Discussion

Question 1:

There was a large westward expansion movement between the years of 1815 and 1850. Examine this movement westward by a sizeable population. Discuss whether this was a continuation of the westward expansion movement experienced earlier in the century. Was this a desire on the part of people out to get a new deal and a fresh start or the result of population pressure in the crowded East? Offer examples from your reading to support your position.

Question 2:

Consider the role of Texas in the conflict between the U.S. and Mexico. Discuss whether or not Texas was really a possible objective of European colonial desires during the 1820s and 1830s or whether the annexation of Texas on the part of the U.S. was preventive in nature and meant to forestall European violation of the Monroe Doctrine. Explain why you have come to this conclusion.

Question 3:

Discuss the various issues confronting the nation in the 1850s that so inflamed the passions of people in both the North and the South such that peaceful compromise became less and less a possibility in the election of 1860. Do you ever foresee a time when America might reach a similar impasse that could lead to another Civil War? What issues would likely create this situation?

Question 4: 

The North had to actually win the Civil War militarily to save the Union and free the slaves. The South, on the other hand, needed only a tie to bring the North to the negotiating table in a move that would have guaranteed that the South would remain an independent entity. Discuss what military actions the South would have had to take to have caused things to end in a tie.

Question 5: 

In the eyes of many historians, Reconstruction failed. Explain your views using specific information to support your position.

Respond to both questions as thoroughly as possible, making sure to use information from the readings and the lectures. All responses should be in complete sentence form, using proper spelling and grammar.