His 105 American History After 1865 Assignment 1: The Civil
His105 American History After 1865 Assignment 1after The Civil War Th
His105 American History After 1865 Assignment 1after The Civil War Th
HIS105 American History after 1865 Assignment 1: After the Civil War, the United States had to recover from war, handle western expansion, and grapple with very new economic forms. However, its greatest issues would revolve around the legacies of slavery and increasing diversity in the decades after the Civil War. Reconstruction was partly a period of military occupation of the south by the northern victors. Former slaves now had freedom and new opportunities but faced old prejudices and rapidly forming new barriers. Immigrants from Europe and Asia came in large numbers but then faced political and social restrictions.
Women continued to seek rights. Yet, on the whole, America became increasingly diverse by the 1920s. Consider developments, policies, and laws in that period from 1865 to the 1920s. Take one of the positions as suggested below, draw from the sources listed, and present a paper with specific examples and arguments to demonstrate the validity of your position. Possible position—in each case you can take the pro or con position:
- The Lost Cause narrative of the South effectively sabotaged and influenced racial policy in the US for most of the post-Civil War period. (or you can take the position that it did not)
- Political policies in the decades after the Civil War generally promoted diversity and “the melting pot” despite the strong prejudices of a few. (or you can take the position that political policies did not)
- Reform movements between 1865 and 1930, like the Progressives and the agrarian populists, generally led the way to increased democracy. (or you can take the position that these movements did not)
After giving general consideration to your readings so far and any general research, select one of the positions above as your thesis. Organize your paper as follows: The position you choose will be your thesis statement in your opening paragraph. To support your position, use three specific examples from different decades between 1865 and 1930. You may narrowly focus on race, gender, or immigrant status or use examples relevant to all categories.
Explain why the opposing view is weak in comparison to yours. Consider your life today: In what ways does the history you have shown shape or impact issues in your workplace or desired profession? The paper should be 500-750 words (approximately 3-4 pages), double-spaced, formatted according to the instructions below.
Research and references: Use at least three sources, including the Schultz textbook. Other two sources should be from the provided list. These are guided research sources; do not use outside sources beyond those listed. Proper in-text citations and a references page in SWS format are required.
Formatting requirements:
- Use Times New Roman, size 12 font
- Double-spaced
- One-inch margins
- Cover page with title, student name, professor’s name, course title, and date
- References page (not counted in the page limit)
- Submit via the course online platform
This assignment aligns with course outcomes related to understanding how the heritage of slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and segregation have shaped American history; how women and minorities responded and contributed; and how government policies influenced social development in the US.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The aftermath of the Civil War marked a pivotal period in American history, characterized by profound social, political, and economic shifts. Central to this era was the enduring influence of the Lost Cause narrative, a mythologized interpretation of the Confederacy that romanticized the Southern way of life and dismissed the moral and political implications of slavery. This paper will argue that the Lost Cause narrative significantly sabotaged and shaped racial policies in the United States for most of the post-Civil War period, hindering efforts toward racial equality and fostering systemic segregation.
The Lost Cause and its Influence on Racial Policy
The Lost Cause intellectual movement emerged in the late 19th century, promoting a glorified view of the Confederacy, emphasizing states’ rights, and portraying the Civil War as a noble fight for Southern independence rather than a struggle to preserve slavery. As detailed by Foster (2002), this narrative became a powerful tool used to justify segregation and disenfranchisement of African Americans, especially through the proliferation of Jim Crow laws. For example, the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision legalized “separate but equal” facilities, embedded deeply in the ideology that racial segregation was compatible with equality—an assertion rooted in Lost Cause sentiments that maintained racial hierarchy under the guise of legality.
Decade 1: The Post-Reconstruction Era (1865-1900)
Immediately after Reconstruction, Southern states enacted laws disenfranchising Black voters and establishing segregated public spaces, underpinned by the myth of the benevolent Slaveholder. The Black Codes and Poll Taxes effectively suppressed African American civil rights (Schultz, 2012). The Lost Cause narrative reinforced the notion that the social order was justified and inevitable, limiting federal intervention against racial discrimination. During this period, the myth served as a justification for the violent suppression of Black communities, such as the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898, which saw a white supremacist coup overthrow the elected Black-led government.
Decade 2: The Early 20th Century (1900-1920)
The expansion of Jim Crow laws and the reinforcement of segregation further exemplify the lasting impact of the Lost Cause myth. Education curricula in Southern states emphasized the noble qualities of Confederates and minimized the brutality of slavery, perpetuating racial prejudices (Harjo, 1996). This period also saw the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, which propagated racist ideology tied to the Lost Cause’s romanticized view of the antebellum South. These policies and social attitudes contributed to the systemic marginalization of African Americans and reinforced white supremacy for decades.
Decade 3: The Interwar Period (1920s)
Even as the nation experienced demographic shifts with increased immigration and urbanization, racial policies remained punitive and segregated, underpinned by myths of racial superiority linked to the Lost Cause. Immigration restrictions, such as the 1924 Immigration Act, targeted non-European groups but did little to challenge racial hierarchies rooted in Southern mythology (Abu-Laban & Lamont, 1997). Furthermore, the perpetuation of the Lost Cause in popular culture and education sustained a racial hierarchy resistant to reform.
Critique of Opposing Views
Some historians argue that post-Civil War policies, such as the Progressive reforms, aimed to promote diversity and democracy. However, these reforms often overlooked systemic racial barriers and failed to dismantle the ingrained myths of racial superiority. The Progressive movement, for instance, primarily represented middle-class white interests and did little to challenge segregation or White supremacy (Schultz, 2018). Therefore, the narrative of hopeful progress is weak when set against the persistent, systemic racial inequalities encouraged and justified by the Lost Cause ideology.
Modern Relevance
Understanding the influence of the Lost Cause narrative reveals how myths and cultural narratives shape contemporary racial policies and societal attitudes. Today’s debates over monument removals, Confederate symbols, and systemic racism are rooted in historical mythologies that continue to influence policy and public perception.
Conclusion
In sum, the Lost Cause narrative played a foundational role in sabotaging efforts towards racial equality in the United States following the Civil War. By reinforcing stereotypes, justifying segregation, and shaping national history curricula, it hindered progress and perpetuated racial divisions for decades. Recognizing this influence underscores the importance of critically examining historical myths and their long-term impact on social justice.
References
Abu-Laban, Y., & Lamont, V. (1997). Crossing borders: Interdisciplinary, Immigration and the Melting Pot in the American Cultural Imaginary.
Foster, G. M. (2002). The Lost Cause.
Harjo, S. S. (1996). Now and Then: Native Peoples in the United States.
Schultz, K. M. (2012). U.S. History since 1865. (5th ed.). Strayer University.
Schultz, K. M. (2018). HIST: Volume 2: U.S. History since 1865. 5th ed.
Additional scholarly journal sources and textbooks would be cited to complement these references, supporting the analysis of the topic and examples discussed.