The Civil War Changes the Nation

The civil war led to political, economic, technological and social changes in the United States. The war itself ravaged the human population taking the lives of 360,000 Union soldiers and 260,000 Confederate soldiers. During the civil war, the federal government passed laws which gave them more control over citizens. While the Northern states flourished, the Southern states became a rural wasteland for poor industry and farming.

The war led to technological advances in warfare. New weapons included the rifle and the minie ball, which is a soft lead bullet. Grenades and landmines were enhanced to change modern warfare forever. Wooden ships became obsolete to the newer ironclad ships which were more durable and lethal.

As a result of the war, the government passes the Thirteenth Amendment which bans slavery. Due to the radical social changes within America at this time, certain individuals did not approve of Lincoln's controversial views. John Wilkes Booth, an actor and active support of the South, did not approve of these changes.

On April 14, 1865 Lincoln and his wife attended a British Comedy at Ford's Theater. During the third act of the play, John Wilkes Booth snuck behind and fired a shot into the back of Lincoln's head.

With the war over, slavery and secession were abolished. However, the country still faces potential and current problems.

- Felix and Kevin

Amendments for Voting Right

Since the American Colonists declare their independence in 1776, a new government was established. The voting rights became more and more important in order to choose a proper leader. Although the Americans enjoy their voting right recently, few people are able to vote 200 years ago. Voting right has been amended for several times during this 200 years.

At first, the voting rights are only open to male property owners. Although the new constitution was written, this condition did not change at all. For exception, African American males are allowed to vote in some states.

In 1870s, the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution enabled the African American males to vote. However, African American males are often kept from voting. Women are still not allowed to vote at that time.

In 1920s, voting rights are open to women after the Nineteenth Amendment to the constitution, with the effort of many other women who try to expand voting rights.

Four years later, voting rights was extended to all Native American who is older than 21.

Since people are not satisfied with the government who draft citizen of 18 but not allowed them to vote, the government amended the Voting right again. Citizen who is 18 years or older finally had the rights to vote thanks to the Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution.

Approximately 200 years after America declared their independence; the voting rights are open to most citizens. The amendments to the voting right prove that the rights has become more and more equivalent to all citizens of America.