World Between 1880-1920
World War I
WWI was a very turbulent and confusing time, but many new technologies were invented and used through out the war. A few key events and notable discoveries were the creation of the Machine Gun, the first aircraft to be used in war, submarines, total war, et cetera. New policies governed the land and sea: Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare killed many innocent merchant and passenger ships during the span of the war. America stayed neutral for most of the war due to the isolationist policy. I am proud of the inventions and resourcefulness of the time, and helping stop the spread of a soon to be empire.
Imperialism
America was largely imperialistic for a long time. We fought Spain on account of the Dominican Republic and Cuba, helping free the enslaved nations and in turn got land, money, low wage workers, and resources. The whole reason America helped these countries besides the calls of the people for America to declare war was economics. We needed workers, resources, and wanted to expand our territory. This was the perfect opportunity, and I can say that I am proud of America for stepping in, but shamed about some of the possible ulterior motives.
Progressivism
The Progressive Era was a largely socialistic era. Some did good, and others not so good. Many people with socialist ideas were in powerful and or influential places. Segregation was still a major problem, and many attempts to quell the violence did little to nothing. Though a few black intellectuals were able to obtain a place of high influence and the first black college was built. The Pure Food and Drug Act was passed after the lacking sanitation procedures of many clinics and slaughterhouses were discovered. I am proud that we did progress as a nation in this era, but shameful that some anti - democratic or anti - American people got into powerful places.
Urbanization
When the population of the rural areas decreased because many people that were originally farmers moved to the city, city life turned from free and modern to taxing and dirty. The Civil Service Act was put in place to help cities deal with the influx of people, cleaning the streets, taking trash, etc. These people were government workers. A movement of christian intellectuals called Social Gospel swept across America, giving speeches and debating in front of large audiences. Another major factor in this age was Mass Culture, an intertwining of many different cultures to become one new culture, that still affects us today. I am proud of the will of the people and how well they overcame this new challenge.
Immigration
In this era (1880-1920) was a huge influx. Cities couldn't take the amount of people fleeing from famine, war, politics, poverty, disease, etc. The first immigrants or 'Old Immigrants' came with money and a will to work. Later on, the 'New Immigrants', came with little to no money, often little work drive, and little respect. These immigrants proposed a never before faced challenge. Settlement houses or tenement houses were set up in the tens of thousands to help immigrants settle. These houses were largely made of wood, had one or two public bathrooms, and tight, cramped living quarters. They were notorious for being fire and falling hazards. Soon, hate brewed towards these new immigrants as myths and exaggerated claims rose from nowhere. This led to the Chinese Exclusion Act and many other nationality related bans, which banned the immigration of these people to the U.S., and if they somehow got on a ship, they were hauled back at the ships expense. I am proud at the quick reactions by the people, but shamed as rumors, myths, and exaggerated tales caused whole nations to be denied access to America.
industrialization
Around this time many great and ingenious discoveries and inventions came about. Never before had an explosion of such knowledge and machinery come about. Child labor, factories, and jobs, just to name a few, were readily available. Monopolies came about with people such as Rockefeller and Carnegie controlling a whole industry and capable of charging whatever price they wanted, and offering little pay. Another problem was pollution, causing sickness and death of animals. This was eventually controlled by catalysts and other filters. I am proud of how far we came and the overall genius of the era.