Practice essay questions - America

1865 -1890 3
‘Reconstruction in the year 1865-77 failed because of Republican opposition’ 3
The end of reconstruction by 1877 was due to the violence of southern segregationists.
Assess the validity of this view. 5
‘In the years 1865-1890 the Democratic party was fatally weakened by the consequences of
the defeat of the South in the civil war’ 7
To what extent had the weakness of the federal government in 1865 been overcome by
1890? 8
To what extent was reconstruction a success between 1865-1877? 10
‘The main reason for growth in the economy during the year 1865-1877 was improvements
in transport’ 12
To what extent had any progress made by African-Americans during Radical Reconstruction
lost by 1890? 13
‘The most important reason for expansion in the west in the year 1865-1890 was the
development of manifest destiny’ 15
‘The lives of African-Americans improved during the years 1865-90’ 16
‘The railroads were the key to the expansion of the American economy in the years
1865-1890’ 17
‘In the years 1865-1890 America was a deeply divided country’ 18
‘Industrial growth during reconstruction was a triumph(good thing/success) for the republican
party’ 1865-1877 20
‘The main effect of reconstruction of African-Americans was the introduction of Jim Crow
Laws’ 20
'In the years 1865 to 1890, the Democratic Party was fatally weakened by the consequences
of the death of the South in the Civil War' 21
'Settlement of the West in the years 1865 to 1890 was a triumph of American democracy.' 23
‘To what extent was the rapid westward expansion of the United States in the years 1865 to
1890 due to the influence of ideas of ‘Manifest Destiny’?’ 24
‘The USA benefited from the rise of big business during 1865-1890” 25

1890-1920 26
Throughout the period from 1890-1920, the dominant influence on American politics was the
immense power and influence of big business’ 26
‘Big business, not big government was the reason for the dynamic growth of the American
economy in the years 1890-1918’ 28
‘In the years 1890-1914, American society changed dramatically’ 30
‘American foreign policy in the years 1890- 1920 was isolationist’ 31
The main effect of immigration to the USA in the years 1865-90 was the growth of Nativism.’
33
‘The position of African Americans regressed in the period 1890 to 1920.’ 34
‘To what extent was the growth of imperialism in the years 1890 to 1912 as a result of the
search for new markets?’ 35
 ’To what extent was the regulation of big business the most important achievement of the
Progressive Movement in the years 1890-1912’ 36
‘Wilson was the most progressive of the American presidents in the years 1890-1920.’ 38
Progressive Presidents were effective in controlling big business and redistributing wealth.’
39
‘The USA followed an isolationist foreign policy during the years 1890-1920.’ 40
’The greatest threat to the position of African Americans in the South during the years
1865-1920 was formal segregation’. 41
‘Mass immigration was the main reason why the US had become the leading economic
power by 1920.’ 42
'The rise of the American economy between 1890 and 1913 was due to the abundance of
natural resources.' 44
’The main reason for the growth of the Progressive movement in the years 1890-1912 was
the need to regulate big business.’ 44
The political dominance of the republican party in the years 1890-1912 was due to internal
divisions of its opponents’ / 45
‘In 1865 the United states was a bitterly divided country, by the end of the First World War
America was a confident and harmonious nation’ 47
To what extent was American imperialism motivated by issues of national security in the
years 1890 to 1920? 48
‘In the years 1888-1890, the democratic party was badly weakened by the rise of populism’
49

1920-1945 49
‘The onset of the Great Depression in the years 1929-1932 was due to the pro-business
policies promoted by the republicans since 1896’ 49
‘To what extent was American prosperity in the years 1900-1929 ‘superficial and fragile’ 50
‘Woman made little progress towards achieving equality from 1920 to 1945’ Assess the
validity of this view’ 53
‘US foreign policy in the years 1919 to 1941 was based on isolationism.’/ the US followed an
isolationist foreign policy during the interwar years’ 54
'US involvement in the First and Second World Wars caused fundamental changes in
American society between 1917 and 1945.’ 55
‘Between 1920-1941 American society was badly divided’ 56
‘To what extent, by 1941, had the New Deal policies of FDR overcome the economic
problems he inherited from his republican predecessors? 57
‘The Immigration Acts of the early 1920s were the result of social tensions arising from
immigration since the 1890s.’ 59
‘The United States followed an isolationist foriegn policy during the interwar years’ 60
Laissez-faire policies, in the years 1865 to 1890, were economically damaging.’ 62
To what extent had any progress made by African-Americans during Radical Reconstruction
been lost by 1890? 63
‘US foreign policy in the years 1919 to 1941 was based on isolationism.’ 63
‘The Policies of US presidents had very little impact on the boom, bust and recovery of the
American economy in the years 1920-1945 63
 ‘There was very little improvement to the lives of African Americans between the years
1920-1941’ 66

1945 - 1975 67
‘Post war presidents enjoyed considerable success with domestic affairs between the years
1945-1975’ 67
‘From 1932 to 1960, the republican party was badly out of touch with the American people’
70
‘In the years 1945 to 1974, the democratic party was fatally weakened by its internal
divisions’ ///73
‘The years 1945 to 1964 were a time of strong economic growth and prosperity for all
Americans.’ 75
‘American prosperity during the long post war boom was due to high government spending’
76
‘Throughout the years 1945 to 1968, all US Presidents were committed to reform in
domestic politics.’ 77
How successful were attempts by US governments, in the years 1945 to 1975, to reduce
Cold War tensions? 79
To what extent can the US policy of containment in Asia in the years 1945 to 1975 be
described as a success? 82
‘The US policy of containment of Communism proved costly and unsuccessful in the years
1947-1975’ 83

Thematic 86
From 1932 to 1960 the republican party was badly out of touch with the american people
86
The republican party dominated American politics in the years 1868 to 1912 because it was
the party of big business 87
‘The disasters that met the US in South East Asia between 1968 and 1975 resulted from the
confused and contradictory aims of Foreign policy ever since 1920. (may not as 1920s
foreign policy not on advanced info) 89

1865 -1890

‘Reconstruction in the year 1865-77 failed because of Republican

opposition’

Introduction Reconstruction failed for many reasons;

Compromise of 1877
Weakness of Grant and his presidency
Violence of southern segregationists
 Republican opposition

Paragraph one Republican opposition

Republican opposition - Stevens/Wade/Sumner -
congressional/conservative/radical republicans

Radical reconstruction end was marked in the Civil Rights act of 1875
The Republican party was deeply divided - liberal republicans were reluctant
to keep using northern troops to suppress southern discontent whereas
radical republicans wanted to be harsher on the south- Thaddeus Stevens
wanted to confiscate the land of confederates and give it to freed slaves
Toward the end of 1875 - republicans were losing momentum and many
believed that their policies interfered too much with state governments
Liberal republicans deserted Grant after his presidency was badly
discredited
The republican party was deeply divided, weakening the drive for
reconstruction
The Civil rights act passed in congress in 1875 was originally proposed by
Charles Sumner in 1870 - intended to guarantee equal treatment in issues
such as jury service and public transport - deep division, some republicans
regarded it as extreme interference in state governments

HOWEVER,
Grant could not control the divisions within his party, therefore the main
reason why reconstruction failed was because Grant was too weak

Paragraph two Compromise of 1877

Led to the removal of northern troops and ‘carpetbaggers’ in the south who
were there to help african americans in the south and help to bring the south
into union with the north
All reconstruction policies depended on the presence of US army in the
south
Compromise was made in 1877 after the election between
Hayes(republican) and Tilden(democrat) was too close. The democrats
agreed to give the presidency to the republicans if the northern troops were
removed from the south
The south felt that they were being ‘occupied’ by the north
This ended reconstruction as the southern states were left to govern the
people in the states and many of the old white southern segrationists went
back into power - less progress was made, worsened the lives of many
african americans(white terror groups, mississippi plan, lynching,
intimidation before voting) north and south also remained divided

However, although this marked the end of reconstruction, the compromise

was catalysed by the weakness of Grant’s presidency which made the vote
too close to call

Paragraph Weakness of grant and his presidency

three Many scandals during his presidency
 His administration was tainted by various scandals that led to him facing
much criticism
In 1869 - ‘Black Friday’ scandal =- the gold ring a conspiracy between Gould
and Fisk to control the gold market - Grant’s brother in law has connections
with both Gould and Fisk
Tweed ring- looted at least $45 million from New York
His private secretary was caught accepting bribes from the Whiskey ring
1873- stock market panic happened under Grant’s presidency - which many
people blamed on the financial speculation by railroad companies -
northerns now faced their own severe financial difficulties and so were less
focussed on the changes that needed to be made in the south
This corruption may have led to more people voting democrat in the next
election which led to the close result between democrats and republicans,
this led to the compromise which removed northern troops from the south
and ended reconstruction
Grants decision to approve the Amnesty act of 1872, allowed a large
number of ex-confederates to return to political life

Conclusion The main reason reconstruction failed was due to the weakness of grant
and the failures of his presidency
Although the compromise marked the end of reconstruction, this was
caused by the failures of republican party whilst Grant was president - many
people voted for democrats due to the scandals and financial depression -
Grant also approved to Amnesty act of 1872 which allowed large numbers
of ex-confederates to return to political power

The end of reconstruction by 1877 was due to the violence of southern

segregationists. Assess the validity of this view.

Introduction Many reasons for the end of reconstruction

Violence of southern segregationists
Weak presidency of grant - scandals
The compromise of 1877
Main reason = the compromise of 1877 - led to the removal of northern
troops in the south - led to more violence in the south

Paragraph one The violence of southern segregationists

Rise of white terror groups - KKK in tennessee, Red shirts
Lynching, intimidation to prevent voting - 1865 in Shevreport Louisiana
-over 2,000 african-americans were killed
Mississippi plan - pass a test to vote - due to black codes -81% of
African- Americans were illiterate which now meant they could not vote
- bounds of white terror groups would also carry firearms on election
days to intimidate voters
 HOWEVER,
Compromise of 1877 can be argued as the main reason for the end of
reconstruction because..
Northern troops were removed from the south - this meant no one was
enforcing the laws that protected African-Americans in the south
Southern segregationists were now free to treat African- Americans in
the south how they wanted - e.g. through violence and intimidation from
white terror groups.
Therefore, compromise is the main reason because if it wasn't made
the troops may have remained in the south limiting the actions of the
southern segregationists.

Paragraph two The compromise

Led to removal of troops and ‘carpetbaggers’
Hayes, a republican wild become president if troops were removed
from the south - this is because southerners felt they were being
‘occupied’ by the north and believe federal government should have
less involvement in their lives
To prevent another civil war a compromise was made
The government was no longer able to enforce the laws that protected
the African -Americans - this led to southern segregationists free to use
violence and state governments free to pass harsh laws that ended
reconstruction e.g. the black codes.

HOWEVER,
It was due to Grant weak presidency that the compromise had to
happen

Paragraph three The weakness of Ulysses Grant is also a key reason as to why
reconstruction ended
Several scandals - corrupt politicians that worked with Grant and were
influential in his presidency
Tweed ring - looted $45 million from New York
His vice-president was found to have links to railroad speculators
His personal secretary was caught accepting bribes from the whiskey
ring
Secretary of war was caught taking bribes to sell indian trading posts
Weekend Grant’s authority - people began to trust him less - especially
in the south
Stock market panic in 1873 - economic depression under Grant -
northerners were less focussed on what was happening in the south
The corruption and the political scandals may have led to more people
voting democrat as Grant was republican - this led to a close election
between the democrats and republicans which led to the compromise
being made and the northern troops being removed from the south.

Conclusion Violence of southern segregationists and the weakness of Grant

presidency are very important reasons as to why reconstruction ended
The most important reason is the weakness of Grant as his weak
presidency led to the compromise which meant reconstruction failed as
 the north and south remained divided.

‘In the years 1865-1890 the Democratic party was fatally weakened by the
consequences of the defeat of the South in the civil war’

Introduction south= confederate, democrat, party of the working white man

north = union, republican, party of big business
Reconstruction - slave labour removed - southerners relied on slave labour
- ‘king cotton’
Sharecropping
After the civil war - republicans were left in control of congress
The democratic party solidified its hold on the south as many southerners
opposed the republican measures in protecting the African-Americans
Could argue that it was not weakened - compromise of 1877 - vote very
close due to the scandals and corruption under Grant’s presidency
Johnson was part of the Democratic party - were in office - Johnson made
reconstruction easier for the south - granted 13,000 pardons

Paragraph one Yes they were fatally weakened after the civil war
Defeated by the north(republicans) republicans now held control over
congress
Northern troop and carpetbaggers in the south - ensuring the
reconstruction policies set by republicans were enforced
Carpetbaggers sent from the north and would dominate the state
governments
HOWEVER,
They were removed due to the compromise of 1877 - the compromise also
shows that the democratic party was not fatally weakened as the vote in
1876 was very close between republican Hayes and democrat Tilden

Paragraph two No they were not fatally weakened after the civil war - Johnson was a
Democrat and president - still had democrat representatives in congress
Johnson was a democrat who supported emancipation - very lenient to the
south after reconstruction
The democratic party was still able to enforce its policies despite the defeat
of the south
Johnson passed 13,000 pardons to ex confederates

Paragraph three No they were not fatally weakened after the civil war - solidified control on
the south
Many white southerners were in support of the democrats, did not like
republicans policies on helping African-Americans
Many ex-confederate soldiers regained power in state governments
(democrats) in power in state governments
White terror - violence and intimidation to strengthen the votes for
 democratic party
For example in Tennessee Democrat control was regained as early as
1869 - only 4 years after the defeat
Colfax Massacre 1873; 150 black men were killed by white southerners
Most southern states had democrats regain control by 1877

Conclusion The Democrat party was not fatally weakened by the consequences of the
defeat of the civil war - although they did lose the civil war - the union
wanted to unite the south and north and bring them into line with them
(reconstruction)- reconstruction failed

To what extent had the weakness of the federal government in 1865 been
overcome by 1890?
Introduction Weakness of federal government;
Corruption and scandals of Grant
Impeachment of Johnson
Politics of the gilded age - spoils system, patronage

Paragraph Had been overcome due to…..

one spoils system was briefly overcome
Attempts made for reconstruction - Johnson was a democrat who was pro
emancipation - but this meant he was more lenient on the south than many
wanted him to be
Hayes civil service reforms:
Government appointees could not manage campaign elections
Party leaders could have no official say in political appointments
1883 - Pendleton civil service act - arthur - listed government patronage jobs -
presidents could not shrink the list
However, it is clear the weakness of the federal government had not been
overcome due to
Conkling continued to seek influence
Congress being deeply divided over reconstruction
Rise in powers of state government

Paragraph It is argued that the weakness of the federal government had not been
two overcome due to
JOHNSON AND GRANT - impeachment and scandals
Johnson - weak president, stagnated the reconstruction in the south
Vetoed many bills from congress, freedmen's bureau act 1866 twice
Civil rights act 1866 - vetoed by johnson
Johnsons tactics infuriated republicans
Johnson granted 13,000 pardons - southerners could be pardoned if they
swore an oath of allegiance to the union
Grant - stock market panic
Amnesty act 1872- allowed many ex-confederates to return to political life in
 the south
Scandals under Grant - Tweed ring - looted $45 million from NY
His vice president Colfax, had links to railroad speculators
His personal secretary was caught taking bribes from Whiskey ring and his
secretary of war was also caught taking bribes

Paragraph Furthermore it is argued that the weakness of the federal government had not
three been overcome due to…..
THE POLITICS OF THE GILDED AGE - weaknesses
Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland
1877 compromise
Spoils system - a system supported by the stalwarts led by Roscoe Cokling - a
system of patronage where powerful men would be given political positions
due to helping in the presidential elections
Positions were not given by meritocracy
This meant many presidents spent their time in office repaying favours -
corrupt system
Harrison - received the support of the Grand Army of the Republic during his
election and he rewarded them with pensions, federal money for hospitals

Conclusion Weakness had not been overcome

Had been overcome Had not been overcome

Reconstruction had failed

Johnson had no desire to push through
reconstruction acts

To what extent was reconstruction a success between 1865-1877?

Introduction Reconstruction was the rebuilding of the nation following the civil war.

Paragraph 1 Reconstruction - presidential

There is an argument that reconstruction was a success as by 1877 US
states were under the authority of the federal government and had rejoined
the union. Therefore in theory, America had been unified.
Johnson was a democrat from the South but pro emancipation therefore had
allies on both sides so seen as the perfect candidate to reconcile America.
Johnson issued 13,000 pardons to southerners after they had sworn an oath
to the union which was intended to allow state governments to be established
in the south that would accept the abolition of slavery and renounce the action
of the states breaking away from the union

HOWEVER,
 This is a very limited argument as it is clear that deep divisions between
confederate union states and Northern Union states still existed
demonstrating how reconstruction failed to reconcile the North and south
This was ultimately due to the failure of federal government and in particular
the weakness of Johnson and Grant
However, Johnson failed to do this because he ignored his republican allies in
the congress and passed his own presidential reconstruction policies in an
attempt to speed the reconstruction process.
His plan to prosecute confederate leaders was dropped which effectively
meant that society in America experienced little change as a result of
reconstruction, the same southern elites dominated the south.
Johnson consistently used the veto on reconstruction legislation such as the
extension of the Freedmen’s bureau act

Paragraph 2 Congressional reconstruction under Johnson

Although reconstruction failed due to Johnson’s weakness, it could be argued
that congressional reconstruction had some success as they were able to
pass constitutional legislation that protected the rights of African Americans
and therefore contributed to a united, reconstructed society
The 13th amendment had abolished slavery and was expected to be
accepted by all new state governments
The 14th amendment 1868 had granted equal citizenship to all Americans
Congress overrode the presidential veto and pushed through the 14th
amendment to secure the Civil Rights Act - this disqualified anyone who
had supported the confederacy from office - removing the power of the
pardons by Johnson
HOWEVER,
The argument in support that reconstruction was a success is ultimately
flawed as these constitutional amendments had very little long lasting effect in
society.
Congressional reconstruction under Johnson due to the deep divisions within
congress itself. Even among the republicans, they could not unite themselves
on a policy to pursue in reconstruction. Four main factions in congress;
democrats, conservative republicans, moderate republicans and radical
republicans.
Radical reconstructionists such as Thaddeus Stevens and Charles Sumner
advocated for tough punishments to be taken on ex-confederates including
confiscating land and redistributing to freedmen, the reconstruction act that
were passed were not seen as radical enough

Paragraph 3 Congressional reconstruction under Grant

It could be argued that reconstruction had some success,
The 15th amendment 1870 had granted voting rights to African American men
Enforcement acts were introduced to act against the rise of white terror
groups
HOWEVER,
again, failure of the federal government, in this case Grant, resulted in
sympathy being granted to ex-confederates. This is shown in the 1872
Amnesty act which allowed all ex confederates to return to political office, this
allowed segregationist laws including Jim Crow laws allowed the ex
 confederates to retain dominance by restricting the rights of African
Americans, therefore the constitutional amendments were not enforced
effectively.
Whilst state law did not always act in defiance of the constitution, they still
placed harsh limitations on the rights of African Americans, for example
interracial marriage was made illegal, African Americans could not be
unemployed, restrictions were also placed on their right to vote including the
Misssissippi plan which required a literacy test to be passed before voting.
Reconstruction had completely failed by 1877 as a result of the compromise
following the disputed election in 86. This meant that all northern troops that
had been placed to enforce the laws were removed, effectively allowing states
to act how they wished and allowed white terror groups such as the KKK
continue to use violence and intimidation to segregate the south
By 1875 reconstruction was also losing momentum as a result of the financial
panic of 1873 which weakened northern support on issues in the south due
their focus on personal economic hardships
The death of many radical reconstructionists such as Thaddeus Stevens also
weakened the drive for reconstruction to continue.
This shows how reconstruction was a complete failure as the reconstruction
acts were not effectively enforced.

Conclusion Following the Civil War, reconstruction had the role of unifying the ex-
confederate southern states and the northern union states and protecting and
defending the rights of African Americans who had been emancipated under
the 13th Amendment. Although the states were unified due to Johnson’s fast
tracking method of granting pardons and constitutional amendments made to
protect the rights of African Americans, deep divisions were still evident
between the North and South. The most successful time during the
reconstruction was the strength of congressional reconstruction following the
weakening of Johnson in the 1866 midterm elections; however these changes
were short lived as the end of Grant’s presidency saw the reversal of many
successes made. The compromise of 1877 was the symbol of the failure of
reconstruction as it resulted in the removal of Northern troops from the south,
effectively removing all enforcement of the reconstruction acts. Therefore,
reconstruction can not be seen as a success as it ultimately failed in
achieving its aims.

‘The main reason for growth in the economy during the year 1865-1877
was improvements in transport’

Introduction Railroads were extremely important

‘Robber barons’ - entrepreneurial businessmen
immigration/urbanisation

Paragraph Transport - railroads

one The powerhouse of economic growth was railroads
 1865- 30,000 miles of track
1893 - 200,000 miles of track
The first transcontinental railroads, the Union Pacific was finished in 1869
The reason why the western union telegraph company was able to build a
nationwide monopoly because of the railroads
Cornelius vanderbilt
It is clear that the growth of the economy was due to transport because….
Improvements in transport drew people into expanding towns and cities
Railroads aided industrial expansion in the west, oklahoma land rush 1889 -
they transported homesteaders westward, lent them money to acquire land and
then took cash crops such as wheat in return
Railroads were vital for for supplying factories and for distributing their products

Paragraph Robber barons

two It can be argued that the main reason for growth in the economy was due to
robber barons because…..
Booming economic growth was dominated by steel and oil
Rate of growth of the production of steel was 7% each year
Cleveland, ohio became the major centre for oil refinery - in the ‘cleveland
massacre’ 1872 standard oil bought 22/26 of its competitors
85% of oil refining in the world was controlled by standard oil in the 1880s -
america became one of the world's leading economic power

However, robber barons are not the main reason for the growth of the economy
because…
The businesses owned by these businessmen heavily depended on the
improvements in transport

Paragraph Immigration/urbanisation
three It can be argued that the main reason for growth in the economy was due to
immigration because….
Chinese labourers provided half the labour force for San Francisco's labour
force’s key industries e.g boots, shoes, textiles, tobacco, sewing
Many chinese people also worked on farms especially in growing fruit
Urbanisation created new markets, new business opportunities and a vast,
mobile workforce

However, immigration is not the main reason for growth in the economy
because…
Transport aided immigration
Chinese labourers in the the construction of western railroads and the
transcontinental railroad

Raw materials
Discovery of mountains of high grade ore near Lake Superior
Oil wells developed in the Appalchian basin

Conclusion The main reason for the growth of the economy was improvements in transport
To what extent had any progress made by African-Americans during
Radical Reconstruction lost by 1890?

Introduction Death of key radically reconstructionists such as Thaddeus stevens also plays
an important role in this

Radical reconstruction - not presidential -

Paragraph Socially
1
It could be argued no progress was lost freedmen were permitted to marry,
move freely and have their own land
Many established their own churches
This is huge progress as under slavery none of this would have been permitted,
and continued past 1890
Education

Thousands of public schools opened due to freedmen's bureau

Howard Fisk and Hampton unis for AA students
1865 - 95% AA could not read/write
1870- 64% AA could not read/write
Tusekegee institute established in 1881 by Booker T Washington

HOWEVER

This progress was limited as the black codes were also heavily restrictive eg
couldn't congregate without a white man present, segregation

Lynchings were also rife in the south, so despite any social progress being
made in law, white supremacists were taking lives
Jim crow laws still in operation by 1890
Between 1889 and 1929 - 3724 people were lynched 85% were African
Americans
Jack Dupree murdered by KKK for being politically active
Racially mixed schools were discouraged
Schools for African Americans lower quality
Schools that allowed black students were difficult to find
Over half of southern African Americans were illiterate by 1890
The compromise of 1877 had removed Northern troops that were enforcing the
reconstruction acts, when they were removed so Hayes could become
president reconstruction had failed and white segregationists were free to act
how they wished

Paragraph Economically
2 Could now legally work and earn money
 Own land
Many formed their own banks and insurance murals that grew beyond the
1890s
Before radical reconstruction this was not allowed

HOWEVER

Limited employment opportunities meant most had to rely on sharecropping to

earn pitiful money - no better off
The majority of northern and southern African Americans s were still well below
the poverty line in 1890
Sharecropping - due to segregated schools, African Americans did not receive
enough funding or resources, left many forced to continue manual labour on the
land - this was economically crippling as in return for labour the landowner
received a share of produce and sharecroppers were expected to pay rent at
extremely high rates which led many to become in debt with their landowner so
did not have the opportunity to move and seek new jobs

Paragraph POLITICALLY
3 Progress had not been lost due to
15th amendment
Civil rights act
13th amendment
Legally these were still part of the constitution
Hiram revels became the first black senator

HOWEVER,
In reality they were not enforced - mainly due to the compromise of 1877 which
removed federal troops from the south - allowed violence and intimidation
around voting - this was not permitted in accordance with 15th amendment
In georgia they introduced a tax of $2 which most could not afford = southern
governments found ways to get around the progress made during radical
reconstruction

Conclusion Despite some elements of progress, it is clear the situation was still one of
discrimination. By 1890 any progress that had been achieved had been lost
particularly due to the return of ex confederates to political office which passed
legislation to restrict the freedom of African Americans

‘The most important reason for expansion in the west in the year
1865-1890 was the development of manifest destiny’

Intro Many causes for expansion west during 1865-1890 including access to natural
resources and the development of new technology which helped Americans
 build railroads to access the west. However this was al motivated by the belief
that Americans were superior and had a ‘duty’ to expand west.

Paragraph Manifest destiny

1 American belief that it was their duty and right to consolidate land in the west.
They forced native americans to comply or be pushed into reservations
Belief that they were morally justified - that by bringing American values and
practices to the west they were helping them
Grant wrote ‘the nation, united, will have a strength which will enable it to
dictate to all others to conform to justice and right’
American exceptionalism
National Myth - the settling of the west was a leap forward to modernity and
progress - bringing civilisation
Native Americans were depicted as culturally and racially inferior
Grant policy of ‘reservation or assimilation’
Sioux and Cheyenne nations were brutally suppressed by white americans

Paragraph Raw materials

2 Vast amount of land and opportunities in the west
Americans wanted to expand their opportunities and control
More land = more farms = more jobs = better economy
Successful - Black Hills Gold Rush 77 and $300mil of silver found in
colorado
The most important reason for expansion as the prospect of collecting all these
resources
Driven by land-hungry settlers seeking homesteads in 1860 US census shows
760,000 residents in western states - by 1890 this was 6 million
Fuelled by planks such as Oklahoma land rush - 6000 claims in 2 months - 2
million acres was granted as free land
HOWEVER,
Manifest destiny provides the argument that settler saw it as their right to take
these natural resources and use their land - therefore the main reason for
expansion in the west was manifest destiny as it provided the argument and
defence that it was the american peoples right and duty to expand west and
use their natural resources to improve the world

Paragraph Railroads and steel

3 The development of railroads was the main reason for expansion as it gave
them the practical ability to expand west
Union pacific - the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869
The railroads transported the homesteaders westward
Steel ploughs broke grasslands do access rich soil for cultivation underneath
HOWEVER,
It could be argued that manifest destiny remains the main reason for expansion
in the west as it motivated them to expand - railroads and steel provided the
resources

Conclusion The main reason for expansion was manifest destiny as many Americans
believed it was their duty and right to expand west and take the resources
available.
‘The lives of African-Americans improved during the years 1865-90’

Introduction The lives of African Americans did not significant improve during the years
1865-1890
Despite the constitutional changes that granted equal citizenship to African
Americans, discrimination and segregation still occured in society which limited
any progress that could be made.

Paragraph Social
one It could be argued that the lives of African-Amercians improved due to….
Freedmen's bureau - 1865 - spent 17 million dollars on setting up 100 hospitals
and 4,000 schools
Education did improve
13th amendment - african americans were freed
However, it is clear that the lives of African-Americans did not improve due to...
Black codes + Jim crow laws - harsh restrictions on the freedom of freedmen
Many were still illiterate
White terror groups - KKK, red shirts
KKK founded in Tennessee in 1866 - Jack Dupree - black and politically active
had his throat cut by the KKK ( could also use the EV in political paragraph)
1865 Shreveport Louisiana, 2,000 african americans killed
184 AA lynched in 1885
Plessy V. Ferguson 14th Amendment did not mandate social equality -
‘separate but equal’
1865 - 95% AA could not read/write
1870- 64% AA could not read/write

Paragraph Economic
two It could be argued that the lives of African-Amercians improved due to….
Booker T Washington - believed they should focus on economic improvement
and self-determination and not on political and civil rights - he attracted many
benefactors including Andrew Carnegie
However, it is clear that the lives of African-Americans did not improve due to...
Sharecropping - many didn't own land - couldn't afford to - had to stay working
on farms but had to pay rent to live - unable to leave as they had to be
employed under the black codes

Paragraph Political
three It could be argued the lives of African-Amercians improved due to….
Hiram Revels - first black senator
1870 - 15th amendment ratified giving black males the right to vote
1867 - first racially mixed jury in the south was impanelled
However, it is clear that the lives of African-Americans did not improve due to...
Mississippi plan - restricted ability to vote - had to pass a literacy test many
 were illiterate
White terror groups would use violence to intimidate voters and make them
avoid voting
Charles Cladwell, first man to be found not guilty for the murder of a white man
and became a member of the mississippi state senate, was shot over 30 times
by whites
Clinton massacre 1875 - 20 black people killed because they were politically
active

Conclusion Lives of African Americans did not improve, some progress was made however
by 1890 this had ultimately been lost due to the failure of reconstruction and the
continued discrimination African Americans faced particularly in the South.

‘The railroads were the key to the expansion of the American economy in
the years 1865-1890’
introduction The American economy experienced a massive growth in the years 1865
-1890 due to the abundance of natural resources in America, the ability of
robber barons to establish powerful businesses, the development in
technology and railroads that led to easier transportation of goods which
ultimately widened the market for American businesses, allowing the
economy to prosper. The most important reason for this expansion was the
the abundance of natural resources

Paragraph 1 Railroads were the key

Provided transport for people to move west and establish farms
1889 Oklahoma land rush - 6,000 applicants in 2 months fuelled by
development of railroads
Transport materials and goods across the country, accessing new markets
for american businesses
Union Pacific - first transnational railway completed in 1869
Vanderbuilt and the railwork company
By 1893 there were almost 200,000 miles of track
Were the railroads were placed made or broke the city
Refrigeration cars = perishable goods could be freely transported
Without railroads, transport would be very slow
Railroads stimulated demand and supply - expansion in domestic trade

However,
Without technology railroads could not have been built as quickly as they
were
The Bessemer blast furnace allowed for cheaper steel which was necessary
to build the railway tracks

Paragraph 2 Raw goods/natural resources and their exploitation by Robber Barons

 Gold found in the Black Hills region of Dakota 1877
Silver mining boom in colorado 1879 - over $82 million in silver being
mined during the boom
Steel - rate of steel growth was 7% annually
Vast amount of land in the west that was taken from Native Americans
Oil - Rockefeller monopolised on the oil industry - oil wells developed in
Pennsylvania
Cleveland massacre, 1872, Standard Oil bought out 22/26 competitors
High grade iron ore near Lake Superior
Cotton, tobacco, sugar remained major commodities for export

However,
Without the natural materials such as iron ore, railroads could not have
been built

Paragraph 3 Industrialization and technology

Urbanisation - fuelled by a cheap mobile workforce
Chinese workers provided ⅓ of the workforce in San Francisco
Iron and steel - in the 1880s steelmakers shifted to the Bessemer process
which enabled the mass production of good-quality steel
New techniques - such as rolling mills
Technological innovation by Thomas Edison - created more goods to sell to
markets and expand the economy, for example motion film camera in 1888
Electro-magnetic process for separating iron ore was developed in 1889
Shift from steam to oil in powering factories and ships
Industrial cities with large workforce, Wisconsin became the centre of large
scale dairy production
Between 1860-1890 12x more patents were issued for new technology

HOWEVER,
It was the abundance of raw materials that created the American dream that
individuals can prosper in America

Conclusion Abundance of natural resources was key to the expansion of the American
economy

‘In the years 1865-1890 America was a deeply divided country’

Evidence to suggest that it was not deeply Evidence to suggest that it was deeply
divided divided

Civil war had ended and there were attempts Segregation - black codes divided
to reconstruct America and unite the communities in the south
confederate states with the unionist states Jim Crow laws - segregated schools,
Johnson wanted this process to be fast son transport systems
granted many pardons - 13,000 in total - KKK used violence and intimidation
where Southerners would be pardoned if they
swore an oath of allegiance to the union Northern troops v southerners - troops called
Shows that they were less divided than they ‘carpetbaggers’ southerners felt they were
had been during the civil war as attempts being occupied - resentment towards
were made to unite Republicans
Political divisions - southerners typically voted
Workers often united together in order to for Democrats, Northerners for Republicans
protest for workers rights for example Knights Typically Republicans were pro-emancipation
of Labor was a pressure group that defended and reconstruction in order to unify the nation
the interests of industrial workers When ex confederates returned to political
Granger movement was the unity of farmers office in 1872 the states in south legislation
in order to defend the interests of farmers - by was very different to the legislation in the
1885 they had 850,000 members North - south passed laws to limit the
progress that could be made by African
Constitutional amendments occurred to make Americans - Mississippi plan 1874
all Americans equal under the law and grant
all men equal voting rights - 13th, 14th and Division between the interests of big business
15th Amendment and the interests of worker groups - violent
strikes Pennsylvania workers strike>??

Immigration - 1882 Chinese exclusion act

Orange riots 1881 between Irish protestants
and catholics in New York
As people migrated from Asia and Europe
cities often had communities that reflected
the different nations in America - for example
Milawkie became the city in which many
German-Americans lived
Paragraph 1 Political/regional divisions
Following the civil war there were some attempts to unite the confederate
and union states in order to heal divisions, this was called reconstruction
Johnson wanted this process to be fast son granted many pardons - 13,000
in total - where Southerners would be pardoned if they swore an oath of
allegiance to the union
Shows that they were less divided than they had been during the civil war
as attempts were made to unite
This allowed the states to be reunited fairly quickly which implies that
divisions were not as deep as suggested

HOWEVER,
Although the states were considered united politically there is still clear
divisions
Democrats controlled the south and Republicans dominated the North
The amnesty act allowed many ex confederates to return to political office
which allowed them to pass state legislation that supported the Democrats
Deep divisions are even evident within federal government itself - clear
disagreements between congressmen all with different ideas as to how
reconstruction should occur - Radical reconstructionist such as Thaddeus
Stevens pushed for ex confederates to be punished more
Johnson continuously used the veto - vetoed the Freedmen’s bureau act
twice despite congress willingness to pass it through - even divisions within
the branches of government (executive and legislature)

Paragraph 2 Divisions in society - discrimination, violence

Some significant constitutional changes occurred between 1865-1890
including the passing of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendment
This attempted to heal divisions by making all Americans equal citizens
under the law
15the amendment - prohibited to deny the right to vote due to race

HOWEVER,
As ex confederates were allowed to return to office the southern state
governments were once again dominated by the old white southern elite
which passes laws such as the black codes to restrict any progress that
could be made by African Americans - state governments could pass acts
that enforced segregation without breaking federal law
Jim Crow laws were implemented in the south which caused deep divisions
due to segregation - ‘separate but equal’ was a term used by the supreme
court in 1896 - it is clear that African Americans were not treated as equal
due to laws passed that restricted their civil liberties and due to the violence
and intimidation used by white terror groups such as the KKK
Mississippi plan 1874 - required a literacy test to be taken before voting -
this prevented many African Americans from exercising their right to vote as
many had not received education due to the black codes which limited
resources to schools
1877 - Georgia tax put a tax on voting as a way to prevent African
Americans from voting which could have removed the democrats from
power in the south
 Colfax Massacre - 150 African Americans killed

Paragraph 3 Divisions in economy/wealth/status/financial inequalities

Saw the rise of pressure groups united for a cause to influence public policy
and defend rights
Workers union such as the Knights of Labour grew in membership
Granger Movement - a union for farmers also grew, by 1885 it had 850,000
members

HOWEVER, although the creation and growth of these groups suggest that
America was not deeply divided as masses joined together to unite for a
common cause, the only reason why these groups were formed was to limit
divisions and wealth inequalities created by robber barons getting richer
and the working people being exploited
Knights of Labor led by Terrence powderly campaigned for an 8 hour labour
day
Haymarket Square Chicago 1886 - demonstration by Knights of Labor
turned into a riot, bombs thrown and 11 people killed
1877 - Great railroad strike in West Virginia against wage cuts by baltimore
and ohio railroad

Conclusion In the years 1865-1890 America was deeply divided, they had just
recovered from the war and were deeply divided politically, socially and
economically.

Introduction American society between 1865 - 1890 experienced a dramatic change as a

result of reconstruction, constitutional amendments, economic growth and
strengthening of trade unions. However, these changes did not unify the
nation, instead created further divisions. The racists ex confederates were
able to return to office which meant that segregation and discrimination were
entrenched in every law, dividing society through segregation. The economic
‘boom’ created deep wealth inequalities which divided the employees to the
employers, the rise in immigration created hostilities and

Paragraph 1 Socially very divided - position of African Americans, segregation and

discrimination
Although the constitutional amendments had created equal citizenship,
America was still deeply divided
The 14th and 15th Amendment had given equal citizenships and voting rights
to African Americans who had been emancipated under the 13th amendment

However,
African Amercians, particularly in the south, were not treated as equals. Ex
confederates returned to state office in 1872 as a result of the amnesty act
which resulted in state laws being passed to reduce the civil liberties of
African Americans
Black Codes and Jim Crow laws first enacted in states such as Mississippi
and North Carolina placed heavy restrictions on the freedom of African
 Americans. The south was heavily segregated, separate schools, hospitals,
transports, fountains which is symbol of the deep divisions in the south
Social values were not coherent evident in the founding of the KKK in 1865 in
Tennessee, a white terror group who discriminated against African Americans,
Catholics, Jews and immigrants - this hostility, violence and intimidation
shows how divided America was in values
The white terror groups would use violence and intimidation to restict the
rights of African Americans, the private ballot box was not enacted until 1890
therefore the KKK would use violence to discourage African Americans from
voting out the democrats that controlled the south
This meant discriminative legislation continued to be passed such as the
Mississippi plan in 1875 which required citizens to pass a literacy test,
meaning disadvantaged African Americans at segregated schools were
unable to pass these tests as they did not receive sufficient resources and
education.
Georgia also passed a tax that was required to be paid which many African
Americans could not afford because they were forced to stay on the land as
Sharecroppers as it became a crime under the black codes to be
unemployed.
This shows the deep divisions in America between 1865 -1890.

Paragraph 2 Divisions also occurred in the North in urban cities.

Although it could be argued that there was some unity among industrial
workers as seen in the rise of trade unions, the conflict that arose between
different immigrant groups and between workers and employers
demonstrates that there were more divisions that unity among Americans
Between 1865 - 1890 America underwent a surge in immigration, 10 million
immigrants moved to the states over the 25 year period
Many immigrants settled in cities where work could be found in the industry.
Illinois Chicago and Milawkee, New York City and Wisconsin all became
areas in which immigrants settled
This meant there were diverse cultures, languages and social values all of
which created divisions. These can be seen in the Orange riots that occurred
between 1870-71 between Irish Catholics and Protestants

However,
Immigration - a ‘them v us’ society was created, ‘yellow peril’ - Chinese
workers were seen as a threat which led to the 1882 chinese exclusion act

Also divisions in the North between employees and employers - many violent
strikes broke out such as the 1877 Great Railroad strike which broke out in
West Virginia against Baltimore and Ohio railroads making wage cuts - shows
how there was economic divisions between growing rich captains of industries
and the growing poverty of the workers
1866 - Haymarket Square Chicago a Knights of labor demonstration turned
into a riot

Paragraph 3 Also deep political divisions

It could be argued that divisions were beginning to be healed during
reconstruction following the civil war as confederate states were joined to the
 union and the nation was officially united under the union
HOWEVER,
This did not heal divisions, there was still deep political divisions within society
and this is clearly evident in the election of 1877
The election between Republican candidate Rutherford Hayes and
democratic candidate Tilden - Tilden had won the popular vote but just lost
the electoral vote by one vote, this caused controversy to occur over who
should be elected president. A compromise was eventually made but the fact
that this compromise had to be made in itself shows how divided America was
in their political views between 1865-1890, little common consensus and
understanding

Conclusion In Conclusion, the society in 1865-1890 was deeply divided. Some attempts
were made during reconstruction in order to unify the nation including the
confederates states joining the union, the constitutional amendments intended
to grant equality in society and the trade unions which sholwed a unity among
workers. However, the attempts made during reconstruction failed as America
was too bitterly divided due to segregation in the south, riots and immigration
in the North, the economic equalities experienced across and within regions
and in regards to political values.

‘Industrial growth during reconstruction was a triumph(good thing/success)

for the republican party’ 1865-1877

Introduction

Paragraph Yes industrial growth was a triumph for the republican party…
one The gilded age was the age of industrial capitalism
INNOVATION Expansion in the west drove big business, railroads, copper,coal, steel,oil
1860s new techniques in the manufacturing of steel - rolling mills
Production of steel increased due to demand from railroads
Thomas Edison - 1883 the vacuum tube
1888 motion camera
1876, opened first laboratory facility in new jersey, where he started all his
inventions

Paragraph Problems with industrial growth

two Panic of 1873 slowed economics
5 years of recession
It opened up opportunities for enterprising businessmen to buy up failed
companies and consolidate them
HOWEVER, government was not involved - panic is part of the economic
cycle - laissez faire
Paragraph Monopolies
three Limited any chance of competition by merging with rivals and driving small
businesses out
Vanderbuilt - New York Central and Hudson River railroad integrated
HOWEVER,
DEMANDS FOR STATE REGULATION
Granger movement founded in 1867 - pressured state governments into
passing legislation to help small farmers - had gained 850,000 members by
1885
Knights of new labour - trade union for industrial workers
Congressmen were often seen as corrupt and in the pockets of big
businessmen

Conclusion

‘The main effect of reconstruction of African-Americans was the

introduction of Jim Crow Laws’

Introduction The main effect of reconstruction was the passing of laws that were intended to
extent the rights of African Americans - however in the south these were not
enforced due to the compromise of 1877

Paragraph Yes Jim Crow Laws -

one 1896 Supreme court ruled ‘separate but equal’ - enforced segregation in every
aspect of life
Florida had separate schools
Maryland had separate cars of coaches
Mississippi - separate hospital entrances
Hall V DeCuir 1878 - State couldn’t prohibit segregation on common carriers
such as railroads or riverboats
They were are symbol of the deep divisions in America following the civil war
demonstrating how reconstruction had failed

Paragraph No - education and employment

two During reconstruction many African Americans became freedmen but they
struggled to find employment
- they worked on the land as a tenant farmer but faced discrimination and had
to pay such high rent that they were still bound to work on the land
1865- 95% of AA illiterate
1890 - 64% of AA illiterate
HOWEVER,
Schools were segregated
African Americans did not receive the same level of education
Many became sharecroppers

Paragraph No - politics white supremacists - KKK

three Compromise of 77 meant there were no longer troops in the south to enforce
the 14th and 15th amendments that proceeded african americans
Many people faced restrictions to their legal rights - 14th amendment granted
African American men the right to vote
However many white terrorist groups prevented this from happening
Reconstruction had failed so KKK was able to use violence to prevent people
from voting
State introduced laws to limit the people who could vote - Mississippi plan 1874
- only those who were literate or could afford to pay could vote
Jack Dupree who spoke out in favour of equal rights had his throat cut
1877- Georgia introduced a poll tax on those wanting to vote - many could not
afford this

However jim crow laws fuelled white supremacists

Conclusion Introduction of Jim Crow laws demonstrates the failure of reconstruction. The
Northern and Southern states could not be said to be effectively united because
of the differing state laws. Reconstruction also failed to protect the liberties of
African Americans following the emancipation, this was mainly due to the
compromise of 1877 which removed Northern troops from the South.

'In the years 1865 to 1890, the Democratic Party was fatally weakened by the
consequences of the death of the South in the Civil War'

Introduction Before the civil war, the democrats were the most powerful party

‘Fatally weakened’ - did they recover and strengthen?

Paragraph Yes fatally weakened - republicans dominated congress for many years -
one johnson was elected in 1865 then the next democrat Cleveland was not elected
until 1884
Radical republicans such as Thaddeus Stevens attempted to wipe out the black
codes and remove the southern democratic elite - provided opposition to
johnson's policy = overrode the veto of the Reconstruction Act 1867, which put
all southern state under military control until they swore to enforce the 14th
amendment

HOWEVER the democrats had a stronghold of the south ‘solid south’ - certain
to gain seats representing southern states so had a lot of power in state gov
Able to not enforce amendments such as the 14th and 15th, and instead
enforce the black codes
The fact that troops had to be placed there shows the strength of the democrat
opposition
Still had a lot of influence - civil rights act passed in 1875 was proposed by
 `charles sumner in 1870 but met lots of opposition in congress - struggle before
it was passed
Control in local governments - mississippi plan
Georgia tax

Paragraph YEs fatally weakened - not strong enough to outright win the election of 76
two Electoral vote was 50/50 between hayes and democrat tilden - shows how
republicans still had a lot of support

HOWEVER the compromise of 77 shows how they were strong enough to

negotiate the removal of troops
Also shows they were not fatally weakened as many of the population were still
voting for democrats - the vote was so close it was controversial - electoral vote
was 184 to 185

Paragraph Yes further weakened under Johnson’s presidency due to his troubled
three presidency - he was impeached after he tried to dismiss edward stanton - 11
charges were held against him - it damaged his political standing
HOWEVER
It was not fatally weakened because Johnson a democrat was elected
president after the war
Many republicans did not want to impeach him and take an extreme step to
convict a president who had lawfully been elected
This meant that the democratic party was NOT weakened as Johnson was able
to give pardons to many southerners who were democrats
This meant that the same southern,democratic elites dominated state
governments and therefore were able to prevent many of the reconstruction
acts to be passed under Grant

Conclusion Weakened but not fatally

'Settlement of the West in the years 1865 to 1890 was a triumph of American
democracy.'

Introduction

Paragraph Yes because of

one Fredrick Turner and the end of the frontier
‘Turner thesis’ American democracy had been shaped by the attitudes and
values associated with the frontier
He announced the end of the frontier - that the ‘empty spaces’ of the American
west had been filled by settlement and civilisation - it had become a nation from
sea to sea which was a triumph for them
America had become vastly powerful, securing the most land and hence the
most resources possible for their people

HOWEVER,
American ‘democracy’ was not achieved as many native Americans had few
 rights, were pushed into reservations and had to fight for their land - after the
white men from the south moved west they were left with little land -
‘reservation or assimilation’ was pushed by Grant
Native Americans were not recognised as citizens until 1924

Paragraph Yes because many Americans felt that they had achieved their manifest destiny
two or ‘white man's burden’

Manifest destiny had been an ideology since the 17th century - central part of
american thinking in both parties- it was morally correct to expand across the
American continent
The idea of the white man's burden was also strong - americans thought it was
their duty to civilise the ‘savage’ native americans

Therefore by expanding westward, both of these long held beliefs by the

american people were being fulfilled

HOWEVER this expansionist ideology was not shared by all

Henry Channing - ‘it is full time we should lay on ourselves, serious, resolute
restraint

Paragraph Yes as it promoted rugged individualism

three Values of free enterprise hard work and self help which they believed were
proven during the settlements in the west
Homestead act of 1862 which encouraged people to move west to live and
work - inspired the oklahoma land rush 1889 which accelerated the movement
to the west - congress granted 2 million acres of land formerly owned by the
indigenous people - six thousand new claims were registered in 2 months
Railroad expansion in the west - connected from sea to sea and access to more
land and some resources - first transcontinental railroad - the union pacific was
created in 1869

HOWEVER,
western lands were very hard to cultivate, and many homesteaders failed with
about 60 percent of the two million claims made under the Homestead Act
abandoned.- not what it was marketed to be to the ‘rugged individuals’
Climate was harsh and prone to natural disasters
Many farmers became bankrupt after several years of drought conditions so
many moved back east

Conclusion

‘To what extent was the rapid westward expansion of the United States in
the years 1865 to 1890 due to the influence of ideas of ‘Manifest Destiny’?’
Introduction

Paragraph Yes - manifest destiny

one
Idea of american exceptionalism/manifest destiny had been deeply ingrained
into american logic since the 17th Century - this was the belief that the USA
was a superior nation, and so its expansion across the American continent was
morally right and inevitable

These ideas are what motivated and provided justification for taking over the
Indian nations, as it explained how the native americans were ‘savages’ and a
barrier to USA progress.
Countless wars and treaties made so the US could colonise
- April 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie established the Great Sioux
Reservation - the natives had this small section of land, whilst white
settlers moved in to the rest - many similar treaties were made

Paragraph No - population growth

two
Between 1860s and 1890s there were 10 million immigrants, mostly hailing
from northern europe and china = population increased sharply
These immigrants mostly went to big cities such as New York, whos population
doubled between 1860-1890 - not just due to immigration but to urbanisation
This caused overpopulation, making it harder to find jobs, and causing tensions

Americans needed more land to live, work and play on, which heavily motivated
the expansion to the west
- 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush, 2 million acres of former NA territory given
to white settling ‘homesteaders’ - six thousand claims in two months

HOWEVER it was only because of manifest destiny that expanding westward

was considered an option to ease the strain of population growth

Paragraph No - economic growth

three
The west was rich in natural resources

Conclusion

‘The USA benefited from the rise of big business during 1865-1890”

introduction

Paragraph 1 Growth in economy

Rise of big business pushed America into a world leading economy
 Oil and steel production
Production of steel increased 7% annually
They were able to keep the economy strong during times of panic - opened
opportunities for businessmen to buy failed companies and consolidate them
Railroads - business men controlled the expanding railroads
Vanderbuilt - dominated rail traffic out of NY and its connections west and
north
1900 - annual production of steel was 60 million tons - biggest in the world
Carnegie - brought steel into the age of business
Created a steel empire by buying out chains of other steel companies

HOWEVER,
Although it benefitted the American economy, it did not benefit American
society as it negatively impacted workers and small farmers
‘Free market’ was not truly free as monopolies ruthlessly bought out
competition
Rockefeller - standard oil - cleveland massacre 22/26 competitors bought
They avoided state regulation

Paragraph 2 Problems in agriculture - social impacts on farmers

Railroad companies had monopoly power and set freight rates as high as
they pleased - farmers in south and east were vulnerable
Many small farmers struggled to access loans or access the market directly
without being exploited by big business
Laissez faire policies

Paragraph 3 Industrial workers - working conditions

Knights of labour - leader was Terrence Powderly - campaigned for 8 hr
working days and less restrictions
Little was enacted so many continued to work under harsh conditions put
into place by big businesses
Knights of labour demonstration led to riots - chicago 1886 - 11 people were
killed

Conclusion

1890-1920

Throughout the period from 1890-1920, the dominant influence on

American politics was the immense power and influence of big
business’

Introduction Influence on American politics

 Progressive era - progressive presidents such as Roosevelt, Taft and Wilson

Paragraph 1 Dominant influence was the immense power and influence of big business
Robber barons such as Rockefeller and Carnegie
1913 Rockefeller becomes the world's first billionaire
Rise in natural resources exploited by business men enabled american
businesses to become the largest in the world
This influenced politics as government protected these big businesses in
order to keep the American economy strong
1895 - Cleveland received financial support from $JP Morgan which strongly
weakened the support for the democrats, they were meant to be the party of
the people but accepting help from robber barons was seen to be siding with
wall street and continuing to allow them to influence politics
1897 - McKinley, Dingley tariff act created a high protectionist tariff that
increased tax on foreign imported goods to encourage the domestic market
to continue to buy from American businesses.

HOWEVER,
Progressive presidents worked to limit the influence of big business, trust
busting and regulation
Progressivism was the reaction against capitalism and big businesses
1904 - thanks to Roosevelt the supreme court ordered Northern Securities (a
monopoly on railroads) to be broken up
1906 - Hepburn act was passed to ensure greater regulation on railroad
companies
Under Wilson the Clayton antitrust act gave greater powers to those
enforcing the sherman antitrust act which meant there was tighter regulation
on big businesses

Paragraph 2 The main influence was the progressive/populist movement….

Progressive movement was a big influence on American politics as all
politicians began to adopt progressive policies such as maintaining the gold
standard and regulating big business
William Bryan had previously run with populist policies, supporting radical
ideas such as free silver - faced many defeats
This influenced american politics as it led to the republican dominance
between 1896-1912 because the republican party adopted the policies of the
progressive movement whilst the democrats, led by Bryan advocated
populist policies which were seen as too radical and ultimately led to bryan
and the democrats being defeated 3 times
Progressivism began to rise after the 1896 election after Bryan was defeated
and so was populism - progressivism was the movement of reform
Therefore progressivism, particularly between 1900-1920 was the biggest
influence on American politics
Clayton antitrust act - prevented unfair methods of competition

Paragraph 3 Immigration
18 million immigrants between 1890 and the first world war
Population of NYC doubled from 1890-1910
Faced discrimination and disadvantages - politicans would exploit this
 vulnerability to their advantage and would offer social safety nets in
exchange for votes in an election
Tammany hall NYC faction of the democratic party- immigrant support

HOWEVER,
This only really impacted politics in the urban north as this is where most
immigrants moved to, so immigration had little influence on politics in
southern rural areas

Conclusion The progressive movement, not the power and influence of big businesses
was the dominant influence on American politics between 1890-1920

Alternative plan

Introduction

Paragraph 1 Big business

Progressives - Omaha platform
1895 - JP Morgan bails out government $62million
Hepburn act 1906 regulation of railroad companies
Trust busting 1904
Dingley Tariff Act 1897

Paragraph 2 Social policies

19th amendment - prohibition
20th amendment - female suffrage
Trade unions - influencing government
1919 workers strikes
1918 espionage act, red scare, threat of communism - then the Sedition
act - more than 1500 persecutions were carried out - ⅔ resulted in
convictions - shows how policy focussed on the red scare and defence
against communism
1916 Adamson act
Rise of socialism

HOWEVER,
Big business was the biggest influence until Wilson’s presidency

Paragraph 3 Foreign policy - need to assert america's position in the world -

isolationism/imperialism/internationalism
Dominated end of wilson - WW1 1917 onwards
1919 peace conference 14 points - organised by wilson
Dominated how wilson conducted his presidency
Roosevelt corollary - also dominated roosevelt's presidency

HOWEVER
Big business
Spanish american war - business motivated the tobacco and sugar trade
JP Morgan financed the allies
 Trade increased 400% which benefitted private companies as new
market
Panama canal/dollar diplomacy - need to protect foreign markets

Conclusion 1914 social reform domestic policies

‘Big business, not big government was the reason for the dynamic growth
of the American economy in the years 1890-1918’

Introduction Growth of the american economy is due to a number of reasons:

Big business and their power
Immigration
Abundance of natural resources
Government

Paragraph Yes it was due to big business

one US steel output was world leading in 1913 - provided 31.8% of the steel - steel
production went up by 400%
1913 - Rockefeller became the first billionaire
It was the work of these businesses and their owners that allowed the american
economy to boom
They exploited market opportunities - for example america benefited from WW1
- Baldwin locomotive company made 5500 military locomotives and 6million
artillery shells
Allies depended on american loans - JP morgan made agreements with french
and english bankers - sole underwriter of allied war bonds

Paragraph No - it WAS big government

two
Presidents of this era (Mckinley roosevelt taft and wilson) were very big on
dynamically growing and protecting the economy - desperately trying to avoid
the economic crisis of the gilded age

In 1897 McKinley committed to the gold standard with the Currency Act, as this
was the more stable and secure method for the economy - worked immensely
in his favour after the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush, which boosted the economy .
Mckinley also passed the Dingley Tariff Act in 1897 which established the
highest ever protective tariffs, once again protecting the economy

In his presidency, Taft established an income tax, which consequently raised

$13 million

Wilson established the first central banking system in 1913, where all banks
that were protected under it had to invest 6% of their worth into a federal
 receive - this provided protection against future economic crashes and
subsequently stabilised the economy

HOWEVER
The government was important in providing stability and protection but this was
mainly during Wilson's presidency - big business was what stimulated growth

Paragraph Immigration
three
18.4 million immigrants between 1890 and ww1 - huge influx of people, which
already brings economic growth by expanding markets and consumers
Most of these immigrants came to work - 80% of italians came to work, and
20% counted themselves as skilled workers
These immigrants were seen by companies as cheap and easy labour and
employed many - this drastically increased the workforce and increased
efficiency at low costs.
Larger workforce = more products = more people buying = economical benefit
Therefore it can be said that that the influx of immigrants was the reason for the
growth of the economy

HOWEVER it was the big business such as standard oil that were employing
these immigrants, so for that reason it was actually big business that was the
reason.
Immigrants provide cheap labour and worked long hours

Conclusion Big business

‘In the years 1890-1914, American society changed dramatically’

Introduction Yes there was dramatic change - the north did see dramatic change due to
urbanisation and immigration - businesses booming, job opportunities, new
people in the north, more southerners moving north, construction boom,
workers rights - transforming in terms of workers - 8hr day - inspections better
working conditions
No there was not dramatic change -the SOUTH was not changed, continued
harsh treatment in the south, economy still depended on cotton, west not
dramatic change just continuation of expansion with continued use of railroads
etc. - continued hostility to new immigrants

Paragraph Rise in political movements

one Greater demand for workers rights
Great northern strike
Suffrage movement 1920
Prohibition
Great changes in society

Paragraph Immigration and urbanisation

two 1920=100million population
 18.4 million immigrants between 1890 and 1914
This new wave of immigrants mostly came from Italy, Austria-Hungary and
Russia - this is a dramatic change from first wave immigration ,which came
mostly from Germany China and Britain

Another dramatic change was the volume of immigrants that came. The first
wave came at a steady pace in manageable numbers, however this new wave
came thick and fast - in 1890 the immigration centre at castle garden new york
had to be closed as it couldn't cope with the sudden influx, and a new bigger
one was opened the next year.
Some may argue that there was dramatic change due to urbanisation

Construction boom - more houses/offices /transport = pull factor

Skyscrapers - 1903 flatiron building
Grand central station
Urban cities thrived - theatres and music halls,cinemas
Urbanisation transformed small town america = street lighting, trams, civic
buildings, public utilities brought to even small towns
Urbanisation transformed American society and the way of life for many, the
construction boom saw job opportunities for many as small towns were
transferred to thriving cities

Paragraph African americans - social divisions remained

three
Previously, the huge majority of the AA population remained in the south after
the emancipation, restricted by black codes and lack of education
However from about 1910, african americans and their family began to migrate
north to big cities such as Chicago - this really took off during the war years
This totally changed the dynamic of the population - became more diverse and
evenly spread.
Majorly helped AA as the north was generally more tolerant, and could escape
the harsh jim crow laws of the south. They would have better opportunities

HOWEVER although this shows change it wasnt very dramatic for AA, as the
discrimination of AA continued in the north, as people remained hostile to new
immigrants. There was also heavy ethnic and racial tensions between minority
groups in cities such as New York.
1919 race riots in St Louis Chicago - race riots spread to omaha and other
cities

Therefore it could be argued that society didn't very rapidly change for AA due
to the hardship continuing

Conclusion Changed dramatically in some aspects but ultimately social divisions remained
‘American foreign policy in the years 1890- 1920 was isolationist’

intro

one yes - isolationist

Historically the US has been isolationist thanks to the 1823 monroe doctrine stating
the US will not interfere with other countries disputes

The Alaska boundary dispute was resolved by Roosevelt in 1903, which ended
arguments with Canada and Britain over Alaska's southern border.

Isolationist = isolating from other countries affairs/keeping the country to itself - the
settlement of this dispute is clearly isolationist, as it is to do with a US owned state,and
made it clearer to other countries where US territory was. Roosevelt wanted to protect
American soil

HOWEVER, the Monroe Doctrine, which states the country's isolationist ways, was
heavily amended by Roosevelt in 1904. He passed the Roosevelt Corollary which
stated that the US had power to interfere in any wrongdoings in latin ameirca. This is
due to the rising popularity of the ‘white man's burden’ - Americans felt the need to
civilise and ‘raise up’ lesser nations. Therefore, the increasing want to get involved in
other countries affairs can be seen as the country moving more towards an
internationalist nation

two no - Internationalist
● Boxer rebellion 1900 - America joined the international force to restore order
and maintain international trade
● Platt Amendment 1901 - allowed US intervention in Cuba but forbade any
other country, and used to justify intervention in latin america
● Russo-Japanese War 1905 - america mediated the end and a peace treaty
was signed in New Hampshire

HOWEVER this can be seen as wanting to establish control in these countries eg in

the Boxer Rebellion wanted control of Chinese markets, and the Platt amendment
forbid any other influence
Can be seen as asserting their power over smaller countries hence imperialist

three No - Imperialist

● Spanish American War 1898 - pushed for by the ‘yellow press’ and politicians
after the blowing up of an american ship in Havana, Cuba.

● Peace would have been easy to negotiate, but war was preferred due to the
potential gains. Cuba remained under military rule till 1902, when it officially
became a US protectorate.

● Furthermore, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines became american

colonies after being annexed by spain after their loss in the war
 ● This demonstrates how america was imperialist, as they purposely went
looking for war, as they knew that winning would grant them new protectorates
and colonies

● Further imperialist ventures can be seen by Taft's Dollar Diplomacy regime.

In 1909 he paid off the debts of Honduras, securing American influence and
control over its economy. He used the same tactics in Haiti, Nicaragua and
China.

● These ventures have been purposely sought out, and completely oppose the
idea that the US was an isolationist nation - the Monroe doctrine had been
ignored altogether.

● It is clear that leaders of this era wanted to expand America's influence around
the world. Therefore it would be fairer to say that in 1890-1920, the US was
largely imperialist

conc Imperialist

The main effect of immigration to the USA in the years 1865-90 was the
growth of Nativism.’

Introduction Nativism = the policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established

inhabitants against those of immigrants.

Paragraph Yes the main effect was growth and Nativism and xenophobia
one New wave of immigrants from Austria-Hungary,southern italy and russia
Influx of jewish immigrants due to russian revolution
Difficulties of assimilating millions of people from diverse backgrounds
Lower east side of Manhattan - densely populated jewish area was close to
irish and italian districts - great division among religion and background
Many people formed part of the ‘melting pot’ - older immigrants adopted
american values and became more hostile to new immigrants
Strong sense of nativism as new immigrants were seen as threats to them and
their jobs - provided a cheaper workforce who were willing to work
11 Italian-Americans killed by a lynch mob New orleans 1891

Paragraph No the main effect was economy growth

two Chinese workers provided half the workforce in san francisco
Provided hard work for little costs to the business
Skilled workers
However it could be argued that the main effect was nativism
Chinese exclusion act 1882 - hostility towards chinese workers - ‘yellow peril’

Paragraph No it was growth in workers rights and strikes

three New immigrant communities had a massive impact on municipal politics
Many immigrants joined trade unions led by Samuel Gompers of the AFL
 HOWEVER wave of violence in strikes in the 90s such as the Pullman Strike
were blamed on ‘foreign agitators’
Native workers grew hostile towards immigrants, feeling they would take their
jobs as they worked for lower prices
Employers viewed them as violent

Conclusion

‘The position of African Americans regressed in the period 1890 to 1920.’

Yes it did due to plessy v ferguson and the jim crow laws

1896 supreme court ruled that the 14th amendment does not abolish
discrimination - separate but equal
This is a huge regression as it meant that state governments, particularly in the
south were free to establish their own laws limiting the freedoms of AA
Previously the 14th amendment had semi protected them as they were seen
as equal citizens
These included separate schooling,water fountains, buses eg and AA got the
lower quality options

No it didn't regress due to the emergence of activism

1909 - NAACP founded committed to abolishing segregation and civil rights
Niagara Movement founded by Du Bois
Key figures such as Booker T Washington and Marcus Garvey really raised the
profile of black activism - all spoke at Carnegie Hall
This is a progression as this is the first time AA activism grew any sort of
success

HOWEVER there was very little impact on legislation as the presidents of this
era were very unwilling to make any civil rights legislation
This is a big regression

No - northern migration

330,000 black southerners moved to northern cities - more job opportunities in

the north available
More black workers joining trade unions

HOWEVER, race riots continued in northern cities - racial tension- ‘race war; St
Louis in july 1919 and race riots in chicago a few weeks later. This highlights
how the position of African Americans regressed during 1890-1920
 Also many African Americans who remained in the south faced harsher, stricter
laws - jim crow laws
Revival of the KKK in 1915

‘To what extent was the growth of imperialism in the years 1890 to 1912 as
a result of the search for new markets?’

Introduction

Paragraph Yes - the growth of imperialism was as a result of the search for new markets
one Economic depression of 1893 -The US wanted/needed to look for new ways to
expand and develop
Belief in the ‘end of the frontier’ - westward expansion was complete it was now
time to look for new opportunities to make improvements and help expand their
own economy
For Robber Barons e.g. Rockefeller creating new markets was necessary
Growth of imperialism would allow for new markets to be formed e.g. Cuba -
produced tobacco and sugar
Panama canal 1914 - needed to establish shorter trade links so backed
panama in an uprising to be freed from columbia so that negotiations could be
made for the canal which would greatly benefit the trade market
Open door policy with china to access markets

Paragraph The growth of imperialism was due to the ‘White man’s burden’ - meaning it
two was America’s duty to intervene in other affairs to make improvements
1904 - Roosevelt's corollary which meant the US could exercise power in latin
america if there was wrong doing
Dollar Diplomacy 1909 - help the economies of Haiti, nicaragua make them
dependent
Boxer rebellion - intervened to restore order

Paragraph The growth of imperialism was due to Issues of National Security -

three Throughout the 1890s the US government became increasingly likely to rely on
its military power to pursue foreign policy goals. The Spanish American War in
1898 responded to the destruction of the US Maine in Havana Harbour in the
same year.
Captain Alfred Mahan: The Influence of Sea Power upon History (1890) thesis
was extremely influential - stating that control of the sea was the key to world
dominance.
American interests were threatened by Nicaragua’s anti-American president in
1909 so President Taft sent marines to install a Pro-American President.

Conclusion
’To what extent was the regulation of big business the most important
achievement of the Progressive Movement in the years 1890-1912’

Introduction

Paragraph Yes - regulation

one
Each progressive president passed significant regulatory legislation and action:

McKinley = Implemented gold standard in 1900 - stabilised the currency

Roosevelt =

Anti-trust legislation blocked the creation of the Northern securities company

which had a monopoly on railroads

Taft =

Regulation of businesses and their products - meat inspection act 1906 was
passed after a book called ‘The Jungle’ was published. This created more
attention by the government to use legislation to control the products of these
businesses.

The FDA (food and drug administration) was also set up in 1906 to ensure
greater quality of products produced

1911 - the Standard oil company of new Jersey was dissolved for holding an
illegal monopoly on oil refining

Before 1890 big business essentially ran the country, and created huge
monopolies (eg standard oil), buying up the entire market so no competitors
could survive - this was one of the main causes of the panic of 83 and the
subsequent economic crashes
By 1890 it was clear something had to be done - more legislation was passed
by the federal government to ensure there was greater regulation of these
businesses and the power they hold. There was also greater regulation on the
working conditions and the products produced

Paragraph No - conservation
two
The progressive movement was big on bettering what the country already had
as opposed to radical reform - Roosevelt took a different approach to previous
presidents and heavily focused on the conservation of the environment, and
better this

Between 1898 and 1903 national forests increased from 20 mil to 193 mil acres
 Roosevelt also saw the creation of 5 new national parks and 53 new wildlife
reserves - the environment was now federally protected for the first time

hugely significant achievement as it meant that the beautiful american

landscapes and wildlife would be maintained and protected for generations to
come - needed due to industrialisation, urbanisation and business wiping out
trees for resources

However, although it can be considered a great achievement, Roosevelt was

the only one of the progressive presidents that did any significant conservation
work, therefore for the movement as a whole it was not the most important
achievement.

Paragraph No - foreign policy

Three Won the spanish-American war 1898 - seen as a great success
Annexation of philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico
Cuba became an American protectorate
1905 - Roosevelt negotiated the settlement for the Russo-Japanese war -
helping to extend America’s foreign relations

These are important achievements as it shows the expansion of America and

developed their power and control over trade and foreign affairs.
This could be seen as a success for many progressives as they believed they
were helping to reform society by intervening in foreign affairs - for example by
mediating the Russo-Japanese war

However, although these could be argued as a success for the progressive

movement
Regulation in the government was a key priority for progressives

Conclusion In conclusion, it is clear that the regulation of business was the most important
achievement in the progressive movement.

‘Wilson was the most progressive of the American presidents in the years
1890-1920.’

Intro

Paragraph YES - wilson was the most progressive president

1 “New freedom” - committed to intervention to provide social stability

1913 Federal Reserve Act created the first central banking system, which allowed for
speculation and inflation to be controlled - progressive value

Also reduced tariffs to limit the influence of big business, and promote new markets
Underwood Simmons 1913 cut tariffs by 20%

Was also big on promoting the welfare and prosperity for workers and farmers - gave
 direct aid

Federal Trade Commission 1914 stopped unfair practices in the workplace

HOWEVER it might be considered that these reforms were not progressive enough -
shallow
Federal reserve act only included 12 big banks, meaning that local banks which were
more vulnerable to collapse were not protected adequately

DESPITE THIS this attempt is still more than any other president had done
His tackling of big business was also the most progeressive out of all the progressive
presidents

Paragraph NO - roosevelt was the most progressive president

2 Only progressive to conserve the environment; progressive as it shows he is thinking
of future generations

5 national parks and 53 wildlife reserves

193 acres of national forest

HOWEVER during the panic of 1907 he accepted some help from JP Morgan
This shows him as working with big business

Paragraph
3

Conclusion

Introduction Progressive = financial reform, regulation of business, social reform

Paragraph Yes - Wilson was the most progressive America president

one Federal reserve act 1913 - created the first banking system of the USA =
increased control over inflation
Federal trade commission 1914 - formed to investigate corporations and stop
unfair practices
Clayton Antitrust act 1914- held individual officers of corporations responsible in
their company had violated the law - it effectively defined unfair business
practices and created a common code of sanctioned business activity
Federal farm loan act 1916 provided low cost loans to farmers
Underwood tariff 1913 - reduced or removed duties
More legislation that supported workers and farmers was also passed e.g. 1916
Adamson act - 8hr days for railroad workers
 However, some may argue that Wilson was not very progressive as his reforms
were not progressive enough for example the federal reserve act only
supervised 12 banking districts which meant local banks which affected those in
rural areas were not under supervision
Despite this, Wilson remains the most progressive president due to the fact
that he made significant progress is regulating big businesses

Paragraph No - roosevelt was the most progressive president

two Some may argue that Roosevelt was more progressive than Wilson

The only one of the progressive presidents to do anything to preserve the

environment -

National forests increased from 20 million acres in 1898 to 193 million by 1909
Also oversaw creation of 53 wildlife reserves & 5 national parks

Shows progressive nature as he was thinking of the future generations

HOWEVER,
More was done by wilson particularly to regulation of banks
Panic of 1907 -help from JP Morgan -= not very progressive?

Paragraph No - Mckinley was the more progressive president

three
Mckinley supported the gold standard - a progressive idea - alaska yukon gold
rush 1896
HOWEVER,
Mckinley still fairly cautious
Mckinley filled his administration with wealthy businessmen so most policies
were business friendly
Dingley Tariff act 1897 - high tariffs so people would buy from american
businesses
However wilson cut tariffs in underwood simmons tariff act by 20% - 1913

Conclusion

Progressive Presidents were effective in controlling big business and

redistributing wealth.’

Introduction

Paragraph Mckinley
one Did little to control big business
Administration was filled with wealthy men who passed business friendly
policies - Dingley Tariff act
 Homestead Pennsylvania - 1892 13 steelworkers were killed in a pitched battle
against strike-breakers brought in by the Carnegie steel company
Depression of 1893-1897

Paragraph Roosevelt and Taft

two Revived the Sherman Antitrust act
Mediated the settlement of the great coal strike in 1902
1904 - blocked the creation of northern securities
1906 - Hepburn act passed to ensure closer regulation on railroads

HOWEVER,
Panic of 1907 triggered by the collapse of the Knickerbocker trust company -
banks could not keep up with the expansion of the industry
1907 - JP Morgan intervened to restore business confidence = governments
could not control the power of Robber Barons JP Morgan

Paragraph Wilson
three It could be argued that Wilson was effective at controlling big business and
redistributing wealth due to the legislation passed to control big businesses and
protect workers during his time in office.
1913 - federal reserve act - created the first central banking system
1914 Clayton antitrust act passed to extend the powers of the sherman antitrust
act - launched nearly 100 antitrust cases against big businesses
Workers compensation act - provided insurance for workers against injuries at
work
Redistribution of wealth - federal income tax 1913 - 1917 the government was
receiving more money in income tax than it had ever gained in tariffs

Conclusion Wilson was the most effective progressive president in controlling big business
and redistributing wealth
Mckinley did very little

‘The USA followed an isolationist foreign policy during the years

1890-1920.’

Introduction

Paragraph It could be argued that the USA followed an isolationist policy due to the fact
one that Wilson proclaimed neutrality in the first world war in 1914
Monroe doctrine

HOWEVER, it is evident that the USA did not follow an isolationist foreign policy
as in April 1916 America declared war in Germany
Paragraph Internationalist
two In 1904 - Roosevelt set out the Roosevelt corollary stating that the US had the
right to exercise power in latin america in cases of wrongdoing or impotence.
1901 - Platt amendment authorised intervention in cuba
1900 - Boxer rebellion
1905 - mediated the russo-japanese war
1914 - Wilson sent US marines to occupy the port of Vera Cruz in mexico and
restore order due to the mexican revolution
Therefore it is evident that America was not isolationist in its foreign policy due
the multiple interventions in foreign affairs

Paragraph Imperialism
three 1909 - Dollar diplomacy - control over Honduras using their economy
1898 - spanish american war - does not show isolationist as they went to war
with spain over cuba and as a result cuba became an american protectorate

Conclusion USA did not follow an isolationist foreing policy

’The greatest threat to the position of African Americans in the South

during the years 1865-1920 was formal segregation’.

Introduction

Paragraph Formal segregation

one
Black Codes - introduced by state govts in the South from 1865 to replace the
slave codes, and severely limited african american freedoms
- Could not marry, could not own property
- In mississippi, AAs had to have evidence of employment, if they didn’t
then they would forfeit their previous wages
Huge threat as although they were emancipated, they were essentially slaves
again

Jim Crow Laws - began in 1877 when supreme court ruled states couldnt
prohibit segregation, and in 1883 the 1875 Civil Rights Act was overturned,
ruling ‘separate but equal as legal’
- Separate housing, schools, hospitals, restaurants
- In south carolina AA couldn't have custody of their own children if they
were biracial
Huge threat as AA prospects being severely limited - can not progress under
such heavy legislation. These laws also lasted right up to the 1960s showing it
to be a long term threat

Paragraph Lynching
two
 Happened all over the country but mostly in the south
- KKK, White League in Louisiana, Red Shirts in Mississippi - these
groups arose angry with the end of slavery - the acts of these groups
worsened after the Compromise of 77 as there were no military troops
present to enforce the 14th and 15th amendments
- 1886 Eliza Woods in Madison, accused of poisoning her white employer
- 1916 Ed Lang in Texas, accused of attacking a young woman.

Huge threat as the lives of african americans were being taken, and those still
alive constantly lived in fear

HOWEVER formal segregation was still the biggest threat as it was the
segregation that gave rise to the racist attitudes that caused the lynching

Paragraph Conflicting activists eg Du Bois and Washington

three
Washington founded Tuskegee Institute 1881 = accepd segregation, believed
AA should find other ways to build themselves up eg common labour and
education
Du Bois founded NAACP 1909 = against segregation, opposed the idea of
white superiority and wanted full civil rights

The two heavily criticised eachother - a threat to AA position as internal

divisons would have weakened their arguments to white americans and
congress - limited support

HOWEVEr formal segregation still biggest threat, as true progression that these
two wanted was seemingly impossible under the Jim Crow Laws
- Black schools were very poor compared to ehite schools

Conclusion

‘Mass immigration was the main reason why the US had become the
leading economic power by 1920.’

Introduction

Paragraph Mass immigration is the main reason why the US became the leading economic
one power because…
18 million immigrants between 1890 and WW1

It provided a large, cheap workforce who could produce goods for sale on a
large scale
 The US was world leading in steel output- 31.8% of the world's steel.

Due to the workforce who was able to work to produce and transport these
goods to the rest of the world which put them at the front of the world's
economy.
However, natural resources provided these jobs

Paragraph No, technological developments was the main reason that US became a
two leading power
This is because technological innovations allowed for the efficient production of
US goods. technology allowed for the development of oil fields in
Oklahoma and Texas such as the oil gusher built in Beaumont Texas in
1901.

The developments made to transport also boosted the american economy as

this meant goods were able to reach the rest of the world so be sold at high
prices.
America possessed World shipping routes that stretched across the globe
which greatly aided the sale of american goods.

However,
without the abundance of resources, they would not have had the goods to
sell to boost the economy.

Paragraph No, abundance of natural resources was the main reason why the Us became a
three leading world power
This was due to discoveries such as high-grade iron ore in the Messabe range
of hills in Minnesota in 1892.
By 1907 US steel had bought up 75 percent of the Messabe ore.
Along with this new oil fields developed in Oklahoma, California and Texas
expanded the USA to be the world’s leading oil producer. By 1910 US oil
production equaled that of the rest of the world combined.

Without having these natural resources in the first place in the USA, becoming
the world's leading economy would not have been possible.

. Discoveries of these natural resources also boosted the development of cities

which was important in developing the economy.

For example, the Alaska-Yukon gold rush stimulated rapid development in

Alaska and doubled the size of US gold reserves. Although it is argued that
technology is equally important as natural resources due to the fact that these
goods would not be able to be transported and therefore be sold, it is clear that
the abundance of natural resources remains the main reason as if these goods
had not been plentiful, there would not have been a need in the expansion and
 development of technology and transportation. Therefore, the rise in american
economy was due to the abundance of natural resources.

Conclusion The US became the leading economic power due to abundance of natural
resources

'The rise of the American economy between 1890 and 1913 was due to
the abundance of natural resources.'
Introduction

Paragraph Abundance of natural resources

one 1913 - US became the largest steel output in the world
Discovery of high grade iron ore in minnesota 1892
1901 - spindletop oil gusher discovered in Texas - led to US oil production
equally that of the rest of the world combined before 1910
1896 - Alaska Yukon Gold rush

Paragraph Big business - skills, power and finances to enhance the effective production of
two good and sell them for high prices
Businessmen such as John D. Rockefeller and J.P Morgan laid the foundation of
huge American empires that continued to expand between 1890-1917. The lack
of business regulation by the government was also favourable to big businesses
as it allowed robber barons to exploit opportunities to increase the production of
their goods such as steel. Although this is a significant factor to the rise of the
American economy due to the opportunities that big businesses took which
expanded their exports, the abundance of resources remains the main factor as
these resources are what allowed American businesses such as US steel to
succeed. Therefore, big businesses are not as important as the abundance of
resources.

Paragraph Due to workers - immigration - needed to produce goods that could be

three distributed and sold

Conclusion

’The main reason for the growth of the Progressive movement in the years
1890-1912 was the need to regulate big business.’
Introduction Progressivism - attacks on political corruption, demands to regulate businesses
and break up cartels and trusts, protection of workers
Urban,middle class, national
1890 -1912 - cleveland, Mckinley, Roosevelt, Taft
Progressive movement grew at the turn of the century as a reaction to the
excessive growth of big business, the need for social reform and due to the
pressure placed upon the government from liberals such as Upton Sinclair. It
highlighted the need for reform in both the economy and society.
Progressivism was Urban, middle class and national ideology

Paragraph Yes it was need to regulate big business

one Why they needed to regulate business:
Theodore Roosevelt - the enemy of big business often denouncing the ‘wealthy
criminal class’ and the rise of cartel and trusts. Under him the Sherman
Antitrust act was revived and 44 antitrust cases were launched. Roosevelt also
had successes with the blocking of the creation of Northern Securities, after the
supreme court ordered it to be broken up. This was followed by the Hepburn act
to allow for even closer regulation on the railroads, for example it created
standard book keeping methods.
There were 4000 millionaires in America in 1901, with Rockefeller becoming the
world's first billionaire by 1913.
Big differences in lives of rich and poor
Monopolies were expanding, crushing smaller businesses and any competition
- leads to very high prices
Need shown in the panics of 1893 and 1907 - JP Morgan bailed out so
depression was avoided but it highlighted how weak the government was and
how dependent they were on the big businesses
1906 - Hepburn act - ensured closer regulation on railroad companies

Paragraph Another main reason for the growth of the Progressive movement was the need
two for social reform
Neglect by employers at Triangle Shirtwaist factory in 1911 after the fire
Temperance movement - outlaw alcohol WCTU the women's temperance
movement
Prohibition - many argued that it caused disorderly behaviour and should be
banned
HOWEVER, the need to regulate big business was more significant, this is
because if big business were regulated this would also help the conditions of
workers as they would be less able to exploit them

Paragraph The press

three Newspapers and magazines
‘Muckraking’ - these were reformed minded journalists who pressed for change.
Journalists include Lincoln Steffens and Upton Sinclair - who wished to expose
the evils of society which as a result led to support for the progressive
movement which wished to reform society. They were known as ‘muckrakers;
because they were bringing the unpleasant ‘muck’ of corruption in government
and business to the surface’ for example the many scandals with government
relations to big business.
 HOWEVER,
The main reason for the growth of the progressive movement was need to
regulate big business as this was the main argument that was reflected in the
press. In order to not become completely out of touch with the people and
retain republican dominance, it was necessary for some intervention to be
taken.

Conclusion It was the need to regulate big business

The political dominance of the republican party in the years 1890-1912 was
due to internal divisions of its opponents’ /
Divisions within the Democratic Party enabled the Republican Party to dominate US
politics in the years 1896 to 1912

Introduction 1890 - 1912

Mckinley
Roosevelt
Taft
Wilson - democrat

Paragraph 1 Divisions within the democratic party:

Bourbon democrats - William Jennings Bryan and the populists
Divide over them siding with wall street when they are the party of
the working man - Cleveland - panic of 1893 - JP Morgan gave the
government $62million
Bryan supported free silver - seen as too radical

HOWEVER,
It was the strength of the republican party
Gold standard was less radical
Supported by the Alaska Yukon Gold rush 1896 - supported
republican argument - seen as more trustworthy - helped them hold
onto power

Paragraph 2 Republican strength in campaigning in comparison to Democrats

Weaknesses of the democrats..

1904 election Bryan and Cleveland both faced entrenched
opposition from the party
The nominating convention elected Alton Parker as the democrat
candidate - not well known and ineffective against the strength of
Roosevelt who was riding on the success of his previous term
 Bryan again lost the 1910 election - only president to run 3 times
and be defeated
Strength of republicans
1896 - Mark Hanna - spent $7 million and more than 1000
volunteers sending letters to voters
Mckinley promises to introduce a high protective tariff and keep the
gold standard - his ideas during the campaign were less radical
than Bryan’s
The character of Roosevelt was popular - good reputation

Paragraph 3 Republican success in policies

McKinley was able to please conservative through the high Tariffs -
Dinley tariff act 1897 - pushed tariffs up
Success in foreign policy gave confidence
1898 - won the Spanish American war and Cuba becomes a
protectorate
Open door policy set up = trade links with Latin America
Roosevelt - the Panama canal completed in 1914 - connected the
atlantic and pacific - significant for trade deals

Conclusion The political dominance of the republican party was due to their
tactical election campaign and popular domestic and foreign
policies.

‘In 1865 the United states was a bitterly divided country, by the end of the
First World War America was a confident and harmonious nation’

Introduction 1865 - bitterly divided after civil war

End of the first world war - still divides just not a severe as after the civil war
Confident - prepared for foreign affairs
Harmonious - little divisions

Paragraph Regional divisions

one 1865 - after the civil war it was bitterly divided - regional divisions between
SOCIAL North and South
The south did not easily let go of the grievances of easily - ‘yankees’ and
carpetbaggers placed in the south to enforce amendments

It could be argued that after ww1 it was a confident and harmonious nation due
to the patriotic unity that brought the nation together
HOWEVER, even after ww1 the differences still there - northeast was more
developed - southern still outside mainstream american life - segregationist
attitudes remained entrenched
Different political and social ideologies remained entrenched after the war
Paragraph African Americans
two 1865 - emancipation of slaves - 14th and 15th amendment
Sharecropping
Jim crow laws and black codes
It could be argued that after ww1 it was a confident and harmonious nation as
some improvements for african americans had taken place
HOWEVER,
After ww1 still divisions and African Americans still face discrimintaion - 1919
race riots

Paragraph Tensions with immigration

three Mass immigration and rapid urbanization brought ehtnic tensions and social
unrest
Yellow peril - chinese exclusion act 1882
Orange riots - between irish Protestants and Irish Catholics in NY 1870-71
It could be argued that during the war everyone was involved in the war effort
so less divisions and the country came together to fight the war
After ww1 this continued and america was not confident over fear of
communism -’red scare’ - Palmer raids November 1919 - raided the offices of
any ‘radical organization - many cities passed ‘red flag’ laws to ban left wing
insignia

Conclusion In 1865 america was bitterly divided but after the first world war it remained
divided and was not a harmonious nation

To what extent was American imperialism motivated by issues of national

security in the years 1890 to 1920?

Introduction Imperialism = extending power and control in other nations

1890 - 1920 -examples of imperialism include 1898 spanish american war
1909 dollar diplomacy
Annexation of guam, puerto rico and the Philippines

Paragraph 1 Motivated by issues on national security…

Wanted to squash anti-american feeling in other nations
Spanish American war - imperialism of the spanish was a threat to America
Cuban economy dependent on exporting sugar and tobacco to American
markets
Only 90 miles away from the US = potential threat
USS Maine blew up in Cuba - portrayed as an excuse for war
1914 - neutrality in ww1 but entered ww1 after zimmerman telegram which
provided a threat to security
19194 Wilson sent troops to occupy the Mexican port Vera cruz

HOWEVER,
It was more than just national security - even after the spanish american war -
 opened the ways for American basis in the Hawaii and Philippines

Paragraph 2 Motivated by economic reasons,...

Could access markets overseas
Depression of 1893 - stimulated need for new markets
Expansion of land for produce/people
Panama canal - Roosevelt sponsored a national uprising in anan which force
Colombia to accept its independence - Panama was no an American puppet
state so that the canal could be completed and be regulated by America -
panama canal was important to connect Atlantic and Pacific for trade =
expansion to other markets

HOWEVER,
More than just economic - could have established trade deals - America
wanted control
Similar to Roosevelt corollary - 1909 - america brought up Honduras debts to
establish financial control there - could influence decisions

Paragraph 3 Motivated by social/political reasons….

Idea of manifest destiny - motivations beyond national security
Roosevelt wanted to expand progressivism
‘White man's burden’ they thought they were bringing ‘civilisation’
1901 platt amendment - cuba became an american protectorate and it was
used to justify intervention in other parts of Latin America
1904 - Roosevelt Corollary - right to exercise power in Latin America in
‘flagrant cases of wrongdoing or impotence’
It was an ideological campaign

Conclusion American Imperialism was motivated by nationalistic thought and the belief that
the US had supremacy - racial and cultural supeiroirty
From 1914 it was motivated by national security

‘In the years 1888-1900, the democratic party was badly weakened by the
rise of populism’

Agree disagree

Populism was adopted by the democratic
party in the 1896 and elected a weak
candidate - Bryan - defeated 3 times in the
presidential race
Populism was only a powerful force in the
west and some areas of the south - so
democrats could not win seats elsewhere -
populism supported rural farmers, working
class, seen as more radical with strong
government intervening in the economy
Democrats were not weakened, Republicans
were just stronger - they were able to invest
more in election campaigns - Mark Hanna
and his $7mill 1897 election campaign for
McKinley
Republicans also had the success of the
spanish american war 1898
Divided policies within the democratic party -
conservative v liberal
Financial panics weakened the support for
Populism faded after 1896 - argued that the democratic party 1893 - bourbon
support for free silver died when Bryan lost democrats supported Cleveland and his
the election - seen as too radical compared to laissez faire policies - accepted $62million
republican candidates who maintained from JP Morgan
support for the gold standard
Democratic party was linked to anti
imperialism which was against the mood of
the time

Introduction

Paragraph 1 Populism did weaken the democratic party…

Populism faded after 1896 - argued that support for free silver died when
Bryan lost the election

HOWEVER,
It was the republicans that provided stroger alternatives - committed to the
gold standard
1896 election Bryan continued to support free silver whilst republicans
promised to maintain the protectionist policies and the gold standard - more
popular policies

Paragraph 2 Populism did weaken the democratic party…

Populism was adopted by the democratic party in the 1896 and elected a
weak candidate - Bryan - defeated 3 times in the presidential race

HOWEVER,
This could be because of the leadership by Bryan - the republican party
leaders were seen as more capable - made many whistle stop tours across
america but was not able to gain significant support
Republicans were able to invest more in the election campaigns Mark Hanna
and the election campaign 1997

Paragraph 3 Populism did weaken the democratic party…

Populism was only a powerful force in the west and some areas of the south -
so democrats could not win seats elsewhere - populism supported rural
farmers, working class, seen as more radical with strong government
intervening in the economy

HOWEVER,
Damage was due to divisions within the party between conservative and
liberal democrats
Financial panics weakened the support for the democratic party 1893 -
bourbon democrats supported Cleveland and his laissez faire policies -
accepted $62million from JP Morgan - turned liberal democrats and working
class against cleveland as they were seen to be siding with wall street

Conclusion Populism did slightly weaken the democratic party however it is clear that
other factors including weakness of Bryan and republican strength weakened
 the democrats more and resulted in republican dominance at the end of the
20th century.

1920-1945

‘The onset of the Great Depression in the years 1929-1932 was due to the
pro-business policies promoted by the republicans since 1896’
intro

one Yes - pro business policies

Coolidge and Harding = lassiez faire - Harding ‘less gov in business, more
business in gov’

1922 Fordney McCumber Tariff Act

Domestically to promote business, but meant internationally people lost
interest on american goods,

Made worse when tariffs increased even more with the 1930 Smoot-Hawley
Tariff

This meant many american businesses failed = get loans = can't afford to pay
loans back = banks collapsed
HOWEVER - only post war republicans
Pre war republicans were progressive and tackled big business
Taft and Roosevelt both enforced the 1890 Sherman Antitrust Act which
curbed corruption, protecting small american business - shows they were
definitely not probusiness

Therefore it was the pro business policies of the post war republicans tht
caused the great depression - not all republicans - progressive republicans
were fairly effective in limiting pro business policies

two No - problems in agriculture

Agriculture in decline - grain prices 50% less than in 1920 and farmers earned
⅓ of the average wage

HOWEVER - pro business policies

Lack of control on railroad companies - caused crushing burdens for smaller
farmers who would have to pay high freight prices for the export of their goods

three No - problems in finance/wall street crash

Easy credit = more high risk borrowing -many borrowed money from banks to
invest in shares and now banks were demanding that money back
Confidence in the stock exchange was lost
 HOWEVER - pro business policies allowed this credit to be bought easily, and
little regulation in banking to benefit big business left it vulnerable to collapse
Lassiez faire

conc Although it was due to pro-business policy, this was only due to the post war
republicans, as the pre war republicans were significantly progressive

‘To what extent was American prosperity in the years 1900-1929 ‘superficial
and fragile’

introduction Economy leading up to the great depression

Republican presidency - protectionist policies(Mckinley) but regulation of big
businesses

Paragraph FARMERS
one Arguments that it was not superficial and fragile…
‘Golden age of agriculture’ - exports increased modernizations and
mechanisation helped farmers produce more goods quickly
Helped by the war in 1914 - exports increased during WW1 - dislocated world
markets due to the war removed many American competitors
Large increases in the land under cultivation - boom in the output of wheat and
corn
Reclamation Act 1902 - helped irrigation schemes in arid areas - shows
attempt of federal government to boost the agricultural production to help
create a secure economy

HOWEVER,
It was superficial and fragile - less demand after WW1 - new land bought
under cultivation was submarginal and only profitable if high prices continued
920 fewer than half of the population lived in rural areas
Wartime boom for farmers was cut off - wheat prices fell by more than 50%
Mechanisation also meant that more could be produced by fewer farmers
Value of farmland fell by more than 30%
Annual average per capita income for farm workers 1929 was $273 compared
to national average $750 - shows that American prosperity was not for all,
demonstrating the fragility of the economy
13 million acres of land taken out of production
Farmers became heavily dependent on loans
By 1929 the agricultural workforce had been reduced by 5%
Overproduction lead to low prices which lead to low income for farmers
After 1920 wheat prices fell by 50% - shows how fragile the economy was
because agricultural industry went from boom to bust almost immediately
Farmers had developed new farming techniques, more land that allowed them
to produce goods fast and cheap, this was now removed, leaving farmers with
excess land and grain
Paragraph Industry
two Not superficial and fragile…
The 1920s boom
Surge in American manufactured exports 77% - between 1908-1913
1907 - US steel had bought 75% of message ore = abundance of natural
resources
1910 - US steel production equalled the rest of the world combined
War stimulates economy - Baldwin produced 5500 military locomotives and
6million artillery shells for allies
Model T car - one produced every 93 minutes - mass production and
consumer boom aided by advertising - 350,000 radios sold in 1919

HOWEVER,
Many industries were in decline
Many people only wanted one model t car
Coal mining, ship making, railroads, textiles were in decline
Mechanisation took away 2 million jobs each year - techno;ogical
unemployment

Paragraph Bankers and stock market

three JP Morgan made agreements with french bankers and with the bank of
England - allies dependence on American loans
Some regulation of banks in some by wilson, for example the Federal reserve
board 1913 which was the first federal banking system this shows attempt to
secure the economy

HOWEVER,
it was superficial and fragile
Banking panic 1907 triggered by the collapse of the third largest trust in NY
The knickerbocker trust company - the new york stock exchange fell by nearly
50% leading to the failure of many banks - warning signal of weaknesses
Farmers became dependent on loans that many banks could not afford, this is
due to easy credit which meant that stock market did not stay in line with
growth of business and people taking loans could not afford to pay them back
The 1928 Federal reserve board had $200 million of government securities but
outstanding loans amounted to around $8billion - this shows how fragile and
superficial prosperity was as Wilson's aims to regulate bank were still
ineffective due the deep problems rooted in the economy during the 1920s
boom
Ultimately the fragility of the boom is evident with the stock market crash which
became one of the leading causes of the great depression
In 1929 - 599 banks had failed, this shows extreme fragility

Conclusion American prosperity was ‘superficial and fragile’ to a significant extent

‘Women made little progress towards achieving equality from 1920 to 1945’
Assess the validity of this view’

Introduction Dramatic shift in attitudes towards women in society

However it was not for ALL women as the image of the ‘new woman’ was
mainly focussed at wealthier, urban women

Paragraph 1 Social
Yes progress was made towards achieving equality due to…
The new woman, flapper girls - short skirts, makeup, cigarettes - they
represented the new freedom for women - defied societal expectations of how
women should behave - more people began to accept the independence of
women - showed they could make choices for themselves
More women making an impact on society - Mary Bethune - fought for the
rights of African-American women
Margaret Sanger - campaigned for birth control
Eleanor Rossevelt - first lady independent, liberal

However,
it is clear that little progress was made due to….
The idea of a ‘new woman’ mainly applied to those living in urban areas
Those in rural areas saw the image of a flapper girl as remote as for them little
progress had been made in achieving equality - the traditional role of women in
the home and kitchen remained
Technological advancements in rural areas were rare - in urban areas plumbing
and electricity made housework easier - rural electrification did not reach many
homes in North Carolina until the 1940s - this meant that many women in rural
areas did not have the time/money to access the resources that made the new
woman

Paragraph 2 Economic
Yes progress was made towards achieving equality due to…
Job increase, education
1922 - North Carolina was a leading manufacturing state = mills hired female
workers
Tobacco factories did hire balck and white women but they were strictly
segregated
Began to progress as it became more accepted that women could perform
clerical jobs and retail work - gave more independence
By 1930 - ¼ women had a paying job
1944 women made 36% of the workforce
1921 the North carolina state college enrolled its first female student - shows
the potential for progress to be made

However,
it is clear that little progress was made due to….
 Pay
Mills highly segregated = equality not achieved for ALL women
Still encouraged that women would stop working once married - meant that the
majority of women did stop working once married
No significant progress was made to women in regards to education as it wasnt
to 1926 that North Carolina stated that a women who completes all work for the
degree can graduate
1928 - only 21 women enrolled at NCSU = no significant progress
Women were not made to feel welcome at university - university of north
carolina had a newspaper stating ‘women not welcome here’
NRA did not support equal wages for women

Paragraph 3 Political
Yes progress was made towards achieving equality due to…
19th amendment passed in 1920 gave women the right to vote
By 1929, more women were becoming involved in politics in local, state and
national committees which meant more women were now influencing the
political agenda of federal government - although they still had little power, it is
clear that progress had begun to be made
Nellie Tayloe Ross was elected Governor of Wyoming in 1925, Hattie Caraway
elected Senator for Arkansas in 1932 and Frances Perkins became first female
cabinet minister in 1933
However,
It is clear that little progress was made due to….
Many women still did not vote despite the 19th amendment as there was
widespread belief that women should not concern themselves with politics but
continue to focus on the home and family
Equal rights amendment act not passed

Conclusion Women made some progress however this progress was limited due to
patriarchal attitudes remaining in society

‘US foreign policy in the years 1919 to 1941 was based on isolationism.’/
the US followed an isolationist foreign policy during the interwar years’

Introduction

Paragraph EUROPE
one Yes it was based on isolationism…
1920’s Harding’s ‘return to normalcy’ was based on limited international
involvement and more focus on domestic problems
Kellogg Briand Pact 1928 - signed by 60 nations to outlaw war
Ludlow amendment 1938 - opinion polls showed that 94% of Americans were
against foreign wars
Washington Naval conference 1921 - US, Britain, France, Italy and Japan
agreed to reduce the tonnage of war ships
Neutrality acts - aim to prevent war due to building tensions in Europe
 HOWEVER,
Although the intentions were to avoid war, through making these peace
agreements they were involved in international affairs and making agreements
means they were more internationalist and it shows cooperation between
countries
1917 - directly involved inWW1 and also later in ww2

Paragraph ASIA
two It could be argued that it was based on isolationism…
Japan invades Manchuria 1931 - the US did nothing to respond - shows they
were not willing to become involved in other problems
Sinking of the US panay 1937 - congress only demandes a peaceful outcome
HOWEVER,
They maintained the open door policy with china - wanted to access chinese
markets for their own economic interests - shows cooperation and dependency
= internationalist
Japan invades Hawaii 1941 and this leads to America declaring war

Paragraph LATIN AMERICA

three Yes it was isolationist..
Repeal of the Platt Amendment 1934 - removed US occupation in Cuba =
shows attempts to become more isolationists
HOWEVER,
It was not isolationist as Good Neighbour policies in Latin America were
maintained
Involved policies of persuasion and economic pressure - the US left troops in
Haiti, Dominican republic and Nicaragua

Conclusion More internationalist than isolationist

'US involvement in the First and Second World Wars caused fundamental
changes in American society between 1917 and 1945.’

Introduction

Paragraph Economic growth

one However, the economic boom did not last
Agriculture

Paragraph New ideas

two Politics - African Americans
HOWEVER,
Position of African Americans did not change
 Paragraph Position of women
three However, after WW it reverted - changes did not last

Conclusion

‘Between 1920-1941 American society was badly divided’

Introduction

Paragraph 1 Was not divided due to the introduction of prohibition

Started with the 1920 Volstead act
Cam after years of tensions from the women's temperance movement and
anti-saloon league who fought for it, because of the violence and laziness that
alcohol caused
Therefore it is clear helped to heal these divisions in society by addressing the
concerns of the temperance movement and raise a sober nation
Arrests and deaths from alcohol dropped by 80% in 1921 and alcohol
consumption declines

HOWEVER did not fully heal divisions as actually caused lots of corruption
Prohibition was hard to enforce - lots of ways to get around it which caused the
temperance movement to rise again
Chicago Mayor Big Bill did little to stop the gangsters distributing alcohol
Al Capone's gang killed over 300 people and worth 27 million for bootlegging
Therefore it is clear that prohibition did not go far enough as it didn't work, and
actually caused more divisions in society

Alternative WOMEN
It could be argued that American society was not badly divided as women were
becoming more prominent in the workforce and in politics
Francis Perkins becomes first female cabinet minister in 1933
Margaret Sanger campaigning for birth control
Image of the ‘new woman’ flapper girls
1920 - female suffrage granted
1930 -2 million more women employed than in 1920 - but mainly in low skilled
underpaid jobs

HOWEVER,
To many women the image of the flapper girl was alien and remote - still deep
divisions between rural and urban areas
NRA did not support equal wages for women
Still resistance to women voting and equal education
Paragraph 2 Was not divided due to advances made for African Americans
Roosevelt passed the 1941 exec order prohibiting discrimination in the military -
black soilders now equal to whites
1920 Garvey established the UNIA and ACLU by Keller - growth in the
prominence of Black activism, got much support and membership - African
Americans advocating for themselves for the first time
Therefore this shows that the divisions in society faced by African Americans
were beginning to be healed - not badly divided

HOWEVER
After ww1 they still faced much discrimination - hasdnt really made any
significant gains on peoples attitudes
1919 race riots in st louis
Revival of the KKK and the ‘fiery cross’ newspaper which attacked african
americans
1921 anti lynching law blocked by southern democrats
This shows that the segregation and hatred of AA still remained, showing that
the bad divisions were very apparent

Paragraph 3 Wasn't badly divided due to the rise of the jazz age - shared culture that was
common to lots of citizens
Mass production and labour savings meant people could have more leisure time
- cinemas and theatres rose in popularity
New age of culture and social values
Associated with prosperity and the 20s boom

HOWEVER,
these new liberated values only really present in the north - south remained very
conservative
The north also hostile to the south - 1930s dust bowl caused a million “okies” to
move to california but were met with billboard saying ‘we only look after our
own”
Furthermore popular culture such as this declined in the great depression era,
as people couldn't afford leisure time - this commonality was lost - every man for
himself culture rose
Great depression widened the gap between richer and poorer Americans
Therefore despite the jazz age it is clear that society was divided

Conclusion Despite the introduction of prohibition, some advances of African Americans and
the rise of the jazz age, it is clear that America remained a deeply divided nation
due to social tensions that were still present, exacerbated by the conservative
views of the south, corruption and the effects of the depression

‘To what extent, by 1941, had the New Deal policies of FDR overcome the
economic problems he inherited from his republican predecessors?
Introduction Economic problems inherited by FDR - lack of regulation to the banking system,
millions of Americans unemployed, people bankrupt
FDRs aims to overcome the economic problems were evident in his
inauguration speech - reducing unemployment, regulating banks and stock
market
FDR becomes president in 1933

Paragraph YES - reformed the banking system

one
Republican predecessors such as Hoover and Coolidge were against
intervention in finance - no regulation
SEC 1934 - extended the Banking act to set up federal regulation, made it
illegal to buy shares on credit
Banking act - gave a 4 day banking holiday

HOWEVER NO - roosevelt recession

Between 1937-1938, production levels dropped back to 1934 levels

unemployment rose and the economy experienced a dip as a result - had not
completely overcome economic problems as it was still vulnerable to crisis
It is argued that it wasn't until WW2 that the economic problems were overcome
- during WW2 there was a surge in economic growth and employment as
people began to work in defence, munitions etc.

Paragraph YES - created - industry

two
Under hoover, unemployment rose to 25%
This led to much financial struggle, and people couldn't afford to pay back the
credit they owed, or took loans out.

Schemes under the New Deal created many jobs - CWA employed 4 million
building sewers roads and airports, PWA provided 3 billion for work creation
projects

This heavily reduced the strain of unemployment on the economy - gov

intervention put more people into jobs, something that his predecessors had not
done

NO - unemployment still high

In 1934 22 million were unemployed, although this was lower than at the start of
Roosevelt's presidency, it was still as high as it was in the Hoover years
Unemployment still putting a strain on the economy
1939 - 9.5million workers still unemployed

Paragraph YES - policies to solve agricultural issues

three
In the 1920s wheat prices fell by 50% and farmer wages were ⅓ of the national
average. Overproduction was also an issue - farmers relied on loans to cover
their losses, could not afford to pay back = banks collapse
 Roosevelt attempted to remedy these problems in agriculture with the FCA (
gave farmers federal loans to manage their debts) and the AAA (provided
compensation for the losses suffered as a result of overproduction)

HOWEVER,
Did not improve for all - AAA discrimination - encouraged large farmers to take
the lands worked by tenants and sharecroppers, meaning may families were
driven off their land - 200,000 black tenant farmers were displaced due to the
AAA

Unlike his predecessors, Roosevelt had some success

Conclusion There were small improvements in the banking system, unemployment and
agriculture however these changes were not enough to say he full overcame
What ultimately overcome the economic problems was WW2

‘The Immigration Acts of the early 1920s were the result of social tensions
arising from immigration since the 1890s.’

Introduction Immigration acts

1918 New Immigration Act - strengthened controls on ‘undesirable’ immigrants
1921 Emergency Quota Act - drastic limits on the numbers of immigrants
allowed to enter the US

Yes - change in the type of immigrants that came

between 1890 and 1914 15 million immigrants arrived in the US - mainly from
southern and eastern europe
Before 1890 these immigrants came from north western europe, so a big
change in the demographic and new cultures arose
Older immigrants who had integrated into american society resented the new
immigrants as they saw them as trying to change the status quo - creating
hostility in the population
11 italian americans killed in a lynch mob in 1891

Therefore the immigration acts were used to control this hostility and reduce
the number of european immigrants

No - political tensions - the red scare

1919 red scare due to the russian revolution, communism posed a threat to
american values
Many immigrants were russian - fear that they would bring communist ideas
with them so the acts would control the amount of immigrants that were
coming in from russia
 Yes - overcrowding of cities

1890-1920 immigrants congregate in cities - hell's kitchen district of NYC was

mostly German, Irish and Italian
This caused huge population booms and competition for jobs and housing
Worsening conditions was blamed on this influx of immigrants by natives
After 1919 350,000 African Americans moved to northern cities
No - political tensions - immigrants in these cities had large influence over
politics
Local politicians often bribed immigrants for votes in return for housing or jobs
Eg Tammany Hall in NYC

Yes - prohibition movement

Anti-Saloon League and WCTL believed that many social problems were
blamed on immigration - drinking, gambling
This led to resentment of immigrant communities

No - political tensions - ww1

When ww1 broke out in 1914, USA was neutral but there was pro-british
feeling among the population
This caused huge resentment towards german immigrants who had been
settled in the country for a long time - in 1890 there were as many germans in
NYC as there were in Hamburg

Despite the social tensions caused by immigration it is clear that these were
actually fuelled by political tensions, which raised the case for the immigration
acts to be passed

‘The United States followed an isolationist foriegn policy during the interwar
years’

introduction

Paragraph Yes they followed an isolationist foriegn policy….

1 1920s return to normalcy - after WW1 many americans wanted to follow an
Europe isolationist approach - isolationists such bas senator William Borah - his speech
in 1919 helped the vote against ratification of the league of nations
Harding proposed the return to normalcy with international complications giving
a low priority with more focus on america - similar to the Monroe doctrine 1823
which outlined America would avoid relations with Europe after the fight for
independence
This attempt at a return to normalcy can be seen through…
Washington-Naval conference - 1921 - attempted to come to agreements on
peace settlements - US,Japan,Britain, France and Italy - all agreed to reduce
the tonnage of battleships for the next 10 years
 Kellogg- Briand Pact - 1928 an agreement between american secretary of state
and french foriegn minister - 60 nations signed to outlaw war - this highlights the
attempts to be isolated and avoid conflict
Neutrality acts - attempts to prevent the US being drawn into war - made
between 1935 -1939 US companies were prevented from trading arms with
nations fighting a war
However, it is clear that although attempts were made to be isolationist it
is clear that the US became more engaged in foriegn affairs and were
therefore more internationalist…
The agreements made with other countries show cooperation and engagement
in foreign affairs therefore America was more internationalist
The Dawes plan of 1924 also shows America was not following its plan of
isolationism and a return to ‘normalcy’ as this provided Germany with loans to
pay its international debts - shows involvement with European affairs
Lend Lease act 1941 - disregarded the neutrality acts and meant that the US
was able to provide military aid to its foreing allies - enabled UK to stay in the
war fighting Germany

Paragraph Yes they followed an isolationist foriegn policy….

2 When Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931 the US did nothing to respond = shows
Asia attempts to become less involved in foreign affairs
Sinking of the US panay in 1937 - japan attacked a US gunboat and congress
demanded a peaceful outcome

However, it is clear that although attempts were made to be isolationist it is

clear that the US became more engaged in foriegn affairs and were therefore
more internationalist…
The open door policy with China was maintained - wished to remain economic
interests in China to access the markets - shows cooperation with China for
economic benefit therefore not entirely isolationist

Paragraph Yes they followed an isolationist foriegn policy….

3 Repeal of the Platt amendment 1934 - t had authorised occupation of cuba
Latin therefore the repeal of this amendment shows attempt to remove US
America involvement with latin america and be isolationist
However, it is clear that although attempts were made to be isolationist it is
clear that the US became more engaged in foriegn affairs and were therefore
more internationalist…
‘Good Neighbour policies’ - proposed a policy of persuasion and economic
pressure in South America - it left troops in Haiti, Dominican republic and
Nicaragua to protect US interests - ten treaties were signed and low tariffs
employed - this shows economic intervention in south america to protect the
interest of US highlighting how forign policy was not isolationist but more
internationalist

Conclusion
 Laissez-faire policies, in the years 1865 to 1890, were economically
damaging.’

Paragraph 1 Yes they were - caused financial panics

Laissez faire left the economy unregulated this meant there was nothing in place
to stop financial panics
1873 - speculation in industry and agriculture caused a small panic that led to
the failure of banks and the crashing of the stock market - 5 years of recession
These hugely damaged the economy as it triggered the start of an economic
depression

Paragraph 2 No they weren't - growth of big business

Big businesses were able to blossom due to the non-intervention, which brought
much business and trade into the uSA, allowing for huge profits to be made

Standard Oil founded by Rockerfeller controlled 85% of the world's oil refining by
1880s - created many jobs at oil refineries such as cleveland ohio

Vanderbilts railroads amassed £100 million by 1877

This shows huge benefit to the economy as it was being heavily stimulated

HOWEVER this led to monopolies in industry

Big business often bought out small businesses - cleveland massacre 1872
rockefeller bought up 22 of his 26 competitors
Led small businesses to go bust and they relied on loans and credit to live - cou;d
not afford to pay these loans back and so banks also went bust
This contributed heavily to the panic of 73

Paragraph 3 No they weren't - was very good for the south

Birmingham, Atlanta became the centre of the iron industry

Southern Pacific Railroad opened in

HOWEVER southern farmers suffered

‘US foreign policy in the years 1919 to 1941 was based on isolationism.’

‘The Policies of US presidents had very little impact on the boom, bust and
recovery of the American economy in the years 1920-1945
Introduction Jazz age Great depression and aftermath

Paragraph 1 BOOM - did have big impact as the laissez faire policies allowed the boom to
happen
Market cycle was in period of growth
Banks not regulated = easy credit and loans to people as well as low interest
rates
This encouraged more people to spend and invest which stimulated
economic growth
High tariffs = people more inclined to buy cheaper american goods
Model t car, radios all increased in sales showing how laissez faire policies
led to cheaper goods and more americans who could afford
1924 Coolidge cut income taxes - average american had more money
HOWEVER
This laissez faire style approach did little to maintain the boom, as the
markets were left volatile
No regulation on banks = people couldn't repay = banks collapsed
Therefore despite policy having impact on creating the boom, it did very little
to maintain
Despite laissez faire style policy creating the boom, it was a lack of policy to
protect these booming industries that caused it to end
Laissez faire allowed the growth, but wouldn't work to maintain

Paragraph 2 BUST
Had little impact,
GDP had been declining for years due to the failure of some major european
banks - this had impacted the global system as was beyond the USAs control
It was due to problems in agriculture such as technological advances that cut
the need for more land, out of control of presidents
Bad weather meant that some farms failed - natural event out of control of
the presidents
Demand for coal had fallen due to technological advancements too
THEREFORE it may be said that the policy had no impact on the bust
happening as it was down to natural occurrences such as weather or
changing technology
HOWEVER,
Failure of presidents such as Coolidge and Hoover who did very little to
actually regulate the market and prevent the bust from happening
Coolidge = less government in business more business in government -
refused to regulate the market even though he was told it was volatile
Hoover was unwilling to give up his rugged individualism through most of the
bust
Their policy - or lack of policy - heavily impacted the bust as it worsened its
extent
Woul;d have happened anyway due to external problems, but internal policy
to protect from its effects would have made it less severe in america

Paragraph 3 RECOVERY
It could be argued that they had little impact because…
WW2 helped the nation recover ultimately from the great depression because
 it stimulated industries
HOWEVER,
Hoover built Hoover Dams to provide jobs
Glass Steagall act 1933 - provided $750million of federal gold reserves for
loans this shows that Hoover did have some impact in helping the nation
recover from the depression despite him promoting rugged individualism
1932 emergency relief and reconstruction act gave $30million for states to
help with unemployment, this demonstrates increased federal involvement in
the economy after the bust
FDR passed first and second new deal
AAA - Agricultural Adjustment Administration provided farmers with federal
subsidies

Conclusion Their policies did have little impact

Intro

Paragraph 1 Coolidge - boom (start of bust)

Republican - laissez faire style policy

This involved high tariffs, and little regulation
Meant american business could grow and flourish, as well as breed
technological advancements

Ford became a booming car industry - one car every 90 minutes - they
employed over 5 million people
This meant society was richer, could spend money on leisure eg 1920s
350k radios bought

Paragraph 2 Hoover - bust/recovery

Voluntarism - did not do anything to force businesses to maintain their

employees, this meant by 1933 13 million were unemployed
Opposed relief schemes as he was passive
Therefore this made the early boom worsen, as he did little to mitigate the
early impacts

HOWEVER
He did have some impact to try mitigate the impacts but it came too little too
late
1932 Hoover Dam created jobs and boosted electricity supplies
1933 Glass Steagall Act $750million for loans
DESPITE THIS it was not enough to heal from the bust that had been
created through years of laissez faire neglect

Paragraph 3 FDR- recovery

FDR passed first and second new deal
AAA - Agricultural Adjustment Administration provided farmers with federal
subsidies
 PWA = Public Works Act provided more than $3billion for work creation jobs
SEC = Securities and Exchange commission = extended Banking act to set
up federal regulation of trading in stocks - it was now illegal to buy stocks on
credit - this shows FDR’s attempts to regulate finance and recover the
financial sector and have a LONG TERM IMPACT by ensuring the stock
market does not crash as it did in 1929 again
FDR recognized the need for a second new deal after 22m were still
unemployed after the first new deal
Second new deal in 1535
NHA = National Housing Act, set up housing projects for poorer families
WPA - Works Progress Administration - a major public works scheme to
provide jobs and relief

HOWEVER,
It is argued that WW2 helped the economy recover more than FDR policies
because it stimulated industries which provided jobs
DESPITE THIS,
FDR still had a significant impact as it helped the nation cover from the
immediate effects of the depression
He also provided long term help with regulating the banks which arguably
helped the post WW2 boom last longer
He was the only president truly willing to abandon laissez faire policies and
get involved with the economy

Conclusion FDR has the most impact on the recovery of the American economy - most
effective
It is clear that all policies did impact the boom, bust and recovery - coolidge
laissez faire approach led to the boom and then bust
Hoover contributed to the bust and recovery - change in approach after the
bust
FDR - heavily impacted the economy after the crash by establishing relief
acts and greater federal control in the economy

‘There was very little improvement to the lives of African Americans

between the years 1920-1941’

Introduction 1920’s were known as the ‘roaring twenties’ but this was not the case for all
Americans
Paragraph 1 Socially
Some improvements…
Migration of Americans out of the south to Northern cities similar to what
they did after the war - Harlem in New York became an African American
community

HOWEVER,
Jim crow laws were not enforced in many northern states but African
Americans still faced discrimination and exploitation
Rebirth of the KKK in 1915 - by 1920 it had 4million members - 1925 400k
marched outside washington
Linked to politicians
Although the KKK fell in 1925 the racist attitudes remained in society

Paragraph 2 Economically
Some improvements…
June 1941 FDR signed the executive order that prohibited racial
discrimination in the national defence industry - allowed more to get jobs
Many African Americans moved north to work in wartime factories - for
example Sybil Lewis argued that the war ‘changed her life’ as she was able
to find work in the North - social mobility increased.

HOWEVER…
Great Depression worsened the economic position of African Americans -
did not receive the same funding and support as white Americans did
through the New Deal
Racial discrimination in the civilian conservation corps- Civilian
Conservation Corps
Provided work on conservation projects but camps were still racially
segregated - only 400 black Texans, less than 5% of the total number of
men enrolled, participated in the programme - this shows how relief was not
provided for all Americans
AAA - encouraged farmers to cut land to limit overproduction but this often
led to African American farmers who were sharecroppers being removed
from their land - 200,000 African American families displaced as a result of
the AAA

Paragraph 3 Politically
Some improvements…
Some African Americans joined political movements
Marcus Garvey established the UNIA in the 1920s - Harding promised to
back the UNIA by proposing anti lynching laws
NAACP membership dramatically rose post war
By 1941 - Philip A Randoph planned a huge protest march on washington -
Roosevelt agreed to issue the executive 8802 prohibiting racial
discrimination in the defence industry

HOWEVER…
African Americans still did not have voting rights
 Harding backed anti-lynching law when proposed to congress in 1921 but
no more developments happened - blocked by southern democrats in the
senate
Prohibiting discrimination in the defence industry was an important step but
it was limited, did not significantly improve the lives of all Americans as the
attitudes of soldiers stil remained - significant improvements were not
made until after WW2 during the civil rights movement

Conclusion Whilst there were some small improvement due to the work of political
acitvists such as Marcus Garvey, it is clear that discrimination continued
which limited any significant improvement that could be made

1945 - 1975

‘Post war presidents enjoyed considerable success with domestic affairs

between the years 1945-1975’

Congress seems to be a common theme - posed opposition that limited the success of domestic
affairs especially in regards to the position of African Americans and the federal spending
budget
Post war presidents:
Truman- democrat - 1945 - 1952
Eisenhower - republican - 1952-1960
Kennedy - democrat - 1960-1963
Johnson - democrat - 1963-1968
Nixon - republican - 1969 - 1973

Introduction
Paragraph 1 Success in poverty and unemployment
Truman - % of people living in poverty fell from 33% in 1546 to 28% in
1952
Eisenhower -1954 Social security act - minimum wage, created
department of health, education and welfare
Interstate Highway programme - 1956 - 41,000 mile road - stimulated the
economy and made driving distances faster and safer
Kennedy - New public works in 1962 cost $9million included road and
building projects in areas of high unemployment He limited prices and
wages to ensure inflation did not spiral
Area redevelopment act - allowed federal government to give loans and
grants to states with long term unemployment
Minimum wage was increases from $1.00 to $1.25
Johnson-
War on poverty as part of great society
1965 Appalachian Regional development act - gave subsidies for
development to the deprived region
Nixon Family assistance scheme - provide federal funding for state
welfare programmes
HOWEVER,
Congress - people who supported laissez faire politics - conservatives who
did not support government intervention in states politics
Difficult to push through more deals e.g. Truman
Paragraph 2 Success in civil rights
Truman - 1946 committee on civil rights
1948 - Truman presented civil rights legislation that included federal
protection against lynching, better protection of the right to vote and
permanent fair employment practices - however it was met with strong
opposition in congress and split the democrat party - little civil rights
legislation was enacted
Issues order to end segregation in the US armed forces and prohibt
discrimination in federal government jobs
Eisenhower 1954 supreme court case Brown V board of education of
Topeka - ruled racial segregation in schools was unconstitutional - he
never spoke out in favour - therefore under eisenhower
developments in civil rights were limited
1957 - signed new federal protection for voting rights
Kennedy October 1962 - sent 23,000 troop[s to ensure James Meredith
could attend the University of Mississippi
Johnson - 1964 civil rights act
Civil rights act 1964
1965 voting rights act
Set up the office of economic opportunity - in 1965 the funding and range
of activities was expanded - helped small farmers, job training and further
education

HOWEVER
Truman did little due to congress - propose legislation could not passed
Esinhower did not speak out in favour of desegregation
Nixon Slowed the desegregation of schools in mississippi
Nixon Blocked moves to extend the voting rights act
he never spoke out in favour - therefore under eisenhower developments
in civil rights were limited
Johnson impact was successful however it arguably could have gone
further - he faced opposition from whites and from state governments who
did not wish to enforce many improvements made to civil rights for fear of
losing their position in power
Riots - gave people hope but it was slowly implemented and would take
time to come into effect - but people were promised changes and wanted
to see them

Paragraph 3 Did not enjoy considerable success because their presidencies were
dominated by foriegn policy and opposition within congress
Truman - dominated by communist revolution in china which led to the red
scare in America - McCarthyism and Korean war
Eisenhower dominated by cold war
Kennedy was focussed on cuban missile crisis
Vietnam war dominated most of their presidencies 1955-1975
It is clear that all presidents were occupied with foreign policy which is
likely to have limited the success of domestic policies as attention and
 resources were more focussed on foreign affairs
For example $15.5 billion on Great society but $120 billion spent on
Vietnam = more resources on foreign policy - potentially with more
resources and focus great society could have been a greater success.

Conclusion Johnson achieved the most success in domestic affairs because of the
Great Society and his ability to use the American mood after the death of
Kennedy to pass bills through congress. Despite this is could be argued
that more could have been achieved if forign policy was not a dominant
factor and if less opposition occurred from congress which was
experienced by all post war presidents,

Intro

Paragraph 1 Success in poverty and unemployment

Truman - those in poverty fell by 4%, helped by his 1949 housing act, higher
minimum wage and GI bill to help veterans get an educti
Eisenhower - 1954 social security act gave better minimum wage and a
department for health and education - 1956 interstate highways act created
better infrastructure for connections, people saved on train tickets, motels
hotels and fast food all became about and more affordable - also
Kennedy = 1962 public works act spend $900 million on ]
Johnson
Nixon

HOWEVER
Much of truman's fair deal such as his proposals for health insurance were
struck down for being too communist - could not pass it through

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Conclusion

‘From 1932 to 1960, the republican party was badly out of touch with the
American people’

introduction 1932 - Hoover republican

1933-1944 Roosevelt democrat
 1948-1952 Truman democrat
1952 - 1960 Esienhower - republican
1960-63 Kennedy democrat

Paragraph They were badly out of touch with the American people
1 Failure of Hoover - by 1932 his name was used as abuse - ‘Hoovervilles’ towns
of the unemployed
Republican conservatism - did not do enough to help the people during the
great depression
Hoover's response to the great depression was conservative
He believed in rugged individualism and supporters voluntarism
Many people blamed him and the republican party
This approach is not what the american people needed at the time - needed
more liberal style to recover from the depression - too little too late
1932 republicans were defeated due to their handling of the Great Depression

Paragraph It was not out of touch due to the election of republican president Eisenhower -
2 a war hero with national appeal
Eisenhower appealed to ‘middle america’ - he was more passive and
conservative particularly with civil rights - pleased racists southern voters
Eisenhower was also passive and conservative and did little to deal with
mccarthy
He believed in small government and laissez faire economics
1960 was close
HOWEVER,
They were out of touch with the American people due to…
Slush fund scandal 1952 involving vice president Nixon was accused of
accepting money from rich business men
1960 were not able to give the optimistic, fresh outlook that Kennedy would
bring

Paragraph They were NOT badly out of touch with the American people….
3 Hoover had inherited a bad situation from Coolidge, so the consequences of
the depression were not entirely his fault
eg set up the Grain Stabilisation Corp to give fair prices to farmers, but was not
successful due to the dust bowl - out of his control
Therefore it could be said that Hoovers failures were not due to the fact he was
out of touch with the american people

HOWEVER,
Both the republican presidents of this period were succeeded by democrats
Hoover only won 5 states against democrat Roosevelt when he ran for
reelection in 1932 - huge decline in popularity
Roosevelt's policies during his campaign strongly focused on a better future,
which gave hope to the people - ‘happy days are here again’ used as theme
song - this is exactly what the american people needed and the republicans
couldn't offer = badly out of touch with the people and what they wanted
Democrats would provide in their election - e.g. Roosevelt promised a better
future and he provided this through the New deal which used a variety of relief
schemes and developments in agriculture and banking and finance
 1960 election seen as the first TV election - Kennedy was a more popular
character than republican Nixon
The people were desperate for a fresh start and new ideas after the
Eisenhower years - Kennedy could provide this with the New Frontier - Nixon
was very conservative

Conclusion Republicans were badly out of touch with the american people

Intro

Paragraph 1 They were out of touch - republican conservatism was not what the people
needed during and post depression

Hoover's policy of volunteerism and rugged individualism meant little aid or

intervention was given in the depression, and the economy was in free fall
Towards the end of his presidency he did abandon volunatism, but this was not
no great extent - his aid policy was extremely limited eg Federal Home Loan
Act only covered 50% of a properties worth
The republicans were so out of touch that they still put him up for reelection in
1932 - could not see that a change was needed and were not willing to
abandon their principles of non-intervention
This is why Roosevelt was so successful - promise of the new deals,

Paragraph 2 Society
Out of touch due to societal progression
Post war there was strong feeling that african americans should have
more,equal rights
Attempts at this were greatly shown by democrats eg Trumans proposed
anti-lynching legislation, and Johnsons momentus civil rights act
Republicans repeatedly refused to commit to civil rights, with non of the
candidates promising - even when elected, eisenhower did very little for civil
rights, even refusing to speak on the Brown v Topeka ruling on desegregation
of schools
This shows that the republicans were badly out of touch

Paragraph 3 Were not out of touch - eisenhower kept them out of war

Democrats had caused the involvement of the US in the korean war - cost 40k
lives and over 30 billion - american people did not want another war
Eisenhower was passive and conservative- had fought in the korean war and
was highly against war, which was well received
Refused direct involvement in vietnam - supplied Diem with 500m to resist
communism, and proposed ‘open skies’ wi
Anti war feeling in the country support for this stance can be seen by the fact
that eisenhower was reelected on the promise he would continue to keep them
out of war

HOWEVER he did still maintain tensions with USSR over the cold war - not
 complete peace

Conclusion

Were out of touch Were not out of touch

FDR did New Deals - progressive - people Eisenhower was elected twice
wanted change - needed from Great McCarthyism -
Depression where republicans - rugged Post war prosperity
individualism
Fireside chats
Please everyone

Introduction 1932 - FDR - Roosevelt

1945 - Truman - 52
1952- 60 Eisenhower - republican

Paragraph 1 Economy
Was badly out of touch:
1932 - Hoover v. FDR - $72 v 59 - republicans failed in this election
demonstrating how they were badly out of touch
FDR did New Deals - progressive - people wanted change - needed from
Great Depression where republicans - rugged individualism
Fireside chats
Please everyone
Clear that throughout FDRs presidency

Paragraph 2 Elections
Were out of touch - democratic candidates seen as more capable during
election campaigns
Second Wilkie - 10 states to FDR 48
FDR continuously won elections between 1932 - 1945 as he was seen as
the stronger candidate - the democrats were already in power and his New
Deal policies were stronger than that of Wilkie - easier for the party is
power to remain dominance compared to republicans who could not prove
they were in touch with the people
Truman v Dewey - Truman was energetic and resilient and was able to take
a convincing lead in the 1948 election due to his whistle stop campaign

HOWEVER,
They were not badly out of touch throughout 1932-1960 by the time it got to
the 1952 election it was the democrats who had become out of touch due
to divisions over McCarthyism
Eisenhower had national appeal and was able to present himself as a
stronger candidate than Stevenson who many believed could not hold the
democratic factions together
Eisenhower was also a very moderate politician therefore was able to
 appeal to many americans

Paragraph 3 Foreign policy

No longer badly out of touch by 1952 as Eisenhower was extremely popular
seen as the national hero who ended Korean war - many Americans
supported an isolationist approach
He supported personal diplomacy and attempted to make talks with soviet
union in order to remove sources of conflict
This shows how they were not badly out of touch

Conclusion Republicans were out of touch during the FDR presidency, post war
prosperity meant that the American mood began to change and republicans
were no longer out of touch.
The republicans were not badly out of touch throughout this period

‘In the years 1945 to 1974, the democratic party was fatally weakened
by its internal divisions’

Introduction

Paragraph 1 Yes was fatally weakened due to Communism

Red scare - fear of communist influence
1946 - democrats lost a lot of seats in the midterm election
1947 state department alger hiss was allegedly a communist, investigated by
HUAC - weakened
1950 McCarthy claimed 250 federal gov members were communist - made
red scare worse and created tensions with the party
Attacked truman for being soft on communism - came under fire from his own
party questioning his suitability
Liberals such as Henry Wallace came under fire, mostly from conservative
democrats = divisions and attack between members of own party
McCarthy was strongly supported by many Catholics including Joseph
Kennedy

1952 election - first republican president in 20 years - shows how these

divisions were enough to sway voters opinion - the democratic candidate Adlai
Stevenson found it difficult to control the divisions in the party

Paragraph 2 Civil rights

Liberal V conservative democrats = liberals wanted more civil rights,
conservatives did not and this remained a theme throughout the time period
causing divides

JFK faced obstructionist forces in congress so was unable to enact the

legislation that he intended = divisions limit the domestic policy implemented
 Richard Russell warned LBJ on civil rights legislation “ if you do this thing,
Johnson, the democrats will lose the South for a generation’ = division in
opinion in the party, which only got worse due to johnsons overhaul of civil
rights which angered the southern democrats

1948 - Truman presented civil rights legislation that included federal protection
against lynching, better protection of the right to vote and permanent fair
employment practices - however it was met with strong opposition in congress
and split the democrat party - little civil rights legislation was enacted again
showing how the divisions in the party limited the effectiveness of domestic
policy

Southern democratsOpposed an end in discrimination in housing sales and

rentals

Polls showed 70% of white americans opposed large numbers of black people
living in their neighbourhood therefore it could be said these people would
have disagreed with the liberal nature of the democratic presidents

If an agreement between the liberal and conservatives could have been

reached, the policy could have been more effective and appealed to more of
america, securing votes - Division meant this did not happen

Paragraph 3 Not fatally - still elected

Still elected in 1960 after Eisenhower presidency - (republican)
Kennedy was very charismatic and able to hold the democratic party together
even after the McCarthyism problem - kennedy and the democratic party
offered the opportunity for a new idealism - the New Frontier - this was very
different front he conservative plans of the republicans
JFK likeable compared to the republican Nixon - people able to see past
divisions and elect the to power

Johnson was reelected despite divisions in the party

Therefore they were not fatally weakened as still had some success

However,
Divisions are clear - johnson did not go for reelection - thought it would bring
an end to divisions - did not
Bitter rivalry between Robert Kennedy, Eugene McCarthy and Hurbert
Humphrey to win nomination - the Chicago conference for democratic
candidate was marked by violence and was shown on national TV
Ended with a republican being nominated
Also divisions still remained on federal involvement in state government
Humphrey was only 1% behind Nixon in the 1968 election
George Wallace, a previous member of the democratic party ran
independently due to opposition over civil rights, this split the democratic
vote meaning less votes were given to Humphrey so Nixon ultimately won -
DIVISION COST THEM THE ELECTION

Conclusion Not fatally weakened but still suffered in elections as a result of divisions
 demonstrating how the democratic party were weakened due to internal
divisions over communism and civil rights

‘The years 1945 to 1964 were a time of strong economic growth and
prosperity for all Americans.’

Introduction Post war boom

Age of affluence
Consumerism
For all americans?
No crash and depression after 1945 as seen in 1873,1893,1907 and 1929
stagflation ?

Paragraph 1 Stimulation of industries and employment

Federal spending stimulated economic strength
Unemployment fell from 14.6% in 1940 to 1.2% in 1944
Car sales - 1945 69,500 to 1950 6.7 million

HOWEVER,
There were fluctuations in this growth
Kennedy inherited a downturn in economics

Paragraph 2 Consumerism
Consumer spending was high - stimulated manufacturers
Middle class america - disposable income to spend
87% of all American families owned at least one TV, 75% owned cars, and
60% owned their homes
1953 average income reached $4011 - disposable income rose by 17%

HOWEVER,
This did not benefit/apply to all society

Paragraph 3 Regulation and federal spending

Public Works act - allocated $900 million for public works
OEO - Office for Economic opportunity - Johnson - help for farmers, training
Federal government spent $36.5 billion in 1948

HOWEVER,
Not a time of prosperity for all
In 1947, 60% of black families lived below the poverty level compared with
23% of white families. By 1964, 23% of black families lived below the poverty
level, compared with 9% of white families
The Moynihan report 1965 - reports that black teenagers were twice as likely
to be out of work than white teenagers
⅓ black families had an income of less than $5000 a year
 Black income was 53% of the national average

Conclusion

‘American prosperity during the long post war boom was due to high
government spending’
Introduction American prosperity was strong between 1945-1975. The American
economy had greatly benefited from its involvement in the Second World
War which provided demand for American businesses. However, the
reason why the post war boom was so long was due to high government
spending which meant that the prosperity could be maintained and did not
result in a crash as seen following the First World War. High government
spending meant that more money was invested in providing jobs,
sustained employment meant that the American people had a disposable
income to spend buying goods which contributed to the growth of the
economy.

Paragraph 1 Due to high government spending…

Most American presidents, particularly the democrats, worked to ensure
that post war prosperity remained.
Federal government spent $36.5 billion in 1948, this shows high
government spending occurred under Truman.
1961-1969 longest period without a recession
Great society under Johnson national debt increased to $42 billion -
Johnson’s Great Society involved the increase in spending in order to
sustain the economy and provide some support to those who did not
necessarily benefit from world war two. For example the Appalachian
regional development act 1965 gave subsidies for development to the
deprived region. One of the main goals of the great society was to end
poverty and reduce inequalities.
Government spending was able to sustain the post war boom - more
intervention meant more people were protected and more business were
regulated to prevent major recessions
There was a slight recession in 1970 which created unemployment and an
energy crisis - Nixon intervened and imposed a freeze on wages and
prices and raised tariffs on all imports - raising tariffs on imports meant
American people were more likely to buy American goods, boosting
America’s economy - Nixon’s NEP 1971

Paragraph 2 Consumerism

Car sales - 1945 69,500 to 1950 6.7 million

87% of all American families owned at least one TV, 75% owned cars, and
60% owned their homes
1953 average income reached $4011 - disposable income rose by 17%
This purchasing stimulated the economy causing it to grow
 HOWEVER it was due to government spending that people could now
afford a disposable income
GI - gave veterans loans for mortgages which increased home ownership
Subsidies given using FEDERAL government money
Omnibus Housing bill - $7.7 billion provided rent subsidies for low
income people and created grants to help homeowners rehabilitate their
properties - 1961 = more people can afford houses = homeownership
increases = prosperity

Paragraph 3 Involvement in wars - end of WW2 and the Cold War

WW2 massively increased production - creating jobs in many industries

Military contracts formed
Many of Americas competitors were facing the effects of the war, reducing
competition and fuelling American businesses
Cold war and korean war, more jobs in munitions and developing the
atomic bomb
As a result of the war the IMF was established at the bretton woods
conference 1944 - the US dollar became the preeminent world currency -
benefitted America as it fitted with American economic principles

HOWEVER, it was government spending that provided a lot of these jobs,

as after WW2 many jobs declined
As seen throughout American history a period of boom is often met with a
recession, 1893,1907 and 1929 BUT due to new attitudes in government
towards government intervention and increased spending, this was
avoided
Federal government also increased their defence spending, for example
the 1950 NSC 68 bill
1962 - Kennedy PWA - $7bn invested in creating work building
infrastructure
Regulation of businesses by federal government - increased minimum
wage from $1 to $1.25 under Kennedy
1956 Interstate highway programme provided jobs creating 41k miles of
road

Conclusion Overall, it was government spending that allowed the post war boom to be
so long lasting, the investment in the economy by the government is what
allowed the prosperity to be sustained.

‘Throughout the years 1945 to 1968, all US Presidents were committed to

reform in domestic politics.’
Intro

Paragraph 1 Yes they were due to all passing legislation to deal with poverty

Truman's fair deal - 1949 Housing Act dealt with the shortage of affordable
housing, he also set a higher minimum wage and national insurance

Eisenhower was a republican so favoured less intervention, more about work

creation and better fsciltieis eg the Interstate Highways Act, and created a
department of health and welfare to oversee growth

Kennedys new frontier also committed -

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Conclusion

Introduction

Paragraph 1 DOMESTIC POLICIES - poverty

TRUMAN - fair deal

Housing Act 1949 dealt with shortage of affordable housing
Established national medical insurance and a higher minimum wage
EISENHOWER - republican so favoured less intervention but passed a
Interstate highway programme act 1956 to stimulate economy and
provide jobs, he also extended the social security programme, increasing
pensions
KENNEDY - PWA gave $9million to help with unemployment
JOHNSON and great society shows more commitment from him to
domestic policies
He established the Office of Economic Opportunity to coordinate
employment programs
Poverty line fell from 20% to 12%
Appalachian Development act - shows commitment to domestic policies
as Johnson was able to recognise more deprived areas and target
government spending to those regions
Substantial amount spent on education - $49million given to help with
student loans
NIXON-

DESPITE THIS, $15.5 Billion was spent on great society but $120
 billion was spent on the vietnam war
Although most presidents made significant reforms in domestic policies,
arguably more committed to dealing with foreign policy
For example amount spent by NASA to land the first man on the moon
was $25billion
Not all policies helped reduce poverty for all americans, by 1964 23% of
black families still lived below the poverty line compared with only 9% of
white families - not committed to the cause enough

Paragraph 2 DOMESTIC POLICIES - civil rights

Truman - 1946 committee on civil rights
Orders to end segregation in the armed forces
Truman was an advocate for civil rights bill to be passed but it would not
go through congress

Kennedy tried to push a civil rights bill but was blocked by congress - still
shows his commitment
Met with civil rights protesters - march on washington 1963

Johnson passed the Civil Rights act and Voting Rights Act 1964 and
1965
Outlawed discrimination and allowed equal voting rights
Biggest commitment to civil rights

HOWEVER
truman's focus on civil rights was weakened due to the communist
revolution in china
Eisenhower never spoke out about civil rights, ebem when brown v
topeka occurred - not committed to the cause
Nixon blocked the desegregation of schools in mississippi and moves to
extend the voting act - wanted to appeal to middle america so did not
favour civil rights

Paragraph 3 FOREIGN POLICIES

TRUMAN - more committed to foreign policy - presidency marked by
Truman doctrine and Marshall plan

More committed with cold war tensions

Korean war, building of nuclear weapons, containing communism
Marshall plan and policy of containment meant that lots of US
government spending was directed into helping european economies so
they would not fall to communism, this ultimately restricted the spending
and commitment to domestic policies

Truman - korea
Kennedy - cuba and the missile crisis
Johnson - vietnam
Nixon - china

Conclusion It cannot be said all were equally committed to domestic politics - this is
 because of the foreign policy landscape being more pressing. It is clear
that Johnson had the greatest commitment to domestic politics due to his
civil rights and poverty reducing legislation, but even he had a heavy
focus on foreign policy issues.

How successful were attempts by US governments, in the years 1945 to

1975, to reduce Cold War tensions?

Eisenhower's - New Look policy - increase nuclear weapons to act as a deterrent and
Introduction

Paragraph 1 EUROPE
Some policies did not reduce tensions….
Most tensions over Berlin - 1961 Berlin Wall built
October 1961 - US and soviet tanks face each other at a standoff in
Berlin BUT US backs down after 18hrs - heightened tensions as this was
the first real military threat
The space race - sputnik - raised tensions as the first to reach space was
seen as a competition for each superpower to try and establish their
superiority
HOWEVER,
Policy of containment through the Marshall plan to give economic aid to
European countries
For example in 1950 congress spent $659 million on the Greek-Turkish
bill to prevent the spread of communism
This shows reduced tensions as US was not actively looking to remove
communism, they were indirectly preventing the spread of communism
using their economic power
After the Berlin Blockade, there was no attack, US officials simply found a
way to provide goods to west side of Berlin through Berlin airlift
1956 HUNGARIAN UPRISING - us did nothing to help because they
recognised the communist government as US accepted that Hungary
was a part of the soviet sphere of influence
Policy of DETENTE - Kennedy and Khrushchev agree on Test Ban Treaty
1972 - SALT talks in Moscow to reduce production of nuclear weapons
Therefore, most US policies were successful in reducing cold war
tensions - seems US did not want to raise tensions due to MUTUALLY
ASSURED DESTRUCTION
Although USSR was able to launch the first space satellite to orbit earth
in 1957 - Eisenhower remained calm, proclaiming ‘one small ball in the
air is something which does not raise by apprehensions’

Paragraph 2 ASIA
Some policies did not reduce tensions….
Korean war - tensions high after Northern leader crosses into south
 Korea which had been divided as American - this caused Korean war
1950, with USA providing 90% of soldiers
1949 Marshall sent to China to help Kai-Shek (nationalist leader) reach a
compromise with the communists (who were sponsored by stalin)
This attempt failed, and China formally fell to communism, allied with the
USSR
This raised tensions as USSR was actively expanding communism after
the revolution, which went against what america wanted it to do (not
contained)
Domino theory
Involvement in Vietnam war - Gulf of Tonkin 1964 - America increased
involvement in vietnam war
Operation Linebacker - 1972 bombing on North Vietnam - did not
decrease tensions

HOWEVER - Nixon committed to the process of vietnamisation, and

despite linebacker increasing tensions

HOWEVER by 1969 there were tensions between the chinese and the
soviets - Nixon used this opportunity to settle USA tensions

1971 relations between the US and Chinese ping pong teams paved the
way for nixon's state visit to china in 1972 where the Shanghai
communique was signed
This assured China was against the Soviet Union ns that US would
reduce its military in Asia
This was successful at reducing tensions, as communism was now
contained once more, and US gained a chinese ally - no threat of attack
involving china
1954 Congress blocked military intervention against Viet Minh which was
an organisation that fought to remove French control in vietnam - reduced
tensions as US not always actively involved
Vietnamisation - 19

Paragraph 3 LATIN AMERICA/NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Eisenhower New Look policy - increase nuclear weapons to act as a

deterrent against soviet union and to be used as a diplomatic tool
This aimed to reduce tensions by mutually assured destrution but
ultimately led to problems with nuclear weapons such as the cuban
missile crisis

HOWEVER eisenhower's tactic was not very long lasting - under kennedy
tensions arose with nuclear weapons once more
April 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion - US tried to get cuban exiles to
overthrow Castro, but support was strong for Castro so they turned
against america
This heightened tensions as it moved Cuba closer toward soviet union

Operation Mongoose was another failed assasination of Castro -

 furthered tensions as US was violent

Tensions came close to the brink of nuclear war - October 1962 Cuban
Missile Crisis where khrushchev installed missile bases in cuba which is
close to american soil
13 days of brinkmanship

Therefore it is clear that between 1961-62 the cold war tensions in latin
america grew dangerously large - kept building didnt slow

HOWEVER

Kennedy was able to reduce tensions by holding talks with Krushchev -

26th October 1962 compromise that accepted withdrawal of missiles from
cuba in return for america removing some bases from Turkey -this shows
how kennedy was able to effectively reduce tensions, despite them
initially spiralling out of control he was overall able to settle the latin
american situation
It seems after high tensions, Soviet union and America are able to
establish better communication links which ultimately reduces high
tensions in the long term

Conclusion Despite there being high tensions in all three areas, these were able to
be settled by the US government successfully by 1975, so that the cold
war did not escalate into full scale nuclear war, and communism
remained contained

To what extent can the US policy of containment in Asia in the years 1945
to 1975 be described as a success?

Introduction Success in Korea, although it was very costly

US containment was unsuccessful

Paragraph Korea
1 Policy of containment in Korea was a success
South Korea did not fall to North Korea - did not become a commmunist nation
In 1945 Korea had been split into North and South Korea
June 1950 - with permission from STALIN(=threat to US because of communism)
given to Kim Il Sung to invade South Korea
Truman administration went to war against North Korea
MacArhur was able to carry out a counterattack at INchon wished pushed the
Northern armies back to the North BUT MacArthur wanted more so he invaded
the North - shows more than containment, actively trying to bring down
communism in North Korea - MacArthur failed in the North and was forced to
retreat back to the south
1953 - came to a stalemate
 South Korea as a close ally and a model for defence against communism

Paragraph Vietnam
2 Was a failure, war was lost by US, had to retreat US troops which
Geneva accords - temporarily divided North and South Korea
US supported Ngo-Dinh Diem, fiercely anti-communist - US gave his governemnt
$500million october 1958
1964 - North Vietnamese gunboats allegedly attacked US warships in the Gulf of
Tonkin
1967 - 500,000 American troops in Vietnam
Tet offensive - killed innocent civilians and American soldiers, damaged
American prestige
Nixon - Vietnamisation, pulling US troops out of vietnam and shifting the
emphasis to the army of South Vietnam
1973 - peace agreement
1975 = communist forces seized control and South vietnam fell to communism =
policy of containment failed

Paragraph China
3 Communist revolution 1549
Truman sent General Marshall to China to help Chiang Kai-Shek squash the
threat of the communists led by Mao Zedong - failed as the communist revolution
soon rose
1972 - SALT talks - reduce arms
Push forward detente talks
1973 - US and China agree to set up liaison offices in Beijing and Washington
So not contained but Nixon was able to establish diplomatic relations, common
agreement on lack of support for Soviet Union

Conclusion

‘The US policy of containment of Communism proved costly and

unsuccessful in the years 1947-1975’
Introduction Costly - cost lives, money, resources, focus(less focus was given to
domestic issues)
Unsuccessful - were not able to achieve their aims of containing
communism = preventing other nations from falling to communism
Fear of the domino effect - if one nation fell to communism, others would
follow

Paragraph 1 Asia
Korea, Vietnam
Was costly….
It is estimated that the war in Vietnam cost over $800billion = very costly
Cost of lives, American soldiers and innocent Vietnamese civilians
October 1955, Ngo Dinh Diem elected PM of South Vietnam, the US gave
$500 million a year to help his government
1968 Tet offensive - North bombing south - US embassy was attacked,
 58,400 communists, 4,000 troops, 2,000 ARVN and 14,300 civilians killed
By 1968 US was $25.3 billion in debt

Although,
Some success was made with China by Nixon after the decline in
Sino-Soviet relations, 1972 the Shanghai communique was signed
South Korea did NOT fall to communism BUT it was still very COSTLY -
US provided 90% of Soldiers in the Korean war and 54,000 American
soldiers died and 11,000 held as POW

HOWEVER,
In Vietnam it was costly and unsuccessful
In Korea it was costly but quite unsuccessful
1949 Marshall sent to China to help Kai-Shek (nationalist leader) reach a
compromise with the communists (who were sponsored by stalin)
This attempt failed, and China formally fell to communism, allied with the
USSR

Paragraph 2 Europe
Marshall plan 1948 - plan to invest in the economies in Europe east of the
‘iron curtain’

NATO founded in 1949 to coordinator western allies against communism -

US spent $14.4 billion on defence so were the main contributing country

1950 -congress spent $659 million on the Greek-Turkish bill to prevent

these nations falling to communism - shows that policy of containment was
very costly

HOWEVER,
Their were some successes made in Europe as the US was able to
prevent European nations from falling to communism - the Marshall plan
was a success as was the greek turkish bill
Therefore Europe was costly, but NOT unsuccessful as ultimately
communism was contained outside of europe

Paragraph 3 Latin America

Cuba
1961 Operation Mongoose failed - attempt to assassinate commiunist
leader Castro
April 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion - US tried to get cuban exiles to overthrow
Castro, but support was strong for Castro so they turned against america
This was an unsuccessful attempt

Conclusion Policy of containment was unsuccessful in Asia and Latin America but it is
clear that the policy was not entirely successful in Europe as no European
nations fell to communism, however all attempts to contain communism
were very costly, both in lives and money
\‘In the years 1888-1900, the democratic party was badly
weakened by the rise in the populism’ Do you agree(You do)

Introduction The democratic party underwent a momentous change due to the rapid
rise in populist ideals and support. This political idea appeased the west
and south’s inclinations towards nativism, individualism and
conservatism. Ultimately it would play apart in causing a democratic
collapse, with the ideology paving way for a rise in republican popularity
and internal divisions. Ultimately, it is what caused the weakening of the
democratic party’s influence in politics.

Paragraph 1 Populism
- Led by William Jennings Bryan, outlined plans in the omaha
platform 1892 which received outstanding support from the
western settlers and white farmers of the south.
- Did not appeal to northern inhabitants, particularly immigrants.
- No support from big business which was a powerful group in
American politics, the robber barons constantly swinging reforms
in their favour which the populists were staunchly against.
- Support amongst knights of labour, the grange suggest populism
would be a success in the current American socio-economic
climate.
- Jennings' traditional approach to gaining support, e.g. whistle
stop tours, was ineffective against Mckinely and Hanna's 7
million dollar campaign.
- Groups like the farmers alliance made incredible strides
politically in 1890 which again suggests that populism would
have served to boost democratic popularity.

Paragraph 2 Internal conflict

- J.P morgan buys out Grover Cleveland administration 62 million
to save the economy from the recent panic.
- This leads to less trust in the democratic party as well as political
infighting between the democratic bourbons and populists.
- “There is no longer a government of the people, for the people,
by the people, but a government of wall street, for wall street, by
wall street” - Mary Lease, represents views of the populists who
had minimal support for big businesses, therefore this led to
major controversy within the democratic party as J.P Morgan’s
bailout led to the government’s reliance on corporate aid.
- Republicans did not face such internal conflicts as their party
was amidst a unification of views
- Failure of silver standard (lead onto republican para)

Paragraph 3 Republicans favourable policies

- Gold Standard
- Klondike Gold Rush solidifies the country’s use of the gold
standard, support for the silver standard rapidly decline along
with support for populist views
 - McKinley was very successful during the Spanish American war,
which accelerated support for an imperialist approach toward
foreign policy. This went against democratic views and ultimately
lessened their popularity.
- Republicans were united for the first time since Grant’s
presidency (Gold standard, foreign policy, laissez faire, mckinley
tariff)
- 1900 currency act extremely successful, solidified use of gold
standard and wiped away support for silver
- High tariffs and protectionist economy from the republicans was
favourable, as the economy needed to be stimulated to
counteract the effects of previous economic panics.
- Mckinley tariff stimulated coffee, sugar and other basic
household needs, tinplate industry was stimulated which was an
industry in its infancy. Duty level raised from 30% to 70%.

Conclusion

Thematic

From 1932 to 1960 the republican party was badly out of touch
with the american people
Intro 1932 - republicans lose

Paragraph Economic
1 Hoover v FDR
Hoover's rugged individualism caused the depression to be so deep, yet they
still put him up for election

Paragraph Social - civil rights and mccarthyism

2 HOWEVEVEr the republicans were in touch compared to the

Paragraph Foreign policy

3

Conclusion

The republican party dominated American politics in the years 1868 to

1912 because it was the party of big business

1868 - Grant
1877 - Hayes
1881 - Garfield
1881 - Arthur
1885 - cleveland
1889 - Harrison
1893 - cleveland
1897 - McKinley
1901 - Roosevelt
1909 - Taft

Introduction The republican party dominated American politics from 1868 to 1912 with
the exception of Grover Clevleand who was elected in 1885 and then
again in 1893
Republican party is the party of big business, democrat is the party of the
working man

Paragraph 1 Republican party dominated because it is the party of big business

Republicans favoured business in the economy as well as aids to them

McKinley's campaign was funded by Mark Hanna - $7 million

Republican party helped big business, set tariffs to help American

business, passed laws to approve railroad and banking schemes and
passed little legislation to regulate corruption and malpractice
Republicans support protectionist economies
Dominate through the help of rich businessmen, for example Mark Hanna
helped McKinley in his election campaign for the 1897 election, close
political allies and Hanna was skilled and knew about the power of
patronage - spent $7million on the campaign
McKinley pleased conservatives and supporters of big businesses by
maintaining a high protectionist tariff - Dingley Tariff act
Panic of 1907 bailed out by big business, JP morgan - kept the economy
strong, beneficial for reelection

HOWEVER,
Many republican presidents were progressive and often seen as the
enemy of big business
1902 mediated the settlement of coal strike (roosevelt)
Roosevelt blocked the creation of Northern Securities - broken up in 1906
Hepburn act passed to ensure greater regulation of railroad companies

Paragraph 2 Republican party dominated due to internal divisions/problems with the

democratic party
Democrats divided
Bryan’s campaign was not as strong as McKinley’s - Bryan’s ideas were
seen as too radical and unorthodox - for example he wanted to introduce
free silver and take US off the gold standard
Cleveland accepted $62 million from JP Morgan to help with the financial
panic - seen as a betrayal of the working man
Cleveland and pro business allies - ‘Bourbon democrats’
Paragraph 3 Maintained power due to other successes - both foriegn and domestic
Winning of the Spanish American War 1898
Alaska Yukon Gold rush strengthened the presidency of McKinley as he
had committed the US to the gold standard through the currency act
Roosevelt created 53 new wildlife reserves and 5 new national parks

Conclusion It was due to divisions in the democratic party

‘The disasters that met the US in South East Asia between 1968 and 1975
resulted from the confused and contradictory aims of Foreign policy ever
since 1920. (may not as 1920s foreign policy not on advanced info)