Civil war in tions to send settlers to the new territory of Kansas. The South was first in the field, Missouri, a slave State, being near, and her citizens leading the way. Kansas. But the North, resolute to win Kansas for freedom, poured a steady tide of emigration into the territory, and soon the Northern settlers outnumbered their competitors. Civil war ensued; for those in the minority would not submit to be outvoted, and the peaceful citizens were resolved to defend their rights. This state of things for a considerable time rendered Kansas a scene of lawlessness and bloodshed (see page 253). 3. "The acquisition of California made the importance of commercial treaties with the nations of eastern Asia more and more important. During Fillmore's term, Commodore Perry, Treaty brother of the hero of Lake Erie, was sent with a with Japan. squadron to open communication with the empire of Japan. The inhabitants of those islands from time immemorial had excluded foreigners. The authorities there were greatly astonished at the boldness of the commodore when he appeared with his steamers-the first that ever floated on those waters-in the bay of Jeddo (or Yedo, now Tokio). He was ordered to depart; but he declined, and insisted on seeing the proper authorities and making known to them the object of his friendly visit. 4. At length a Japanese officer appeared, who promised to lay the matter before the emperor. The 14th of July (1853), was the day named to receive the letter from the American President. The commodore, escorted by a company of marines, landed. He was received with the pomp of an oriental pageant, and an answer to the letter promised the following spring. The answer was duly received, and a treaty concluded. The merchants of the United States obtained permission to trade in two specified ports, and also for the residence of American citizens and consuls at the two ports, as well as to visit without molestation in the interior, ten or twelve miles" (1854). Washington's Administration. The adoption of Hamilton's financial measures; the war with the Indians north of the Ohio; the making of "Jay's Treaty;" the admission of Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee into the Union; and the invention of the cotton-gin, were the principal events during this administration (1789-1797).* John Adams's. The hostilities with France, the death of Washington, and the removal of the national capitol to the city of Washington (1797-1801). Jefferson's. The admission of Ohio into the Union, the purchase of the Louisiana territory, the war with the Barbary States, the duel between Hamilton and Burr, the trial of Burr for treason, and Fulton's steamboat invention (1801-1809). Madison's. The second war with England-of which Hull's surrender of Detroit, Perry's victory on Lake Erie, Harrison's successes, Brown's invasion of Canada, MacDonough's victory on Lake Champlain, the capture by the British of the city of Washington, the British repulse before Baltimore, and Jackson's defense of New Orleans. were the principal events-marks this administration. The Hartford Convention, the war with Algiers, and the admission of Louisiana and Indiana into the Union, were also important (1809-1817). Monroe's. The Seminole war; the purchase of Florida; the admission of Mississippi, Illinois. Alabama, Maine, and Missouri into the Union; the adoption of the "Missouri Compromise ;" and Lafayette's visit, were the important events (1817-1825). John Quincy Adams's. The death of John Adams and of Jefferson occurred. Great progress was made in the work of internal improvements (1825-1829). Jackson's. Jackson's war against the United States Bank, the "nul.ification" movement of South Carolina, and the admission of Arkansas and Michigan into the Union (1829-1837) Van Buren's. "The Panic of 1837," and the formation of "Abolition Societies" (1837-1841). Harrison and Tyler's. The death of Harrison, Morse's magnetic-telegraph invention, the preliminary measures for the annexation of Texas, and the admission of Florida into the Union (1841-1845). Polk's. The war with Mexico, of which the campaigns of Taylor and Scott were the principal features, and the acquisition of California and other territory the result, marks this administration. The discovery of gold in California; and the admission of Texas, Iowa, and Wisconsin into the Union, were also important (1845-1849). Taylor and Fillmore's. The death of Taylor, the adoption of the Compromise of 1850," and the admission of California into the Union (1849-1853). Pierce's. The repeal of the "Missouri Compromise," the civil war in Kansas, and the treaty with Japan, were the principal events of this administration (1853-1857). For a history of the Constitution of the United States and expianations of its language, and information respecting important features of laws enacted under it, including a history of the District of Columbia, see the Appendix, TOPICS FOR REVIEW. (See the hints and directions, p. 49.) Washington. (Let the account be from his inauguration, and include an estimate of his character and influence.) John Adams. (See Life and Works of John Adams, by his grandson, Charles Francis Adams.) 182-194 146-223 Thomas Jefferson. (See Randall's Life of Jefferson; also Parton's, and Tucker's.) 145-223 Alexander Hamilton. (See Life of Hamilton, by his son, J. C. 179-200 141-201 Presidents.) 179-219 219-222 John Q. Adams. (See Seward's Life of J. Q. Adams; also Josiah John C. Calhoun. (See Jenkins's Life of Calhoun ) Andrew Jackson. (See Parton's Life of Jackson; also Benton's 'Thirty Years' View.") 222-227 211 (note)-230 224-247 230-245 234-236 147-248 James K. Polk. (Jenkins's "History of Polk's Administration.") 237-245 230 (note)-247 247-249 249, 250 .69, 215 214, 219 .127-221 .142-228 239 239 .239-241 .212, 213 Vera Cruz... 240 Sacramento river. 243 ..195-213, 247 .213, 214 San Francisco.. .39, 246, 247 249 HISTORICAL. |