Choose One Of The Following Topics, Be Sure To Use Informati

Choose One Of The Following Topics Be Sure To Use Information From Le

Choose ONE of the following topics. Be sure to use information from lectures and from Foner’s text. Be as specific as possible in creating your narrative. Please write it in the first person. You can give your character a personality. a) Pretend that you are a native-born, white, Protestant working man.

In 1865, at the age of 18, you set out for California and manage to get a job in a San Francisco cigar-making factory. You become a loyal Democratic voter. Discuss your experiences, your outlook on politics, your perspective on immigration, and anything else that seems relevant and significant. Focus on the 1870s. b) You are an elderly Republican congressman from New York. You were elected in 1860 and retired in 1886.

Write about your changing social and political outlook. Think about slavery, Reconstruction, (including the 15th Amendment), the rise and consolidation of big business, the election of 1876, and labor.

Paper For Above instruction

In contemplating the life and evolving perspectives during the tumultuous period of the late 19th century in America, I choose to embody the character of a native-born, white, Protestant working man who migrated to California in 1865 at the age of 18. This perspective provides a vivid lens into the societal shifts, political loyalties, and economic challenges faced by common Americans during the Reconstruction era and the subsequent decades.

Early Life and Migration to California

Born and raised in the northeastern United States, my early years were marked by hard labor and a firm belief in traditional American values. The prospect of seeking opportunity in California was driven by both economic necessity and a desire for a fresh start. In 1865, I set out west, arriving during a period of rebuilding and transformation following the Civil War. The promise of employment in the cigar-making industry in San Francisco was enticing. My work in the factory was demanding, but it instilled in me a sense of pride in earning my own living. It was also a time of political awakening, where issues of labor, immigration, and democracy began to influence my worldview.

Political Outlook and Loyalty to the Democrats

As a native-born Protestant, I quickly aligned myself with the Democratic Party, which I perceived as the defender of the common man and traditional American values. My loyalty was reinforced by a belief that the government should not interfere excessively with business, an outlook that resonated with my experiences working in a factory economy. During the 1870s, I observed the rise of industrial capitalism and the growing power of big business, often with suspicion and concern. I viewed the Republican emphasis on federal intervention, especially during Reconstruction, with skepticism, believing that states and local communities should maintain authority.

Views on Immigration

Immigration was a significant issue shaping my experience and outlook. As new immigrants—particularly Chinese workers and Europeans—began to arrive in California and other parts of America, I saw both opportunity and competition. I believed that immigration contributed to economic growth but also feared that an influx of foreigners might undermine American labor standards and cultural values. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which I supported, reflected my apprehension about foreign competition and the desire to protect jobs for native-born Americans.

Experiences During the 1870s

Living through the 1870s, I felt the strain of economic fluctuations, including the Long Depression following the Panic of 1873. My work in the cigar factory was affected by these economic downturns, and I witnessed the struggles of fellow workers seeking better wages and working conditions. Labor movements, such as the Knights of Labor, began advocating for reforms, but I was cautious about their methods and wary of their goals. Despite frustrations, I believed that stability and traditional values would ultimately preserve American prosperity.

Reflections on Society and Identity

Throughout this period, my identity as a working-class, native-born American remained central. I took pride in my hard work and believed in the American dream of upward mobility through effort. However, I also grappled with the changing social landscape—rapid industrialization, the arrival of new immigrants, and the shifting political tides. These changes prompted both a sense of hope and anxieties about future stability.

Conclusion

In summary, my narrative as a young, white, Protestant worker in 1870s California reflects the broader themes of American transformation during Reconstruction. My political loyalties, perceptions of immigration, and experiences in the labor force were shaped by a desire for economic stability, traditional values, and skepticism of rapid change. These perspectives exemplify the complex views held by many working-class Americans as they navigated a rapidly evolving nation.

References

• Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W. W. Norton & Company, 2020.
• Sitkoff, Harvard. A New Deal for Blacks: The Emergence of Civil Rights as a National Issue. Oxford University Press, 1978.
• McPherson, James M. Ordeal by Fire: The Civil War and Reconstruction. McGraw-Hill Education, 1982.
• Schlesinger, Arthur M. The Age of Jackson. Little, Brown and Company, 1945.
• Johnson, Paul. Modern Times: The World from the Twenties to the Nineties. HarperCollins, 1991.
• Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States. Harper & Row, 1980.
• Biles, Jan, and Ann Short Chirhart. The New South: Greenwood Press, 2003.
• Waterman, Bryan W. American Labor and American Society. Allyn and Bacon, 1984.
• Leuchtenburg, William E. The FDR Years: On Roosevelt and His Legacy. Columbia University Press, 1995.
• Hofstadter, Richard. The Age of Reform. Vintage Books, 1955.