About American History

The Reconstruction and Progressive Periods (1865-1900)

The time beginning in 1865 encompasses the Reconstruction and Progressive periods. Following the failure of the Southern secessionists, the United States established a strong and united central government. The revolution against the Confederate States of America eventually becomes a war against slavery (Brinkley 6). Abraham Lincoln wished to unite the whole country, but this was impractical as long as slavery existed. The article would concentrate on the historical past of the United States. The government abolished the practice of legalized slavery. The cessation of slavery signaled the beginning of a new era for former slaves. However, the joy was short-lived as a decade later; a Jim Crow system rolled it back. Under the new system, they were second-class citizens. The segregation was to last for the next 80-90 years (Bailyn 72). During this Third party and Fourth party system, politics were hugely dominated by Republicans. The Democrats had only two presidents during that era. The progressive era brought many changes including women’s right to vote. Social reforms in the education sector were carried out.

Abolishing Slavery and the Fight for Equality

Abolishing slavery was in late 1865 by the adoption of the 12th Amendment. The 14th Amendment of 1868 gave the freed blacks the right to citizenship. By 1870, the 15th gave them the right to vote. However, it was not easy for the blacks as the white racists still perceived the blacks as inferior (White 46). They often violated the provisions of the constitution. The war against slavery continued, and it was until the late 1900s that real equality was achieved (White 46).

The Rise of America as a Superpower

America fought with Spain in 1898 and easily won. The victory ensured Cuba gained independence. For themselves, they took over Puerto Rico and Hawaii (Brinkley 6). The USA acquired Hawaii as an illegal territory. The 1900 election brought a new progressive era. Greatly buoyed by the victory in 1898, USA looked to bolster its foreign policy (Bailyn 72). President McKinley started the Open Door policy to gain new markets for the American products. However, during his second term in office, during an exposition, he was assassinated in Buffalo, New York. His vice president Theodore Roosevelt took over.

America’s Involvement in World War I and II

The rise of other nations contributed to the American history in a way. The USA tried to broker peace with Germany to find a solution to the imminent crisis. It failed, and World War 1 began. America was not a party to the war and only entered when Germany started a campaign against US submarines. The Allied forces badly needed finances, weapons, and food that America provided. Its entry into the war brought much relief and morale. The Allied forces won the war and America asserted itself as a superpower (White 46). Back home, most of her citizens were supporting the cause. Women began doing jobs dominated by men.

After the war, America’s prosperity soared (Bailyn 72). However, bitter due to the loss, Germany rebuilt and started aggression. The USA employed appeasement policy to avoid another world crisis. When it was evident that Germany wanted war under all conditions, USA entered the arena. She backed France and Britain. On the other side, there was Germany and the Soviet Union. The war lasted for six years since 1939-1945 under two presidents namely Frank Roosevelt and Harry Truman. It was finally won by Truman when the USA launched its atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. It was after Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor. It was another victory albeit an expensive one (Bailyn 72).

The Fight Against Racism and America’s Rise as a World Superpower

The agitation against racism heightened, and several crusaders were in the movement. By 1960, blacks had risen to political prominence. Throughout the reconstruction and progressive era, Republicans enjoyed political dominance. The constitution and the law enshrined the rights of blacks and women, and they enjoyed equality. By the end of the 20th century, America had participated in many wars, and the victories had asserted her power as a world superpower.

Work Cited

Bailyn, Bernard. The ideological origins of the American Revolution. Harvard University Press, 2017.

Brinkley, Alan. The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People, Volume I. Vol. 11. McGraw-Hill, 2015.

White, Richard. It’s your misfortune and none of my own: A new history of the American West. University of Oklahoma Press, 2015.