President Theodore Roosevelt was a reform leader set to change the nation in several ways. He was President during the Progressive Era, and during this time only one percent of the population held over half of the nation's wealth. He focused on putting an end to monopolizing trusts, protecting the consumers, and conserving the environment. President Truman was in power during wartime. He was a though leader who also wanted to limit the power of wealthy corporations. Truman's domestic policy, however, differed from Roosevelt's. Truman preferred to concentrate on reform for the average worker, and incorporated civil rights into his policy. Therefore, Truman's policies were more effective with regards to the economy, the consumers, and society.
Truman is often viewed as a tougher leader because he made the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. However, his main concern at the moment was to put a quick end to World War I, and the bomb successfully did so. Although President Roosevelt introduced the Square Deal to make everything fair and square for all consumers, Taft's Fair Deal seemed more effective. President Taft had a harder task: demobilization. He had to reconvert the economy from one tailored to wartime needs to a consumer economy. His Fair Deal program is often compared to FDR's New Deal due to its extensive focus on reform.
Although President Truman wanted reform, his main concern was to prevent inflation due to postwar causes. He successfully did so with the aid of the Office Price Administration. Also, he prevented work stoppage during the railroad workers strike. When he threatened to seize the railroads, the strike ended. He also used his rough ways to end the United Mine Workers Strike by taking over the mines until the workers and the companies compromised. His iron fist proved to be effective in keeping the economy flowing. As part of his Fair Deal, he provided the nation with the Minimum Wage Act of 1949, which increased minimum wage.
When it came to consumers, they were a top priority for Truman. The Pure Food and Drug Act as well as the Meat Inspection Act also show Roosevelt's concern for American consumers. Those acts passed by Roosevelt protected individuals by requiring the federal government to inspect food. Yet, Truman's consumer policy was more effective in aiding the general public rather than targeting only meat consumers. The Social Security Act of 1950 extended coverage to self-employed Americans. It also increased benefits for retired individuals. Also, the Housing Act of 1949 aided poor Americans by providing the means necessary for clearing slums and providing affordable housing.
President Truman successfully helped American consumers. Yet he was also concerned about society. President Roosevelt hoped to provide a better society by conservation, which in turn would lead to a more caring and aware society. He passed the Newlands Reclamation Act Bill. However, the lands set aside with this bill were later used for capitalistic purposes. Truman's plan to aid society was more effective. Although he angered Democrats and Republican conservatives, he created the Committee on Civil Rights, which was focused anti-discrimination and anti-segregation. He also desegregated the federal government and the armed forces. Finally, he appointed black federal judges.
Both Presidents, Truman and Roosevelt were passionate about their causes. They also both intended to reform America. However, when it comes to the economy, the consumers, and society, Truman was more effective. He successfully prevented work stoppages after World War II, and helped the economy smoothly transition back into a peacetime economy. Also, he provided American with housing and extended social security benefits. Finally, he called for black civil rights. Policies he enacted then set the tone for present day America. The government as well as the armed forces remain desegregated today. Most importantly, by appointing black federal judges he paved the way for black Americans to hold leadership positions.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Analyze President Roosevelts foreign policy in light of the considerable opposition and obstacles he faced in helping Great Britain.
As the United States was overcoming the hardships of the Great Depression, desperate foreigneers looked to the light of facism to bring about better times. When the fascist leaders, Hitler and Mussolini opted to conquer Europe, the British allowed this in order to maintain peace. However, when Germany became greedier and demanded all of Czechoslovakia, France and Britain declared war. As the other dominating Democratic-Republican world power, Roosevelt felt the United States should be allowed to help. However, others believed the nation should steer clear of foreign affairs. Roosevelt had to deal with America's differing opinions regarding neutrality, isolationism, and aid to the British.
Other takes on the war involved isolationism. Leas by Charles A. Lindbergh, the America First Commitee wanted the war to remain in Europe. Most importantly, they clearly voiced their opinions calling for American needs to be met first. They wanted America to focus on defending itself first.
The Neutrality Acts were passed in order to keep the nation out of another world war. The United States was just beginning to overcome the Great Depression, and the people did not want to deal with the stresses of war. According to the Neutrality Acts, Americans were not allowed to sell of make loans to belligerents. Furthermore, Americans could not sail on belligerent ships. Although the Neutrality Acts were made to keep the United States out of foreign affairs, they would eventually lead to American involvement in the war. While the United States refused to help Britain, the fascist nations were becoming more and more powerful. Therefore, harder to defeat without American aid.
Although Americans did not want war, those who did advocated for selfish needs. President Roosevelt found ways to still help Britain. Through the "cash and carry" program, countries at war were allowed to purchase arms given they provided their own transportation. Also, President Roosevelt was able to provide the British with credit through the "lend-lease" program. Finally, Roosevelt exchanged U.S. Navy destroyers for military bases in the Caribbean.
The United States tried to be neutral. Through the Neutrality Acts and the America First Comitee, America made a sincere attempt to stay out of foreign affairs. However, President Roosevelt still managed to help Britain through certain programs such as the "cash and carry" and "lend-lease."
Other takes on the war involved isolationism. Leas by Charles A. Lindbergh, the America First Commitee wanted the war to remain in Europe. Most importantly, they clearly voiced their opinions calling for American needs to be met first. They wanted America to focus on defending itself first.
The Neutrality Acts were passed in order to keep the nation out of another world war. The United States was just beginning to overcome the Great Depression, and the people did not want to deal with the stresses of war. According to the Neutrality Acts, Americans were not allowed to sell of make loans to belligerents. Furthermore, Americans could not sail on belligerent ships. Although the Neutrality Acts were made to keep the United States out of foreign affairs, they would eventually lead to American involvement in the war. While the United States refused to help Britain, the fascist nations were becoming more and more powerful. Therefore, harder to defeat without American aid.
Although Americans did not want war, those who did advocated for selfish needs. President Roosevelt found ways to still help Britain. Through the "cash and carry" program, countries at war were allowed to purchase arms given they provided their own transportation. Also, President Roosevelt was able to provide the British with credit through the "lend-lease" program. Finally, Roosevelt exchanged U.S. Navy destroyers for military bases in the Caribbean.
The United States tried to be neutral. Through the Neutrality Acts and the America First Comitee, America made a sincere attempt to stay out of foreign affairs. However, President Roosevelt still managed to help Britain through certain programs such as the "cash and carry" and "lend-lease."
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Analyze the ways in which the Great Depression altered the American social fabric in the 1930s.
World War I preceded the Great Depression. The nation prospered due to overseas demands for supplies. All this prosperity leaked in to the 1920s, when the nations was full of cultural diversity and growing businesses. However, as underlying and often ignored issues came to light at the turn of the decade, America's economy collapsed. President Roosevelt attempted to relieve, reform, and help the nation recover. Social fabric was altered emotionally, politically, and economically.
President Hoover did not do much to interfere with the economy. The Great Depression have brought about great hardships among America. Many Americans were disappointed with the capitalist system. They had lost confidence in the banking system as well. Most importantly, Americans felt anger and resentment towards President Hoover, the "do-nothing leader." As more and more people lost their houses and moved to "Hoovervilles," the American Dream seemed to fade.
Triggered by the disillusionment brought about by Hoover's weak attempt to aid the economy, Americans were ready for a change. Although Hoover ran for office, he lost to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Not only had Americans shifted political preference from Republicans to Democrats, but they had broken the trend of conservative presidents. Filled with frustration and desperation, Americans called for more liberal ways of dealing with the depression.
Franklin D. Roosevelt did his best to aid society by helping the economy. His alphabet programs ended the unemployed portion of the nation, which at the time was a great percentage. The Civilian Conservation Corps, Civil Works Administration, and Works Progress Administration employed thousands of people for conservation and construction purposes. The Federal Emergency Relief Act provided money for employment similar to these. Together, these programs helped alleviate the unemployment crisis.
In addition to helping the unemployed, Roosevelt also focused on agriculture, the working population, and consumers. In an attempt to help crop prices rise, FDR issued the Agricultural Adjustment Act. This program paid farmers to reduce their crops. Also, the Resettlement Administration was imposed. This allowed for assistance to farmers and other agrarian portions of society, which were harshly hit by the depression. Non self-employed workers were aided by the National Labor Relations Acts, which gave rights for bargaining and labor unions. Finally, Roosevelt was also concerned about consumers. The Home Owners Refinancing Act provided Americans with the opportunity to keep their homes. The National Bank Holiday and Glass-Steagall Act allowed Americans to regain trust and confidence in the banking system. The National Bank Holiday took the nation off the gold standard, and allowed only solvent banks to reopen. Very importantly, the Glass-Steagall Act established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which guaranteed deposits.
The Great Depression significantly tore the American social fabric. Citizens were left with great disillusionment in capitalism. The 1930s was a time when leaders worked to carefully mend the torn fabric through political and economic reform. These programs served to shape modern society, as social security and labor unions have survived through the years.
President Hoover did not do much to interfere with the economy. The Great Depression have brought about great hardships among America. Many Americans were disappointed with the capitalist system. They had lost confidence in the banking system as well. Most importantly, Americans felt anger and resentment towards President Hoover, the "do-nothing leader." As more and more people lost their houses and moved to "Hoovervilles," the American Dream seemed to fade.
Triggered by the disillusionment brought about by Hoover's weak attempt to aid the economy, Americans were ready for a change. Although Hoover ran for office, he lost to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Not only had Americans shifted political preference from Republicans to Democrats, but they had broken the trend of conservative presidents. Filled with frustration and desperation, Americans called for more liberal ways of dealing with the depression.
Franklin D. Roosevelt did his best to aid society by helping the economy. His alphabet programs ended the unemployed portion of the nation, which at the time was a great percentage. The Civilian Conservation Corps, Civil Works Administration, and Works Progress Administration employed thousands of people for conservation and construction purposes. The Federal Emergency Relief Act provided money for employment similar to these. Together, these programs helped alleviate the unemployment crisis.
In addition to helping the unemployed, Roosevelt also focused on agriculture, the working population, and consumers. In an attempt to help crop prices rise, FDR issued the Agricultural Adjustment Act. This program paid farmers to reduce their crops. Also, the Resettlement Administration was imposed. This allowed for assistance to farmers and other agrarian portions of society, which were harshly hit by the depression. Non self-employed workers were aided by the National Labor Relations Acts, which gave rights for bargaining and labor unions. Finally, Roosevelt was also concerned about consumers. The Home Owners Refinancing Act provided Americans with the opportunity to keep their homes. The National Bank Holiday and Glass-Steagall Act allowed Americans to regain trust and confidence in the banking system. The National Bank Holiday took the nation off the gold standard, and allowed only solvent banks to reopen. Very importantly, the Glass-Steagall Act established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which guaranteed deposits.
The Great Depression significantly tore the American social fabric. Citizens were left with great disillusionment in capitalism. The 1930s was a time when leaders worked to carefully mend the torn fabric through political and economic reform. These programs served to shape modern society, as social security and labor unions have survived through the years.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Discuss how the 1920s represented social, economic, and cultural discord among Americans.
World War I was a period when the United States was engaged in preserving democracy worldwide. Although the League of Nations plan fell through, world unity did not keep the United States from prospering. The Roaring Twenties followed the war, and were so called this because of the nation's economic boost. America was remolded by jazz and art booms. Yet, tensions were still present. Conflict dominated with regards to urban and rural attitudes, science and religion, and nativism and immigration.
While rural America was looking forward to the nation's "return to normalcy," cities seemed to be breaking every rule. Cities consisted of different cultures, while rural areas remained traditional. At a time when alcohol was outlawed, cities seemed to house all the lost souls who broke the law. In addition to having speakeasies, or areas where illegal alcohol was consumed, cities consisted of flappers. Rural Americans viewed these women as overly liberal and as a shame to the nation, for no sophisticated young lady should smoke cigarettes. By breaking traditional women roles, flappers angered small-town Americans.
Illegal alcohol and modern women caused conflict between rural and urban America. Yet the debate between science and religion seemed to be according to region as well. Rural Americans aimed to keep traditional values, that worshipped the bible and accepted the Book of Genesis. However, urban modernism called for Darwin's theory of evolution, which questioned creationism. As seen in the Scopes Monkey Trial, the questioning of religion lead to serious consequences. Upon teaching evolution in his classroom, this teacher was arrested and tried. Although the question of religion in classrooms lives on today, this Tennessee teacher was eventually set free.
As tensions regarding the city arose, anxiety against immigration did as well. The "red scare" which is characterized by communist xenophobia gave way to racism and anti-immigration movements that characterize the roaring twenties. Two groups arose to promote nativism. The Ku Klux Klan returned to the picture of American society, targeting Blacks as well as people with certain religious view. The Hundred Percenters also wanted to decrease immigration. A a matter of fact, their ultimate goal was to achieve an isolated United States consisting of one hundred percent Americans.
While groups arose to promote American pride and to limit immigration, several acts were passed to aid their motives. The Immigration Act, which limited European immigration, and the Chinese Exclusion Act, which limited Asian immigration, serve as examples of these immigration-limiting policies. Although immigration was significantly limited, the immigrants already residing in United States territory were given a hard time. Sacco and Vanzetti were innocently convicted of a murder, most likely due to their Italian background and political views. The Literacy Test Act limited immigrant power by requiring a reading test.
The Roaring Twenties is often pictured as a colorful decade full of art expression and new cultural beginnings. Yet, in the struggle to "return to normalcy," Americans turned against each other due to differing opinions. Speakeasies and flappers turned urban Americans against rural Americans. Also, the idea of evolution added further conflict. Finally, the red scare lead to a wave of xenophobia and anti-immigration policies. The Roaring Twenties were without a doubt roaring with tensions and conflict regarding differing public opinions.
While rural America was looking forward to the nation's "return to normalcy," cities seemed to be breaking every rule. Cities consisted of different cultures, while rural areas remained traditional. At a time when alcohol was outlawed, cities seemed to house all the lost souls who broke the law. In addition to having speakeasies, or areas where illegal alcohol was consumed, cities consisted of flappers. Rural Americans viewed these women as overly liberal and as a shame to the nation, for no sophisticated young lady should smoke cigarettes. By breaking traditional women roles, flappers angered small-town Americans.
Illegal alcohol and modern women caused conflict between rural and urban America. Yet the debate between science and religion seemed to be according to region as well. Rural Americans aimed to keep traditional values, that worshipped the bible and accepted the Book of Genesis. However, urban modernism called for Darwin's theory of evolution, which questioned creationism. As seen in the Scopes Monkey Trial, the questioning of religion lead to serious consequences. Upon teaching evolution in his classroom, this teacher was arrested and tried. Although the question of religion in classrooms lives on today, this Tennessee teacher was eventually set free.
As tensions regarding the city arose, anxiety against immigration did as well. The "red scare" which is characterized by communist xenophobia gave way to racism and anti-immigration movements that characterize the roaring twenties. Two groups arose to promote nativism. The Ku Klux Klan returned to the picture of American society, targeting Blacks as well as people with certain religious view. The Hundred Percenters also wanted to decrease immigration. A a matter of fact, their ultimate goal was to achieve an isolated United States consisting of one hundred percent Americans.
While groups arose to promote American pride and to limit immigration, several acts were passed to aid their motives. The Immigration Act, which limited European immigration, and the Chinese Exclusion Act, which limited Asian immigration, serve as examples of these immigration-limiting policies. Although immigration was significantly limited, the immigrants already residing in United States territory were given a hard time. Sacco and Vanzetti were innocently convicted of a murder, most likely due to their Italian background and political views. The Literacy Test Act limited immigrant power by requiring a reading test.
The Roaring Twenties is often pictured as a colorful decade full of art expression and new cultural beginnings. Yet, in the struggle to "return to normalcy," Americans turned against each other due to differing opinions. Speakeasies and flappers turned urban Americans against rural Americans. Also, the idea of evolution added further conflict. Finally, the red scare lead to a wave of xenophobia and anti-immigration policies. The Roaring Twenties were without a doubt roaring with tensions and conflict regarding differing public opinions.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
DBQ: When World War I broke out, the United States declared its policy of neutrality. Was the United States ever neutral in the conflict, and if so...
Prior to World Was I, the United States was concerned with reform at home, and expanding beyond its borders. Domestic policy during this time called for fair treatment for labor and public. Yet at the dawn of World War I, this changed in order to accomodate foreign markets at war. The United States tried to stay out of war. However, doing so did not make them neutral. United States policy regarding the sinking of vessels, the protection of American travelers, trading and lending, and personal feelings show that the Unites States' "true spirit of neutrality" (Doc. A) was not very true after all.
The first sign showing America was not neutral is Wilson's reaction to the sinking of the Lusitania. Prior to the sinking, the Germans were already dealing with the British Blockade. Thus, enforcing unrestricted submarine warfare. After the sinking, President Wilson demanded reparations. Therefore, he dug the nation into further conflict, and was clearly gearing America towards war. So clear was his war encouraging reaction, that anti-war secratary of state Byran resigned.
Another sinking that eventually led to war was that of the Sussex. Upon this event, Wilson demanded ultimatum. Interestingly enough, Germany had warned travelers in the war zone to sail "at their own risk" (Doc. E). The United States had a fair warning. Therefore, they basically put themselves in danger because they wanted to.
Unrestricted submarine warface needed to be dealt with one way or another. The first option involved staying off foreign vessels, the second one called for United States entering World War I. Clearly, the United States wanted to be part of the war when the Grove-Melmore Resolution was not passed. This resolution would most likely have significally minimized the deaths of Americans because it would have penalized those who traveled on foreign vessels.
Aside from submarine warfare, the United States was involved in the war prior to officially entering it due to its trading decisions. United States economy boosted because America traded with both the Allies and belligerents. This is evident because the Lusitania had "5468 cases of ammunition" (Doc. F). In other words, the United States was selling arms to England. Any aid to either country at war voids neutrality. So, the United States did not follow its policy of neutrality.
The Zimmerman note brought about angry anti-German sentiments from the American public. However, the Wilson administration was already anti-German with pro-British feelings. Therefore, the Zimmerman nore was interpreted to shape these feelings. Germans wanted to keep "America neutral" (Doc. H). They clearly stated this in the Zimmerman note, which was wrongly used as another excuse to remain involved in World War I affairs.
Wilson cleverly convinced the public that entering the war was the only way to bring about peace. He claimed that the United States was being forced to "take this stand" (Doc. G). However, the Nye Commission later revealed that the doughboys were not the first Americans involved World War I. They uncovered that the American businesses were into the war prior to them.
President Wilson did a fantastic job at masking America's anti-neutrality. Yet, certain actions like the Gore-Melmore Resolution failure and trading with nations show otherwise. The United States was never neutral during World War I.
The first sign showing America was not neutral is Wilson's reaction to the sinking of the Lusitania. Prior to the sinking, the Germans were already dealing with the British Blockade. Thus, enforcing unrestricted submarine warfare. After the sinking, President Wilson demanded reparations. Therefore, he dug the nation into further conflict, and was clearly gearing America towards war. So clear was his war encouraging reaction, that anti-war secratary of state Byran resigned.
Another sinking that eventually led to war was that of the Sussex. Upon this event, Wilson demanded ultimatum. Interestingly enough, Germany had warned travelers in the war zone to sail "at their own risk" (Doc. E). The United States had a fair warning. Therefore, they basically put themselves in danger because they wanted to.
Unrestricted submarine warface needed to be dealt with one way or another. The first option involved staying off foreign vessels, the second one called for United States entering World War I. Clearly, the United States wanted to be part of the war when the Grove-Melmore Resolution was not passed. This resolution would most likely have significally minimized the deaths of Americans because it would have penalized those who traveled on foreign vessels.
Aside from submarine warfare, the United States was involved in the war prior to officially entering it due to its trading decisions. United States economy boosted because America traded with both the Allies and belligerents. This is evident because the Lusitania had "5468 cases of ammunition" (Doc. F). In other words, the United States was selling arms to England. Any aid to either country at war voids neutrality. So, the United States did not follow its policy of neutrality.
The Zimmerman note brought about angry anti-German sentiments from the American public. However, the Wilson administration was already anti-German with pro-British feelings. Therefore, the Zimmerman nore was interpreted to shape these feelings. Germans wanted to keep "America neutral" (Doc. H). They clearly stated this in the Zimmerman note, which was wrongly used as another excuse to remain involved in World War I affairs.
Wilson cleverly convinced the public that entering the war was the only way to bring about peace. He claimed that the United States was being forced to "take this stand" (Doc. G). However, the Nye Commission later revealed that the doughboys were not the first Americans involved World War I. They uncovered that the American businesses were into the war prior to them.
President Wilson did a fantastic job at masking America's anti-neutrality. Yet, certain actions like the Gore-Melmore Resolution failure and trading with nations show otherwise. The United States was never neutral during World War I.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
C+C the three progressive presidents and choose the best one.
The end of the Civil Was and the Reconstruction gave way to imperialism. America was ripe at home, and felt it was time to expand its new territiories. Since the U.S. had already expanded westward, it was time to conquer overseas. Yet while doing so, important reform movements were takeing place at hime. A middles class thrived in advocating for democracy to be expressed in every aspect of American economy, politics, and society. The three persidents during the Progressive Era, Roosevelt, Taft, and Woodrow Wilson claimed to support progressive reform. However, Roosevelt did the best job due to his genuine feelins regarding trusts, conservation, and consumer protection.
President Roosevelt was against monopolies. With his anti-trust mentality, he did not allow Northern Securites to merge together. Although Taft "busted" ninety trusts, Roosevelf did more to enhance the power of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. This Elkins Act of 1903 regulated railroad rates and prohibited secret rebates. The Hepburn Act fixed rates for railroads. In doing so, Roosevelt helped control the manipulatorypowers of the prime method of transportation at the moment, railroads.
Although the other presidents of the Progressive Era helped continue Roosevelt's legacy with regards to big businesses, they failed to continue advocating for conservation policies. Roosevelt, who initiates such policies, felt passionate about the subject. In order to perserve the environment, he establised the Newlands Reclamation Act Bill which set aside 150 million acres for forests reserve. Roosevelt also establised the Conservation Congress and appointed a conservationist, Pinchot as head of the Division of Forestry. Essentially, Roosevelt wanted a balance between the environment and America's grown capitalistic needs that exploited it.
Trust-bustying and conservation were not the only things on Roosevelt's agenda. The ame man who carried a big stick wanted fair treatment for laborers and the public. He called all these ideals collectively the Square Deal. The Pure Food and Drug Act show's Roosevelt's concern for consumer protection. It is evident that his sucessor, Taft was not as concerned about consumers when he sided with the Payne Aldrich Tariff to allow such an outrageous Tariff. Wilson did a better job protaction consumers with his significant reduction of Tariffs in the Lindenwood Tariff.
In addition to trust-busting, protection the environment, and advocation for consumers, Roosevelt also cared for American bancking. The Panic of 1907 revealed the flawed currency system. Roosevelt created a national monetary commission to make recommendations regarding the American banking system.
Roosevelt was the pioneering president for the Progressive Era. He let his anti-trust feelings guide him towards molding a more consumer-friendly economy. Aside from trust-busting, his sucessor, Taft failed to follow through with his legacy. The following president, Wilson sided more with big businesses. President Roosevelts's Square Deal had the best policies. Evidence of that, such as Forest Preserves, show his policies still live on today.
President Roosevelt was against monopolies. With his anti-trust mentality, he did not allow Northern Securites to merge together. Although Taft "busted" ninety trusts, Roosevelf did more to enhance the power of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. This Elkins Act of 1903 regulated railroad rates and prohibited secret rebates. The Hepburn Act fixed rates for railroads. In doing so, Roosevelt helped control the manipulatorypowers of the prime method of transportation at the moment, railroads.
Although the other presidents of the Progressive Era helped continue Roosevelt's legacy with regards to big businesses, they failed to continue advocating for conservation policies. Roosevelt, who initiates such policies, felt passionate about the subject. In order to perserve the environment, he establised the Newlands Reclamation Act Bill which set aside 150 million acres for forests reserve. Roosevelt also establised the Conservation Congress and appointed a conservationist, Pinchot as head of the Division of Forestry. Essentially, Roosevelt wanted a balance between the environment and America's grown capitalistic needs that exploited it.
Trust-bustying and conservation were not the only things on Roosevelt's agenda. The ame man who carried a big stick wanted fair treatment for laborers and the public. He called all these ideals collectively the Square Deal. The Pure Food and Drug Act show's Roosevelt's concern for consumer protection. It is evident that his sucessor, Taft was not as concerned about consumers when he sided with the Payne Aldrich Tariff to allow such an outrageous Tariff. Wilson did a better job protaction consumers with his significant reduction of Tariffs in the Lindenwood Tariff.
In addition to trust-busting, protection the environment, and advocation for consumers, Roosevelt also cared for American bancking. The Panic of 1907 revealed the flawed currency system. Roosevelt created a national monetary commission to make recommendations regarding the American banking system.
Roosevelt was the pioneering president for the Progressive Era. He let his anti-trust feelings guide him towards molding a more consumer-friendly economy. Aside from trust-busting, his sucessor, Taft failed to follow through with his legacy. The following president, Wilson sided more with big businesses. President Roosevelts's Square Deal had the best policies. Evidence of that, such as Forest Preserves, show his policies still live on today.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
To what extent is this statement correct: The primary factor in the United States adopting a policy of imperialism was economic.
Prior to America's expansion into the rest of the world, it was quite focused on domestic issues. However, with the Civil War being long over, and postwar politics settled, America was ready for expansion into foreign soil. There were several justifications for imperialism. However, they were mainly triggered towards the economic success of the United States. Also, several events helped speed up the process of acquiring the territory. Yet, although Alfred T. Mahan, religion, and Darwinism all called for imperialism, the United States was mainly driven by possible economical gains as seen in the acquisition of Cuba, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico as well as with the Insular Cases and Platt Amendments that flaunted American power.
Hawaii had long been populated by White Americans prior to its annexation in 1898. Yet, when the McKinley Tariff was imposed, Americans were forced to pay a tax on Hawaiian sugar. Thus, harming planter profits. This tariff had the planters calling for annexation. Although, Queen Liliuokalani tried to block their ambition, she was eventually taken out of power before the United States took over completely.
Around the same time as the struggle for Hawaii, Americans claimed to be sympathizing with Cubans and their suffering in reconcentration camps. With the aid of the yellow press, America was able to furnish a war to fight for Cuban liberty. The Teller Amendment, which promised Cuba freedom upon victory over Spain, helped the American public believe the war was being fought strictly to help the poor Cubans. Yet, it is easy to see that having a foothold on our conveniently nearby neighbor Cuba would tremendously aid the American navy.
Upon the end of the Spanish-American war, the United States also gained control over the Philippines as well as Puerto Rico for a bargain of 20 million dollars. Aside from personal desires, the United States had no reason, other than economical gains for taking over this territory. The citizens of these territories saw no real benefit from the United States taking over.
The Insular Cases serve as evidence that the new American territories acquired nothing from being taken over by Americans. The Insular Cases denied these people rights that American citizens enjoyed. In other words, they established that the constitution does not follow the flag. The United States expanded in order to expand its economical power. Although they claimed to have fought the Spanish-American war in order to free the Cubans, the Platt Amendment basically made Cuba an American puppet. With this amendment, Americans had control over Cuba, and gave themselves the power to use Cuban territory for naval stations.
The dawn of imperialism was justified by religion and Darwinism. However, the continuation of it was driven by the desire for economical gains. Indeed, the United States profited from these territorial gains. Eventually, imperialism helped establish the United States as a world power.
Hawaii had long been populated by White Americans prior to its annexation in 1898. Yet, when the McKinley Tariff was imposed, Americans were forced to pay a tax on Hawaiian sugar. Thus, harming planter profits. This tariff had the planters calling for annexation. Although, Queen Liliuokalani tried to block their ambition, she was eventually taken out of power before the United States took over completely.
Around the same time as the struggle for Hawaii, Americans claimed to be sympathizing with Cubans and their suffering in reconcentration camps. With the aid of the yellow press, America was able to furnish a war to fight for Cuban liberty. The Teller Amendment, which promised Cuba freedom upon victory over Spain, helped the American public believe the war was being fought strictly to help the poor Cubans. Yet, it is easy to see that having a foothold on our conveniently nearby neighbor Cuba would tremendously aid the American navy.
Upon the end of the Spanish-American war, the United States also gained control over the Philippines as well as Puerto Rico for a bargain of 20 million dollars. Aside from personal desires, the United States had no reason, other than economical gains for taking over this territory. The citizens of these territories saw no real benefit from the United States taking over.
The Insular Cases serve as evidence that the new American territories acquired nothing from being taken over by Americans. The Insular Cases denied these people rights that American citizens enjoyed. In other words, they established that the constitution does not follow the flag. The United States expanded in order to expand its economical power. Although they claimed to have fought the Spanish-American war in order to free the Cubans, the Platt Amendment basically made Cuba an American puppet. With this amendment, Americans had control over Cuba, and gave themselves the power to use Cuban territory for naval stations.
The dawn of imperialism was justified by religion and Darwinism. However, the continuation of it was driven by the desire for economical gains. Indeed, the United States profited from these territorial gains. Eventually, imperialism helped establish the United States as a world power.
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