American society 1880-1920
By Jackson Laws
Political effects of Insdustrialization
Theodore Roosevelt was an outspoken critic of the trusts in America. Specifically the railroad and oil monopoly that was forming under the governments nose. With the help of the Sherman Anti-Trust laws he was able to regulate the trusts that were in America. I'm proud of this because it meant people wouldn't be able to control politics with money.
Economic effects of Industrialization
Monopolies were not checked at strictly during the Industrialization of America. Many people took advantage of this and stretched monopolies over industry. Andrew Carnegie's steel company and Rockefeller Oil were Captains of Industry and Robber-Barons than dominated the economy. I am ashamed of how citizens used unfair practices to gain a foothold over others.
Social effects of Industrialization
Social Darwinism was a believe that the natural selection theory should carry into the business world. Sociology of the time agreed that in order to do well in the real world a man must do whatever it takes to succeed economically. Political institutions also took note and were more driven to harm others if it meant personal gain. I'm both ashamed and proud of this movement because it spurred individuality and sparked the American dream but also encouraged people to prioritize themselves over anyone else.
Political effects of Immigration
The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1882 and was not repealed until 1947 in post-wwI America. This long period created a stigma against the Chinese people and subjected the Chinese-Americans to harsh policies that made life very difficult. I am ashamed of how my government failed to represent those who immigrated because of economic options.
Economic effects of Immigration
By 1920 there was an influx of new buisness in America. Over 15% of Americans were 1st generation immigrants that came for economic opprotunities. Factory jobs and agricultural jobs were the aims for these immigrants and they were eventuallt able to start their own trade and pursue the American dream. I'm proud that we as a nation opened our borders and allowed success for other citizens.
Social effects of Immigration
During the time when a multitude of nationalities were coming to America a trend started. Self-assimilation was a trend that "birds of a feather flock together" and many of the same cultures stayed with what they knew instead of being westernized. Chinese immigrants went of to found Chinatown and other nationalities founded their own havens. I'm proud that these cultures were preserved and remain present to this day.
Political effects of Urbanization
Municipalities are often credited with making cities in early 1900s America live-able. The city would subsidize their public works to private companies that were much more efficient. The result? Cleaner cities that cost the taxpayers of America less than it would've for a government run clean up project. I'm proud of the innovative and entrepreneureal minds that made this possible.
Economic effects of Urbanization
Infrastructure is the roads, cities, bridges, and basically anything that can be destroyed in an action movie. In the early 1900's America had a shocking lack of it. Jobless Americans went to work for companies that promised the government a safe and efficient cleanup jobs. I'm proud that the American officials finally found a way to assist the jobless community *cough* we need to fix our infrastructure again *cough*
Social effects of Urbanization
In the immediate aftermath of WWI people quickly began to realize that the cities were where the jobs were so a rural to urban movement was on the rise. But also on the rise was overcrowding in cities, a pollution rise, and record high cases of infectious diseases in cities. I'm proud that Americans followed the work but also embarrased we couldn't see the plausible rise in bad things.
Political effects of Progressivism
The 17th and 19th amendments to the constitution allowed the direct election of senators and the right for women to vote, respectively, and the result was more participation in government and the increase of freedoms for all americans. I am overwhelmingly proud of this nations willingness to adapt to the times it serves and be able to fairly represent everyone.
Economic effects of Progressivism
The Federal Reserve Act was in 1913 and decentralized private banking in the United States. The U.S. would now have control over the printed currency used in the U.S. The currency was expanded or contracted based on the nations monetary needs. I'm proud of this decision because in hindsight it made economic stability a reasonable goal and provided citizens with reliable currency.
Social effects of Progressivism
The Progressive Movement saw the government's power reach a new height. Now with regulations in place they could control trade agreements with other nations. They put an end to monopolies that challenged equality. And created the National Parks System. All these ideas went to see the increased power in the hands of the voters in pre-wwI America.
Political effects of Imperialism
The political background of the Panama Canal is one of betrayal and is something I'm bittersweet towards in our nation's history. On the more shameful side it the U.S. government staged a revolution with the government that included the deal of the Panama Canal. The more proud side is that the Panama Canal turned out to be a huge economic success and proved a budding relationship with Panama for the United States.
Economic effects of Imperialism
In a U.S. assisted revolution, citizens and United States soldiers were able to topple the Hawaiian government. It was a harsh move that took place before there were diplomatic talks of becoming a state. Although in the end i am proud the U.S. was able to increase the amount of states. Bittersweet victory again, Go USA.
Social effects of Imperialism
A sense of entitlement spurred with the onset of us helping other nations revolt such as Hawaii and Panama. If a country had a material or service we wanted but the government did not ablidge then we as a nation thought it was right to upstage a revolt or revolution as long as the rebels agreed to our terms. I am ashamed of how we were able to convince ourselves that we were better than other soveign nations.
Political effects of World War I
Woodrow Wilson's idea of a league of Nations is a perfect example of American politics at work. Wilson's idea was to join multiple world powers than could work together to stop a potential threat before it became a global war again. I'm proud of the fact that this failed. Our congress reviewed it and did not like the league's power to declare war without congressional approval. It was a good thing that the League of Nations never saw the light of day.
Economic effects of World War I
In the aftermath of The Great War many moved to cities because of the economic growth spurred on by a working age majority. During the war women entered the workplace which led to acceptance and equality. Cities such as Detroit had the greatest population increase because of the automotive industry.
Social effects of World War I
During World War I every resource imaginable was conserved for troops and was rationed at home. To conserve wool and cotton for the war effort many women had shorter dresses and less "protective" clothing. I am proud of this social advancement because it led to the roaring 20s and a more socially accepting nation.