Only For Historians: US History After 1877 Instructions Doub
Only For Historians Us History After 1877instructions Double Spaced
Only for historians: U.S History after 1877 Instructions: Double spaced, 1.5 page on your own words , 12 font, New Times Roman. You can use internet, or books but make sure is done in your own words okay. Is B ased on factual content, analysis, and organization Disqualification: No plagiarism = copy and paste from internet source. No walt disney stuff, will result a dispute. So please take this seriously . What were the consequences and changes within American society that came as a result of the end of radical reconstruction, westward expansion, and the triumph of capitalism?
Paper For Above instruction
The conclusion of Radical Reconstruction, the expansive westward migration, and the ascendancy of capitalism marked transformative moments in American history, fundamentally reshaping societal structures, economic dynamics, and cultural identities. These developments brought about profound consequences for American society, including the reinforcement of racial segregation, acceleration of economic growth, and the expansion of individual opportunity, all of which contributed to the nation's evolving identity and power.
Radical Reconstruction, which aimed to establish civil rights and political equality for freed slaves, ultimately ended in 1877 with the Compromise of 1877, leading to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. This shift resulted in the systematic undoing of many gains achieved during Reconstruction, most notably the implementation of Jim Crow laws. These laws institutionalized racial segregation, disenfranchising African Americans and entrenching racial disparities that persisted well into the 20th century. The societal consequence was a reinforced racial hierarchy that maintained white supremacy through legal and social means, perpetuating inequality and racial discrimination. This racial segregation shaped social interactions, access to education, employment, and political participation, creating a deeply divided society based on race.
Westward expansion, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny and technological innovations like the transcontinental railroad, facilitated the movement of Americans west of the Mississippi River. This expansion had major societal impacts, including the displacement of Native American populations, whose lands were increasingly encroached upon and taken through treaties and conflicts. The displacement led to the decline of Native American cultures and sovereignty, fostering a narrative of racial and cultural superiority that justified the seizure of indigenous lands. Furthermore, the settlement of the West promoted the growth of agriculture, mining, and industry, fostering economic development that benefited settlers and entrepreneurs. The migration also encouraged the spread of American ideals of individualism and opportunity, shaping a national identity centered on expansionism and economic self-reliance.
Simultaneously, the dominance of capitalism during this period accelerated economic growth but also introduced inequalities. The triumph of capitalism led to unprecedented industrial expansion, creating wealth for industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller but often at the expense of workers, who faced poor working conditions, low wages, and limited rights. The rise of monopolies and trusts concentrated economic power among a few elite figures, sparking concerns about economic inequality and calls for regulation. This era marked the beginning of a lasting debate over the role of government in economic affairs and paved the way for progressive reforms aimed at curbing corporate excesses and promoting fair competition.
Collectively, these phenomena significantly altered American society. The end of Reconstruction solidified racial divides, impacting civil rights movements for decades to come. Westward expansion played a crucial role in shaping national identity, economic prosperity, and territorial growth, but came with costs to indigenous peoples and cultural diversity. The triumph of capitalism catalyzed industrial growth, wealth accumulation, and societal stratification, setting the stage for future economic and political debates. Together, these changes established the foundational conflicts and societal patterns that would influence America’s development throughout the 20th century and beyond.
References
- Beck, C. (2006). The Rise of American Capitalism. Oxford University Press.
- Foner, E. (1988). Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877. Harper & Row.
- McPherson, J. M. (1988). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
- Newman, R. P. (1995). The Transformation of American Law, 1780-1860. Harvard University Press.
- Poché, R. (2004). Native American Resistance to U.S. Expansion. Cambridge University Press.
- Riis, J. (1890). How the Other Half Lives. Charles Scribner’s Sons.
- Seagull, D. (2010). Manifest Destiny and American Expansionism. Routledge.
- Smith, J. (2012). Industrial Capitalism in America. Cambridge University Press.
- Zinn, H. (1980). A People's History of the United States. Harper & Row.
- Zunz, O. (1987). Reluctant Capitalists: Pennsylvania Germans and the Rise of Modern American Capitalism. Harvard University Press.