The history of the United States covers the progressive era, the new deal, and the post-World War II. The end of the 19th century was influential in the history of the US. This is a period that has often been remembered as an era of progress and expansion. The period was characterized by unparalleled economic and technological development. It was, however, a controversial era that was characterized by struggles between the poor and the wealthy as everyone struggled to acquire power and wealth (Boyer et al., 2016). The paper will focus on the development of America since 1877, chronologically analyzing the forces and events that made the US what it is today.
Progressivism, which took place between 1880-1920, was a well-organized and well-planned movement in the US and had wide diversified objectives. This era was marked by widespread political reforms and social activism across America. During this period, the federal government leaped forward in activism and power. The movement consisted of people from the middle class who had confidence and knew that they could accomplish social development via political reform. The leaders of this movement centered on humanity element and struggled to make positive changes by supporting liberation. It was an era of development of new changes and reforms for the US. The movement dealt with various struggles and problems for the US. The issues were as a result immigration, urbanization, political corruption as well as unfair wealth distribution. The leaders believed that such issues required immediate action. They wanted to make the US a better place through idealism, arranged action, social research, and initiatives (Boyer et al., 2016). They were present in politics, organizations, organized labor, and even churches. It is hypothesized that this movement changed the values and lifestyle of Americans and had an everlasting effect on American history. However, the campaign had several dishonorable qualities. The progressives were biased and racially prejudiced. While the eventual objectives of this movement were improved democracy, uncorrupt government, and social justice, they never achieved all these because of their bias.
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The New Deal was a series of financial reforms, public projects, regulations, and programs enacted between 1933 and 1936 by President Franklin Roosevelt in the US. The movement was in response to the reform, relief, and recovery from the Great Depression. The programs were enacted to aid America in dealing with poverty that was widespread during that period. Poverty had a significant effect on American citizens. They lacked homes and employment, and this led to depression. The program was determined to three steps: relief, recovery and reform. Many Americans felt that the New Deal was a great success as it led to their prosperity, and for the very first time, these people had hope for a better future. One of the greatest achievements of the New Deal was the bringing down of unemployment from almost 13 million to 8 million. The movement led to the creation of long-term jobs by the use of alphabet agencies. A welfare state was introduced in the US, and a significant number of people received shelter clothing and food. This stopped the citizens from starving. The government established welfare and social security schemes for the benefit of its citizens. Still, this program drastically changed the two major political parties in the US (LaFeber & Woloch, 2015). The commitment of President Roosevelt to improve the plight of both the poor and the working class shifted political loyalties.
The responsibility and role of the federal government changed significantly during the New Deal. Drastic changes after the Civil War led to the need for political, social, and economic reforms. Before the new deal and the progressive era, the federal government did not care much about the welfare of US citizens. With the New Deal, the government became participated more and became more responsive to the public and came up with many reforms. According to history, the New Deal was successful. Although it did not end unemployment altogether, it significantly reduced it. One of the most significant objectives of the New Deal was to put America back to work, and the program made agencies help such as the AAA, PWA, and CCC fulfill this objective. Millions of Americans got employed in the projects that were sponsored by the government. Still, the citizens benefited from the hospitals, new roads, and schools. This proves that this era produced the most substantial change in American history.
The decade after the Second World War is fondly remembered as an era of cultural stability and economic growth. The US had won the war and defeated the other forces. The experiences of the previous hardships and depression were replaced by the increased opportunities, improved living standards, and a new emerging US culture that was confident in the future and internal position. While World War II presented Americans with various issues and problems, they became full of confidence after winning the war. The war drastically changed the views of Americans on racial discrimination. It also became a stimulus for the rights of women. They became economically active and worked on various businesses. After the war, there was a massive economic growth and an end to the Great depression. The involvement of America in the war dramatically changed the nation for good and developed a legacy that has left a significant and permanent mark (LaFeber & Woloch, 2015). After the war, the US gained a new view on their position in the society and affirmed their independence.
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