Worst Periods in US History

[hotdog256]

With all that is going on right now I would be curious what you thing were the worst periods in American History?  Give 3 or 4 so that we can discuss them.

[gt958]

I would say in order, The American Civil War, the Great Depression and the late 1960's.  The American Civil War is the worst because the country was actually split and at war with itself.  It took many years after to heal.  The Great Depression is second because of the economic and personal toll it took on the country.  The late 1960's because despite the amount of good that came out of the Civil Rights Movement and change in the way Americans looked at each other, it also produced social change that has led up to many of the issues that are happening today.  It doesn't seem that the leaders that came out that era are as strong and committed as those that came before.

[denise]

I agree with the Civil War, being the worst period in American history, but what about World War II?  I also agree with the Great Depression.  As bad as things are now, it doesn't compare with the depression.

[tony]

I say the civil war, the great depression and World War II in that order.  The great depression was way worse than what we have now and World War II was the worst war for America, other than the Civil War.  In the case of the depression and World War II the same President (FDR) lead us through both.  Abraham Lincoln led us through the Civil War.  Both great Presidents and leaders.

[hotdog256]

Your answers are interesting.  I agree with the Civil War being first. I also agree with the Depression.  While World War was bad, the country pulled together and except for Pearl Harbor, the country wasn't attacked directly.  I would consider the Vietnam, late 1960's and early 1970's as one of the worst because of all of the cultural upheaval. There is cultural upheaval now, although not nearly as great as the sixties.  Most Americans now as then are in the cultural middle, but you mostly hear about small groups trying to push their agendas.