Background
The Civil War and the Reconstruction period had a significant impact on American society and the development of the political and social relationships within and out of the country. On the one hand, the first wave of globalization at the beginning of the 19th century shaped Western Europe and demonstrated the potential of the United States. On the other hand, the American government had to be ready to work hard to demonstrate its importance in the global arena. This paper aims to answer the question, “In the years following the Civil War and Reconstruction, how did the United States move from national problems to international prominence?”. It is not enough to identify some social and political changes and describe the steps taken. The new American government policies led to global trade and social interactions with other peoples on the basis the maritime expansion, trade improvements, and migration processes.
The Reconstruction and the Civil War proved the readiness of the United States to extend the idea of human rights and re-evaluate such issues as discrimination and violence. In addition to recognizing the Black populations’ needs, the US government developed new policies to establish global trade and social relationships. Although some national problems were neglected, such decisions allowed addressing and strengthening the country’s international image. Such events as the Open Door Policy by John Hay, Pacific acquisitions through the maritime expansion, and the promotion of the American Dream concept introduced America as a world power. Many countries could not ignore the impact of a new player in their international business affairs. The US international prominence was no longer a question but a solid statement, relying on its recent experience.
Discussion
After Reconstruction, the US government had to solve multiple racial segregation problems and use the Industrial Revolution to expand its impact internationally. The closing of the American frontiers shaped the country’s national character to ensure the worth of democracy and nationalism (Schultz, 2013). Most financial resources were evaluated to create new markets and demonstrate the ability to participate in global trade interactions. The United States did not want to remain isolated, and, at the end of the 19th century, John Hays, the US Secretary of State, offered the Open Door Policy to promote equal trade and investments within the Asian region. One of the three points was the necessity to control harbor dues and railroad charges (Hay, 1899). Pacific acquisitions were additional attempts to stabilize the US-China relationships and offer American goods to Asian nations (Schultz, 2013). That policy was critical for expanding the US markets for industrialized products and services.
Another step was the implementation of the American Dream concept by James Truslow Adams in 1931. He showed that it was possible to achieve a better and richer life than previous generations’ intentions and demonstrate a stable peace in social interactions (McGowan, 2019). Such a strong idea attracted public attention globally, which increased migration and changed the way people could live their lives, showing that America was interested in improving social relationships.
Reflection
In my opinion, circumstances similar to anything experienced at the end of the 1800s and the beginning of the 1900s could not be forgotten or neglected. Although today the position of the United States is stronger and clearer compared to the 20th century, I think that some similarities exist. For example, the concept of the American Dream continues inspiring millions of people who truly believe in their lives’ improvement on the American land. On the other hand, the first open door note would hardly be appropriate today because the US government has already succeeded as a reliable business partner across the globe. Instead of defining its frontiers or impacts, it is time to show the world how inviolable the country’s position could be.
References
Hay, J. (1899). The open door note. Web.
McGowan, H. E. (2019). Can we save the American Dream? Forbes. Web.
Schultz, K. M. (2013). HIST, volume 2: US history since 1865 (3rd ed.). Wadsworth Publishing.