Summary of the Civil War Essay Example for Free

Summary of the Civil War Essay Fought 1861-1865, the American Civil War was the result of decades of sectional tensions between the North and South. Focused on slavery and states rights, these issues came to a head following the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Over the next several months eleven southern states seceded and formed the Confederate States of America. During the first two years of the war, Southern troops won numerous victories but saw their fortunes turn after losses at Gettysburg and Vicksburg in 1863. From then on, Northern forces worked to conqueror the South, forcing them to surrender in April 1865. Causes Secession: The roots of the Civil War can be traced to increasing differences between North and South and their growing divergence as the 19th century progressed. Chief among the issues were expansion of slavery into the territories, the Souths declining political power, states rights, and the retention of slavery. Though these issues had existed for decades, they exploded in 1860 following the election of Abraham Lincoln who was against the spread of slavery. As the result of his election, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas seceded from the Union. Fort Sumter First Bull Run: On April 12, 1861, the war began hen the South opened fire on Fort forcing its surrender. In response to the attack, President Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion. While Northern states responded quickly, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas refused, opting to join the Confederacy instead. Union forces commanded began marching south to take the rebel capital of Richmond. On the 21st, they met a Confederate army near Manassas and were defeated. War in the East, 1862-1863: Following the defeat at Bull Run, Gen. In early 1862, they shifted the army south to attack Richmond. He was defeated and forced to retreat after the Seven Days Battles. The rise of Robert E. Lee to the command of Confederate forces in the East. Shortly thereafter, a second Union army was defeated by Lee at the Second Battle of Bull Run. Lee began to move north into Maryland. McClellan was sent to intercept and met Lee at Antietam. Despite having a larger force and knowledge of Lees positions, McClellan was overcautious and failed to achieve a decisive victory. The win at Antietam permitted Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in the South and altered the Unions war aims. Union engaged Lee near Chancellorsville. Though outnumbered 2-to-1, Lee outmaneuvered them and forced them to retreat. War in the West, 1861-1863: In February 1862, forces under Gen. Grant captured Forts Henry Donelson. Two months later he defeated a Confederate army at Shiloh. Union naval forces captured New Orleans. To the east, Confederate attempted to invade Kentucky, but was repelled at Perryville. He was beaten again at Stones River. Grant now focused his attention on capturing Vicksburg and opening the Mississippi River. After a false start, his troops swept through Mississippi and laid siege to the town in1863. Turning Points Gettysburg Vicksburg: 1863, Lee began to move north towards Pennsylvania with Union troops in pursuit. Following the defeat at Chancellorsville, Lincoln turned to Gen. George Meade to take over the Army of the Potomac. Elements of the two armies clashed at Gettysburg. After three days of heavy fighting, Lee was defeated and forced to retreat. Grant successfully concluded the siege of Vicksburg, opening the Mississippi to shipping and cutting the South in two. Combined these victories were the beginning of the end for the Confederacy. War in the West, 1863-1865: In summer 1863, Union troops advanced into Georgia and were defeated at Chickamauga. Fleeing north, they were besieged at Chattanooga. Grant was ordered to save the situation and did so winning victories at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. War in the East, 1863-1865: 1864, Grant came east to deal with Lee. Despite heavy casualties, Grant pressed south, fighting at Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. Unable to get through Lees army to Richmond, Grant attempted to cut the city off by taking Petersburg. Lee arrived first and a siege began. Lee was forced to evacuate the city and retreat west, allowing Grant to take Richmond. On April 9, Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House. Aftermath Casualties: On April 14, five days after Lees surrender, President Lincoln was assassinated. The assassin, John Wilkes Booth, was killed by Union troops. Lincolns death cast a pall across the nation and elevated Vice President Andrew Johnson to the presidency. With the end of fighting a period known as Reconstruction began, with Union troops occupying Southern states and overseeing their gradual reintegration into the Union. Following the war, three amendments were added to the Constitution: * 13th: Abolished slavery * 14th: Extension of legal protection regardless of race * 15th: Abolished all racial restrictions on voting

Telling America s Story Essay -- William F. Lewis Essays

Telling America 's Story The three essays of rhetorical criticism, Telling America 's Story: Narrative Form and the Regan Presidency by William F. Lewis, The "Promiscuous Audience" Controversy and the Emergence of the Early Woman 's Rights Movement by Susan Zaeske, and Medicine, Rhetoric, and Euthanasia: A Case Study in the Workings of a Postmodern Discourse by Michael J. Hyde each employ a variety of strategies to examine the rhetoric of three distinct situations. This paper will attempt to dissect each of the essays in a comparative manner. Specifically, it will evaluate the introductions, how effectively they are constructed, and how the essays follow according to the expectations set forth in the introductions. In Telling America 's Story, Lewis starts by providing a quick explanation of the country's status as Regan entered office. The reader is instantly introduced to "the Western world's most gifted communicator." Lewis does not leave the reader with that viewpoint for long as he goes on to explain the views of Regan's critics. Arguments of Regan's "ideology without ideas" and the New Republic editor's comment that "Ronald Regan has never let the facts get in the way of a good story" begin to steer the reader toward a more objective state of mind. A fair balance of the two viewpoints is maintained throughout the piece, but the overall feel of it seems to be geared toward the latter. It is not until half way down the second page of his essay that Lewis clearly states his purpose, to "account for the distinctive reputation, style, and effect of Ronald Regan's discourse". He even lists the two objectives that his essay will accomplish, which are explained later under headings that bear the same name as the stated ... ...ike Lewis's topic. The question/answer method is effective in this essay because it gives the reader something to prepare for. The reader knows what to look for in the rest of essay and will be more attentive when reading. She does not leave the reader hanging; the rest of the essay is distinctly laid out and easily answers all questions. The review of these essays showed that while rhetorical criticism does need to have formal structure, there are many ways for a critic to accomplish their objectives within the confines that basic structure. Although it is not always best choice for every situation, I feel that a shorter, more direct approach to an introduction, as in Hyde's piece, is the most effective. I also thought that the question/answer format worked well for Zaske. It may have been the topic, but I found that the Hyde essay was the most engaging overall. Telling America 's Story Essay -- William F. Lewis Essays Telling America 's Story The three essays of rhetorical criticism, Telling America 's Story: Narrative Form and the Regan Presidency by William F. Lewis, The "Promiscuous Audience" Controversy and the Emergence of the Early Woman 's Rights Movement by Susan Zaeske, and Medicine, Rhetoric, and Euthanasia: A Case Study in the Workings of a Postmodern Discourse by Michael J. Hyde each employ a variety of strategies to examine the rhetoric of three distinct situations. This paper will attempt to dissect each of the essays in a comparative manner. Specifically, it will evaluate the introductions, how effectively they are constructed, and how the essays follow according to the expectations set forth in the introductions. In Telling America 's Story, Lewis starts by providing a quick explanation of the country's status as Regan entered office. The reader is instantly introduced to "the Western world's most gifted communicator." Lewis does not leave the reader with that viewpoint for long as he goes on to explain the views of Regan's critics. Arguments of Regan's "ideology without ideas" and the New Republic editor's comment that "Ronald Regan has never let the facts get in the way of a good story" begin to steer the reader toward a more objective state of mind. A fair balance of the two viewpoints is maintained throughout the piece, but the overall feel of it seems to be geared toward the latter. It is not until half way down the second page of his essay that Lewis clearly states his purpose, to "account for the distinctive reputation, style, and effect of Ronald Regan's discourse". He even lists the two objectives that his essay will accomplish, which are explained later under headings that bear the same name as the stated ... ...ike Lewis's topic. The question/answer method is effective in this essay because it gives the reader something to prepare for. The reader knows what to look for in the rest of essay and will be more attentive when reading. She does not leave the reader hanging; the rest of the essay is distinctly laid out and easily answers all questions. The review of these essays showed that while rhetorical criticism does need to have formal structure, there are many ways for a critic to accomplish their objectives within the confines that basic structure. Although it is not always best choice for every situation, I feel that a shorter, more direct approach to an introduction, as in Hyde's piece, is the most effective. I also thought that the question/answer format worked well for Zaske. It may have been the topic, but I found that the Hyde essay was the most engaging overall.

Black Hole

Black hole in astronomy is a theoretical region in space with such intense gravitational forces that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. Calculations based on Einstein’s general theory of relativity published in 1915 indicate that a very high concentration of matter can form a black hole, but the existence of black holes has not been proven. For the sun to form a black hole, it would have to be compressed into a sphere less than 4 miles (6. 4 km) in diameter.Scientists believe such concentrations of matter can occur under certain conditions, as when a massive star (one with a mass three or more times that of the sun) runs out of fuel for thermonuclear reactions and collapses in one itself. In the constellation Cygnus, a star has been discovered that appears be in a binary (two-star) system with a small, invisible object that may be a black hole formed from a star (Abell, 34-36). The area around the object is a strong source of X-rays, possibly produced by gases heated to very high temperatures as they are drawn into the black hole.Very massive black holes may form at the centre of a galaxy, where there is a high concentration of stars and other matter. Astronomers have found evidence for the existence of massive black holes at the centre of several galaxies, including the Milky Way. Black holes ranging down to microscopic size may have formed when the universe was very dense, shortly after its creation. According to a theory by the English physicist Stephen Hawking, black holes of very small size lose a significant amount of mass through subatomic processes at their boundaries.According to this theory, once a black hole become extremely small, it emits all its remaining mass in an explosion of high-energy particles. However, evidence for such explosions has not been found. Moreover, the term â€Å"black hole† was coined to describe such an object more than 50 years ago, long before there was any evidence that such object existed. Today, t here is ample evidence that black hole exist (Snow, 111). If the core contains more than 3 solar masses, its collapse leads to the formation of a black hole. In this case, the degenerate neutron gas pressure cannot halt the collapse.There may or may not be a supernova explosion, depending on whether a neutron star forms temporarily (causing a rebound of the infalling outer layers of the star) before collapsing further. A black hole never stops collapsing; mathematically, it can be described as a single point containing all the mass of the collapsed stellar core, but physically it is difficult to describe. In other words, if a star more than 2 or 3 solar masses in its core collapses, it will exceed the mass limit for formation of a neutron star.When a star collapses beyond the point where neutron gas pressure degenerate can support it, the collapse never stops as mentioned earlier. Thus, a black hole is not in hydrostatic equilibrium because there is no known force that can counterac t the inward force of gravity and it is said that the mass of the star forms a singularity, described mathematically as a single point having infinite density. As the collapse proceeds, the surface gravity of the star becomes stronger (Chaisson, 16-17).The gravitational force of the star remains the same at distance outside of the original surface of the star; the immense increase in gravity occurs only at closer distances. As the surface gravity increases, it has an increasingly significant effect on photons of light. Eventually a point is reached where the surface gravity is so great that light cannot escape. At this point, the star is said to have passed through the event horizon because it is impossible to observe anything that happens to it after this.The radius of the star at this point is called the Schwarzschild radius and the Schwarzschild radius is proportional to the mass of the star; for a star of 1 solar mass, it is 3 km. A black hole cannot be directly observed, but it s presence may be detected through its gravitational effects. If a binary system is found to have an unseen member whose mass is too great to be neutron star, then it must be a black hole. Such binary systems are most easily recognized if mass transfer takes place from the companion star to the black hole. In this case, the matter that is transferred forms an accretion disk so hot that it emits X-rays (Abell, 34-36).Thus, X-ray binaries are likely places to look for black holes. Several X-ray binaries have been observed in which the analysis of the orbit of the visible star indicates that the unseen companion has too much mass to be a neutron star and must therefore be a black hole. Reference: 1. Abell, G. D. Exploration of the Universe (96h edition), pp. 34-36. Philadelphia: W. B. Suanders Co. , 2001. 2. Chaisson, E. Astronomy Today. Pp. 16-17. Englewood Cliffs, N. J. : Prentice Hall, 2002. 3. Snow, T. P. The Dynamic Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy (6th edition), p. 111. St. Paul: West Publishing Co. , 2001.

Mandatory Drug Testing for Student Athletes Essay - 966 Words

In many high schools around the country, student athletes are using drugs. â€Å"The percent of students that have drunk alcohol is 72.5% while the number of students who have used marijuana is 36.8%† (Report: Nearly Half of High School Students Using Drugs, Alcohol). The students believe that since they are athletes that they do not need to abide by the rules because they feel more superior and that the narcotic will not hurt or affect them. Implementing random drug tests for athletes will create a positive image and not hurt others or themselves. Schools need to have drug tests for student athletes because drugs effect relationships, using drugs have consequences, and lastly they have a major effect on the body. Not drug testing student†¦show more content†¦In this scenario, the team member will not be friends again because trust has been broken which will cause complications when playing in a game. If the team can not work together, then they will not be able to work together and win a game. The team members then will become furious that they are not winning games which causes more tension and resentment on the team. If one little thing like using drugs can ruin a team, then why not have student athletes tested for drugs so relationships on the team do not get destroyed. Not only do drugs effect relationships, but they also cause consequences for the individual taking them. Playing a sport and using drugs are prohibited. By drug testing student athletes for prohibited drugs, they will know not to use them or there will be consequences that will occur. Some consequences may include a warning, a detention, a suspension, not being able to play a couple of games or not being to play sports ever again. â€Å"Maysvilles plan also includes a suspension and removal process based on how many times student-athletes violate its drug policy. That process includes counseling, which is a critical part of keeping our children off drugs,† (More Schools Should Drug-test Athletes). It may be expensive to conduct all the drug tests ,but it will prevent athletes from doing drugs and keep the athlete away from getting addicted to using drugs. When an athlete gets addicted to using a drug they will do whatever theyShow MoreRelatedMandatory Drug Testing for High School Athletes Essay1338 Words   |  6 Pagesdefines a drug as ‘any substance that when taken into the living organism may modify one or more of its functions’† (Newton 12). However, when speaking of drug testing for abuse a person is usually thinking about illegal drugs or drugs that can alter athletic performance in sporting events. Mandatory drug testing was not allowed in public schools until June 2002 when the Supreme Court allowed for public schools to do random drug testing (Carroll 23). This decision allowed for drug testing in allRead MoreDrug Testing of High School Students1075 Words   |  5 PagesMandatory Drug Testing of High School Athletes Brandon had always wanted to play football for his high school team. He had always been one of the slowest and smallest boys in his grade. While in 8th grade, he was introduced to performance enhancing drugs. He was sold on the fact that they would make him stronger, faster, and maybe give him a shot to make the high school football team. During his first year of taking the performance enhancing drug, Brandon had increased strength and self-prideRead MoreDrug Testing for School Athletes966 Words   |  4 Pages Drug use in school athletics has become a substantial problem in today’s society. With the rising pressure to succeed and the high level intensity in athletics, it does not come to a surprise that so many student–athletes are giving in to drugs. Many schools that are faced with drug use are turning to mandatory drug tests for student-athletes; however mandatory drug tests are a violation of the Fourth Amendment, the Fifth Amendment and drug testing reverses the legal principle of innocentRead MoreDrug Testing Essay1328 Words   |  6 PagesEven though drug testing is very expensive, ALL high school’s athletes should be tested because drugs are bad for your health and very addictive. A simple drug test could save many lives. Many schools around deny the request to drug test their athletes for the simple conclusion that the cost of the testing would just be to expensive. I disagree whole heartedly on that because although it may be expensive, we could save so ma ny lives by requiring drug tests to play sports. Many students have love forRead MoreMandatory Drug Testing Should Be Banned1365 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Mandatory drug testing has been and ongoing controversial issue over the most recent years. Mandatory drug testing has been subjected to students, athletes, and employees all over the country. However a lot of speculation has been made whether or not welfare recipients in particular should be subjected to mandatory drug testing. According to Besonen, programs such as welfare were created in the 1930s to temporarily aid struggling Americans to help get them back up on their feet. (BesonenRead MoreEssay on Drug Testing in Public Colleges1946 Words   |  8 Pages Drug testing in public schools is an issue that the courts have had the main role in regulating. The legislative and executive branches don’t give much direction on this issue, which leaves it up to the courts to decide. The issue of public college drug testing is one that has not received much attention because no public college has implemented a drug testing program for students that were not athletes. Linn State Technical College (LSTC), a small college in rural Missouri, brokeRead MoreEssay on The Epidemic of Steroid Abuse in America1711 Words   |  7 PagesThe Epidemic of Steroid Abuse in America We as a people are preoccupied with the notion of greatness. Our role models are athletes, actors and actresses, and other figures in the public eye. Many of us often desire to be better off than our current state; to look better, to be in better shape, etc†¦ We compete with each other for jobs, for mates, for grades, for parking spots, and in sporting activities. This competitive nature is a way of life, especially in sporting activities, often learnedRead MoreDrug Testing Should Not Be Banned1285 Words   |  6 Pagesover drug testing students in school is very controversial. Drug testing students gives the school administration the power to drug test random students at any time. Various schools across the country have implemented these tests. Parents have very different views on this topic. Some believe that this gives the administration too much power. They also believe that these tests infringe on students rights. Other people believe that these tests are very helpful in decreasing the amount of students thatRead MoreEssay about Media Sports: How did Baseball get Affected by Steroids?1246 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican League Most Valuable Player. Jose would eventually admit to using steroids in 1985 saying that he took them in the late 1980’s and the 1990’s (Steroids). He says steroids in baseball were as common as a cup of coffee during that time. Testing wasn’t mandated, but baseball added steroids to its banned-substance roster in 1991. Mark McGwire also admitted in 1999 that he took androstenedione or â€Å"andro,† an over the counter precursor to testerone that was later banned by the FDA. SenatorRead MoreRandom Drug Testing for Teenagers602 Words   |  2 Pagesyear(qtd â€Å"The Truth About Inhalants). 1 in 5 students use marijuana regularly, 18 percent of teenagers use tobacco products, 14 percent abuse prescription drugs(â€Å"Drug Facts†). To counter this, schools have began to adopt policies which require students who wish to join a club, play a sport, or do school activities to sign up for random drug tests. Its becoming very popular in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Although many parents say that drug testing in high schools and middle school is an