Final answer:
The U.S. history to 1877 includes the Civil War, Reconstruction, and key constitutional amendments. The period also saw economic turmoil and the start of U.S. imperialism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The history of the United States up to 1877 is defined by several key moments and transformative periods. The Civil War (1861–1865) was a pivotal conflict that preserved the Union and led to the abolition of slavery. Reconstruction (1865–1877) was the tumultuous period that followed, marked by attempts to reintegrate Southern states into the Union and ensure rights for newly freed African Americans.
The three Reconstruction Amendments were critical changes to the Constitution: the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th Amendment granted citizenship and equal protection under the law, and the 15th Amendment aimed to protect voting rights regardless of race. During this time, the country also grappled with economic hardship, as seen in the Panic of 1873, which led to a prolonged depression. The failure of Reconstruction ultimately led to the rise of Jim Crow laws and widespread disenfranchisement of African Americans in the South.
The relationship between the U.S. and the rest of the world also transformed significantly between 1865 and 1890, largely driven by economic interests and a move towards imperialism. The U.S. sought new markets for its goods, which it increasingly produced in excess due to industrial growth, and it also looked for opportunities for investment abroad. This period saw the beginning of the U.S.'s rise as a world power, anticipating further expansionist moves in the years to come.