The Role of Government During 1867-1920
SUBJECT: American History
TYPE: Essay (any type)
DESCRIPTION:
What role did the federal government play in defining, protecting, and/or limiting the liberties of Americans in the period between 1867 and 1920? only sources allowed are: http://www.americanyawp.com/text/15-reconstruction/ http://www.americanyawp.com/text/16-capital-and-labor/ http://www.americanyawp.com/text/18-industrial-america/ http://www.americanyawp.com/text/19-american-empire/ http://www.americanyawp.com/text/20-the-progressive-era/ http://www.americanyawp.com/text/21-world-war-i/ http://www.americanyawp.com/text/22-the-twenties/ http://www.americanyawp.com/text/23-the-great-depression/
The period between 1867 and 1920 was a transformative time in American history. During this period, the federal government played a critical role in defining, protecting, and limiting the liberties of Americans. The government faced numerous challenges during this period, including Reconstruction, the rise of capitalism, the emergence of an industrialized society, and the country’s transition to a global power. In this essay, we will examine the role of the federal government during this period and how it impacted the lives of Americans.
Reconstruction marked a significant turning point in American history. After the Civil War, the federal government was tasked with the immense responsibility of rebuilding the South and integrating the newly-freed African American population into society. The government’s response was to pass a series of amendments to the Constitution, including the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery, granted citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, and guaranteed voting rights to African American men. The government also established the Freedmen’s Bureau to provide education, healthcare, and other services to African Americans.
Despite these efforts, Reconstruction ultimately failed to achieve its goals. The federal government withdrew its support from the South, and a wave of violence and discrimination against African Americans ensued. The government’s failure to protect the civil liberties of African Americans during this period set the stage for decades of segregation and discrimination.
In the late 19th century, the federal government’s role shifted as the country underwent a period of rapid industrialization. The rise of capitalism and the emergence of large corporations created new challenges for the government. Many Americans began to question the role of government in regulating the economy and protecting workers’ rights.
The government’s response was to pass a series of laws aimed at regulating the economy and protecting workers’ rights. In 1887, Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act, which regulated railroads and prohibited discrimination against shippers. In 1890, Congress passed the Sherman Antitrust Act, which prohibited monopolies and other anti-competitive practices. These laws represented a significant shift in the government’s role, as it became more involved in regulating the economy and protecting consumers.
The Progressive Era, which lasted from the late 1890s to the early 1920s, marked another significant period in American history. During this time, the federal government played an even more active role in protecting the rights of citizens. Progressives sought to address the social and economic problems of the day, including poverty, corruption, and the exploitation of workers.
The government’s response was to pass a series of laws aimed at improving social conditions and protecting citizens’ rights. In 1906, Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act, which regulated the food and drug industry and protected consumers from dangerous products. In 1913, Congress passed the 16th Amendment, which authorized the federal government to collect income taxes. In 1914, Congress passed the Clayton Antitrust Act, which strengthened antitrust laws and prohibited unfair competition.
The federal government also played a critical role in World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918. The government mobilized the country’s resources and economy to support the war effort, which helped to cement the United States’ position as a global power. The government also passed a series of laws aimed at maintaining national security and limiting civil liberties, including the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918. These laws were controversial and raised concerns about the government’s role in limiting free speech and other civil liberties.
The 1920s marked a period of change and transition in American history. The federal government’s role continued to evolve during this time, as it grappled with the challenges of a post-war economy and a changing society. The government’s
