Summary
The previous two centuries were very revolutionary for the United States of America. Starting with the ideas and goals of the Reconstruction Era, promoted by Abraham Lincoln, and ending with the Progressive movement of the early 20th century, it was clear that US society was on the verge of significant change. The following paper will review some of the negative and positive aspects of that time.
Reconstruction Era and Racial Challenges
As stated earlier, Lincoln’s ideas were the primary motivation of the Reconstruction period. After his assassination on April 14th, the goals were passed on to Andrew Johnson (History.com Editors, 2022). Unfortunately, his actions were the exact opposite of Abraham’s ideas, as he promoted “black codes” and banned a large number of progressive bills from Congress. The latter triggered a conflict between Johnson and the latter, which ultimately led to his impeachment in 1868.
Both the success and failure of the desired anti-racist goals have defined the latter years. The more fortunate events included the acceptance of the Reconstruction Act of 1867, which led to the passage of the 14th Amendment (broadening US citizenship) and the 15th Amendment (ensuring racial equality for voters). They contributed to the victory of black Americans in southern state governments and the Congress. The decrease in support for the Reconstruction era explains the misfortune of the third change. Although Ulysses Grant attempted to take action against white supremacists, the shift in beliefs made it futile.
Industrialization and Social Transformation
Industrialization in the US, while shifting the country’s economy, was a rather complex period. First, it gave birth to a large society of workers who had to deal with oppressive conditions during that time (Wilkinson, 2022). These conditions led to strikes and riots, which forced the US to reassess its approach towards industrialization and discuss the necessary reform laws that could have improved the situation.
The second effect industrialization had on society was related to jobs. The nature of people’s everyday work has shifted from being self-employed to working for a company. This means that earlier, one would create and sell goods in one’s home or small shop (Library of Congress, n.d.). Meanwhile, working in a factory implied repetitive actions that represented a small step in the manufacturing process. Thus, the employee would be unaware and inappreciative of the progress.
Progressivism
The Era of Progressivism (1897-1920) was notable for its impact on women’s rights and opinions on social norms. One of its defining features was the significant influence of religion and morality on the period and its movements. The Social Gospel motivated progressives to establish settlement houses (Ohio History Central, n.d.). Meanwhile, morality reviewed some of society’s most harmful issues, with alcoholism being one of these problems.
Three movements were the driving force of progressivism: suffrage, progressivism, and temperance. One of temperance’s main concerns was people struggling with drinking issues. Most of the movement’s actions centered on prohibitions, as they sought to alter social morality. Suffrage was driven by the goal of improving women’s rights in the United States of America. Its activists would promote their desired goals nationwide (Library of Congress, 2020).
The mutual efforts of the three movements led to the passage of the 17th, 18th, and 19th Amendments, which democratized the election of senators, banned the sale of alcoholic beverages, and granted women the right to vote (Klein, 2021). The 17th Amendment led to further democratic changes, while the 19th led to the demise of the era.
American Imperialism
Another impactful feature of the United States was its imperialism. For example, the government viewed Hawaii as beneficial due to its strategic location between North America and Asia. They believed that owning the Islands would improve the country’s geopolitical, military, and trade opportunities (Tucker, 2022). As a result, the US convinced King Kalakaua to accept a new constitution, nullifying his power and leading to the annexation of Hawaii.
Regarding the Philippines, the US decided to claim ownership of the islands after winning the Spanish-American War in 1898. The US believed that this location would provide them with commercial opportunities in Asia and that the locals were not capable of self-rule (Office of the Historian, n.d.). The US government viewed the Philippine Republic’s declaration of independence as an insurrection, leading to the Philippine-American War in 1899 (CSUN University Library, 2020). The conflict ultimately resulted in a victory for the United States.
References
CSUN University Library. (2020). American imperialism in the Philippines. Web.
History.com Editors. (2022). Reconstruction. HISTORY. Web.
Klein, C. (2021). How Gilded Age Corruption Led to the Progressive Era. History. Web.
Library of Congress. (n.d.). Prohibition: A case study of progressive reform. The Library of Congress. Web.
Library of Congress. (n.d.). The Industrial Revolution in the United States. The Library of Congress. Web.
Library of Congress. (n.d.). Women’s suffrage in the progressive era. The Library of Congress. Web.
National Geographic. (2022). Industrialization, labor, and life. Web.
Office of the Historian. (n. d.). Milestones: 1899–1913. Web.
Ohio History Central. (n.d.). Social Gospel Movement. Web.
Tucker, D. (2022). The annexation of Hawaii. Teaching American History. Web.