One Nation Indivisible Myth Or Reality
Derek Bouvier
A.P. U.S. History
Mr. Schultz
One Nation Indivisible
15 January 2015
One Nation Indivisible: Myth or Reality?
1. The Homestead Act was signed into law by President Lincoln in 1862. Many call this act one of the most important laws in United States History. The act allowed for anyone over 21 years of age to claim 160 acres of land via a grant from the federal government. This Act thus also allowed for land to be settled faster in the West. This act then furthered the nation-state of America because it allowed for newly freed blacks and women to start new enterprises and get a shot at the American dream. Beyond that it furthered the unity of the nation state by allowing for land to be settled. The National Banking Act first passed in 1863 and was signed into law by President Lincoln. The Act first was used to raise revenue for the Civil War, which was deeply needed already. It also was designed to get banks to buy federal bonds and rid the United States of state bank-issued currencies. The first act proved did not work so the act was revised in 1864, and made a 10% tax on all state currencies. This allowed for the federal government to have more control over the monetary system of the United States. This, thus allowed for the country to be more united, but also denies states’ rights existed. This ultimately allowing for the Nation-State to be built in economically at a federal level. The Morrill Tariff of 1861 was passed and then signed by President Buchanan. The tariff increased the rate by 5% to 10% and was hated by the south. While it was hated by the south this bill allowed for the second industrial revolution to occur. The second industrial revolution growing the nation-state through economic means. Lastly the government support for the transcontinental railroad was unrivaled in its support of the nation-state. The railroad allowed for the west to be settled and the nation state to expand, and allowed for raw minerals to be
A.P. U.S. History
Mr. Schultz
One Nation Indivisible
15 January 2015
One Nation Indivisible: Myth or Reality?
1. The Homestead Act was signed into law by President Lincoln in 1862. Many call this act one of the most important laws in United States History. The act allowed for anyone over 21 years of age to claim 160 acres of land via a grant from the federal government. This Act thus also allowed for land to be settled faster in the West. This act then furthered the nation-state of America because it allowed for newly freed blacks and women to start new enterprises and get a shot at the American dream. Beyond that it furthered the unity of the nation state by allowing for land to be settled. The National Banking Act first passed in 1863 and was signed into law by President Lincoln. The Act first was used to raise revenue for the Civil War, which was deeply needed already. It also was designed to get banks to buy federal bonds and rid the United States of state bank-issued currencies. The first act proved did not work so the act was revised in 1864, and made a 10% tax on all state currencies. This allowed for the federal government to have more control over the monetary system of the United States. This, thus allowed for the country to be more united, but also denies states’ rights existed. This ultimately allowing for the Nation-State to be built in economically at a federal level. The Morrill Tariff of 1861 was passed and then signed by President Buchanan. The tariff increased the rate by 5% to 10% and was hated by the south. While it was hated by the south this bill allowed for the second industrial revolution to occur. The second industrial revolution growing the nation-state through economic means. Lastly the government support for the transcontinental railroad was unrivaled in its support of the nation-state. The railroad allowed for the west to be settled and the nation state to expand, and allowed for raw minerals to be