There was much that occurred in the United States during the 19th century which has left a substantial impact on the nation of today.

To begin, the United States added many new states and acquired territories spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and beyond, and from sunny Puerto Rico to frigid Alaska. This expansion did not come without a price. Some of these lands were bought for by purchases, many others gained through conquest of those that lived on it, and others were expanded to by wars the United States won against other powers. It took its toll on countless cultures, some of whom did not survive the transition, while many others fought hard to keep their identities alive. Without this vast geographic territory the United States would undoubtedly have a different culture than what we know, for better or worse.

All was not so simple for the United States however, as the nation underwent a dramatic event with its Civil War that resulted in hundreds of thousands dead and the end of slavery within the nation. There was the establishment of voting rights and anti-discrimination amendments, although the fight for civil rights would continue well beyond into the 20th century.

Dramatic changes to the nation were also aided by the Industrial Revolution, with the advent of so many machines, mechanized transportation, inventions, scientific fields and discoveries, and even methods of communication and lighting. But while the United States industrialized, the rich became richer, to the point of absurdity, and the poor had to endure harsh conditions in factories to fuel modern industry. As a result, the fight for workers rights became a growing movement that would eventually bear fruit in the 20th century, but not before many suffered or were lost.

There was much more, but these are the points I consider most important. It is a highly interesting 100 years that shows a dramatic shift in the way people lived their lives, traveled fought wars, and thought of the world.

(This may be the last post I ever make on this site, so for those of you who have been with this blog for the past few years, thank you so much for reading and I hope you live great lives of your own!)