60 chapters
16 hour read
Selected Chapters
60 chapters
The Greater Republic
The Greater Republic
THE GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR COUNTRY FROM THE EARLIEST DAYS OF DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT EVENTFUL YEAR SHOWING HOW FROM THIRTEEN COLONIES WITH A SCATTERED POPULATION ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST A GREAT REPUBLIC HAS BEEN FORMED, EMBRACING FORTY-FIVE STATES WITH 75,000,000 INHABITANTS AND VAST COLONIAL POSSESSIONS IN TWO HEMISPHERES Author of "Decisive Events in American History," "Half Hours with the Best American Authors," "An Historical Review of Civilization," Etc., Etc....
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ILLUSTRATING ALL THAT IS INTERESTING AND INSPIRING IN OUR HISTORY
ILLUSTRATING ALL THAT IS INTERESTING AND INSPIRING IN OUR HISTORY
JOHN C. WINSTON & CO. PHILADELPHIA CHICAGO TORONTO 1899 Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1899, by W.E. SCULL. in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. decoration...
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PUBLISHERS' INTRODUCTION.
PUBLISHERS' INTRODUCTION.
The late war with Spain marks a momentous epoch in the progress of our country, whose history, stretching through the centuries of discovery, exploration, settlement, the struggle for independence, foreign and domestic war, lofty achievement in all departments of knowledge and progress, is the most interesting in human annals. It is a record full of instruction and incitement to endeavor, which must fill every American with pride in his birthright, and with gratitude to Him who holds the earth a
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION.
DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION.
The Visits of the Northmen to the New World—The Indians and Mound Builders—Christopher Columbus—His Discovery of America—Amerigo Vespucci—John Cabot— Spanish Explorers —Balboa—His Discovery of the Pacific—Magellan—Ponce de Leon—De Narvaez—De Soto—Menendez— French Explorers —Verrazzani—Cartier—Ribault—Laudonnière—Champlain—La Salle— English Explorers —Sir Hugh Willoughby—Martin Frobisher—Sir Humphrey Gilbert—Sir Walter Raleigh—The Lost Colony— Dutch Explorer —Henry Hudson...
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SETTLEMENT OF THE THIRTEEN ORIGINAL STATES.
SETTLEMENT OF THE THIRTEEN ORIGINAL STATES.
Virginia ,—Founding of Jamestown—Captain John Smith—Introduction of African Slavery—Indian Wars—Bacon's Rebellion—Forms of Government—Prosperity—Education— New England ,—Plymouth—Massachusetts Bay Colony—Union of the Colonies—Religious Persecution—King Philip's War—The Witchcraft Delusion— New Hampshire ,— The Connecticut Colony ,— The New Haven Colony ,—Union of the Colonies—Indian Wars—The Charter Oak— Rhode Island ,—Different Forms of Government— New York ,—The Dutch and English Settlers— New
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE INTERCOLONIAL WARS AND THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.
THE INTERCOLONIAL WARS AND THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.
King William's War—Queen Anne's War—King George's War—The French and Indian War—England and France Rivals in the Old World and the New—The Early French Settlements—The Disputed Territory—France's Fatal Weakness—Washington's Journey Through the Wilderness—The First Fight of the War—The War Wholly American for Two Years—The Braddock Massacre—The Great Change Wrought by William Pitt—Fall of Quebec—Momentous Consequences of the Great English Victory—The Growth and Progress of the Colonies and their
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE REVOLUTION—THE WAR IN NEW ENGLAND.
THE REVOLUTION—THE WAR IN NEW ENGLAND.
Causes of the Revolution—The Stamp Act—The Boston Tea Party—England's Unbearable Measures—The First Continental Congress—The Boston Massacre—Lexington and Concord—The Second Continental Congress—Battle of Bunker Hill—Assumption of Command by Washington—British Evacuation of Boston—Disastrous Invasion of Canada...
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE REVOLUTION (CONTINUED). THE WAR IN THE MIDDLE STATES AND ON THE SEA.
THE REVOLUTION (CONTINUED). THE WAR IN THE MIDDLE STATES AND ON THE SEA.
Declaration of Independence—The American Flag—Battle of Long Island—Washington's Retreat Through the Jerseys—Trenton and Princeton—In Winter Quarters—Lafayette—Brandywine and Germantown—At Valley Forge—Burgoyne's Campaign—Port Schuyler and Bennington—Bemis Heights and Stillwater—The Conway Cabal—Aid from France—Battle of Monmouth—Molly Pitcher—Failure of French Aid—Massacre at Wyoming—Continental Money—Stony Point—Treason of Arnold—Paul Jones' Great Victory...
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE REVOLUTION IN THE SOUTH (CONCLUDED).
THE REVOLUTION IN THE SOUTH (CONCLUDED).
Capture of Savannah—British Conquest of Georgia—Fall of Charleston—Bitter Warfare in South Carolina—Battle of Camden—Of King's Mountain—Of the Cowpens-Battle of Guilford Court-House—Movements of Cornwallis—The Final Campaign—Peace and Independence...
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
The Method of Government During the Revolution—Impending Anarchy—The State Boundaries—State Cessions of Land—Shays' Rebellion—Adoption of the Constitution—Its Leading Features—The Ordinance of 1787—Formation of Parties—Election of the First President and Vice-President...
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF WASHINGTON, JOHN ADAMS, AND JEFFERSON—1789-1809.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF WASHINGTON, JOHN ADAMS, AND JEFFERSON—1789-1809.
Washington—His Inauguration as First President of the United States—Alexander Hamilton—His Success at the Head of the Treasury Department—The Obduracy of Rhode Island—Establishment of the United States Bank—Passage of a Tariff Bill—Establishment of a Mint—The Plan of a Federal Judiciary—Admission of Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee—Benjamin Franklin—Troubles with the Western Indians—Their Defeat by General Wayne—Removal of the National Capital Provided for—The Whiskey Insurrection—The Course of
53 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF MADISON, 1809-1817. THE WAR OF 1812.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF MADISON, 1809-1817. THE WAR OF 1812.
James Madison—The Embargo and the Non-Intercourse Acts—Revival of the Latter Against England—The Little Belt and the President —Population of the United States in 1810—Battle of Tippecanoe—Declaration of War Against England—Comparative Strength of the Two Nations on the Ocean—Unpopularity of the War in New England—Preparations Made by the Government—Cowardly Surrender of Detroit—Presidential Election of 1812—Admission of Louisiana and Indiana—New National Bank Chartered—Second Attempt to Invade
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JAMES MONROE AND JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, 1817-1829.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JAMES MONROE AND JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, 1817-1829.
James Monroe—The "Era of Good Feeling"—The Seminole War—Vigorous Measures of General Jackson—Admission of Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama, Maine, and Missouri—The Missouri Compromise—The Monroe Doctrine—Visit of Lafayette—Introduction of the Use of Gas—Completion of the Erie Canal—The First "Hard Times"—Extinction of the West Indian Pirates—Presidential Election of 1824—John Quincy Adams—Prosperity of the Country—Introduction of the Railway Locomotive—Trouble with the Cherokees in Georgia—Death o
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JACKSON, VAN BUREN, W.H. HARRISON, AND TYLER, 1829-1845.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JACKSON, VAN BUREN, W.H. HARRISON, AND TYLER, 1829-1845.
Andrew Jackson—"To the Victors Belong the Spoils"—The President's Fight with the United States Bank—Presidential Election of 1828—Distribution of the Surplus in the United States Treasury Among the Various States—The Black Hawk War—The Nullification Excitement—The Seminole War—Introduction of the Steam Locomotive—Anthracite Coal, McCormick's Reaper, and Friction Matches—Great Fire in New York—Population of the United States in 1830—Admission of Arkansas and Michigan—Abolitionism—France and Portu
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
FAMOUS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS PREVIOUS TO 1840.
FAMOUS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS PREVIOUS TO 1840.
The Origin of the "Caucus"—The Election of 1792—The First Stormy Election—The Constitution Amended—Improvement of the Method of Nominating Presidential Candidates—The First Presidential Convention—Convention in Baltimore in 1832—Exciting Scenes—The Presidential Campaign of 1820—"Old Hickory"—Andrew Jackson's Popularity—Jackson Nominated—"Old Hickory" Defeated—The "Log-Cabin" and "Hard-Cider" Campaign of 1840—"Tippecanoe and Tyler Too"—Peculiar Feature of the Harrison Campaign...
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF POLK, 1845-1849.
ADMINISTRATION OF POLK, 1845-1849.
James K. Polk— The War with Mexico —The First Conflict—Battle of Resaca de la Palma—Vigorous Action of the United States Government—General Scott's Plan of Campaign—Capture of Monterey—An Armistice—Capture of Saltillo—Of Victoria—Of Tampico—General Kearny's Capture of Santa Fé—Conquest of California—Wonderful March of Colonel Doniphan—Battle of Buena Vista—General Scott's March Toward the City of Mexico—Capture of Vera Cruz—American Victory at Cerro Gordo—Five American Victories in One Day—Santa
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF TAYLOR, FILLMORE, PIERCE, AND BUCHANAN, 1849-1857.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF TAYLOR, FILLMORE, PIERCE, AND BUCHANAN, 1849-1857.
Zachary Taylor—The "Irrepressible Conflict" in Congress—The Omnibus Bill—Death of President Taylor—Millard Fillmore—Death of the Old Leaders and Debut of the New—The Census of 1850—Surveys for a Railway to the Pacific—Presidential Election of 1852—Franklin Pierce—Death of Vice-President King—A Commercial Treaty Made with Japan—Filibustering Expeditions—The Ostend Manifesto—The "Know Nothing" Party—The Kansas-Nebraska Bill and Repeal of the Missouri Compromise...
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN, 1861-1865 THE WAR FOR THE UNION, 1861.
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN, 1861-1865 THE WAR FOR THE UNION, 1861.
Abraham Lincoln—Major Anderson's Trying Position—Jefferson Davis—Inauguration of President Lincoln—Bombardment of Fort Sumter—War Preparations North and South—Attack on Union Troops in Baltimore—Situation of the Border States—Unfriendliness of England and France—Friendship of Russia—The States that Composed the Southern Confederacy—Union Disaster at Big Bethel—Success of the Union Campaign in Western Virginia—General George B. McClellan—First Battle of Bull Run—General McClellan Called to the Co
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONTINUED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONTINUED), 1862.
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONTINUED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONTINUED), 1862.
Capture of Forts Henry and Donelson—Change in the Confederate Line of Defense—Capture of Island No. 10—Battle of Pittsburg Landing or Shiloh—Capture of Corinth—Narrow Escape of Louisville—Battle of Perryville—Battle of Murfreesboro' or Stone River—Battle of Pea Ridge—Naval Battle Between the Monitor and Merrimac —Fate of the Two Vessels—Capture of New Orleans—The Advance Against Richmond—McClellan's Peninsula Campaign— The First Confederate Invasion of the North — Battle of Antietam or Sharpsbur
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONTINUED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONTINUED), 1863.
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONTINUED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONTINUED), 1863.
The Military Situation in the West—Siege and Capture of Vicksburg—The Mississippi Opened—Battle of Chickamauga—"The Rock of Chickamauga"—The Battle Above the Clouds—Siege of Knoxville—General Hooker Appointed to the Command of the Army of the Potomac—His Plan of Campaign Against Richmond—Stonewall Jackson's Stampede of the Eleventh Corps—Critical Situation of the Union Army—Death of Jackson—Battle of Chancellorsville—Defeat of Hooker—The Second Confederate Invasion—Battle of Gettysburg—The Decis
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONCLUDED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONCLUDED), 1864-1865.
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONCLUDED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONCLUDED), 1864-1865.
The Work Remaining to be Done—General Grant Placed in Command of all the Union Armies—The Grand Campaign—Bank's Disastrous Red River Expedition—How the Union Fleet was Saved—Capture of Mobile by Admiral Farragut—The Confederate Cruisers—Destruction of the Alabama by the Kearsarge —Fate of the Other Confederate Cruisers—Destruction of the Albemarle by Lieutenant William B. Cushing—Re-election of President Lincoln—Distress in the South and Prosperity in the North—The Union Prisoners in the South—A
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JOHNSON AND GRANT, 1865-1877.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JOHNSON AND GRANT, 1865-1877.
Andrew Johnson—Reconstruction—Quarrel Between the President and Congress—The Fenians—Execution of Maximilian—Admission of Nebraska—Laying of the Atlantic Cable—Purchase of Alaska—Impeachment and Acquittal of the President—Carpet-bag Rule in the South—Presidential Election of 1868—U.S. Grant—Settlement of the Alabama Claims—Completion of the Overland Railway—The Chicago Fire—Settlement of the Northwestern Boundary—Presidential Election of 1872—The Modoc Troubles—Civil War in Louisiana—Admission o
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF HAYES, GARFIELD, AND ARTHUR, 1877-1885.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF HAYES, GARFIELD, AND ARTHUR, 1877-1885.
R.B. Hayes—The Telephone—Railway Strikes—Elevated Railroads—War with the Nez Perce Indians—Remonetization of Silver—Resumption of Specie Payments—A Strange Fishery Award—The Yellow Fever Scourge—Presidential Election of 1878—James A. Garfield—Civil Service Reform—Assassination of President Garfield—Chester A. Arthur—The Star Route Frauds—The Brooklyn Bridge—The Chinese Question—The Mormons—Alaska Exploration—The Yorktown Centennial—Attempts to Reach the North Pole by Americans—History of the Gre
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (FIRST) AND OF HARRISON, 1885-1893.
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (FIRST) AND OF HARRISON, 1885-1893.
Grover Cleveland—Completion of the Washington Monument—The Bartholdi Statue—Death of General Grant—Death of Vice-President Hendricks—The First Vice-President to Die in Office—George Clinton—Elbridge Gerry—William R. King—Henry Wilson—Death of General McClellan—Of General Hancock—His Career—The Dispute Between Capital and Labor—Arbitration—The Anarchistic Outbreak in Chicago—The Charleston Earthquake—Conquest of the Apaches—Presidential Election of 1888—Benjamin Harrison—The Johnstown Disaster—Th
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (SECOND), 1893-1897.
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (SECOND), 1893-1897.
Repeal of the Purchase Clause of the Sherman Bill—The World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago—The Hawaiian Imbroglio—The Great Railroad Strike of 1894—Coxey's Commonweal Army—Admission of Utah—Harnessing of Niagara—Dispute with England Over Venezuela's Boundary—Presidential Election of 1896...
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (SECOND, CONCLUDED), 1893-1897.
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (SECOND, CONCLUDED), 1893-1897.
Settling the Northwest—The Face of the Country Transformed—Clearing Away the Forests and its Effects—Tree-planting on the Prairies—Pioneer Life in the Seventies—The Granary of the World—The Northwestern Farmer—Transportation and Other Industries—Business Cities and Centres—United Public Action and its Influence—The Indian Question—Other Elements of Population—Society and General Culture...
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF MCKINLEY, 1897-1901.
ADMINISTRATION OF MCKINLEY, 1897-1901.
William McKinley—Organization of "Greater New York"—Removal of General Grant's Remains to Morningside Park—The Klondike Gold Excitement—Spain's Misrule in Cuba—Preliminary Events of the Spanish-American War...
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF MCKINLEY (CONTINUED), 1897-1901. THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
ADMINISTRATION OF MCKINLEY (CONTINUED), 1897-1901. THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
Opening Incidents—Bombardment of Matanzas—Dewey's Wonderful Victory at Manila—Disaster to the Winslow at Cardenas Bay—The First American Loss of Life—Bombardment of San Juan, Porto Rico—The Elusive Spanish Fleet—Bottled-up in Santiago Harbor—Lieutenant Hobson's Daring Exploit—Second Bombardment of Santiago and Arrival of the Army—Gallant Work of the Rough Riders and the Regulars—Battles of San Juan and El Caney—Destruction of Cervera's Fleet—General Shafter Reinforced in Front of Santiago—Surren
32 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF McKINLEY (CONTINUED), 1897-1901 OUR NEW POSSESSIONS
ADMINISTRATION OF McKINLEY (CONTINUED), 1897-1901 OUR NEW POSSESSIONS
The Islands of Hawaii—Their Inhabitants and Products—City of Honolulu—History of Cuba—The Ten Years' War—The Insurrection of 1895-98—Geography and Productions of Cuba—Its Climate—History of Porto Rico—Its People and Productions—San Juan and Ponce—Location, Discovery, and History of the Philippines—Insurrections of the Filipinos—City of Manila—Commerce—Philippine Productions—Climate and Volcanoes—Dewey at Manila—The Ladrone Islands—Conclusion belt PENN'S TREATY BELT heading...
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
Author's introduction.
Author's introduction.
The annals of the world contain no more impressive example of the birth and growth of a nation than may be seen in the case of that which has been aptly termed the Greater Republic, whose story from its feeble childhood to its grand maturity it is the purpose of this work to set forth. Three hundred years is a brief interval in the long epoch of human history, yet within that short period the United States has developed from a handful of hardy men and women, thinly scattered along our Atlantic c
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION.
DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION.
The Visits of the Northmen to the New World—The Indians and Mound Builders—Christopher Columbus—His Discovery of America—Amerigo Vespucci—John Cabot— Spanish Explorers —Balboa—His Discovery of the Pacific—Magellan—Ponce de Leon—De Narvaez—De Soto—Menendez— French Explorers —Verrazzani—Cartier—Ribault—Laudonnière—Champlain—La Salle— English Explorers —Sir Hugh Willoughby—Martin Frobisher—Sir Humphrey Gilbert—Sir Walter Raleigh—The Lost Colony— Dutch Explorer —Henry Hudson. THE NORTHMEN. Amerigo V
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SETTLEMENT OF THE THIRTEEN ORIGINAL STATES.
SETTLEMENT OF THE THIRTEEN ORIGINAL STATES.
Virginia ,—Founding of Jamestown—Captain John Smith—Introduction of African Slavery—Indian Wars—Bacon's Rebellion—Forms of Government—Prosperity—Education— New England ,—Plymouth—Massachusetts Bay Colony—Union of the Colonies—Religious Persecution—King Philip's War—The Witchcraft Delusion— New Hampshire ,— The Connecticut Colony ,— The New Haven Colony ,—Union of the Colonies—Indian Wars—The Charter Oak— Rhode Island ,—Different Forms of Government— New York ,—The Dutch and English Settlers— New
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE INTERCOLONIAL WARS AND THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.
THE INTERCOLONIAL WARS AND THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.
King William's War—Queen Anne's War—King George's War—The French and Indian War—England and France Rivals in the Old World and the New—The Early French Settlements—The Disputed Territory—France's Fatal Weakness—Washington's Journey Through the Wilderness—The First Fight of the War—The War Wholly American for Two Years—The Braddock Massacre—The Great Change Wrought by William Pitt—Fall of Quebec—Momentous Consequences of the Great English Victory—The Growth and Progress of the Colonies and Their
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE REVOLUTION—THE WAR IN NEW ENGLAND.
THE REVOLUTION—THE WAR IN NEW ENGLAND.
Clauses of the Revolution—The Stamp Act—The Boston Tea Party—England's Unbearable Measures—The First Continental Congress—The Boston Massacre—Lexington and Concord—The Second Continental Congress—Battle of Bunker Hill—Assumption of Command by Washington—British Evacuation of Boston—Disastrous Invasion of Canada. CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. England was never guilty of greater folly than in the treatment of her American colonies after the close of the French and Indian War. As has been said, she was
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE REVOLUTION (CONTINUED).—THE WAR IN THE MIDDLE STATES AND ON THE SEA.
THE REVOLUTION (CONTINUED).—THE WAR IN THE MIDDLE STATES AND ON THE SEA.
Declaration of Independence—The American Flag—Battle of Long Island—Washington's Retreat Through the Jerseys—Trenton and Princeton—In Winter Quarters—Lafayette—Brandywine and Germantown—At Valley Forge—Burgoyne's Campaign—Fort Schuyler and Bennington—Bemis Heights and Stillwater—The Conway Cabal—Aid from France—Battle of Monmouth—Molly Pitcher—Failure of French Aid—Massacre at Wyoming—Continental Money—Stony Point—Treason of Arnold—Paul Jones' Great Victory. DIFFERENT THEATRES OF WAR. The Revolu
45 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE REVOLUTION IN THE SOUTH (CONCLUDED).
THE REVOLUTION IN THE SOUTH (CONCLUDED).
Capture of Savannah—British Conquest of Georgia—Fall of Charleston—Bitter Warfare in South Carolina—Battle of Camden—Of King's Mountain—Of the Cowpens—Battle of Guilford Court-House—Movements of Cornwallis—The Final Campaign—Peace and Independence. CONQUEST OF GEORGIA. The wave of war continued to roll southward. The British had met with such meagre success in the Northern and Middle States that they turned their efforts toward the conquest of the South. In the latter part of December, 1778, an
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
The Method of Government During the Revolution—Impending Anarchy—The State Boundaries—State Cessions of Land—Shays' Rebellion—Adoption of the Constitution—Its Leading Features—The Ordinance of 1787—Formation of Parties—Election of the First President and Vice-President. A PLANTATION GATEWAY. (Entrance to the Estate of William Byrd, at Westover, Va.) War is not only a blight to mankind, but it inflicts wounds that can never heal and brings a train of woe and suffering which lasts for years. The s
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF WASHINGTON, JOHN ADAMS, AND JEFFERSON—1789-1809.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF WASHINGTON, JOHN ADAMS, AND JEFFERSON—1789-1809.
Washington—His Inauguration as First President of the United States—Alexander Hamilton—His Success at the Head of the Treasury Department—The Obduracy of Rhode Island—Establishment of the United States Bank—Passage of a Tariff Bill—Establishment of a Mint—The Plan of a Federal Judiciary—Admission of Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee—Benjamin Franklin—Troubles with the Western Indians—Their Defeat by General Wayne—Removal of the National Capital Provided for—The Whiskey Insurrection—The Course of
47 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF MADISON, 1809-1817. THE WAR OF 1812.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF MADISON, 1809-1817. THE WAR OF 1812.
James Madison—The Embargo and the Non-Intercourse Acts—Revival of the Latter Against England—The Little Belt and the President —Population of the United States in 1810—Battle of Tippecanoe—Declaration of War Against England—Comparative Strength of the Two Nations on the Ocean—Unpopularity of the War in New England—Preparations Made by the Government—Cowardly Surrender of Detroit—Presidential Election of 1812—Admission of Louisiana and Indiana—New National Bank Chartered—Second Attempt to Invade
44 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JAMES MONROE AND JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, 1817-1829.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JAMES MONROE AND JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, 1817-1829.
James Monroe—The "Era of Good Feeling"—The Seminole War—Vigorous Measures of General Jackson—Admission of Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama, Maine, and Missouri—The Missouri Compromise—The Monroe Doctrine—Visit of Lafayette—Introduction of the Use of Gas—Completion of the Erie Canal—The First "Hard Times"—Extinction of the West Indian Pirates—Presidential Election of 1824—John Quincy Adams—Prosperity of the Country—Introduction of the Railway Locomotive—Trouble with the Cherokees in Georgia—Death o
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JACKSON, VAN BUREN, W.H. HARRISON, AND TYLER, 1829-1845.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JACKSON, VAN BUREN, W.H. HARRISON, AND TYLER, 1829-1845.
Andrew Jackson—"To the Victors Belong the Spoils"—The President's Fight with the United States Bank—Presidential Election of 1828—Distribution of the Surplus in the United States Treasury Among the Various States—The Black Hawk War—The Nullification Excitement—The Seminole War—Introduction of the Steam Locomotive—Anthracite Coal, McCormick's Reaper, and Friction Matches—Great Fire in New York—Population of the United States in 1830—Admission of Arkansas and Michigan—Abolitionism—France and Portu
39 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
FAMOUS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS PREVIOUS TO 1840.
FAMOUS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS PREVIOUS TO 1840.
The Origin of the "Caucus"—The Election of 1792—The First Stormy Election—The Constitution Amended—Improvement of the Method of Nominating Presidential Candidates—The First Presidential Convention—Convention in Baltimore in 1832—Exciting Scenes—The Presidential Campaign of 1820—"Old Hickory"—Andrew Jackson's Popularity—Jackson Nominated—"Old Hickory" Defeated—The "Log-Cabin" and "Hard-Cider" Campaign of 1840—"Tippecanoe and Tyler Too"—Peculiar Feature of the Harrison Campaign. The presidential n
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF POLK, 1845-1849.
ADMINISTRATION OF POLK, 1845-1849.
James K. Polk— The War with Mexico —The First Conflict—Battle of Resaca de la Palma—Vigorous Action of the United States Government—General Scott's Plan of Campaign—Capture of Monterey—An Armistice—Capture of Saltillo—Of Victoria—Of Tampico—General Kearny's Capture of Santa Fé—Conquest of California—Wonderful March of Colonel Doniphan—Battle of Buena Vista—General Scott's March Toward the City of Mexico—Capture of Vera Cruz—American Victory at Cerro Gordo—Five American Victories in One Day—Santa
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF TAYLOR, FILLMORE, PIERCE, AND BUCHANAN, 1849-1857.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF TAYLOR, FILLMORE, PIERCE, AND BUCHANAN, 1849-1857.
Zachary Taylor—The "Irrepressible Conflict" in Congress—The Omnibus Bill—Death of President Taylor—Millard Fillmore—Death of the Old Leaders and Debut of the New—The Census of 1850—Surveys for a Railway to the Pacific—Presidential Election of 1852—Franklin Pierce—Death of Vice-President King—A Commercial Treaty Made with Japan—Filibustering Expeditions—The Ostend Manifesto—The "Know Nothing" Party—The Kansas Nebraska Bill and Repeal of the Missouri Compromise. ZACHARY TAYLOR. ZACHARY TAYLOR. (17
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN, 1861-1865. THE WAR FOR THE UNION, 1861.
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN, 1861-1865. THE WAR FOR THE UNION, 1861.
Abraham Lincoln—Major Anderson's Trying Position—Jefferson Davis—Inauguration of President Lincoln—Bombardment of Fort Sumter—War Preparations North and South—Attack on Union Troops in Baltimore—Situation of the Border States—Unfriendliness of England and France—Friendship of Russia—The States that Composed the Southern Confederacy—Union Disaster at Big Bethel—Success of the Union Campaign in Western Virginia—General George B. McClellan—First Battle of Bull Run—General McClellan Called to the Co
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONTINUED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONTINUED), 1862.
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONTINUED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONTINUED), 1862.
Capture of Forts Henry and Donelson—Change in the Confederate Line of Defense—Capture of Island No. 10—Battle of Pittsburg Landing or Shiloh—Capture of Corinth—Narrow Escape of Louisville—Battle of Perryville—Battle of Murfreesboro' or Stone River—Battle of Pea Ridge—Naval Battle Between the Monitor and Merrimac —Fate of the Two Vessels—Capture of New Orleans—The Advance Against Richmond—McClellan's Peninsula Campaign— The First Confederate Invasion of the North — Battle of Antietam or Sharpsbur
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONTINUED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONTINUED), 1863.
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONTINUED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONTINUED), 1863.
The Military Situation in the West—Siege and Capture of Vicksburg—The Mississippi Opened—Battle of Chickamauga—"The Rock of Chickamauga"—The Battle Above the Clouds—Siege of Knoxville—General Hooker Appointed to the Command of the Army of the Potomac—His Plan of Campaign Against Richmond—Stonewall Jackson's Stampede of the Eleventh Corps—Critical Situation of the Union Army—Death of Jackson—Battle of Chancellorsville—Defeat of Hooker—The Second Confederate Invasion—Battle of Gettysburg—The Decis
2 hour read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONCLUDED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONCLUDED), 1864-1865.
ADMINISTRATION OF LINCOLN (CONCLUDED), 1861-1865. WAR FOR THE UNION (CONCLUDED), 1864-1865.
The Work Remaining to be Done—General Grant Placed in Command of all the Union Armies—The Grand Campaign—Banks' Disastrous Red River Expedition—How the Union Fleet was Saved—Capture of Mobile by Admiral Farragut—The Confederate Cruisers—Destruction of the Alabama by the Kearsarge —Fate of the Other Confederate Cruisers—Destruction of the Albemarle by Lieutenant William B. Cushing—Re-election of President Lincoln—Distress in the South and Prosperity in the North—The Union Prisoners in the South—A
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JOHNSON AND GRANT 1865-1877.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF JOHNSON AND GRANT 1865-1877.
Andrew Johnson—Reconstruction—Quarrel Between the President and Congress—The Fenians—Execution of Maximilian—Admission of Nebraska—Laying of the Atlantic Cable—Purchase of Alaska—Impeachment and Acquittal of the President—Carpet-bag Rule in the South—Presidential Election of 1868—U.S. Grant—Settlement of the Alabama Claims—Completion of the Overland Railway—The Chicago Fire—Settlement of the Northwestern Boundary—Presidential Election of 1872—The Modoc Troubles—Civil War in Louisiana—Admission o
33 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATIONS OF HAYES, GARFIELD, AND ARTHUR, 1877-1885.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF HAYES, GARFIELD, AND ARTHUR, 1877-1885.
R.B. Hayes—The Telephone—Railway Strikes—Elevated Railroads—War with the Nez Perce Indians—Remonetization of Silver—Resumption of Specie Payments—A Strange Fishery Award—The Yellow Fever Scourge—Presidential Election of 1878—James A. Garfield—Civil Service Reform—Assassination of President Garfield—Chester A. Arthur—The Star Route Frauds—The Brooklyn Bridge—The Chinese Question—The Mormons—Alaska Exploration—The Yorktown Centennial—Attempts to Reach the North Pole by Americans—History of the Gre
55 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (FIRST) AND OF HARRISON, 1885-1893.
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (FIRST) AND OF HARRISON, 1885-1893.
Grover Cleveland—Completion of the Washington Monument—The Bartholdi Statue—Death of General Grant—Death of Vice-President Hendricks—The First Vice-President to Die in Office—George Clinton—Elbridge Gerry—William R. King—Henry Wilson—Death of General McClellan—Of General Hancock—His Career—The Dispute Between Capital and Labor—Arbitration—The Anarchistic Outbreak in Chicago—The Charleston Earthquake—Conquest of the Apaches—Presidential Election of 1888—Benjamin Harrison—The Johnstown Disaster—Th
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (SECOND), 1893-1897.
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (SECOND), 1893-1897.
Repeal of the Purchase Clause of the Sherman Bill—The World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago—The Hawaiian Imbroglio—The Great Railroad Strike of 1894—Coxey's Commonweal Army—Admission of Utah—Harnessing of Niagara—Dispute with England Over Venezuela's Boundary—Presidential Election of 1896. REPEAL OF THE PURCHASE CLAUSE OF THE SHERMAN BILL. HENRY MOORE TELLER. Senator from Colorado. The most prominent among the "Silver Senators." Grover Cleveland was the first President of the United States who
33 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (SECOND-CONCLUDED), 1893-1897. THE GREAT NORTHWEST.
ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND (SECOND-CONCLUDED), 1893-1897. THE GREAT NORTHWEST.
Editor "Review of Reviews," formerly editor of "Minneapolis Tribune." Settling the Northwest—The Face of the Country Transformed—Clearing Away the Forests and its Effects—Tree-planting on the Prairies—Pioneer Life in the Seventies—The Granary of the World—The Northwestern Farmer—Transportation and Other Industries—Business Cities and Centres—United Public Action and its Influence—The Indian Question—Other Elements of Population—Society and General Culture. "Northwest" is a shifting, uncertain de
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF McKINLEY, 1897-1901.
ADMINISTRATION OF McKINLEY, 1897-1901.
William McKinley—Organization of "Greater New York"—Removal of General Grant's Remains to Morningside Park—The Klondike Gold Excitement—Spain's Misrule in Cuba—Preliminary Events of the Spanish-American War. THE TWENTY-FIFTH PRESIDENT. William McKinley was born at Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio, January 29, 1843, of Scotch ancestry, his father, David, being one of the pioneers of the iron business in Eastern Ohio. The parents were in moderate circumstances, and the son, having prepared for college
35 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF McKINLEY (CONTINUED), 1897-1901. THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
ADMINISTRATION OF McKINLEY (CONTINUED), 1897-1901. THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
Opening Incidents—Bombardment of Matanzas—Dewey's Wonderful Victory at Manila—Disaster to the Winslow at Cardenas Bay—The First American Loss of Life—Bombardment of San Juan, Porto Rico—The Elusive Spanish Fleet—Bottled-up in Santiago Harbor—Lieutenant Hobson's Daring Exploit—Second Bombardment of Santiago and Arrival of the Army—Gallant Work of the Rough Riders and the Regulars—Battles of San Juan and El Caney—Destruction of Cervera's Fleet—General Shafter Reinforced in Front of Santiago—Surren
39 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ADMINISTRATION OF McKINLEY (CONTINUED) 1897-1901. OUR NEW POSSESSIONS.
ADMINISTRATION OF McKINLEY (CONTINUED) 1897-1901. OUR NEW POSSESSIONS.
The Islands of Hawaii—Their Inhabitants and Products—City of Honolulu—History of Cuba—The Ten Years' War—The Insurrection of 1895-98—Geography and Productions of Cuba—Its Climate—History of Porto Rico—Its People and Productions—San Juan and Ponce—Location, Discovery, and History of the Philippines—Insurrections of the Filipinos—City of Manila—Commerce—Philippine Productions—Climate and Volcanoes—Dewey at Manila—The Ladrone Islands—Conclusion. THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS "THE PARADISE OF THE PACIFIC." T
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
OUR NEW POSSESSIONS (CONTINUED).
OUR NEW POSSESSIONS (CONTINUED).
CUBA, "THE CHILD OF OUR ADOPTION." Although Cuba is not a part or a possession of the United States, it has since the war with Spain, in 1898, come under the protection of this government, and is, therefore, entitled to a place in this volume. In the hand of Providence, this island became the doorway to America. It was here that Columbus landed, October 28, 1492. True, he touched earlier at one of the smaller islands to the north; but it was merely a halting before pushing on to Cuba. "Juana" Co
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
OUR NEW POSSESSIONS (CONTINUED).
OUR NEW POSSESSIONS (CONTINUED).
BEAUTIFUL PORTO RICO. It was in November of the year 1493, on his second voyage to the New World, that Columbus landed upon a strange island in quest of water for his ships. He found it in abundance, and called the place Aquadilla —the watering place. As he had done at Cuba the year before, the great discoverer held pleasant conferences with the natives, and with due ceremony took possession of the island for his benefactors and sovereigns—Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. From that day until it
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
OUR NEW POSSESSIONS (CONTINUED).
OUR NEW POSSESSIONS (CONTINUED).
THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. "Most bounteous here in her sea-girt lands, Nature stretches forth her hands, And walks on gold and silver, and knows her power increased, Nor fears the tyrant longer—'Our Lady of the East.'"— Stoddard . The most important, and by far the most interesting, as well as the least known of America's new possessions, gained by her war with Spain, are the Philippine Islands. Comparatively few Americans have ever set foot upon that far-away and semi-civilized land, the possessio
37 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
OUR NEW POSSESSIONS (CONTINUED).
OUR NEW POSSESSIONS (CONTINUED).
THE LADRONE, OR MARIANA ISLANDS. It was a welcome sight to Magellan and his crew when, one day in March, nearly 400 years ago, they beheld the verdant and beautifully sloping hills of the Ladrone Islands. Eighteen weary months before they had sailed from the coast of Spain, and all that time, first to the southwest and then to the northwest, they had followed the setting sun. Theirs were the first vessels manned by white men that had ever plowed the trackless Pacific; and this was the first land
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter