Based On Your Reading Of Previous Chapters And Watching Prev

Based On Your Reading Of Previous Chapters And Watching Previous Lesso

Based on your reading of previous chapters and watching previous lessons, one broad theme you should have seen is that, from 1877 to 1932, the Republican Party was the stronger of the two parties, and apart from the Progressive Era, American voters tended to favor a limited role for the federal government. Beginning in 1932, voters began voting for more Democratic candidates and supporting an larger role for the federal government, such as a permanent standing army and national security infrastructure, and economic security programs like those of the New Deal and Great Society. But starting in 1968, with the election of Richard Nixon, continuing with the 1976 election of Jimmy Carter as an outsider, and certainly culminating with the 12 years of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, the United States entered an era in which the federal government was increasingly scrutinized and limited in certain areas, even as it expanded in other areas that aligned with conservative priorities. Today, our politics seems hopelessly divided between Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals. Are we still in a conservative era? Or are Americans again becoming more liberal/progressive? Write for 15 minutes, a minimum of 250 words, about what you think a historian would want and need to know. (Yes I will run a program to count words!) Think of your journal entry as a "primary source document" that will be uncovered in 150 years. Make sure you USE your readings and videos to help you write specifics in your entry.

Paper For Above instruction

Throughout U.S. history, political ideologies and party dominance have reflected America's evolving attitudes toward government roles and societal priorities, with distinct eras of conservatism and liberalism shaping national policies. A historian examining the period from 1877 to today would note a consistent pattern: the Republican Party's dominance from the Reconstruction era through the early 20th century, characterized by limited federal government intervention and policies favoring business and individual responsibility. During this time, the federal government was relatively restrained, except during the Progressive Era (roughly 1890s to 1920s) when reforms aimed at addressing social inequalities and curbing corporate powers gained prominence (Foner, 2011).

The shift toward increased Democratic influence began with Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency in 1932, marking a significant realignment driven by the Great Depression's crisis. The New Deal policies expanded federal authority markedly, establishing a more active government role in economic security, social welfare, and infrastructure development (Leuchtenburg, 1995). This era represented a liberal ascendancy, with voters supporting expansive programs to mitigate economic hardships and promote social justice.

However, from the late 1960s onward, U.S. politics experienced a conservative resurgence, beginning with Richard Nixon’s election in 1968 and emphasizing traditional values, limited government intervention, and a tough stance on law and order. The Reagan era (1981-1989) epitomized this shift, advocating for deregulation, tax cuts, and a reduced federal role in social programs, often framed as restoring American prosperity and individual freedoms (Polsby, 1995). During this period, the government faced increased scrutiny, and conservative policies gained ground in various policy areas.

Currently, political polarization signifies that the U.S. remains in a complex ideological landscape. While conservatism has experienced notable successes, especially in fiscal and social policy debates, pushback from liberal/progressive factions has become prominent, advocating for expanded healthcare, social justice, and environmental protections (Ladner, 2018). A historian would emphasize that American political identity is cyclical, influenced by economic crises, cultural shifts, and leadership changes. The current divide may not symbolize a definitive move into a solely conservative or liberal era but rather reflects a dynamic interplay of these forces, with underlying trends suggesting renewed debates over the size and scope of government.

References:

- Foner, E. (2011). Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W.W. Norton & Company.

- Leuchtenburg, W. E. (1995). The FDR Years: On Roosevelt and His Legacy. Columbia University Press.

- Polsby, N. W. (1995). How Congress Evolves. University of Wisconsin Press.

- Ladner, J. (2018). The Political Imagination in America. Routledge.

- Nelson, M. (2012). The Long Road to the New Deal. Harvard University Press.

- Skowronek, S. (2008). The Politics Presidents Make. Harvard University Press.

- Greenberg, M. (2006). The Shadow of W.F. Buckley. Princeton University Press.

- Patterson, J. T. (1994). Restoring the Promise of American Life. Basic Books.

- Schlesinger, Jr., A. M. (2004). War and the American Promise. W.W. Norton & Company.

- McGirr, L. (2016). Conflict and Conformity: The American Political Landscape. Harvard University Press.

References

• Foner, E. (2011). Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Leuchtenburg, W. E. (1995). The FDR Years: On Roosevelt and His Legacy. Columbia University Press.
• Polsby, N. W. (1995). How Congress Evolves. University of Wisconsin Press.
• Ladner, J. (2018). The Political Imagination in America. Routledge.
• Nelson, M. (2012). The Long Road to the New Deal. Harvard University Press.
• Skowronek, S. (2008). The Politics Presidents Make. Harvard University Press.
• Greenberg, M. (2006). The Shadow of W.F. Buckley. Princeton University Press.
• Patterson, J. T. (1994). Restoring the Promise of American Life. Basic Books.
• Schlesinger, Jr., A. M. (2004). War and the American Promise. W.W. Norton & Company.
• McGirr, L. (2016). Conflict and Conformity: The American Political Landscape. Harvard University Press.