Political and Economic History of 1866-1940 Essays

Political and Economic History of 1866-1940 Essays Political and Economic History of 1866-1940 Essay Political and Economic History of 1866-1940 Essay There was a variety of economic events and crisis’ in the history of the United States of America between 1866-1940. During this time, the Gilded Age was well known for the rise of employment and rapid development within the U. S. economy. However, this was overshadowed by the Great Depression, one of the lowest points economically in the country. Regardless of economic uncertainty, one man, John D. Rockefeller, amassed a great wealth to be unmatched in U. S. history, greatly impacted industry and communities alike. During the time frame from 1865 through the 1900’s, the Gilded Age brought about the Industrial Revolution rapidly increasing the economy in the United States. New discoveries in industry helped employ thousands of rural people. Railroads were being extended and their tracks were being built stronger with more people employed. Bridges were able to hold heavier loads of merchandise and transport more people at a cheaper toll. In addition, coal and oil were found in Pennsylvania. Iron mines became popular which led to more industrial employment in steel mills (Wikipedia). According to the author, Ron Chernow, cement factories and oversized mines that contained lead, silver, and copper opened a lot of employment opportunities (Wikipedia). Industry and the U. S economy flourished and in November 1929, the stock market crashed causing a tremendous economic and industrial loss. This was the beginning of the Great Depression in the United States. Many families who relied on jobs involving heavy industry were hurt the most. In addition, construction discontinued in rural areas and farmers suffered as crop prices fell drastically in the great Dust Bowl. The Great Depression hurt society in the United States and created a world depression (Wikipedia). The person that I found most interesting was the man who founded the Standard Oil Company in Ohio in the year of 1870. John D. Rockefeller became the richest man in history because of gasoline importance and his creation of lubrication. He became rich by monopolizing the oil industry. Ron Chernow stated that Mr. Rockefeller’s refiner became the largest shippers of oil in the country. He became a billionaire and was very generous to give more than half of his income earnings to several charities such as, The General Education Board. In 1902, Rockefeller gave the board $180 million which was spent to support medical schools and higher education within the United States (Wikipedia). Overall, the economic history of the United States of America from 1866-1940 had seen many rises and falls. The dawn of the Gilded Age created thousands of jobs in the industrial labor. The era of the Great Depression created massive destruction for the U. S. economy. Fortunately, there were intelligent people like John D. Rockefeller who were positively motivated, honest, successful, and influential and therefore made a difference in the economy during that time period. These historical economical events are ones that we, as society, may want to learn from today. Work Cited Page Chernow, Ron. Modified 30, Ocotber, 2010. Retrieved 11. 2. 10 http:wikipedia. org/wiki/Economic history of the United States#The Gilded Age: 1865 E2 80. 931900 http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/General_Education_Board. Retrieved 12. 7. 10. servinghistory. om/topics/Economic_history_of_the_United_States::sub::The_Gilde d_Age:_186 Esmeralda Adame Political History 1866-1940 The political history of the United States of America between 1866-1940 included several powerful politicians and major events which created huge impacts in our country. There were many Presidents, both great and disappointing, within this time frame. Certain alliances representing a degree of conflict, th roughout the political history of the U. S. , also left their mark while a variety of groups and individuals pushed and helped create political history during the Progressive Era. During this time period of American history it seems so apparent that President Franklin Roosevelt left the most interesting mark with his â€Å"New Deal† policy. After the Civil War, Andrew Johnson was made the 17th President of the United States after the assassination of President Lincoln in April, 1865. In contrast, Andrew Johnson, Lincoln’s successor, was ranked as one of the most horrible presidents (Baliles). Gerald L. Baliles states, Johnson did more to extend the national strife than to heal the injured veterans that served in the war. On March 4, 1887, William McKinley became the 25th President of the United States (whitehouse). One of the most important events during his Administration was the conflict that arose between Spain and the U. S. As a result, the Spanish-American War developed in 1898. A positive result of the war was the victory of United States as it was recognized as a world power. Moreover, Cuba gained its independence as the Spanish-American War ended on December 10, 1898. Unfortunately, President McKinley was assassinated in 1901 leading Theodore Roosevelt to become the next President of the United States. In 1913, Woodrow Wilson became President of U. S. Shortly after, in 1916, World War I began which later ended in 1919. During this time period, Wilson’s plan was to increase economic profits. While men were out serving in the war, new employment opportunities opened for women and African Americans. Women began working in factories like never before. They were proud and excited to be working and being able to vote the first time in history. In 1929, Republican nominee Herbert Hoover was made the 29th President of the United States. He went down in history as one of the worst presidents as he did nothing to improve society or the economic system during the Great Depression. On the other hand, beginning in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, ended a Republican ran political history, making him a significantly interesting figure in American Politics from the 1920’s through the 1930’s. With Roosevelt, came a fresh perspective, ushering in new policies that would change the landscape of politics as we know it today. Roosevelt wanted the economy to rise again for the sake of the people’s confidence (whitehouse). He created the â€Å"New Deal† Program, which consisted of social programs such as, Social Security and the Tennessee Valley Authority, a huge work relief program, higher taxes on the rich and new control over public utilities and banks (whitehouse). Overall, the political realm and events of the United States between 1866-1940 have had major impacts in political history. Politics and policies throughout the span of 74 years drove America into the Industrial Revolution, the Gilded Age, and World War I where our government made vital decisions along the way, such as Teddy Roosevelt controlling the unions or William McKinley going to war with Spain. Between the conclusion of the Civil War and the inspiring administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his â€Å"New Deal† policies, America stepped forward in time as a blessed nation. Work Cited whitehouse. gov/about/presidents http://topics. nytimes. com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/j/andrew_johnson/inde x. html whitehouse. gov/about/presidents/franklindroosevelt http://spider. georgetowncollege. edu/htallant/courses/his225/progmovt. htm whale. to/b/mullins46. html http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt#Presidency_1901. E2. 80. 931909