, women’s rights, public education, and prison and mental health reform. Due in large part to a revolution in transportation, Americans began moving westward, searching for better opportunities and areas less crowded than the rapidly growing cities. White settlers once again came in contact with Native Americans, forcing the natives’ displacement. However, the American notion of Manifest Destiny prevented any obstacles—Native American or Mexican—from obstructing their path from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Native Americans and Mexicans were not the only source of conflict for settlers moving west. Americans from all along the East migrated inward, taking with them their distinct regional cultures and practices. Southern planters that moved west naturally brought their slaves, and Northerners, specifically those from New England, brought their abhorrence for the peculiar institution.

Staci Ragland An American Journey Chapters 12-13 October 2007

Chapter 12 picks up after 1815. The United States was experiencing a transportation and manufacturing revolution. Cities, factories and commercial farming spread rapidly. This brought immigrants from Ireland and Germany. Many business people and religious leaders were scared of the changes. Many groups tried to reform society. Often women were involved without the approval of their spouses. Alcohol consumption, education, prisons, asylums for the mentally ill, slavery and women’s rights to vote were all subjects of their social concerns.

Chapter 13 begins the Westward expansion. America’s population was booming. People wanted to own land and the land was available in the west. Native Americans also moved west. Expansion eventually led to conflict between Mexico and settlers in areas like Mexico, California, Texas and New Mexico. This eventually led to the Mexican War which American won. This resulted in California being added to the Union. Sommer Brown Chapter 12 The American Journey

With the advancements in technology and transportation the United States joined the Industrial Revolution behind Great Britain. The advances in steam engines and cheap labor and power fueled the revolution. The country’s workforce went from being largely agricultural with minimal manufacturing in 1820 to having a manufacturing workforce of 45 percent in 1850. Transportation experienced a revolution with expanded railroad lines making travel time shorter and less expensive. No longer was goods delivered by horse-drawn wagons. With the growth of manufacturing, cities grew and with their growth along came equal problems. Cities experienced overcrowding, pollution, increased death rates, contaminated water, and diseases. Even with these terrible living conditions, immigrants came to the United States looking for work. Reform movements swept the country. Two main movements were women’s rights and the elimination of slavery. Chapter 13 With over crowded cities in the Northeast, Americans started to look westward to expand. Families who wanted to own their own land moved west. By 1850 the U.S. population had grown to 23 million. In the early 1800s the idea of moving out west was only for the fur traders, but by 150 half the population of the U.S. lived west of the Appalachians. The move was part of the America’s belief in Manifest Destiny. This belief of America’s destiny to include all the people of North America was just a self serving way to gain territory out west. The U.S. fought in the Mexican War and with the Treaty of Guadalupe in 1848 gained claim too Texas north of the Rio Grande, Alta California, and New Mexico. Robert M. Adams __The American Journey__ Review; Ch 12-13

Chapters 12-13 of __The American Journey__ discuss the Market Revolution and the Western Expansion of the United States from 1815 – 1850. This time period was one of tremendous strides for the still young United States as it began to expand not only geographically, but economically as well. It is also an era in which the United States begins to assert itself as an economic power on an international scale; while concurrently addressing many of the social issues that accompany the urbanization and industrialization of the country as a whole.

Chapter 12 goes into great detail discussing the urbanization and industrialization of the United States. As result of these movements, the country benefits economically and geographically, and the country expands exponentially in these two areas. The industrialization of the U.S. benefited the Northern / New England states the most, as the South continued to rely heavily on agriculture for its economy. However, there were negative connotations accompanying the expansion as well. The transportation revolution contributed greatly to the western expansion of the country, thus benefiting the western migration of Americans. For these reasons, the sectionalism that would ultimately lead to the Civil War continues to grow in the early and mid 1800s. Each section of the U.S. also had to deal with the increase numbers of people as well—the North had an exuberant number of European immigrants, the South continued to be influenced and rely on slave labor, and control of the West became a point of contingency for both Northern and Southern politicians.

While the Industrial Revolution had a positive impact of the U.S. from an economic and industrial standpoint, the problems and issues that resulted from it were just as numerous. Factories did increase production and efficiency and even offered employment opportunities for women and even children; even this practice was the subject of abuse. This time period saw an economic boom for the country as a whole, but it also led to a major discrepancy in individual wealth and conflicts in social order. The industrial revolution combined with the newfound confidence instilled in many Americans by the religious revivals of the period, would result in an increase need to address social reform. Such areas as the temperance, women’s rights, religious and philosophical movements, as well as school and prison reform, in addition to the abolitionist movement and slavery, all encompassed the social reform of the early and mid 1800s.

Chapter 13 addresses the western expansion of the United States, collectively referred to as Manifest Destiny. As settlers from the East and South rushed to occupy lands in the West, they had to deal with issues brought on by encountering the Indians that already existed in the West, as well as the Spanish and Mexicans, who continued to claim much of the present-day Southwest U.S. The trails that would lead settlers west, the Oregon Trail, the Sante-Fe Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the California Trail would all benefit western-bound settlers, but would be devastating to the Spanish and Indian residents of the region. Boundary and land disputes with Native American tribes rarely reached the climatic level of large scale violence or the magnitude and conflict level of violence associated with the Spanish and later Mexicans. Ultimately, the United States would fulfill the concept of Manifest Destiny, but this western expansion would lead to increased sectionalism and strife and ultimately be one more stepping stone on the path to Civil War for the country.

Ryan Posey The American Journey Chapters 12-13 October 26, 2007

Chapters 12 and 13 of The American Journey deal with the major topics of the Industrial Revolution and Manifest Destiny. Chapter 12 of the text book explores the foundations of the Industrial Revolution and its dramatic impact on the United States. Chapter 13 discusses the events and actions that helped to support the American concept of Manifest Destiny. These two chapters cover an era when the United States was being shaped by radical change and expansion. The text does an excellent job of describing these changes and gives multiple illustrations to visually depict the events involved. Chapter 12 discusses the various revolutions that took place in American society during this time. This includes the transportation revolution and the various areas impacted by the Industrial Revolution. This chapter also includes a discussion of the growth of cities and the massive waves of immigration, mostly Irish and German, coming into the country during this time period. The chapter goes into great detail describing the rise of various new industries such as the textile and transportation industries. The remainder of the chapter discusses the reform movements of the time. This includes the revolution in education, the reforms made to improve various public facilities such as prisons, workhouses and asylums, the abolitionist movement and the temperance movement. There is also a good deal of discussion on the women’s rights movement and the major figures of the movement that were involved with the Seneca Falls Convention. At the end of this section there is a discussion of Frederick Douglas and the other key figures of the abolitionist movement. Chapter 13 discusses the development of the American idea of Manifest Destiny. As a result of the transportation revolution many Americans were able to move west. As these groups of people moved westward many problems arose. This included conflicts with Native Americans and the habitats of many animals, such as the buffalo, being disrupted. The Chapter discusses the crowded cities of the east and the distinct nature of the other regions of the country during this time. The chapter also deals with the Americanization of Texas and the Texas War for Independence. The text then describes the disputes that resulted in the Mexican-American War and the results of the American victory in this conflict. This conflicts results as well as the results of the political fight for the Oregon territory clears demonstrates how the idea of controlling the entire continent became a point of major importance for the American Government and how through many military and political actions, the concept was being actively applied. These two chapters of the book are presented in a way that is very beneficial for high school teachers. The information is clear and concise and the illustrations help provide a visual reference for both students and teachers. In my classroom I can use this portion of the text as a supplement to other classroom materials. The main use I have found for this text is to provide an alternative perspective. It is always useful to have information presented in different ways.