History of the United States Since the Civil War Report (Assessment)

Progressive Reform and Reformers

The era between the late 19^th and early 20^th century represents one unique period In America characterized by industrialization. This sparked urban migration evident by the growing population that thronged the cities. To this effect, many urban problems arose that touched on social-economical and political aspects. To say the least, the urban dwellers lived in dilapidated conditions characterized by hygiene-based malady e.g. cholera and typhoid. Besides, the crime levels and insecurity were common places, the factory working conditions left much to be desired, the level of corruption was high, and the degree of gender imbalance was overwhelming.

Efforts to reverse these precarious conditions occurred spontaneously with reformist groups emerging across the board. The reformists under the umbrella ‘Progressive Movement’ called on for changes in the entire nation, and at all levels from the national government. Principally, the reforms were fronted along several avenues including Christianity, socialistic, and civic education approaches. Lead by Theodore Roosevelt, the efforts of proponents and pioneers of the ‘Progressive Movement’ eventuated in the amendment of four constitutional clauses (16^th and 19^th) encompassing “the federal income tax, direct election of Senators, prohibition, and woman suffrage” (Deloria and Salisbury 103).

In a synopsis, to Americans, my view on making reforms a national necessity impacted positively in that it improved the peoples’ livelihood (Foner 80).

Student Response

In my view, student’s write-up with regard to the problems faced by the Americans then (the 1890s and 1910s) is consistent with mine in every sense. Basically, the student touched on entirely every aspect that was a thorn in the flesh of Americans: social, economical, and political. However, when focusing on the methods fronted by reformers to address the situation I think the student was not systematic. The reforms were fronted along with several approaches: Christian, socialist, and civic education. Finally, the student’s response towards giving reforms a national necessity was consistent with mine for the reason that the whole idea was to better the lives of the civilians.

Empire and World War

The best among the five ways America would have emerged to the global arena as a world superpower then would have been realized through unmatched military support. In essence, territorial aggression catalyzes war between two parties. A typical example is the Spanish-American War of the year 1898. In this war, the Americans were the victors and consequently benefited from territorial gains that are the Philippine Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico. This paved ways for commerce and missionaries with the later spreading the gospel (Christianity) that enjoys dominance hitherto. Moreover, the Americans also “established a protectorate over Cuba, and formally acquired Hawaii” (Jones 768).

The notion of using military power in the territorial acquisition was common a viral embedded within most European powers. This eventually culminated in World War (II) (the Great War) that occurred between the years 1914 and 1918 with Americans emerging the victors. As such, America has declared a world power. To this effect, the reconstruction of Western Europe, the arena of war, was done by the American companies in post-World War (II). In a nutshell, in all the scenarios war comes prior to other ventures i.e. commerce, territorial acquisition, diplomacy, and missionary. Thus, a military venture would have been the best way to explore then. However, in fewer resistance quarters then diplomacy would save Americans extra expenses resulting from wars.

Personal Opinion

My take with regards to the best approach that would have been fronted by the Americans to emerge as a global force then is consistent with the student’s- military. Ideally, the unrivaled military facet comes prior to commerce, missionary, diplomatic, and acquisition of territory. However, this should be traded prudently for the reason that war is expensive, and thus; diplomacy to some quarters which are less resistant would save Americans a lot.

Works Cited

Deloria, Philip, and Salisbury Neal. A companion to American Indian history. Logan: Utah State UP, 2004. Print.

Foner, Eric. Politics and Ideology in the Age of the Civil War. Boston: Allyn, 1980. Print.

Jones, Howard. Abraham Lincoln and a New Birth of Freedom: The Union and Slavery in the Diplomacy of the Civil War. Denver: MacMurray, 1999. Print.