Introduction
It is important to note that American history is multifaceted and complex when defining it unilaterally as a continuity or change. A more accurate description method would be stating that it was and is a mixture of these two dynamics. The eight characteristics include civil rights, immigration, foreign policy, domestic policy, 1A, patriotism, gender, and religion. A close look at American history in Module 9 revealed that external elements, such as the Cold War and immigration, are continuities. Still, internal components, such as gender relations and the economy, have undergone significant changes.
The Cold War Reimagined: Continuity Through Shifting Superpowers
Firstly, the Cold War has always existed in one shape or form, but with different players. For example, in 2014, the US unofficially entered Cold War II with the Russian Federation, and recently, the hostility became apparent concerning China as well. In other words, the key players changed from the USSR to the Sino-Russian alliance, but the framework remained the same. The main reason for having Cold Wars is due to nuclear weapons, because a hot war between nuclear superpowers will mean the end of human civilization. It is a clear example of continuity on the geopolitical and external fronts for the US.
Immigration and Discrimination: A Persistent Pattern of Injustice
Secondly, immigration also belongs to the external elements since it involves non-US citizens coming into America. Historically, immigrants were always subject to exploitation and poor treatment. For instance, the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, the internment of Japanese individuals in World War II, post-9/11 animosity towards Sikhs, and the contemporary crisis at the Mexican border all exemplify instances of discrimination throughout history. In a sense, immigrants today continue to be vulnerable and without proper rights in the US, and no significant or major change can be observed.
Gender Equality in America: From Oppression to Transformation
Thirdly, American history is full of monumental changes regarding its internal elements, such as gender relations. Although there are still issues, such as the gender pay gap or LGBT+ discrimination, the current state of affairs is incomparably better than it was 150 years ago. Gender roles have become more egalitarian, where women can acquire education, vote, work, open businesses, and benefit from every opportunity offered to men. A series of feminist movements brought lasting changes to how American women are treated in the US, and today’s problems are minuscule due to the oppression of women in the past. The latter means that significant changes took place in America and are not a mere continuity.
Economic Transformation and Inequality: A Dual Narrative of Change and Continuity
Lastly, the history of the American economy can be viewed as both continuity and change, depending on one’s perspective. On the one hand, the US economy has experienced significant shifts from manufacturing to a service economy, and today, it is the leader in tech and digital economic changes. Therefore, the economy is not continuous but instead marked with drastic shifts in its patterns and trends. However, on the other hand, economic inequality and the socioeconomic disparity between the upper, middle, and working classes have only been worsening. In this sense, the inequalities seem continuous and worsen as time passes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, examining American history demonstrates that external factors, such as the Cold War and immigration, have remained continuous. In contrast, internal aspects, such as gender dynamics and the economy, have experienced considerable changes. Recognizing American history’s complexity and multifaceted nature is crucial, as it cannot be categorized as either continuity or change. A more precise way to describe it would be to acknowledge that it has always been a blend of both of these elements.
References
- Michael Lind, “Welcome to Cold War II,” The National Interest 155, (2018): 9.
- Juan Gonzalez, Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America (New York: Penguin Books, 2022), 78.
- Lea Pessin, “Changing Gender Norms and Marriage Dynamics in the United States,” Journal of Marriage and Family 80, no. 1 (2018): 25.
- Stephen A. Herzenberg, John A. Alic, and Howard Wial, New Rules for a New Economy: Employment and Opportunity in Post-Industrial America. (MUSE ed. New York: Cornell University Press, 2018), 124.