During the 19th Century, the United States of American enacted major foreign policies that were solely aimed at reducing the influence of Europe over the nation. Additionally, the policies were developed to facilitate economic growth and expansion of the nation’s territories. Some of the significant policies passed comprise the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 and the No Transfer Principle of 1811 (Manifest Destiny, n.d.). Congress passed the No Transfer Policy, which aimed at prohibiting the transfer of land from one European power to another and thus was considered a threat to the safety of the US.
The expansionist policy facilitated the Louisiana Purchase; the then president of the US sent a delegation to acquire New Orleans from Napoleon’s administration because it was strategically located along the Mississippi river. Instead, Napoleon offered to sell the whole region for $15 million (Early Republic, n.d.). Subsequently, the acquisition doubled the size of the nation. This was guided by the ideology of destiny manifestation, which ultimately culminated in wars with many ruling power in the Western Hemisphere like France, Cuba, Britain, Mexico, indigenous people, and Spain (Manifest Destiny, n.d.). These policies intensified the effort of the US to develop military supremacy over the region, which was characterized by interventions. The US restored peace in the Western Hemisphere through these interventions, consequently promoting economic growth.
Additionally, the modernization of the US was influenced by these policies in the sense that to achieve the intended goals; the nation had to acquire modern equipment and machinery also, the strategies paved the way for more resources into the country hence modernization. The effects of these foreign policies and events have impacted the country because the country influences its neighbouring nations to safeguard its economic interests and the safety of its citizens (Manifest Destiny, n.d.). Furthermore, on occasions, the US has acted as the international police to curb crime and terrorism subject to the effects of foreign policies.
The Antebellum Era
The era was before the Civil War, characterized by immense economic growth and enlightenment. The economy of the antebellum era was characterized by significant growth, which was attributed to the slave economy, which was common among the southerners and the family farms in the northern states, and the waged labour for the Free states. Some of the common features of these three regions included that the south was rural and majored in plantations that utilized slave labour; there were large cities in each state except for New Orleans and Baltimore because they were primarily slave states (Manifest Destiny, n.d.).
Northern states had a mixed economy while the south was primarily dependent on agriculture and slaves were the primary source of labour. In the Free states, slavery was banned; thus, every person had the right to own property and participate in matters of state. The economies of these states were mixed since different people engaged in different economic practices.
The antebellum era resulted in increased industrialization, economic growth, and religious and social enlightenment. These factors lay a foundation for the new section US due to the increased development of industries and massive shift from farming to urbanization. During the antebellum, the US was torn between sectionalism and nationalism; however, nationalism was becoming popular, and differences between the northern and southern states contributed to sectionalism, culminating in the Civil War (Sectional Crisis, n.d.). The era contributed to sectionalism since it facilitated the growth of northern and southern states, hence the differences between these regions. Craftown and Hilltown display sectionalism as follows. Craftown is more liberal and open to all people and thus promotes communalism, while Hilltown is isolated, discouraging interactions with outsiders and foreigners; as such, they exhibit sectionalism.
Successes and Failures of Reconstruction
Some reconstruction successes included free African Americans being allowed to participate in government. The Reconstruction Act of 1867 led to the division of the southern states into five districts where all people would live as equals irrespective of race or gender (Reconstruction, n.d.). The fourteenth amendment was passed and allowed birthright citizenship hence equal protection by the law to all people born in the US (Reconstruction, n.d.) The Freedmen bureau was created and enforced with the Civil Rights Act, which facilitated emancipation and an easy transition from slavery to freedom. Some of the failures of the Reconstruction included, upon the termination of slavery, racial bias became rampant in many parts of the country.
The Supreme Court undermined the 14th and 15th Amendments (Reconstruction, n.d.). Emancipation proclamation was first presented to the cabinet by Abraham Lincoln in 1862 and by august he has announced the iteration of the proclamation (Civil War, n.d.). Governments were reluctant to make land reforms enabling formerly enslaved people to fend for themselves.
Reconstruction declined in the south because they depended on slave labour for their plantations. They believed that it would collapse the economy since it depended on agriculture. The north supported Reconstruction, but their support faded over time due to increased military costs and southern resistance (Reconstruction, n.d.). Reconstruction is generally considered a success since it achieved most of its goals. Amendments were enacted, which facilitated the end of slavery.
Modernization Process
During the first half of the nineteenth Century, the US changed many sectors, resulting in its growth and modernization. The country has developed various technologies and advancements in industries, agriculture, and other sectors. Some of the characteristics of traditional societies included that they lacked a defined distinction between family and business, and labour was divided based on age, gender, and social status (Market Revolution, n.d.).
Most of the population practised agriculture; on the other hand, modern society was characterized by the development of science, emphasis on rationality, and improved forms of governance. Modernization has affected the common people through increasing poverty levels and reduced employment rates due to improved technology, which has replaced human labour. Modernization has caused problems for society through increased crime rates and environmental pollution. Increased production of non-biodegradable material, emission of harmful substances, and increased health hazards affect all members of society.
Victory in the Civil War
The north won the Civil War because it had more horses, railroads, and factories. Some military differences between the north and the south included that the north produced more pig iron and manufactured more arms; conversely, the south barely produced enough for its soldiers this contributed to the defeat of the south (Reconstruction, n.d.). The northern army was large since the unions comprised more states with 21million people while the confederacy had only a few member states with 11 million people and thus a smaller army (Civil War, n.d.).
This meant that the south could barely win any battles in the fields, demoralizing the soldiers to keep the fighting spirit. Economically, the north had diversified and established industries that provided employment and improved living standards, while the south only relied on agriculture. This made it easier for the north to cripple the southern economy hence the defeat.
The north employed a sophisticated strategy to limit supplies and arms reaching the south. The plan involved a three-step tactic that involved seaport blockades, control over the Mississippi river, and seizing Richmond and Virginia, the confederacy’s capital (Civil War, n.d.). Conversely, the south used a strategy that ensured the north spent more money which would, in turn, discourage the people from financing the War. The strategy involved prolonging the War to outlast the north; additionally, the south took advantage of its terrain, which was unknown to the union army.
References
The Civil War Reader | The American Yawp Reader. (n.d.). Web.
The Early Republic | The American Yawp (n.d.). Web.
Manifest Destiny | The American Yawp (n.d.). Web.
The Market Revolution Reader | The American Yawp Reader. (n.d.). Web.
Reconstruction Reader |. (n.d.). Web.
The Sectional Crisis | The American Yawp Reader (n.d.). Web.