“The American People: Creating a Nation and a Society”

1) From the beginnings of the United States as a nation, Northern States and Southern States arranged a series of compromises in efforts to negotiate differing positions on slavery, different economic structures, and different cultures. In the end, though, none of the compromises allowed the two sides to avoid war, which occurred in the 1860s with the Civil War. Indicate three distinct compromises that the North and South made between the late 1700s and the mid-1800s amid effort to negotiate their differences. Be specific in describing each compromise, what it entailed, and why it was deemed acceptable to both sides at the time of its enactment. Then, indicate why each compromise failed. For each compromise, explain what specifically about the compromise proved unworkable as a solution for brokering the differences between the North and the South.

The course textbook states that “Reconstruction would be divisive, leaving a mixed legacy of human gains and losses” (467). To demonstrate this, indicate three different groups whose interests played roles in the development of the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. Clearly identify each group and explain how the process of Reconstruction accounted for the interests of each group. Then, indicate three distinct issues that caused division during Reconstruction. Clearly identify each issue and explain specifically how it caused division. Finally, show gains and losses from Reconstruction by indicating two distinct beneficial consequences of the process of Reconstruction and two distinct harmful consequences of the process of Reconstruction. Be clear in identifying each consequence and explaining why it was beneficial or harmful.