American Identity During The Gilded Age

American imperialism has undergone varying transitions through its developmental stage in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, and it was interpreted to be many things, including controversial to the original colonial beliefs. The United States rapidly took up the sport of becoming involved with foreign nations, and it was clear that through influence on these nations, the United States would grow in both territorial size and power in the global sense. America helped many Polynesian, Latin American, and Asian nations during this period, and most of the conversed issues was trade and foreign relations. The desire of territorial expansion was also in response to the blossoming ideal of Social Darwinism, where expansionism was justified if the United States was aiding struggling nations with their foreign and domestic policies. Although justified, Social Darwinism was an unethical approach to world power, and many perceived this step in American Imperialism as corrupt. The Panama Canal also held a large part in building American Imperialism. Creating this canal would determine which nation dominated the sea, and the United States was more than eager to pounce on the opportunity to increase their global influence. The United States dipped its hand into many global issues during and following the Gilded Age, and these hold the honor of molding American Imperialism, but its change over time was held up to debate by scholars in the Gilded age and by contemporary

The progressive Era was times in History were local state and federal government took a leap forward in power and activism. In addition, the progressive era, was a time of development of new reforms and changes for America. Progressivism handles a wide range of problems and struggle for America. Such problems were created by unstructed industrialization, urbanization and immigration. As well as, the unfavorable distribution of power and wealth. Progressives believed strongly that problems such as these needed immediate action. Progressives existed in churches, organized labor, local political life, organizations and progressives of high education. Progressives wanted to make America better through inniatives, arranged action, idealism and social scientific research. Progressive had a tendency to expect the best possible outcome of situations. By, the 1920’s, progressives put in effect, changes of all aspects of society and government. Nevertheless, progressives had unhonorable qualities as well. They were biased of class and prejudiced against races.

During the 1890’s, the United States began building and advancing their economy, as well as focusing more independently on becoming an even more powerful nation. Not only did the Americans begin to create a stronger national military and navy, they also began to look overseas towards the Pacific Ocean for resources and territories; this is when America began to look less like a national power and more like an imperial power. There were many reasons as to why the United States began to expand between 1880-1929, two of which include the military opportunities countries abroad had to offer, such as Pearl Harbor, as well as the domestic and political objectives the U.S. felt obligated to fulfill. Although, there were many important reasons for the United States to began to expand, the most significant reason for the expansionist foreign policy was the economic resources and opportunities other foreign countries had to offer the U.S.

The Progressive Era was a time period between the years 1900-1920 and it marked a time in American history in which society was bursting with enthusiasm to improve life in the industrial age by making political and social changes through government action that ultimately led to a higher quality of life for American citizens. Progressives were known for their beliefs in limiting the power of big business, strengthening the power of the states, and were advocators against corruption and social injustice. These progressive reformers as well as the Federal Government successfully managed to improve the quality of life and establish a precedent for a move active government, although neither was completely successful in solving significant

America has been plagued with the “American Dream” since its citizens first started spreading out westward in search of wealth and fame. Along with this American ideal came the concept of being un-American and not standing for what was considered “true” American. With the emergence of Populists, Progressives and Radicals came a vast difference between what was thought as American. All groups claimed to be trying to make the US a better place however each differed vastly in their ideas of going about it. During the age of uncertainty between 1890 and the 1920’s a new movement called the Progressives emerged in parts of the Unites States. They emerged as part of a long tradition of reform aimed at correcting the issues of the country.

Born of the populist movement, the progressive era was a period in the United States during the late 1890’s to early 1920’s. What began as a social reform effort developed into a full on political movement. The “Progressive’s”, as they were called, sought to purify the government of corruption, push for modernization, and pushed the legislative agenda to focus more on healthier families, better education, female suffrage, labor issues and finally, prohibition. The progressives thought that the issues of poverty, racism and classism could best be addressed by providing citizens with greater access to educational opportunities, safer living environments, and even better working conditions. They also sought to “Americanize” the Native American’s and immigrants communities in an effort to unite the country.

Not only would it become the ‘most favored nation’ with its Open Door Policy with China (Doc G- “American Diplomacy”), it would also expand and increase its power in the Western Hemisphere. Despite America’s refusal to admit its purpose in competing for land, the expansion into territories of the Western Hemisphere, such as with Guam, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, along with the creation of the Panama Canal, proved otherwise. Power meant territory and as naval officer Alfred Thayer Mahan would emphasize, power in the Pacific with control over naval bases, harbors, and a strong naval force (Doc C- The Interest of America in Sea Power by Alfred Thayer Mahan), would make America invincible, both economically in terms of trade and politically in terms of territorial

During the late 1800s and the early 1900s, the US became much more involved in world affairs. In other words, they were becoming a world power. This meant many things, many changes.

During the twentieth century the United States of America became involved with three major conflicts that resulted in the nation shifting from a regional power into a global power. Through these conflicts the United States grew territorially, economically and industrially. Foreign policies were altered to allow the United States to gain ground on the world stage and to make their mark on the world. Through careful analysis of primary sources and scholarly document s it is clear to see that the United States involvement in the Spanish American war was the first step for the United States to grow on the world stage. The American victory in the war led to the acquisition of island territories and expanded economic and military capabilities in the both the western and eastern hemisphere as well as an increased involvement in Asia. World War I ended with American democratic ideals to be spread all across Europe. Led by President Woodrow Wilson, the United States led a one sided foreign policy that used intervention, peace treaties and military intervention to endorse international order. Despite a limited role in the war President Wilson was able to outline the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations and both of their presences can be found today.

The Progressive Era was an influential time period that helped shape America into the present day country. During this time period, businesses were expanding rapidly and a new set of political, cultural, social, and environmental reforms were emerging under progressive ideals. Although different people associated and supported with different reforms, all progressives during this period were working for the advancement of American society. Despite the ineffectiveness of progressive reforms from 1900-1920 in creating an influential political platform to transform national politics, reformers were very successful in gaining the federal government the power to regulate trusts and industries.

Brook Adams asserts the influence that the United States had on the world, citing multiple nations and areas, such as Nicaragua, Mexico, West Indies, and Asia, that have been taken over by the country (Doc 9). Land ownership greatly influence the economic influence of the United States. The US government was able to back a Nicaraguan revolution on the agreement that the US would receive the land needed to build the Panama Canal. This revolution created unrest within the region, however the US was able to create a canal that would make trade both faster and cheaper. By buying and taking over land, the US was able to increase economic prosperity.

The progressive era was not the first reform America faced, but it is perhaps one of, if the most important. It was a time that stretched roughly from 1890 to 1920. It was a time of “progress”. A time where the American people wanted to make America a better country. The people wanted to do away with political corruption; they wanted to fix all problems, especially those economic, social, and political. Progressivism was considered to be an “umbrella”. Under this “umbrella” fell labor issues, unsafe work conditions, child labor, no work man’s comp, and the issue of poverty. There was one group of people who truly lead the charge when it came to exposing the corruption in politics and the unsafe work conditions millions of American workers faced.

America wanted to establish itself as a global and political power on the same level as major European nations. Germany, Britain and Russia pilfered through Africa and Asia with their “grab bags”, believing that they can have and claim a piece of the world,

Throughout history, many changes take place and many things stay continuous, depending on the factors of the environment around them. Some debates or points of views change because times change, new people or ideas arrive, or different events bring light to or hurt something or someone. Continuity in debates and ideas works similarly, in the way that they stay the same because of a lack of changes in factors or new ideas. The national identity of America during the Gilded Age went through multiple changes thanks to the rise of big businesses, making it very different than what it had been before - business owners became more dishonest, unions formed more often, and wealthy people and how they made their money to become more controversial.

In American history, the period between the late 1800s and early 1900s is often called the Progressive Era. This was a time of enormous social, political, and economic change that touched every aspect of American life. The progressivism movement centered on elements of humanity and promoted liberation in order to stimulate human force as well as human potential to remove the restraints of liberalization. By the late nineteenth century, after decades of expansion due to the push westward and years of growth due to the Industrial Revolution, the United States had truly become a modern nation. Just like any other movements or revolutions in the history of any country on planet Earth, this progressive¬¬¬ movement was not a quick process and did not start in all a sudden that it took couple tens of years for the whole process.