Introduction
The nineteenth century was a challenging time for the country that tried to shape its political, economic, and social life after the Civil War. Reconstruction, Industrialization, and Progressive Era contributed to the significant systematic changes in society’s life and politics. As a result, by the end of the nineteenth century, the USA managed to become an imperial giant that influenced the force distribution in the world.
The Changes in Race Relations after Reconstruction
As an aftermath of the Civil War, the white South sought to regain influence overall states. While the “nature of federal-state relations” needed to be clarified, racism remained a tentative issue (Norton et al., 2008, p. 428). However, there was an emergence of significant shifts in race relations after the Reconstruction was over. Firstly, the legislative ground for the changes as outlined by the Thirteenth Amendment of 1865 that aimed at abolishing “involuntary servitude everywhere in the United States” and necessitated Congress to pass proper legislation (Norton et al., 2008, p. 430). Secondly, on a socio-cultural level, the Reconstruction provided previously enslaved African Americans a chance to become free; they reunited with their families, strive for independence, work, and education. Thirdly, on an organizational level, institutions like Freedmen’s Bureau were created to provide government aid to refugees and freedmen in housing, food, and education.
Influence of Industrialization on Politics
The Industrial Revolution facilitated the process of automation in production that helped rapid economic growth, urbanization, and the ultimate dominance of the highly developed USA. Firstly, the development of railroads and the emergence of plants and factories required active governmental control within the country to facilitate economic advancement and preserve the wellbeing of the poor. Secondly, the US’s external politics was also influenced due to the search for resources in underdeveloped countries, the relations that defined the international relations between the countries.
The Rise of the Progressive Movement
Religion and Social Morality
Urbanization and rapid industrialization needed to be managed from the social, moral, and political perspectives, which was the core of the Progressive Era of the 1895-1920s. The religious basis for this movement was Christianity, the morality of which was anticipated to unite the people. From the perspective of social morality, the rising large businesses induced the rise of the rich, but the life of the middle class was shaped by technology and innovation as the benchmarks of wellbeing.
Reform Movements in the Progressive Era
Woodrow Wilson’s reforms aimed at regulating business were central to the legislation of the era. Since the rise of large businesses was uncontrolled, specific taxation and regulation laws were aimed at stopping the abuses in the business sphere. As a result, price discrimination and interlocking directories were impossible that boosted the fair business opportunities. Thus, the reformation was aimed at gaining justice in the business sphere.
Impact of the Progressive Movement on Politics
Although Progressivism emerged as a social movement, it transformed into a political one. The domestic political reforms were aimed at improving the transparency of the government, increasing the political rights of women, and minimizing the influence of large corporations on politics. On a foreign policy level, the Progressive Movement allowed for strengthening the influence of the US overseas and pursuing its international interests by military and colonial means.
The Role of American Imperialism in Conflicts
The rising power of the US induced its capability of engaging in conflicts to gain new territories and obtain more power on a global level. The overall imperialistic approach to foreign policy determined the role of America in such conflicts as the Hawaiian annexation and World War I. The process of the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands started with the subordination of the Hawaiian economy and owning its wealth (Norton et al., 2008). This induced a national crisis and the inability of the Hawaiian government to resolve it, and the US was able to expand its influence. Similarly, the imperial competition between America and European countries over new territories led to the outbreak of World War I.
Reference
Norton, M. B., Kamensky, J., Sheriff, C., Blight, D. W., & Chudacoff, H. (2008). A people and a nation: A history of the United States. Cengage Learning.