In the American election campaigns in the 19th century, "waving the bloody shirt" was a phrase used to ridicule opposing politicians who made emotional calls to avenge the blood of the northern soldiers that died in the Civil War.
Trappers were attracted because of the plentiful fur-bearing animals; settlers were attracted by the fertile land in certain areas such as the Willamette River valley. ... They found passes through the Rocky Mountains and later showed settlers the trails west.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the government was a unicameral (one house) legislature. Delegates to Congress were appointed by the state legislatures, and each state had one vote.
KAY GALLANT: Most Americans approved strongly of the economic growth and improved living conditions during the nineteen twenties. They supported the conservative Republican policies of President Calvin Coolidge. And they had great faith in the country's business leaders and economic system.
HARRY MONROE: The spirit of protest was especially strong in serious American writing during the nineteen twenties. Many of the greatest writers of this period hated the new business culture.
BOB DOUGHTY: Welcome to THE MAKING OF A NATION – American history in VOA Special English.
