Changes

Republican rule of the nation meant that free enterprise and big business were favored.  This led to tremendous prosperity, and the nation grew into a world power in the second half of the 1800s.

Republican rule of the nation meant that free enterprise and big business were favored.  This led to tremendous prosperity, and the nation grew into a world power in the second half of the 1800s.

The United States also grew in size when the Secretary of State under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson, William Seward, agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia in 1867.  Critics ridiculed this purchase as "Seward's Folly," describing the land as a mere "icebox".  At the time, no one knew there was oil and gold there, or that Sarah Palin would be its future governor! 

The United States also grew in size when the Secretary of State under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson, William Seward, agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia in 1867.  Critics ridiculed this purchase as "Seward's Folly," describing the land as a mere "icebox".  At the time, no one knew there was oil and gold there.

Russia needed money to pay for its defensive efforts at the time, as it felt threatened by the massive and growing British Empire.  The purchase price was $7,200,000, which was only about 1.9¢ per acre.  The Senate approved this deal nearly unanimously, but the House of Representatives delayed and was divided in authorizing the funding for it.  The property became useful in World War II in fighting Japan, and during the Cold War in opposing the communist Soviet Union.  As Governor Sarah Palin has pointed out (and was ridiculed because it sounded silly in the context of her statement), one can see Russia from Alaska.

Russia needed money to pay for its defensive efforts at the time, as it felt threatened by the massive and growing British Empire.  The purchase price was $7,200,000, which was only about 1.9¢ per acre.  The Senate approved this deal nearly unanimously, but the House of Representatives delayed and was divided in authorizing the funding for it.  The property became useful in World War II in fighting Japan, and during the Cold War in opposing the communist Soviet Union.  One can see Russia from parts of Alaska.

But while the Republicans controlled the presidency from 1868 to 1912 (with the exception of Grover Cleveland), the Democratic Party controlled much of local politics.  "Tammany Hall" was the name of the Democratic Party organization that controlled New York City.  It was a completely corrupt "machine" that elected people, gave out jobs, and even stole money from the City.  Eventually, it was the ''New York Times'' and America's most famous cartoonist, Thomas Nast, who harshly mocked its leader, "Boss" Tweed.  Thomas Nast's cartoons whipped the public into scorning Boss Tweed and demanding that he be brought to justice.  When Boss Tweed was eventually sent to jail, Nast cheered Tweed's humiliation.  This demonstrated the growing influence of political cartoons in changing the course of history.

But while the Republicans controlled the presidency from 1868 to 1912 (with the exception of Grover Cleveland), the Democratic Party controlled much of local politics.  "Tammany Hall" was the name of the Democratic Party organization that controlled New York City.  It was a completely corrupt "machine" that elected people, gave out jobs, and even stole money from the City.  Eventually, it was the ''New York Times'' and America's most famous cartoonist, Thomas Nast, who harshly mocked its leader, "Boss" Tweed.  Thomas Nast's cartoons whipped the public into scorning Boss Tweed and demanding that he be brought to justice.  When Boss Tweed was eventually sent to jail, Nast cheered Tweed's humiliation.  This demonstrated the growing influence of political cartoons in changing the course of history.

== Yankee Ingenuity ==

== Yankee Ingenuity ==

America was not the origin of major religions, or even most great ideas like free enterprise.  America was not the place where most scientific breakthroughs occurred.  America has not been the leader in great writers, or great statesmen.  Some of the concepts that have been so successful in America, like the "separation of powers" structure in the Constitution, are related to insights that originated in Europe.

America was not the origin of major religions, or even most great ideas like free enterprise.  America was not the place where most scientific breakthroughs occurred.  America has not been the leader in great writers, or great statesmen.  Some of the concepts that have been so successful in America, like the "separation of powers" structure in the Constitution, are based on insights that originated in Europe.

Indeed, it is not easy to name what did originate in America.  Not democracy.  Virtually none of the great physicists, mathematicians, composers, writers, or other great thinkers came from America.  What, if anything, is so special about America in its place in the world?

Indeed, it is not easy to name what did originate in America.  Not democracy.  Virtually none of the great physicists, mathematicians, composers, writers, or other great thinkers came from America.  What, if anything, is so special about America in its place in the world?

The answer, in two words, is "Yankee ingenuity."  Virtually all great inventions since about 1776 came from America, and these creations of man have brought the world a wealth beyond all imagination.   

The answer, in two words, is "Yankee ingenuity."  Virtually all great inventions since about 1776 came from America, and these creations of man have brought the world an immense wealth beyond all imagination.   

America creates, and the rest of the world copies.  The Encyclopedia Britannica, which is the leading encyclopedia, listed the greatest inventions in the history of the world along with the originating country, and by far the highest percentage are attributed to the United States.<ref>http://corporate.britannica.com/press/inventions.html</ref>  For example, the Encyclopedia Britannica lists 29 inventions for the United Kingdom, but that includes useless and even harmful creations like cloning, as well as other inventions that predate the United States such as carbonated soft drinks (which are also not particularly productive).  The United States, meanwhile, is credited with over five times as many inventions: 170.  All other countries are even further behind America and Britain in inventions.

America creates, and the rest of the world copies.  The ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', considered the finest encyclopedia, listed the greatest inventions in the history of the world along with the originating country, and by far the highest percentage are attributed to the United States.<ref>http://corporate.britannica.com/press/inventions.html</ref>  For example, the ''Encyclopedia Britannica'' lists only 29 inventions for the United Kingdom, but that includes useless and even harmful creations like cloning, as well as other inventions that predate the United States such as carbonated soft drinks (which are also not particularly productive).  The United States, meanwhile, is credited with over five times as many inventions: 170.  All other countries are even further behind America and Britain in inventions.

The American invention of the cotton gin in 1792 illustrates how inventions create wealth.  Previously, the separation of cotton from cotton seeds required backbreaking labor by many men (often slaves).  But the U.S. Constitution has a unique clause that authorizes Congress to grant special rights of ownership to inventors for a period of time, in order to give them an incentive to invent:<ref>Art. I, Sec. 8, http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.articlei.html#section8</ref>

The American invention of the cotton gin in 1792 illustrates how inventions create wealth.  Previously, the separation of cotton from cotton seeds required backbreaking labor by many men (often slaves).  But the U.S. Constitution has a unique clause that authorizes Congress to grant special rights of ownership to inventors for a period of time, in order to give them an incentive to invent:<ref>Art. I, Sec. 8, http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.articlei.html#section8</ref>

Several of the most important inventions concerned communications, which created wealth by reducing the costs of exchanging information, and increasing the amount of information available.  In 1831, an American scientist named Joseph Henry invented the first electric telegraph, which enabled communication across distances by using codes to represent letters.   

Several of the most important inventions concerned communications, which created wealth by reducing the costs of exchanging information, and increasing the amount of information available.  In 1831, an American scientist named Joseph Henry invented the first electric telegraph, which enabled communication across distances by using codes to represent letters.   

Soon thereafter, the American Samuel Morse created Morse code to standardize the codes used (1835), and then in 1843 he invented the first long distance electric telegraph line.  This enabled the sending and receiving of messages almost instantaneously over long distances, without having to wait for someone to travel the distance.  Morse is often credited with inventing telegraphy because he made it practical.  In 1844 he sent the first long-distance telegraphic message: "What hath God wrought?"<ref>http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/How_To_Homeschool/articles/234.php</ref>  Obviously this greatly increased the ability of people to communicate with each other, and for businesses to communicate their needs and purchases.  This was not like the internet yet, but it was a tremendous improvement over sending letters by U.S. Mail, which could take weeks if the distance was long.  The Pony Express was not even available then; it was first established in 1861 to try to speed up mail delivery.

Soon thereafter, the American Samuel Morse created Morse code to standardize the communication codes used (1835), and then in 1843 he invented the first long-distance electric telegraph line.  This enabled the sending and receiving of messages almost instantaneously over long distances, without having to wait for someone to travel the distance.  Morse is often credited with inventing telegraphy because he made it practical.  In 1844 he sent the first long-distance message over a telegraph: "What hath God wrought?"<ref>http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/How_To_Homeschool/articles/234.php</ref>  Obviously this greatly increased the ability of people to communicate with each other, and for businesses to communicate their needs and purchases.  This was not like the internet yet, but it was a tremendous improvement over sending letters by U.S. Mail, which could take weeks when the distance was long.  The Pony Express was not even available then; it was first established in 1861 to try to speed up mail delivery.

In 1866, after four attempts, the transatlantic cable established permanent communication with Europe based on laying a cable on the ocean floor.  This facilitated trade between the continents, and helped families communicate with grandparents back in Europe.

In 1866, after four attempts, the transatlantic cable established permanent communication with Europe based on laying a cable on the ocean floor.  This facilitated trade between the continents, and helped families communicate with grandparents back in Europe.

Then, in 1876, the greatest invention of all for communications occurred:  Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.  His motivation was to help his deaf mother hear.  He had been homeschooled by his mother in order to learn to read and write, and Alexander (called Aleck) wanted to repay the favor:<ref>http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/telephone/peopleevents/mabell.html</ref>

Then, in 1876, the greatest invention of all for communications occurred:  Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.  His motivation was to help his nearly deaf mother hear.  Alexander (called Aleck) had been homeschooled by his mother to learn to read and write, and he wanted to repay the favor:<ref>http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/telephone/peopleevents/mabell.html</ref>

:Unlike others, who spoke to Mrs. Bell through her ear tube, Aleck chose to communicate with her by speaking in low, sonorous tones very close to her forehead. Young Aleck surmised that his mother would be able to "hear" him through the vibrations his vocal intonations would make. This early insight would prove significant as Alexander Graham Bell went on to develop more elaborate theories regarding the characteristics of sound waves. It would also lend rationale to Bell's opinions as to how the deaf could be assimilated into a world of sound.

:Unlike others, who spoke to Mrs. Bell through her ear tube, Aleck chose to communicate with her by speaking in low, sonorous tones very close to her forehead. Young Aleck surmised that his mother would be able to "hear" him through the vibrations his vocal intonations would make. This early insight would prove significant as Alexander Graham Bell went on to develop more elaborate theories regarding the characteristics of sound waves. It would also lend rationale to Bell's opinions as to how the deaf could be assimilated into a world of sound.

But just as John the Baptist was immediately followed by someone far greater, Jesus, Alexander Graham Bell was immediately followed by someone far greater, Thomas Edison (pictured to the right with one of his inventions, the phonograph).  When Thomas was 7 years old, Mrs. Edison put him in the local public school. The public school teacher was irritated by Edison's curiosity and questions, and aggravated by his failure to follow directions like the rest of the class.  The teacher concluded that Edison was incapable of learning,<ref>Specifically, the teacher thought that Edison's brain had been "scrambled" or "addled".</ref> and after merely three months the teacher told young Edison's mother that her son was an idiot.

But just as John the Baptist was immediately followed by someone far greater, Jesus, Alexander Graham Bell was immediately followed by someone far greater, Thomas Edison (pictured to the right with one of his inventions, the phonograph).  When Thomas was 7 years old, Mrs. Edison put him in the local public school. The public school teacher was irritated by Edison's curiosity and questions, and aggravated by his failure to follow directions like the rest of the class.  The teacher concluded that Edison was incapable of learning,<ref>Specifically, the teacher thought that Edison's brain had been "scrambled" or "addled".</ref> and after merely three months the teacher told young Edison's mother that her son was an idiot.

Mrs. Edison was furious at the teacher and the public school.  She immediately pulled young Thomas out of school and never sent him back.  She then homeschooled him by reading from the Bible, and his father encouraged young Thomas to read the classics.  Young Thomas became a voracious reader and, by the age of 12, became interested in science, chemistry and the works of Isaac Newton.  Young Thomas also became an entrepreneur as a teenager, first publishing a newspaper and then memorizing Morse Code so that he could get a job transmitting messages over the telegraph by age 15.  He had a tremendous "work ethic," putting in 12-hour work days, 6 days a week, and then inventing in his spare time.  His famous quotes include:<ref>http://quotations.about.com/od/stillmorefamouspeople/a/ThomasEdison2.htm</ref>

Mrs. Edison was furious at the teacher and the public school.  She immediately pulled young Thomas out of school and never sent him back.  She then homeschooled him by reading from the Bible, and his father encouraged young Thomas to read the classics.  Young Thomas became a voracious reader and, by the age of 12, became interested in science, chemistry and the works of Isaac Newton.  Young Thomas also became an entrepreneur as a teenager, first publishing a newspaper and then memorizing Morse Code so that he could get a job transmitting messages over the telegraph by age 15.  He had a tremendous "work ethic," putting in 12-hour work days, 6 days a week, and then inventing in his spare time.  Thomas Edison's famous quotes include:<ref>http://quotations.about.com/od/stillmorefamouspeople/a/ThomasEdison2.htm</ref>

*Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.

*"Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."

*Everything comes to him that hustles while he waits.

*"Everything comes to him that hustles while he waits."

*I never did anything by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work.

*"I never did anything by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work."

*Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

*"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."

This homeschooler changed the world, and was ranked by Life magazine as the most influential person in the entire world over the ''last millennium'' (1000 years).  Known as the "Wizard of Menlo Park," which is a town in northern New Jersey next to the town named after him (Edison), Edison did his best work in New Jersey.  One historian wrote about him:<ref name="Edison">From "The Heroes Of The Age: Electricity And Man," http://www.thomasedison.com/biography.html</ref>

This homeschooler changed the world, and was ranked by Life magazine as the most influential person in the entire world over the ''last millennium'' (1000 years).  Known as the "Wizard of Menlo Park," which is a town in northern New Jersey next to the town named after him (Edison), Edison did his best work in New Jersey.  One historian wrote about him:<ref name="Edison">From "The Heroes Of The Age: Electricity And Man," http://www.thomasedison.com/biography.html</ref>