Number One: Election or Revolution?

The election of 1800 was seen as a test to American Democracy. Never had a nation peacefully transferred governmental power to a different faction or party; and America was facing just that. Transferring power from the Federalists to the party of Thomas Jefferson was seen as dangerous and even divisive. Europe viewed this as America’s death and waited to pick up the pieces.

In the end however America survived the power change and proved that democracy could work if people trusted the system. Since then we have gone through greater changes than this and have done so peacefully (well except for number three on the list).

Number Two: Our Capitol is Burnt

The War of 1812 would be the last declared war between the USA and the British; we would soon become great allies and support each others causes. However that was not the case when Americans watched their capitol burn and realized the British were in position to return them to the days of colonialism.

Though the days were dark the war would brew to a stalemate and both sides would sign a treaty that would not give in the either side; things would be as they were before. But Jackson and the British at the mouth of the Mississippi did not get the memo and another invasion was shaping up. If successful the British could have taken New Orleans and many things could have gone differently. Andrew Jackson and his rag-tag army stopped them and not only did he become a hero but America would live on and so would our worship of heroes.

Number Three: Nation Divided

The election of 1860 would be the only election that would lead to great bloodshed and slaughter; horrific slaughter and untold scars that are still healing over one hundred years later. Such groups as the KKK would be born out of this and so would the ideas of true equality. Abraham Lincoln would win but at a cost of a united nation as South Carolina and the remainder of the CSA would start to succeed and a terrific crisis would ensue.

What started out as hopeful soon turned hopeless but would soon turn back to hope. The USA won and one hundred years later African-Americans would finally win their true freedom.

These are short and so much more could be written but I just wanted you to think about what we face now with the economy and the election of 08. What does it mean to you? What does it mean to American History? What will it be seen as 100 years from now? Discussion is needed in this country so please add to my thoughts whether it be other times such as the collapse of 1929, the end of segregation, or even the fall of Saigon. For in or greatest failures or darkest times we find our greatest lessons and hope.