Primary Source #1
"The Colored Member Admitted to His Seat in the Senate"
According to a news article from the New York Times, the first African American man, Mr. Revels of Mississippi, to join the Senate was sworn in on May 10, 1869. So many people came to witness the event that every seat was filled. Mr. Vickers of Maryland was there to argue against his admission with the claim that he had not been a legal U.S. citizen for nine years and was ineligible. Each the Republican and Democratic side brought thorough arguments to the table. The vice president then made the announcement that the Senate elect would be sworn in. Despite the abuse Mr. Revels had endured during the debate due to his race, he remained calm and polite.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0225.html#article
"The Colored Member Admitted to His Seat in the Senate"
According to a news article from the New York Times, the first African American man, Mr. Revels of Mississippi, to join the Senate was sworn in on May 10, 1869. So many people came to witness the event that every seat was filled. Mr. Vickers of Maryland was there to argue against his admission with the claim that he had not been a legal U.S. citizen for nine years and was ineligible. Each the Republican and Democratic side brought thorough arguments to the table. The vice president then made the announcement that the Senate elect would be sworn in. Despite the abuse Mr. Revels had endured during the debate due to his race, he remained calm and polite.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0225.html#article
Primary Source #2
Alaska Treaty, 1867
In 1859, Russia offered to sell Alaska to the United States but the offer was declined because the Civil War was close ahead. After the war and negotiation with Russia, President Andrew Johnson signed a treaty transferring the ownership of the property to America in May, and by October Alaska was official US territory. The purchase cost the US 7.2 million dollars. This treaty ended Russia's ability to trade and remain present in North America, so this was very important.
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=4019
Alaska Treaty, 1867
In 1859, Russia offered to sell Alaska to the United States but the offer was declined because the Civil War was close ahead. After the war and negotiation with Russia, President Andrew Johnson signed a treaty transferring the ownership of the property to America in May, and by October Alaska was official US territory. The purchase cost the US 7.2 million dollars. This treaty ended Russia's ability to trade and remain present in North America, so this was very important.
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=4019