The history of the Brooklyn Bridge is more than an example of the engineering skills of people. It’s also a story of determination, of how they were able to overcome any struggles and early obstacles. Beginnings The idea of building a suspension bridge was proposed in 1857. That year the proposal to create one was sent to Congress. The goal was to construct it just over the East River. The plan was to extend it all the way to Brooklyn. However it was only in 1866 when the plans were officially given to John Roebling and Wilhelm Hildenbrand. The Congress approved of their plans. Two years later the New York Bridge Company was created and the history of the Brooklyn Bridge would properly commence. In 1869 the plan was sent to President Ulysses Grant, who approved it. Construction In 1869...

There were actually several issues that can explain why the Civil War happened. These differences would result in the bloodiest battles on American soil. Business Rivalries As the country began expanding its territories, the states began forming alliances. This of course led to disputes. The northern states were the focal point of manufacturing and other related industries. To maintain their edge, they demanded that tariff rates be increased. They were afraid that imported products would result in loss of profit and unemployment. This policy was opposed by the southern states. They were not as heavily industrialized as the north. Instead they relied on imports from Britain. One of the reasons why the Civil War happened was due to the tariff rates. The south was bitterly opposed to it because...

A pilgrim is generally someone who embarks on a religious voyage. This is also the case with the English colonists of North America who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The big reason why did the Pilgrims leave England is to be able to live out their religious convictions. They left and went on what we may call a religious pilgrimage. Quest for Religious Freedom Freedom of religion, as a fundamental, is the root of the cause why did the Pilgrims leave England. They were separatists from the Anglican Church. They saw that the break from the Catholic Church which occurred in 1535 was not enough. For instance, they saw that instead of a pope, the Anglican Church substituted the king as the religious head. They, in general, saw England as having recapitulated the very corrupt order which...

The history of Mardi Gras goes back thousands of years. Although it’s associated with the beginning of Lent, its roots go back to ancient Rome. The Saturnalia and Lupercalla These two Roman feasts have had great influence in shaping the carnival as we know it today. Lupercalla took place on the 15th of February. It was held in honor of Pan, the god of fertility. It was also held in honor of Juno, wife of Zeus. She was also associated with fertility. Important parts of this rite were the animal sacrifices. The Lupercali (priests) would cut off the skins of a couple of goats. The priest would carry the skin and throw it at any woman passing them by. The practice had a great influence on the history of Mardi Gras. This was important because being hit by the skin meant they would be fertile....