The United States in the Early 20th Century Essay (Critical Writing)

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Progressive movement

In the early 20th century, the United States went through a time of enlightenment. The nation experienced a movement that focused on the achievement of the various tenets outlined by the concept of progressivism. Notably, the focus of the movement was on the three main pillars of progressivism, which espouse the promotion of morality, improved efficiency, and promotion of democracy and fairness in governance.

From the standpoint of the leaders of the movement, the country suffered from poor democracy, corruption, and unfair treatment. The leaders argued that the country had not managed the issues of industrialization, immigration, and women’s suffrage effectively. As such, the movement focused on ensuring that companies did not exercise the exploitation of the citizens and that the state had to respect the people of all genders and give them a voice.

Although the main leaders of the movement such as Grace Abboth and Sophonisba Breckinridge did not involve themselves in politics, some leaders in the political class who comprised Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt became ambassadors of the movement. These leaders advocated for the inclusion of all individuals in government activities and equal treatment.

Furthermore, the leaders advanced trusts and laws that could help govern the operations of industries as some of the tools useful in the attainment of fair democracy. The movement also challenged the government to improve old methods of doing things and adopt modern methods that are more efficient. As such, it is practical to assert that the factors advanced by the progressive movement centered on morality, just democracy, and, improved efficiency. In effect, the current state of the United States is an outcome of the movement that initiated the enactment of various laws that shaped the destiny of the country.

US-Japanese relations from 1853-1941

The relationship between the United States and Japan has grown over time to its present state. The earliest stages of the relationship dating back to 1853 when the Japanese government approved a treaty presented to them and the United States acquired the right to dock their vessels and trade at the ports of Japan. The treaty ensured that citizens of the United States would enjoy a decent treatment in case of accidents and shipwrecks as well as a privilege to enjoy religious freedom.

Moreover, the treaty approved by the government of Japan enabled the United States to enjoy the privileges of the ‘most favored country’, also enjoyed by countries like Germany and Britain. A chance to trade in the Far East and Japan received some scale of hostility especially from the Japanese citizens, a situation that led to an exchange of fire and penalties that amounted to $3,000,000 on the Japanese government.

However, after the hostile treatment, Japan began a journey towards industrializing herself in the quest to minimize vulnerability to treaties and laws enacted in favor of European countries. The journey led to the improvement of immigration between the United States and Japan. As a result, people from Japan started migrating to the United States. The favorable immigration rules that emerged because of improved relations between the United States and Japan led to an influx of Japanese citizens.

Some of the treaties that facilitated the flourishing relationship between the two countries include the ‘Five Power Treaty’ signed in 1922which gave Japan an equivalent position among Germany, Great Britain, France, and the United States. The treaty also ensured that Japanese nationals would enjoy a number of naval privileges in the Pacific without discrimination. Therefore, it is conclusive to assert that the relationship between the United States and Japan is a journey that has progressed productively over a number of decades.

Compare and contrast Roosevelt’s ‘New Nationalism’ with Theodore’s ‘New Freedom’

Although the two ideologies had a number of differences, they still displayed a range of similar factors. One of the major similarities presented by the two ideologies comprised the interest that they had towards the citizens of the United States. While Woodrow Wilson argued that the government would help address the exploitation experienced by the people, Roosevelt argued that human rights had to supersede property rights.

Scrutiny on the two arguments presents a similarity between the concept of ‘New Nationalism’ and ‘New Freedom’. It is important to note that ‘New Nationalism’ held the view that large companies had to be managed using trusts so that they deliver their services without exploitation and for the common good of the nation. On the other hand, ‘New Freedom’ stated that although monopolies should not be subjects of trust, the federal government has to regulate their actions so that they execute their activities in the right manner.

The major contrast that is evident from the two ideologies revolves around the manner in which the state should control the operations of companies. Roosevelt believed that trust should be a tool that the government employs to manage the operations of large entities. The belief is different from that held by Wilson who stated that the federal government should monitor the behavior of companies without the need for enactment of trusts. Notably, Wilson observed that there would be no freedom if the government used trusts to manage the operations of companies. In his perspective, Wilson stated that for America to be free the government had to exercise minimal direct control on companies and allow them to run their affairs in an independent manner.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2020, September 7). The United States in the Early 20th Century. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-united-states-in-the-early-20th-century/

Work Cited

"The United States in the Early 20th Century." IvyPanda, 7 Sept. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/the-united-states-in-the-early-20th-century/.

References

IvyPanda. (2020) 'The United States in the Early 20th Century'. 7 September.

References

IvyPanda. 2020. "The United States in the Early 20th Century." September 7, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-united-states-in-the-early-20th-century/.

1. IvyPanda. "The United States in the Early 20th Century." September 7, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-united-states-in-the-early-20th-century/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "The United States in the Early 20th Century." September 7, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-united-states-in-the-early-20th-century/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1