History of the United States I / Unit 17 USH1 2417 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
The Retreat of 1877
The idea
Three national developments ended Reconstruction and none was about race. A depression from eighteen seventy-three followed the failure of Jay Cooke and Company. Liberal Republicans, following classical liberalism, questioned the federal government's expansive role and broke away. And scandal arrived, with the Whiskey Ring reaching the president's secretary and Credit Mobilier reaching the vice president. The Compromise of eighteen seventy-seven then withdrew the last federal troops from the South.
In practice
Federal enforcement of three constitutional amendments ended by an argument about economy, corruption and the proper size of government.
Where people slip
This is why the changing role of government sits on the exam's theme list rather than being a background topic. The instrument that had held the Klan in check was federal power, and the case for cutting federal power was made on grounds that had nothing to do with the people it protected. Unit 16 entry 2301 carries it. An argument can be sincere and still function as a weapon.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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