During the reconstruction of America towards the end of 1870s and the 1900th century, the concept of progressivism was the organizing principles of liberalism and progressive reformers. However, the ideology was a divided opinion among democrats and republicans. Some thought it was a perfect way to revolutionize power and organizations, and a way of political game; while others thought it was a way of comprehending social and rhetoric thoughts.The mixed reactions resulted in disagreement on progressivism characteristic. These developments led in an emergence of progressive politics, that in itself was not factual reforms but rather aggressive politics. According to Daniel Rodgers, they were not under any form of organization; in fact, they were just acting on matters democracy, anti-trust policy and suffrage.
Failure to agree with the concept of progressivism between conservatives and other citizens; issue-oriented lobby groups emerged to demand and address critical questions. Among them was the characteristic of concentration of power by politicians that had massive influence on economy. In addition, concentration of power to few individuals prompted debates about reforms that later favored all. Undoubtedly, the integration led to the growth of south and east coast of American cities. Moreover, pressure on the concepts of progressivism, was brought about by the integration. This resulted in the growth of south and east coast of American cities. Indeed, this was prompted by urbanization, industrialization and immigration; that led to an end of progressivism. The American economy in the 1870s towards 1900th century changed dramatically, through horizontal and vertical integration, as well as a tight competition between industrialist and economic empires. This massive growth was fuelled by high population density from south and North, and efficient communication that led to market growth.
Integration was not only influenced by quantity of natural resources; but also migrants leading to supply of labor. Availability of capital to businessman and the support of business by the government and new tactics induced monopoly of industries. The rapid growth of railroad and connections between the east and west enhanced efficient linkage and exploration of businesses. The rail connected products to markets, which also provided nationwide transportation of good.
Competition among big business man and tycoons cemented the growth of industries. For instance, business tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt and Jay Gould dominated the railroad. On the hand, Robber Barron gurus in the industries, capitalized on completion through government support and wealth to enjoy the monopoly. However, this practice drifted due to the evolution of steel and oil industries respectively. J.P. Morgan of steel and John D. Rockefeller on the oil gained full control and monopoly of this industry in the United States. Although this monopolistic exercise sparked controversy from the middle class and conservatives. Majority felt a social gap; that the government favors a group of people to the other; in which capitalism was exercised by breaking laissez-fair. Notably, an antitrust movement was formed by American people. In which the businessman reacted to this action by developing theaters, libraries and museums. This period saw the emergence of technology, electricity and more aggressive media adverts among other inventions
After the Civil War and the integration, there were mixed reactions that seemed to cut across the board. Certainly, young and middle class got jobs; and wages massively grew, and labor displeasure unions were lobbied. I.e. the Crafts Union and National Labor. By 1900th, nearly forty percent of Americans inhabited the developed cities. The East and South Coast grew spectacularly, fueled by internal migration and the arrival of immigrants. The growth of cities created job markets and stimulated economic expansions. In addition, the growing cities created opportunities for all, which developed the urban nation. There was notable massive migration and Immigration in the cities, especially New York.
The 1900th century experienced Social, Economic, and Political Upheaval. Politicians influenced business activities through convincing voters, although for personal interests. Ultimately, they achieved their intentions by linking their activities to citizens’ attitudes and role of the government. They advocated for family values and equity for all. During this period, the strength of Political parties was determined by religious and ethnic societies. Democrats had dominated the southern sectors while Republicans enjoyed support from Midwest. The Regulation of Money Supply steered economic policy problems among politicians and businessmen. Moreover, the appointments of state offices were done on merit; who reformed the civil service sector. In 1884, President Cleveland promoted privileges on tariffs, such duty-free goods and vetoed an act that pensioned veterans. Patronage for Farmers was a movement formed to cater for farmers’ plight. This included alliance movements that advocated for supply of farm equipment for agriculture.
During 1900th century to 2000th century, Conservatives had to devise methods of tackling corruption. They encompassed former Union Soldiers, who anticipated to create factories, bought lands and invested in railroads. The South Carolina convention established democratic changes and abolished the property qualification for seniors in office as well. They turned appointive offices to elective post; and created universal suffrage for all. These opinions were successful because the delegates were freedmen and the blacks. However, no state instituted land reforms. When proposals for land confiscation and redistribution arose at the state conventions, they fell to defeat, as they had in Congress. Republicans from south hoped to attract investment in the north, but delayed in enacting property rights and adopting land-reform measures that northern Republicans had denied. When power shifted to a new state government, Republican administrations started ambitious schedule of public works. They endorsed railroad bonds, funded institutions to care for disabled orphans and built roads and bridges. They also developed public schools, state bureaucracies and formed state militias where blacks were heavily represented. Although, the reforms were expensive, the tax base skyrocketed massively influencing the countries’ economies. .
During 1920s, the U.S experienced business boom. Notably, the Gross Domestic Product rose to 40%, increased employment, and about 60% of consumer goods were electrified. Further, automobiles contributed to increases in wages and capital. The U.S tariffs on imports favored domestic manufactures while labor wage rates grew higher. At the same time, farm product prices also plummeted.
The depression of the New Deal was caused by the crunch in the stock market, extreme propensity, inequality of income distribution, overproduction of farm consumer products. The depression resulted in poverty, increase of powers in the federal government and a dramatic drop in the Gross National Product. President Hoover’s policies and tariffs affected the U.S-foreign trade, causing protest and conflicts between the army and Americans. To some liberals and conservatives spearheaded by Franklin D. Roosevelt was contradicting. Roosevelt ultimately believed in the American capitalist, but also, he was on the idea that the American capitalism required urgent reforms to survive. Reasonably, the new idea was not only confusing, but also chaotic.
In conclusion, the period of 1980s to1900th century saw developments in America's based on the concept of progressivism. Certainly, historians dismissed the idea due to lack of the factual issue-oriented to all. In which, Conservatives described as aggressive politics and centralize power among few individuals. These led to establishment of pressure groups, which championed women suffrage, balanced trade and economies, and social sound practice; the conservative status quo was coupled with many factors, including urbanization of American cities, migration and immigration of Europeans, political influence on the economy and expansion of industries. Finally, the findings clearly summarize globalization effect that induced pressure on America to adopt new global practices.
Works Cited
Cather, Willa. My Antonia. n.d.
Debs, Eugene V. The Industrial Workers:The Convention and Its Work. Ohio: Toledo, 1905.
Litwack, Leon F. Trouble in Mind: Black Southerners in the Age of Jim Crow. New York: SuNY press, 1999.
Passos, John Dos. The 42nd Parallel. Oxford, 1919.
Rodgers, Daniel T. Reviews in American History; In Search of Progressivism. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1982.
Sumner, William Graham. What Social Classes Owe to Each Other. New York: united states of america, 1883.
