Introduction
Liberalism is a political doctrine based on the ideas of liberty and equality for every individual. Liberalism espouses the idea that the government is in place to protect the citizens. The fundamentals of liberalism include free elections; freedom of worship; freedom of the press, and freedom of speech. Liberalists also believe in equality for all races, and the right to due process. In modern times, liberal politics has evolved to include environmental justice, civil rights and the right to adequate standards of living. The government has the responsibility of providing equal education, adequate social infrastructure and healthcare in order to fulfill the responsibility to the welfare of all citizens. This paper will examine the development of liberal politics in the United States and how liberal political agendas have created a welfare state in the United States.
Progressive Era
Progressivism is a political doctrine founded on the idea of progress. The philosophy asserts that advancement in technology, science, social organization, and the economy are vital in the process of improving the human condition. Progressivism in the U.S flourished from the late 1890s into the 1920s. The primary goal of progressivism was to expose corruption in government and to demand more accountability from the government. Progressives were intent on changing all aspects of government operation. Muckrakers were investigative journalists who sought to expose social ill, corruption and wastage in the government and corporate sectors. Muckraking started in 1900s and continued to be significant until World War One. Notable muckrakers include George Creel, Samuel Hopkins, Francis Keller and Edwin Markham .
During the progressive era, the attitudes towards urban-industrial society warmed. People had an active interest in improving the environment and human living conditions. Progressives intervened in all social and economic matters. Women formed clubs that were involved in the suffrage, prohibition, education and public health. Philanthropy developed during the progressive era with the creation of foundations to help society. Most donations went towards improving hospitals, schools, healthcare centers and libraries. Charitable organizations adopted efficient and business-oriented operations designed to improve the society. Progressives implemented amendments to enable people to rule more directly and circumvent political bureaucracy. Cities established municipal reference bureaus to streamline operations of local governments. The education sector experienced growth in the number of institutions and students served .
New Deal
The New Deal was a series of political plans that were enacted in the U.S. in the 1930s by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The programs were initiated to combat the effects of the Great Depression. During that period, the American populace was dissatisfied with the economy, levels of unemployment and declining wages. New Deal programs were aimed at providing relief for the poor; recovering the economy, and reforming the economy to prevent an economic downturn. The First New Deal incorporated the ideas offered by a spectrum of social groups. Various amendments were passed by the Congress to ease the pressure on citizens. Despite the best efforts of the government, the Great Depression continued to hurt, and unemployment was rampant. The Social Security Act was drafted in 1935 by Frances Perkins. Frances Perkins was the U.S. Secretary of Labor between 1933 and 1945. The act launched payment programs for retirement programs, welfare benefits for the disabled, needy children and the unemployed. The Social Security Act provided a framework for the welfare system .
During the Second New deal, more programs were initiated to provide employment. The Social Security Act was enacted to cater for the needs of senior citizens, the unemployed, orphans, and the disabled. Tax policies were adopted to redistribute wealth and to gain funding for the government in order to cushion against the Great Depression. New Deal programs helped reduce interest rates, offer farm subsidies and create work programs. The New Deal era established the opinion that the Federal government was responsible for the welfare of all citizens. The New Deal reduced the rate of unemployment and created balance for industry, labor, and agriculture. The New Deal Coalition was an alignment of political groups of interest groups that supported New Deal policies. The coalition was comprised of people from all races. The coalition was aligned towards the Democratic Party. The coalition was rampant during the 1930s and 1940s.
Great Society
The Great Society was a series of programs that were instituted in the 1960s by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The main objectives of the Great Society were to eliminate poverty and implement racial equality. The programs initiated addressed problems in education, healthcare, municipalities and transportation. Civil rights acts were enacted by the Congress to ease to increase racial equity and eradicate discrimination. The bills established minority voting and registration. Funds were provided for education programs in slum areas. The economic policies adopted were aimed at reducing poverty, increasing wages, enhance education and provide tax cuts. The Great Society passed several laws to conserve the environment and reduce water, air, and land pollution. The legislation included: Clean Air Act; Solid Waste Disposal Act; Wilderness Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act .
In 1965, Medicare was authorized, and the goal was to provide funding for the medical costs of senior citizens. Medical payments were linked to private insurance systems. Medicaid was established to provide healthcare for people of all ages. All states were given the mandate to administer their individual Medicaid programs. The Great Society initiated housing programs that provided rent supplements. The measures enacted provided funding to states depending on the number of school-going children in from poor families. The government addressed transportation problems by passing legislation to provide funds to local governments to develop safety programs. States set up safety standards for vehicles and tires. The Great Society experienced the highest number of statutes that improved welfare in the U.S .
Conclusion
Liberalism is a political doctrine centered on the ideas of liberty and equality for every individual. The government is tasked with providing equal education, adequate social infrastructure and healthcare in order to fulfill the responsibility to the welfare of all citizens. Progressivism is a doctrine founded on the ideals of progress. Progressives exposed corruption in government and demanded more accountability regarding state resources. During the progressive era, the attitudes towards urban-industrial society warmed and the education sector experienced growth. New Deal programs were aimed at providing relief for the poor; recovering the economy, and reforming the economy to prevent an economic downturn. The Great Society was a series of programs initiated to address problems in education, healthcare, municipalities and transportation. Learning liberalism enables one to appreciate the economic developments that have happened over time and the improvements that can be made.
References
Burchill, S. (2012). Theories of International Relations. In Liberalism (pp. 29-69).
Matusow, A. (2009). A History of Liberalism in the 1960. University of Georgia Press.
