What was a “mechanic” in 18th and early 19th-century America?
The term “mechanic” in 18th and early 19th-century America referred to a craftsman, such as a potter, blacksmith, or housewright.
The practice of using economic means to achieve foreign policy goals is known as “dollar diplomacy”. It was first associated with President William Howard Taft (served 1909-13) and his Secretary of State Philander C. Knox.
The poem that later became the “Star-Spangled Banner” was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. It was written to commemorate the battle for Fort McHenry, Maryland, during the War of 1812, was called “Defence of Fort M’Henry.”
Named for trader Jesse Chisholm, this nineteenth-century cattle route started south of San Antonio, Texas, passed through Oklahoma, and ended at Abilene, Kansas. In 1871, the trail’s busiest year-700,000 cattle were driven along the route by 5,000 cowboys.
The letters D or P on American coins are mint marks, indicating the city in which the coin is pressed. The letter D indicates that the coin was made in Denver; P denotes Philadelphia. Pennies no longer carry mint marks.
The U.S. fielded about 540,000 troops, by far the most of any nation in the coalition it led against Iraq in the Gulf War. Iraqi ground forces in the Kuwaiti theater of operations were estimated at 545,000.
Only one U.S. president was never married, James Buchanan (president 1857-61).