Posts

The Evolution of Immigration to the United States between 1870 and 1900

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       This week’s discussion post concentrates on changes in immigration to the United States (U.S.) between 1865 and 1900, with a focus on two periods – 1870-1880 and 1890-1900. These periods reflect distinct differences in the immigrant flow's number and nations of origin. The U.S. experienced a significant increase in immigration between 1865 and 1900. The industrial revolution tied to the availability of natural resources and modern transportation created a high demand for a larger labor pool. Additionally, salaries in the U.S. were higher than in other parts of the world. These conditions attracted workers to the U.S. Cities became hubs of commerce and trade, which brought workers and their families including immigrants, into growing urban areas. [1]      Related to the selected research methodologies, this post includes two primary ones - comparative studies and case studies. For comparative studies, two different periods reveal insi...

Local History – Historic Sites Along Harpers Ferry Road, Maryland

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                  When you hear Harpers Ferry, you probably think of the historic town of Harpers Ferry, WV. But across the Potomac River is a 10-mile stretch of road also named Harpers Ferry. Harpers Ferry Road in Washington County, MD, has played a significant role in US history, especially in the 1800s. The blog highlights some significant historical sites along its length - from where it starts in the south, connecting with Sandy Hook Road, to where the name changes to South Mechanic Street after crossing High Street in Sharpsburg. Map of Harpers Ferry Road, Washington County, Maryland  ( Image Courtesy of the Google Maps (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3584532,-77.7389651,12z?entry=ttu))         The history of transportation is reflected in the area at the southernmost end of the road. There are two rivers - the ...

The Evolution of Religious Freedom in North America Prior to the American Revolutionary War

            The evolution of religious freedom in North American in the 1600 and 1700s before the American Revolutionary War impacted the Founding Fathers. This effect is reflected in how the nation’s founding documents, like the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights, were developed.      Many of the colonies were founded because people were seeking religious freedom. Colonists often faced religious persecution in their home countries in Europe. They refused to compromise their convictions and fled their homelands in the hope of finding that in North America. [1] Some examples are included to highlight this situation.      Rhode Island was founded in 1636 by Baptist Roger Williams. It was the first colony with no established church and the first to grant religious freedom to everyone, which was established by royal charter in 1663. This charter was the first of its kind in North America; it rem...