The History of Amerca
The good and bad times (1800's-1900's) by Pres Remington
Industrialization (proud/ashamed)
Political
During this period, there was a lot political corruption. There was scandal after scandal involving politically powerful men abusing their power. In turn, a lot of frustration from the citizens came about towards the politicians. Capitalists had most of the control in society.
Economic
With new immigrants, came new job opportunities. Because these people were very desperate for work to be able to survive in America, they were able to work for relatively low pay. The weaving industry was the first to be in large production with many workers.
Social/cultural
While factories created jobs for many, the pay was low. In result, social classes formed, more specifically, the lower class, which lived in tenement housings. In factories, the workers suffered through poor working conditions. Their lack of well being resulted in some progressive thinkers emerged later on.
Immigration (mostly ashamed)
Political
Politicians and the upper class businessmen would discriminate against new immigrants looking for work. Many immigrants later on in the immigration wave were illiterate, and did not have any education.
Economic
New immigrants meant new workers, thus creating new jobs. In return, these new jobs and employees made more money for the country. But, with new desperate employees, sweatshops emerged. These poor working conditions had a negative effect on the immigrants, but they could not do anything about it.
Social
New immigrants were discriminated against by the workers already in America, along with the higher-ups in the company they were working for. Some immigrants were escaping religious persecution, but only met racial persecution.
Urbanization (proud/ashamed)
Political
During urbanization, political machines came about. These guaranteed politicians election opportunities but brought along corruption. Robber Barons were also a topic of controversy in the aspect of money.
Economic
Due to the rapid population growth, skyscrapers were built to separate the higher classes from the tenement housing. With this came the vast separation of social classes. The rich and poor had never been more separate, and it was obvious which were which.
Social
Large separation of social classes due to the number of immigrants. Business owners lived in suburbs and worked in skyscrapers while the poor people lived in tenement housing. Disease spread rapidly throughout tenements due to the close quarters
Progressivism (proud)
Political
During this era, laws were passed to benefit the working man. Teddy Roosevelt was nicknamed the "trust buster" because of such laws that broke up overpowering businesses. This eliminated most of the bad monopolies from taking over a certain industry single-highhandedly.
Economic
With big business and cheap workers, monopolies began to form. While some trusts were bad and broken up, some were very profitable in a positive way. Mass produced items began to be sold and immigrants worked in their factories.
Social
During this time there was a lot of things going on behind closed doors, along with many rights being denied to people. Muckrakers, civil rights protesters, and social reforms were involved. Such civil rights activists included Booker T. Washington, Ida Tarbell, and others.
Imperialism (proud)
Political
Different countries began to set up international trade. China was split up to different countries, and America expanded its political power over poorer nations.
Economic
Used to seek new markets on an international scale. The annexation of Hawaii occurred and was incorporated into America, thus opening new doors to pacific trade routes to China, Japan, etc.
Social
Spread industry, democracy, and Christianity to undeveloped societies. The US felt it was their duty to spread their ideals.
World War I (proud)
Political
At first, America tried to remain out of the war using a strategy of isolation. Ultimately, they were brought into the war by the death of US citizens attacked by German U-boats.
US President Woodrow Wilson declares war against Germany during World War I. HD Stock Footage
Economic
Major cut backs of goods were issued by the government to maximize the funds to the military. The government rationed food and supplies, and also sold war bonds to make extra profit.
Social
Propaganda such as "we want you" in order to inspire the American civilians. There was also fear of being drafted into the army through selective service. To the soldiers already serving, trench warfare brought on disease and large chance of death.