History-Modern American Culture - Essay Example

Thus, the progressivism arose as the main political ideology of America in the first half of the twentieth century. The underlying concept of progressivism was that the government could be used to improve the society. The reforms took place in all spheres from education, medicine, finance, insurance, industry, railroads, and so on. Under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt, political and business leaders, and journalists like Ida Tarbell, and Lincoln Steffens, the country began to clean its systems up; cities began to appear cleaner and healthier, workplaces became safer and workers received more consideration from their employers and many of these changes were the result of ‘enlightened self-interest’1.

Some notable achievements of progressivism were the antitrust laws, state and national income taxes, strict regulations on businesses, laws regarding minimum wages, the decision to have direct election of senators, and the Federal Reserve System. Some other developments that had a significant role in shaping American society were the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the establishments of juvenile courts. In addition, the Nineteenth Amendment allowed women’s suffrage. . It enabled militarism, conscription, and allowed the federal government to intervene heavily in all regional affairs in the name of war and gave the central government total control over economy and the whole nation.

Another important thing was the coming of females to the social front as envisaged by Progressivism. The National Defense established an Advisory Committee on Women’s Defense Work, thus enabling females to have a better position in the society, though indirectly, through food control and voluntary work in support of the war effort. Yet another point according to Rothbard is that the war has made it necessary for economy to cooperate with the government later allowing the government to have more control over the economic monopolies2.

Though the Great Depression and World War II battered American economy, it again flourished considerably. As a result of the new social changes, wealth was more equitably distributed and the government had more control over investment, development and research. The GI bill enabled many to have education, many owned their own homes, and as a result of the growth, unemployment went down and wages rose considerably. Thus, one can say, the liberal consensus of America reached its peak. Probably as a result of the many wars it fought, the National Security Act recognized the federal government and a National Security Council was set up to advice the president.

as Bigsby points out, the wars and the potential threat from Soviet Union helped the government to proceed with its aggressive military plans of alliances, treaties and military bases in many countries throughout the world3. A marked change in the position of Blacks in America did not take place until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. Thus,