AMERICAN IDENTITY AND INDUSTRIAL CAPITALISM

This paper’s primary goal is to examine how the emergence of industrial capitalism altered American identity between 1865 and 1960.

It is significant to remember that the term capital is where capitalism gets its name.

The United States and the World, the Rise of Industrial Capitalism, and Changes in American Identity

are the major course themes connected to this assignment.

In general, it is safe to say that the majority of the changes that occurred significantly transformed and challenged American culture.

Industrial capitalism is the term used to describe the social and economic structure in which trade, industry, and capital are privately controlled.

In between the years 1865 and 1960, very many people lost their lives (“The American Century 61”).

They also suffered in pain and anguish in a bid to make America great.

In reference to the history of the rise of capitalism in America, there is a lot to be discussed.

Different scholars such as Henry Luce and Edward Earle have tried explaining how capitalism rose and its impact on America as an Economy.

According to Henry Luce, the rise of capitalism can be traced back to the last quarter of the 18th century.

During this era, small organizations that were scattered all over the country began to form simple and basic social associations (“The American Century 61”).

Initially, most of the workers all over America were employed by very few individuals who could not be able to form any social organizations or interest groups.

Henry Luce also states that by the year 1865, almost a third of the national income came from capitalist enterprises.

On the other hand, Edward Earle believes that capitalism changed America in that it led to institutional changes in the American economy and society.

A good example that can be used to explain some of the changes is the fact that the Government started to deepen its roots and involvement in a majority of the economic affairs.

The Government introduced capital investment (“Edward Earle Purinton, Big Ideas from Big Business, April 16, 1921 NP”).

Basically, this means that entrepreneurs were provided with more opportunities in the form of loans.

During this time, the number of banks grew significantly.

It is estimated that by the end of the year 1890, there were more than 505 banks all over America.

Practically, investors could be able to expand their businesses (“Edward Earle Purinton, Big Ideas from Big Business, April 16, 1921 NP”).

Consequently, as a result of capitalism, the entrepreneurial class became more empowered and relevant.

In reference to the scenario mentioned above, it is safe to state the fact that banks were a crucial industry to the development of American capitalism.

The rise of capitalism also changed the American identity in that the Country became a dominant superpower (Fellows & Nicholas & Mike 27).

During this era, America had a prominent and profound future.

As a result of the rise of capitalism, America was able to grow and become a World leader in all trivial ways such as scientific and artistic innovations.

It is also important to note the fact that as a result of the rise and growth of capitalism, America became a pacesetter in almost every activity.

For example, American jazz, slang, and Hollywood movies are known all over the World, from Zanzibar to Hamburg.

By the year 1960, capitalism was the main ideal (“The American Century 61”).

The American economy had matured to accommodate freewheeling business moguls.

Corporations were also formed throughout.

Lastly, most of the business barons were replaced with technocrats and managers who became the heads of the cooperation.

Currently, the United States of America greatly differs from other Countries in that it stands for one idea.

Unlike other Countries, Americans believe that business is the main national opportunity.

Edward Earle also believed in business.

In his book titled “Big ideas from Big Business,” he quotes that the key to salvation is doing business.

America also differs from other countries in that a majority of the other countries have a state of mind and ideas that contrasts greatly (“Edward Earle Purinton, Big Ideas from Big Business, April 16, 1921 NP”).

For example, on September 3rd, 1939, after Winston Churchill made his maiden speech, it was quite clear that the British were fighting for their own lives while the Americans were fighting for their Country (Edles & Laura & Scott 76).

Secondly, as compared to the Americans, most Britons are relatively calm and quiet people.

It is also important to note the fact that the United States of America greatly differs from the rest of the World in that they are plain rich.

Basically, this means that they are rich in amusement, entertainment, clothes, food, and business.

Lastl,y unlike other Countries, America is different in that they do not have to worry about an attack from other countries.

Currently, since the 19th century, America has been the superpower.

Most of their worries are not related to attacks in any way.

Being an American comes with a lot of challenges and hardships.

Despite the fact that most people think that being an American is easy, it is quite contrary to what they think.

Based on a report by Henry Luce, it is estimated that a majority of the American people are not happy.

Most of them are apathetic and gloomy (“The American Century 35”).

It was also reported that most of the Americans are confused and do not know what to do in relation to the rest of the World.

The main reason behind the confusion and gloominess is the fact that there is a contrast of ideas and mind between Americans and other people from different countries.

As a result of the rise and growth of capitalism, it is safe to state the fact that Americans are the most informed people in the World.

They have information and facts more than the average citizen in other countries.

Most of this information is important in capitalism.

Being an American is also difficult in the sense that one is torn in between different situations.

For example, as a World leader, America is responsible for maintaining and restoring peace.

According to Henry Luce, America is important in that their main obligation is to help other countries in every way possible.

Leading the World is not an easy task.

It requires a lot of time and cooperation.

Basically, being an American comes with the responsibility (“The American Century 62”).

Americans have to set an example for other people in the World.

The most significant change in the idea of what it means to be an American is the fact that mankind looks upon America.

As mentioned earlier, America is the center of all major capitalist activities such as music, Hollywood movies, and other vocational and training practices.

For years, the American society has dictated the growth and progress of mankind activities.

The transformations in the American society are breathtaking.

Basically, it is safe to state the fact that industrial capitalism paved the way for the growth and development of America.

As a result of the rise and development of capitalism, the American nation is identified as the most business-oriented countries in the World (Rose 37).

Most Americans believe the fact that the biggest thing when it comes to success is the price one has to pay.

It is also important to note the fact that most of the Americans live a silent life, they do not talk much about their lives, personal and family success.

They believe that for a business to prosper, there must be women counselors.

Lastly, most Americans are very charitable and believe that the industry will save the community and the World at large.

In conclusion, it is safe to state the fact that capitalism has transformed the American people in terms of identity.

Most Americans and the nation at large believe that it is their role to serve and help out countries that are in need.

Works Cited

“Edward Earle Purinton, Big Ideas From Big Business, April 16, 1921.” 2017, http://file:///C:/Users/Hp450/Downloads/Edward_Earle_Purinton__Business_is_the_Salvation_of_the_World__1921___1_%20(2).pdf.

“The American Century.” 2017, http://file:///C:/Users/Hp450/Downloads/Henry_Luce__The_American_Century__1941_%20(3).pdf.

Edles, Laura Desfor, and Scott Appelrouth. Sociological theory in the classical era: Text and readings. Sage Publications, 2014.

Fellows, Nicholas, and Mike Wells. Access to History: Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1992 for OCR. Hachette UK, 2016.

Rose, Kenneth D. Unspeakable awfulness: America through the eyes of European travelers, 1865-1900. Routledge, 2013.