Progressive Era Through the Great Depression

Progressive Era Through the Great Depression

Introduction

The years between the ages of Progressivism till the Great Depression could easily be seen as the most important eras in American History. The happening during these years had a direct impact on the future of America. There were many upheavals during this period from the social ones to the economic ones. On one hand, we saw a fresh breath of freedom for the people and minorities, and on the other, we had the severest of economic crashes. One can say that American capitalism as we see it today was going through its teething problems. The road to this national maturity however, was not smooth. America was to go through these problems, and the nation had to come together and find a solution to the problems. America would be a different place if these major events had not taken place. It is commonly said that the Progressive Era in the United States started around the 1890's and went on until the end of the First World War (Buenker, pp. 3 - 21). The Great Depression started around 1930 and lasted till the end of the decade (Bernanke, B.1995).

The major events that took place during the era include legislations on women voting rights as well as further recognition of African Americans as equal citizens of the country. Two wars were also witnessed during the same period. Our study would include an over view of these major events and we will also try to answer some questions in regards to these events. We will briefly look at the causes behind some of the most significant events of the time.

Discussion

Two Historical Turning Points

The years between 1890 until 1940 are full of events that altered the course of American History. Starting from the Panic of 1893 to the First World War then the Great Depression, all these events led to development of a better system of governance and well as an enhanced sense of social values. The first of such important events would therefore be, the Spanish American War.

Spanish American War

The war in 1898 changed the face of American politics forever. The Americans ended their isolationist policy when they entered this war. Looking at the way things are today, Americans have a world-wide military presence. This was the war that gave rise to America's geographic expansion started outside the mainland (Buenker, pp. 3 - 21). The role of the military was recognized as being a force that could potentially bring to the U.S more territory for economic expansion. Furthermore, the war also gave American politicians the impetus to give up the isolation and enter the fray of international politics. They recognized the need to assert themselves if their interests were at stake.

Passage of the Nineteenth Amendment

Another turning point of significance in American society was the passage of the 19th Amendment. Before 1919, women were not allowed to vote thereby a status of being unequal. The age of progressivism paved the way for this historic ...