Changes

Tyler was only a "one-termer", meaning he was not reelected after his first term was over.  In fact, every president from Van Buren until the Civil War lasted only one term, as the nation became increasingly divided.  The more divided the nation is, the more difficult it is for a president to win reelection because so many people are unhappy with him.

Tyler was only a "one-termer", meaning he was not reelected after his first term was over.  In fact, every president from Van Buren until the Civil War lasted only one term, as the nation became increasingly divided.  The more divided the nation is, the more difficult it is for a president to win reelection because so many people are unhappy with him.

==The Alamo==

==The Battle (Massacre) of the Alamo==

America continued to expand, and eventually this caused conflict with Mexico, which had become free from Spain in 1821.  Texas (an area much larger than the State of Texas today) was part of Mexico's territory.

America continued to expand, and eventually this caused conflict with Mexico, which had become free from Spain in 1821.  Texas (an area much larger than the State of Texas today) was part of Mexico's territory.

 

Mexico began to give American citizens free land if they became Mexican citizens and encouraged their friends to do the same.  As a result, thousands of settlers left the United States to become Mexican citizens.

Mexico began to give American citizens free land if they became Mexican citizens and encouraged their friends to do the same.  As a result, thousands of settlers left the United States to become Mexican citizens.

But in 1836, settlers in what is now Texas revolted against Mexico.  They declared that Texas was independent from Mexico, and drafted their own constitution.   

But in 1836, settlers in what is now Texas revolted against Mexico.  They declared that Texas was independent from Mexico, and drafted their own constitution.   

In the famous Battle of the Alamo, a few thousand soldiers from Mexico defeated just 165 or so Texans at the Alamo (including Davey Crockett, a famous former congressman from Tennessee), and massacred all of them.  This battle became famous, as did the cry "Remember the Alamo!"

In the famous Battle of the Alamo, a few thousand soldiers from Mexico defeated just 165 or so Texans at the Alamo (including Davey Crockett, a former congressman from Tennessee), and massacred all of the men.  This battle became famous, as did the cry "Remember the Alamo!" to inspire fighting back against Mexico.  The remains of the Alamo mission where the massacre of Texans by Mexicans can be visited today in San Antonio.

Shortly thereafter, Texas wrote a formal declaration of independence.  Eager to gain land and fame, many Americans moved to Texas and helped defeat the Mexicans.  Texas became the independent "Lone Star Republic."

Shortly thereafter, Texas wrote a formal declaration of independence.  Eager to gain land and fame, many Americans moved to Texas and helped defeat the Mexicans.  Texas became the independent "Lone Star Republic."

The Whigs did not want to annex Texas, and Jackson was afraid that if he annexed Texas, then his successor, Martin Van Buren, would not be elected.  Abolitionists were also upset because Texas would be another slave state - its constitution permitted slavery.  

The Whigs did not want to annex Texas, and Jackson was afraid that if he annexed Texas, then his successor, Martin Van Buren, would not be elected.  Abolitionists were also upset because Texas would be another slave state - its constitution permitted slavery.  

Tyler, whom the Whigs disliked despite how became president by winning on the "ticket" with Whig candidate William Harrison, was the first president to attempt to annex Texas.  But Tyler ruined his chances by declaring that slavery would be good for Texas, which the northern states opposed.  When the treaty came to the Senate, it did not initially pass.

Tyler was the first president to attempt to annex Texas.  But Tyler ruined his chances by declaring that slavery would be good for Texas, which the northern states opposed.  When the treaty to add Texas to the United States came to the Senate, it did not initially pass.

==1840s: Social Movements, Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion==

==Manifest Destiny==

The 1840s was a decade of expansion and social change for the growing United States.  Counting California, which joined the Union in 1850, five new states were added to the United States:  Florida, Texas, Iowa, Wisconsin and California.  This included the two largest states in area in the continental United States (California and Texas), and what are now three of the four largest in population (California, Texas and Florida).  This was the greatest addition of new states since the 1810s.  The nation as we know it today was taking shape.

The 1840s was a decade of expansion and social change for the growing United States.  Counting California, which joined the Union in 1850, five new states were added to the United States:  Florida, Texas, Iowa, Wisconsin and California.  This included the two largest states in area in the continental United States (California and Texas), and what are now three of the four largest in population (California, Texas and Florida).  This was the greatest addition of new states since the 1810s.  The nation as we know it today was taking shape.

In 1842, the United States resolved some minor disputes with Canada (then still a British colony) over the location of the U.S.-Canadian border.  Known as the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, this resolved the location of the northern border of Maine, agreed on the location of the border in the Great Lakes (and shared use of those Lakes), and affirmed the use of the 49 degrees latitude as the border heading west.  Daniel Webster, then the Secretary of State (who otherwise was a prominent Senator), signed the Treaty for the United States and the U.S. Senate ratified it as required by the Constitution.

In 1842, the United States resolved some minor disputes with Canada (then still a British colony) over the location of the U.S.-Canadian border.  Known as the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, this resolved the location of the northern border of Maine, agreed on the location of the border in the Great Lakes (and shared use of those Lakes), and affirmed the use of the 49 degrees latitude as the border heading west.  Daniel Webster, then the Secretary of State (who otherwise was a prominent Senator), signed the Treaty for the United States and the U.S. Senate ratified it as required by the Constitution.

 

Around the same time settlers began to move westward in large groups, traveling on the Oregon Trail.  Beginning in 1843, Americans became fascinated with the Oregon territory, and 1000 pioneers traveled all the way from Missouri to Willamette Valley (a trip that took 4 to 6 months then).  The Oregon Trail stretched for 2000 miles and many settlers spent a full six months traveling along it.  Missionaries traveled in order to minister to the Indians far and wide.   

Around the same time settlers began to move westward in large groups, traveling on the Oregon Trail.  Beginning in 1843, Americans became fascinated with the Oregon territory, and 1000 pioneers traveled all the way from Missouri to Willamette Valley (a trip that took 4 to 6 months then).  The Oregon Trail stretched for 2000 miles and many settlers spent a full six months traveling along it.  Missionaries traveled in order to minister to the Indians far and wide.   

Half of the Oregon territory, which included the current states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and a bit of Montana and Wyoming, was controlled by the British.  In 1846 the Oregon Treaty settled the disputes between America and Britain, giving most of the Oregon territory to the United States.   

Half of the Oregon territory, which included the current states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and a bit of Montana and Wyoming, was controlled by the British.  In 1846 the Oregon Treaty settled the disputes between America and Britain, giving most of the Oregon territory to the United States.   

 

Along with the expansion and migration came great social change in the older portions of the United States.  Utopian communities thrived in the 1840s to pursue idealistic societies, often based on common religious beliefs and sharing homes and property.  The homeschooling movement today could be compared with the movements in the 1840s, though homeschooling is more of a concept than a centralized community having shared property.  Examples of Utopian communities in the 1840s (and earlier) were the Shakers, Brook Farm, the Rappites, and the Oneida Community:<ref name="Utopian">http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/amana/utopia.htm</ref>

Along with the expansion and migration came great social change in the older portions of the United States.  Utopian communities thrived in the 1840s to pursue idealistic societies, often based on common religious beliefs and sharing homes and property.  The homeschooling movement today could be compared with the movements in the 1840s, though homeschooling is more of a concept than a centralized community having shared property.  Examples of Utopian communities in the 1840s (and earlier) were the Shakers, Brook Farm, the Rappites, and the Oneida Community:<ref name="Utopian">http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/amana/utopia.htm</ref>

The decline of all the Utopian communities has been attributed to increased industrialization and hostility by a broader public to the concept.  Inflammatory newspaper articles played a role as the public became reliant on secular sources for information.  But historians have concluded that "religious utopian colonies possessed a longer life then their secular counterparts."<ref name="Utopian"/>  Most of the Utopian communities have remnants that are preserved today and can be visited.

The decline of all the Utopian communities has been attributed to increased industrialization and hostility by a broader public to the concept.  Inflammatory newspaper articles played a role as the public became reliant on secular sources for information.  But historians have concluded that "religious utopian colonies possessed a longer life then their secular counterparts."<ref name="Utopian"/>  Most of the Utopian communities have remnants that are preserved today and can be visited.

 

In addition to the Utopian communities, there were key social and religious movements in or around the 1840s that resulted from the culmination of the Second Great Awakening, which swept America from 1790 to 1840:

In addition to the Utopian communities, there were key social and religious movements in or around the 1840s that resulted from the culmination of the Second Great Awakening, which swept America from 1790 to 1840:

* the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormon Church), the only major church founded in America, was established in 1830 by Joseph Smith in western New York.  He then moved to Ohio, and then Nauvoo, Illinois, where it thrived so much that it became the largest town in Illinois in 1844 (even bigger than Chicago).  The movement banned alcohol and emphasized hard work and entrepreneurship.  But in 1844 an anti-Mormon newspaper (the "Nauvoo Expositor") began harshly criticizing the church, and city council responded by shutting down the newspaper, which in turn led to a backlash causing the imprisonment of Mayor Joseph Smith.  While in jail, Joseph Smith (and his brother) was killed by a mob that was unlawfully allowed to enter the prison.  Brigham Young became the next leader of this church within a few years, and led the 70,000-person Mormon community on a 1,300-mile migration to establish a new state in the west, then part of Mexico but now Utah.  Today the Mormon Church is the fourth largest church denomination in the United States, after Catholics, Baptists and Methodists.<ref>http://www.ncccusa.org/news/080215yearbook1.html</ref>  One of its spectacular temples is located just north of D.C., close to the "Beltway" (highway 495 that loops around D.C.).

* the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormon Church), the only major church founded in America, was established in 1830 by Joseph Smith in western New York.  He then moved to Ohio, and then Nauvoo, Illinois, where it thrived so much that it became the largest town in Illinois in 1844 (even bigger than Chicago).  The movement banned alcohol and emphasized hard work and entrepreneurship.  But in 1844 an anti-Mormon newspaper (the "Nauvoo Expositor") began harshly criticizing the church, and city council responded by shutting down the newspaper, which in turn led to a backlash causing the imprisonment of Mayor Joseph Smith.  While in jail, Joseph Smith (and his brother) was killed by a mob that was unlawfully allowed to enter the prison.  Brigham Young became the next leader of this church within a few years, and led the 70,000-person Mormon community on a 1,300-mile migration to establish a new state in the west, then part of Mexico but now Utah.  Today the Mormon Church is the fourth largest church denomination in the United States, after Catholics, Baptists and Methodists.<ref>http://www.ncccusa.org/news/080215yearbook1.html</ref>  One of its spectacular temples is located just north of D.C., visible from the "Beltway" (highway 495 that loops around D.C.).

* The Seventh Day Adventist Church began 1844, when a prediction of the end of the world based on a biblical interpretation did not happen (the so-called "Great Disappointment").  This new Christian religion emphasizes observance of the Sabbath on Saturday (hence its name), adherence to the Bible, and preparation for the second coming of Christ.  The Seventh Day Adventists also developed an approach to good health that included building hospitals, such as the large hospital located in Hackettstown, New Jersey.

* The Seventh Day Adventist Church began 1844, when a prediction of the end of the world based on a biblical interpretation did not happen (the so-called "Great Disappointment").  This new Christian religion emphasizes observance of the Sabbath on Saturday (hence its name), adherence to the Bible, and preparation for the second coming of Christ.  The Seventh Day Adventists also developed an approach to good health that included building hospitals, such as a medical school in southern California and hospitals throughout the United States.

* Women's rights began as a social movement in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, where the first women's rights convention was held.  The assembly drafted a Declaration of Sentiments that called for granting women the right to vote, which they did not have at the time.  Separately, in 1849, the English-born Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in America, which she obtained from Geneva College in New York.

* Women's rights began as a social movement in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, where the first women's rights convention was held.  The assembly drafted a Declaration of Sentiments that called for granting women the right to vote, which they did not have at the time.  Separately, in 1849, the English-born Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in America, which she obtained from Geneva College in New York.

* In 1840, the first anti-slavery party (called the "Liberty Party") formed.  It lasted until 1848, when it merged with opponents of slavery in the Whig and Democratic Parties in order to form another anti-slavery party, the stronger Free-Soil party.

* In 1840, the first anti-slavery party (called the "Liberty Party") formed.  It lasted until 1848, when it merged with opponents of slavery in the Whig and Democratic Parties in order to form another anti-slavery party, the stronger Free-Soil Party.  Later it would be replaced by the Republican Party.

* In 1842, the union workers' movement obtained a key court ruling in their favor from the Massachusetts Supreme Court, in ''[[Commonwealth v. Hunt]]''.  That decision held that it was legal for workers to organize a union and to strike. Union power was greatly increased by this ability to strike (and shut down a factory) when the employer does not give into union demands.  Some blame the collapse of the American automobile industry today and the resultant depression in Michigan on abuse by unions of their great power.  The unionization of ''government'' workers also became a national controversy, as the Wisconsin Governor seeks to terminate the basic union power of "collective bargaining" for its ''government'' workers.

* In 1842, the union workers' movement obtained a key court ruling in their favor from the Massachusetts Supreme Court, in ''[[Commonwealth v. Hunt]]''.  That decision held that it was legal for workers to organize a union and to strike. Union power was greatly increased by this ability to strike (and shut down a factory) when the employer does not give into union demands.  Some blame the collapse of the American automobile industry today and the resultant depression in Michigan on abuse by unions of their great power.  The unionization of ''government'' workers has also become a national controversy in recent years, and in 2011 the governor of Wisconsin Governor signed into law limitations on the power of "collective bargaining" for its ''government'' workers.

==James K. Polk and War with Mexico==

==James K. Polk and War with Mexico==

President Polk wanted all the land for the United States.  In July 1845, he sent the commander of the U.S. Army in Texas, Zachary Taylor, to take his troops into the disputed land between the Nueces and Rio Grande rivers. In November, Polk sent Congressman John Slidell to Mexico in order to purchase the disputed area, and acquire (what is now) New Mexico and California.  This effort, known as the Slidell mission, had failed by May 1846.

President Polk wanted all the land for the United States.  In July 1845, he sent the commander of the U.S. Army in Texas, Zachary Taylor, to take his troops into the disputed land between the Nueces and Rio Grande rivers. In November, Polk sent Congressman John Slidell to Mexico in order to purchase the disputed area, and acquire (what is now) New Mexico and California.  This effort, known as the Slidell mission, had failed by May 1846.

 

Following the failure of Slidell's mission in May 1846, Polk tried a different approach:  find a reason to declare a war.  Polk told Congress that Mexico had attacked Taylor's army on American (Texas) soil, shedding American blood there.  Congress reacted by giving Polk the declaration of war Polk sought, on May 13, 1846.  Ever since, it has been disputed where the American blood was actually shed, making this one of the big mysteries of American history.  Was the first conflict on undisputed American soil, meaning that Mexico was wrong, or on Mexican soil, meaning that Americans were the aggressor?  The official account of the United States Department of State blames ... the United States:<ref>http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/dwe/16336.htm</ref>

Following the failure of Slidell's mission in May 1846, Polk tried a different approach:  find a reason to declare a war.  Polk told Congress that Mexico had attacked Taylor's army on American (Texas) soil, shedding American blood there.  Congress reacted by giving Polk the declaration of war Polk sought, on May 13, 1846.  Ever since, it has been disputed where the American blood was actually shed, making this one of the big mysteries of American history.  Was the first conflict on undisputed American soil, meaning that Mexico was wrong, or on Mexican soil, meaning that Americans were the aggressor?  The official account of the United States Department of State blames ... the United States:<ref>http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/dwe/16336.htm</ref>

Polk was unhappy with the terms of this Treaty.  He wanted even more Mexican territory.  But he felt he had no choice other than submit this Treaty to the U.S. Senate for ratification, which it did on March 10, 1848 by a margin of 38 to 14.  The 2/3rd minimum required for ratification was 2/3rd of 52, or 35.  The Treaty was ratified by a margin of only 4 votes.

Polk was unhappy with the terms of this Treaty.  He wanted even more Mexican territory.  But he felt he had no choice other than submit this Treaty to the U.S. Senate for ratification, which it did on March 10, 1848 by a margin of 38 to 14.  The 2/3rd minimum required for ratification was 2/3rd of 52, or 35.  The Treaty was ratified by a margin of only 4 votes.

In August 1846, soon after the war began, Congressman David Wilmot introduced a "rider" (unrelated amendment) to an appropriations bill stipulating that "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist" in any territory acquired from this war. Southern senators (especially South Carolina Senator John Calhoun) blocked this "Wilmot Proviso," but its concept was so powerful that it inspired the abolitionists all the way until (and through) the Civil War, much as the pro-life movement inspires people today.  The Wilmot Proviso to stop slavery became as influential as the movement to overturn ''Roe v. Wade'' to stop abortion is today.

In August 1846, soon after the war began, Congressman David Wilmot introduced a "rider" (unrelated amendment) to an appropriations bill stipulating that "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist" in any territory acquired from this war. Southern senators (especially South Carolina Senator John Calhoun) blocked this "Wilmot Proviso" and it did not pass, but its concept was so powerful that it inspired the abolitionists all the way through the Civil War.  The Wilmot Proviso to stop slavery became as influential as the movement to stop abortion is today.

In addition to all of Polk's accomplishments in adding territory, he also had a habit if seeing every single visitor, no matter who he was, who came to the White House!  No wonder it exhausted him.  Still a young man, Polk died shortly after leaving office of an exhaustion-induced illness.

In addition to all of Polk's accomplishments in adding territory, he also had a habit if seeing every single visitor, no matter who he was, who came to the White House!  No wonder it exhausted him.  Still a young man, Polk died shortly after leaving office of an exhaustion-induced illness.

Each of these works were part of the "American Renaissance," which was a flowering of excellence in literature built upon ordinary life and themes common to Jacksonian democracy.

Each of these works were part of the "American Renaissance," which was a flowering of excellence in literature built upon ordinary life and themes common to Jacksonian democracy.

Herman Melville's ''Moby-Dick'' was not initially successful, and the praise for ''Leaves of Grass'' also grew over time.  Today a much-traveled bridge connecting Philadelphia to New Jersey across the Delaware River is named after Walt Whitman, and Melville's classic novel is a popular assignment in many English literature courses.

Herman Melville's ''Moby-Dick'' was not initially successful, and praise for ''Leaves of Grass'' was less initially than later.  Today a much-traveled bridge connecting Philadelphia to New Jersey across the Delaware River is named after Walt Whitman, and Melville's classic novel is a popular assignment in many English literature courses.

==President Franklin Pierce and the Kansas-Nebraska Act==

==President Franklin Pierce and the Kansas-Nebraska Act==

In retaliation, a fanatical white man named John Brown took four of his sons and two others and went to Pottawatomie in Kansas, and executed five (5) pro-slavery colonists.  This event became known as the Pottawatomie Massacre.  Unlike most abolitionists, Brown supported violent action against slavery.  As time went on, more and more blood was shed in Kansas.  Some prominent anti-slavery activists and intellectuals in the northeast, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, even praised John Brown.

In retaliation, a fanatical white man named John Brown took four of his sons and two others and went to Pottawatomie in Kansas, and executed five (5) pro-slavery colonists.  This event became known as the Pottawatomie Massacre.  Unlike most abolitionists, Brown supported violent action against slavery.  As time went on, more and more blood was shed in Kansas.  Some prominent anti-slavery activists and intellectuals in the northeast, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, even praised John Brown.

In the "Crime against Kansas" speech, an abolitionist Senator from Massachusetts Charles Sumner described the slave oligarchy and insulted and humiliated the elderly Senator Andrew Butler of South Carolina (who was not there during Sumner's speech). In retaliation, Butler's nephew, Preston Butler, who was a congressman, went into Sumner's chambers and beat him senseless with a cane.  It took Sumner many years to recover. Preston Butler immediately resigned but became such a hero to the South that he was unanimously reelected by his district.

In the "Crime against Kansas" speech, an abolitionist Senator from Massachusetts Charles Sumner described the slave oligarchy and insulted and humiliated the elderly Senator Andrew Butler of South Carolina (who was not there during Sumner's speech). In retaliation, Butler's nephew, Preston Butler, who was a congressman, went into Sumner's chambers and beat him senseless with a cane.  Sumner never fully recovered from this beating. Preston Butler immediately resigned but became such a hero to the South that he was virtually unanimously reelected by his district. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a Boston writer who opposed slavery, reacted to this incident by saying, "I do not see how a barbarous community and a civilized community can constitute one state. I think we must get rid of slavery, or we must get rid of freedom."

This entire conflict in Kansas over slavery in the 1850s was called "Bleeding Kansas" because of the violence that occurred on both sides.  As an example of "history repeating itself," more than 120 years later Kansas became the center of national attention based on its internal conflict over the abortion issue.

This entire conflict in Kansas over slavery in the 1850s was called "Bleeding Kansas" because of the violence that occurred on both sides.  As an example of "history repeating itself," more than 120 years later Kansas became the center of national attention based on its internal conflict over the abortion issue.

The Panic of 1857 caused financial panic throughout the United States when the New York City branch of Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Co. failed. That caused a sudden recession in the economy, but recovery came quickly afterward.   

The Panic of 1857 caused financial panic throughout the United States when the New York City branch of Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Co. failed. That caused a sudden recession in the economy, but recovery came quickly afterward.   

In 1858, Lincoln said in a speech before the Republican state convention:  "a house divided against itself cannot stand," quoting the Bible.  He copied the application of this concept to slavery from many others who had used it previously.  Lincoln's words were prophetic.  But Douglas, a wittier speaker, elicited a chuckle from another crowd when he said he would speak without claiming to have special authority from God.

In 1858, Lincoln said in a speech before the Republican state convention:  "a house divided against itself cannot stand," quoting the Bible.  He copied the application of this concept to slavery from many others who had used it previously.  Lincoln's words were prophetic.  But Douglas, a wittier and more effective public speaker than Lincoln was, elicited a chuckle from another crowd when he said he would speak without claiming to have special authority from God.

Meanwhile, two new states were added to the Union while Buchanan served as president: Minnesota was admitted in 1858, and Oregon was admitted in 1859.

Meanwhile, two new states were added to the Union while Buchanan served as president: Minnesota was admitted in 1858, and Oregon was admitted in 1859.

The South had a feeling of invincibility from its tremendous economy, which was based on high prices for "King Cotton" and other crops, such as tobacco and sugar cane.  The South also felt that the North lacked a will to fight and, if it did, Britain and France would recognize and help the South due to their dependence on its exports like cotton, tobacco, rice and sugar cane.  But the South miscalculated about Britain: it had already purchased a surplus of cotton by 1860, and in 1860-1862 it had bad crop failures in basic foods.  Britain needed the North to export its wheat and corn crops to them.  Also, the North was increasingly exporting lard and beef to Britain, which it needed.

The South had a feeling of invincibility from its tremendous economy, which was based on high prices for "King Cotton" and other crops, such as tobacco and sugar cane.  The South also felt that the North lacked a will to fight and, if it did, Britain and France would recognize and help the South due to their dependence on its exports like cotton, tobacco, rice and sugar cane.  But the South miscalculated about Britain: it had already purchased a surplus of cotton by 1860, and in 1860-1862 it had bad crop failures in basic foods.  Britain needed the North to export its wheat and corn crops to them.  Also, the North was increasingly exporting lard and beef to Britain, which it needed.

The South had strategic advantages:  it controlled the mouth of the Mississippi and needed only to defend rather than conquer.  The South considered its men, who spent more time outdoors, to be in much better condition to fight.  The South had better generals, and would have done far better had its generals like Stonewall Jackson not died during the Civil War.

The South had strategic advantages:  it controlled the mouth of the Mississippi and needed only to defend rather than conquer.  The South considered its men, who spent more time outdoors, to be in much better condition to fight.  The South had better generals, and but its most effective general (Stonewall Jackson) died halfway through the Civil War.

The South was wealthy, but primarily due to slavery.  The estimated economic value of the slaves in the South exceeded the total of all investments in the railroads, banks, and factories in the North combined.  Cotton prices soared in 1860, but by then Britain also had India as a new source of cotton.

The South was wealthy, but primarily due to slavery.  The estimated economic value of the slaves in the South exceeded the total of all investments in the railroads, banks, and factories in the North combined.  Cotton prices soared in 1860, but by then Britain also had India as a new source of cotton.

But the North benefited from the railroad system, heavy immigration and a much more balanced economy.  German and Irish immigrants came in large numbers before and during the 1850s, and in the 1850 census, 10% of the male population over 23 was foreign born, mostly from Ireland and Germany.  In response, the "Know-Nothing" or American Party arose as anti-immigration, anti-Catholic organization (most of the Irish were Catholics), given its name because its members would pretend not to "Know Nothing" when asked about their views.<ref>In 1855 the Know-Nothing Party successfully elected its candidate for mayor of Chicago, who then banned immigrants from city jobs.  The Know-Nothing Party was most successful statewide in Ohio, before disappearing everywhere before 1860.</ref>  Most of the immigrants ended up helping the North in the war, as large numbers of immigrants fought for the North against the South.  Overall, the population of the North was 22 million compared with only 9 million in the South, 3.5 million of whom were slaves whom the South were reluctant to arm.  The North also had control of the United States Navy, which proved to be useful in the war.   

The North benefited from the railroad system, heavy immigration and a much more balanced economy.  German and Irish immigrants came in large numbers before and during the 1850s, and in the 1850 census, 10% of the male population over 23 was foreign born, mostly from Ireland and Germany.  In response, the "Know-Nothing" or American Party arose as anti-immigration, anti-Catholic organization (most of the Irish were Catholics), given its name because its members would pretend not to "Know Nothing" when asked about their views.<ref>In 1855 the Know-Nothing Party successfully elected its candidate for mayor of Chicago, who then banned immigrants from city jobs.  The Know-Nothing Party was most successful statewide in Ohio, before disappearing everywhere before 1860.</ref>  Most of the immigrants ended up helping the North in the war, as large numbers of immigrants fought for the North against the South.  Overall, the population of the North was 22 million compared with only 9 million in the South, 3.5 million of whom were slaves whom the South were reluctant to arm.  The North also had control of the United States Navy, which proved to be useful in the war.   

Finally, the North was politically successful in keeping border slave states -- Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri and the to-be-formed West Virginia -- from joining the Confederacy to fight against the North.  Abraham Lincoln said about Kentucky, "Kentucky gone, we can not hold Missouri, nor as I think, Maryland. These all against us, and the job on our hands is too large for us. We would as well consent to separation at once, including the surrender of this capitol."<ref>http://www.mrlincolnandfreedom.org/inside.asp?ID=31&subjectID=3</ref>  Had those border states sided with the South, as it expected, the outcome may have been different.

Finally, the North was politically successful in keeping border slave states from joining the Confederacy to fight against the North.  The border states included Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri and the northwestern portion of Virginia, which split off to become the new state of West Virginia.  Abraham Lincoln said about Kentucky, "Kentucky gone, we can not hold Missouri, nor as I think, Maryland. These all against us, and the job on our hands is too large for us. We would as well consent to separation at once, including the surrender of this capitol."<ref>http://www.mrlincolnandfreedom.org/inside.asp?ID=31&subjectID=3</ref>  Had those border states sided with the South, as it expected, the outcome may have been different.

'''Debate: Do you think the South could have won the Civil War, or at least fought off the North enough to secede?'''

'''Debate: Do you think the South could have won the Civil War, or at least fought off the North enough to secede?'''