Homeland Security vs. Civil Liberties






The United States has fought arduous battles since its foundation in 1776, to preserve and defend the foundation that sustains this democratic nation. Freedom and union were the strong holds in 1860-1864 that the United States fought for during the American Civil War. The war was a clash between the menacing southern agricultural kingdom and the northern industrial empire. Since the establishment of the United States, the southern sections prospered from its agricultural economy, bolstered from the blood and sorrow of the slaves. While the northern section emerged with an industrialized economy, boomed with the influx of European immigrants, whom provided cheap labor. Differences between the southern and northern life style, and economy, were the main cause of the American Civil War. The recoils of the war are still felt today. As result of the war, they abolished slavery and they destroyed the southern political mentality. Therefore, the Civil War’s outcome modified the future of American economy and politics.

Nearly a century after the British invaded and conquered America by the British, they brought, and forced African men to work. The servitude of these slaves helped shape the economy of the future nation. However, slaves became a burden as the new immigrants entered the country and the population increased. Jobs became scarce, and many “free soilers” demanded more jobs, and less competition, mainly from slaves. As result of the American Civil War, they abolished slavery in the nation. Therefore, demolishing the southerner’s main work force. The victory of the Union had tremendous effects on the United States future. One the immediate effects were the acceptance of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments. These ensured the protection of the rights of the slaves, moreover, the rights of every citizen in the United States.

The enactment of these amendments led to future liberties and protection of rights. In future years, feminist movements rose. Protruding women such as Susan B. Anthony, fought for women rights and equality among societies, along with recognition in the constitution. She then led and influenced other women with her powerful speeches, which claimed that "The true republic-men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less." Along with the feminist movements, came labor unions to protect laborers, and child laws to protect children from heavy work hours.

Since the early colonial years, disputes between southern and northern politics roamed the virgin lands of the colonies. Since the creation of the Articles of Confederation’s, both sections developed their own parties and ideals. The southern Antifederalist favored a weak central government and strong state government. However, the northern federalist argued that a strong central government would be necessary for the development of the nation. In the end, the federalist defeated the Antifederalist and created a federal government protected by the Articles of Confederation. Years later these sections became parties. As the nation continued its western and southern expansion, new states were added. This as a result created a disruption in the balance in congress.

However, these disputes ended when the south lost its political and economical power during the civil war. After the bloodbath, the southern golden mine was blown up in pieces. Slaves were freed. Therefore, the southern planters found themselves without laborers. So, the southern economy decreased dramatically. After the defeat of the Confederacy, industrialist and business sympathizers took full control of Congress, thus vanishing the balance that once existed. The defeat of the southern agricultural kingdom, helped the United States to evolve into the industrialized and democratic nation, that we enjoy today.

As result of the unions victory had tremendous effects on the nations political, social and economical development. The freedom and liberty Americans rejoice in today has been paid for by those involved in the Civil War. Although they fought the civil war nearly two hundred years ago, the recoils are still felt in today’s society and lifestyle.


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