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American democracy has a lineage of
written records that we can trace to show the development of our nation, and
how each document builds on those before it to make our foundation of freedom
stronger. This video looks at the documents conceived in the early 1860s
and during the Civil War and the years immediately following. Educators from noted American universities
share their insights on:
Homestead Act, Pacific Railway Act and Morrill Act (1862) -- The Homestead Act
encouraged the settlement of the American West by granting up to 160 acres of
land for those who would work the land. The Pacific Railway Act gave land to
railroad companies to develop rail lines linking East and West coasts. The
Morrill Act helped states to fund agricultural and engineering colleges.
Emancipation Proclamation (1863) -- The controversy over slavery finally
exploded into war. Abraham Lincoln freed "all persons held as
slaves within any state" in rebellion against the United States.
Gettysburg Address (1863) -- Abraham Lincoln dedicated a national cemetery at the Civil War
battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with this historic speech.
13th Amendment (Proposed January 1865, ratified December 1865) -- This amendment to the Constitution made it
unlawful for anyone to own a slave. Slavery is outlawed within the United
States.
Freedmen’s Bureau Act (1866) -- The Freedmen's Bureau agency was
established in 1865 to provide assistance to the emancipated blacks of the
South after the Civil War. This act was intended to extend the life of the
agency.
Civil Rights Act of 1866 (1866) -- Freed slaves were granted citizenship by
this congressional bill, but it was vetoed by President Andrew Johnson.
14th Amendment (Proposed June 1866, ratified July 1868) -- This amendment granted full rights of citizenship to all persons
born or naturalized in the United States, with the exception of Native
Americans.
First Reconstruction Act (1867) -- Congress divided the South into five
military districts, each under a major general. New elections were to be held
in each state with freed male slaves being allowed to vote.
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