History

History

Introduction

This assignment examines how Edward Bellamy's “Looking Backward 2000-1887” reflects the optimism and utopian thinking of Americans during the late 19th century. It also analyzes Rosenberg's “Liberal developmentalism”, as well as analyzes Hemingway's works that reflect his 'ambivalence' and illustrate U.S. involvement in the world. Niebuhr's “The Irony of American History” is also examined as well as the reasons for its influence. The last part of the paper discusses the seventies as the “Decade of Nightmares” and argues that the jaded disenfranchised character of Superman is a reflection of post-Vietnam America. These questions have been examined in the discussion section of the assignment.

Discussion

Edward Bellamy's “Looking Backward 2000-1887” and American 19th Century Utopia

Utopia, as a concept, emerges out of escalating tensions and pressures of reality, mostly in the aftermath of unsatisfied aspirations. A utopia is a desired place, closest to the human ideal of perfect harmony. Many writers such as Sartre argue that utopia is an 'escape' from the burden of existence. Edward Bellamy's “Looking Backward 2000-1887” is one of the most influential optimistic novels of 19th century American literature. The novel was published in a setting where America was deeply troubled by class violence, as well as the mindless consumerism of the rich. The emergence of labor unions was also changing the make-up of society, which the author scrutinizes in this novel. The author contrasts his 'utopian' society with his current society, displaying admiration for a planned economy versus the consumerist free-market.

Bellamy's “Looking Backward 2000-1887” protagonist is Julian West, a thirty year old aristocrat, born into a wealthy family that considers itself superior to those around him. The author describes West's life as “Living in luxury, and occupied only with the pursuit of the pleasures and refinement of life” (Bellamy, 2000, p. 5). He also comments that if he were to have descendants they would “enjoy an easy existence” (Bellamy, 2000, p. 5). The indulgence of the rich in their wealth and social status is evident in West's thoughts. Bellamy's “Looking Backward 2000-1887” reflects American wealth in the 19th century. The latter part of the novel reflects American utopianism and optimism, since the protagonist admits to the utopian society being better for the world than his industrialized 19th century. It reflects the attitudes and utopian thinking of Americans during the 19th century, who were becoming increasingly disillusioned with their economic conditions - with a wide disparity existing between the rich and poor.

Critique of Rosenberg's Liberal Developmentalism

According to Emily Rosenberg, American expansion is based largely on an ideological construct named “liberal developmentalism” which uses the pretext of peace and democratic governance to Americanize the known world, flaunting visions of modernization and liberalism. Between the late eighteenth to mid nineteenth century, America expanded into other countries based on its economic might and cultural 'superiority', constructing “developmental laws” that were deemed universally acceptable. Using Rosenberg's definition, we can define “liberal developmentalism” as a systematic transfer of beliefs and values, as well as fears and prejudice, which comprises the American social consciousness, into foreign ...