The US Nation Building Process in 19 Century - Research Paper Example

Smith, in his documentary, discusses the US presidents and the challenges they faced during early 18th century. During that time, America was undergoing industrialization, which begun with the cottage industry. Production of textiles was the most common economic activity. Industrialization caused immigration of a lot of workers to the north. Rail and telegraph networks were later developed to open new markets for the goods that were now being produced in large scale. This industrialization led to manufacture of weapons that later was used in wars in the North West. On March 4th 1825 John Quincy Adams became the 6th president. As president, he designed the Monroe Doctrine, which was a warning to the European countries not to colonize the northern or the southern states (Adams 23). This was to be considered as an aggression, which The US would intervene. Adams opposed slavery, which made him at loggerheads with congressmen from southern states. The American settlers had begun to take land and explore the western states a phenomenon known as westward expansion (Bentely, Ziegler and Salter 56). The settlers justified this expansion because it was a way to increase the size of the country. Besides, it was a chance to exploit the rich minerals such as gold especially in California. The new states in the west were also to provide new markets for the excess goods produced due to industrialization. The settlers’ expansion westwards led to the Texas Revolution also known as the US-Mexican war in the documentary Mexico, Battle for North America. This took place between Mexicans and Texas settlers. The war was caused by the Mexican President abolishing the federal constitution and instead establishing a more central one. This decision was unpopular among Mexicans therefore led to violence and session movements. The Texan army, which was led by Sam Houston, defeated the Mexican army and Texas gained independence from Mexico thereby becoming Republic of Texas in 1836. Texas was later annexed by congress and become 28th state on December 29 1945 (Bentely, Ziegler and Salter 87). One of the major challenges the US faced during that time was the civil war. This was fought between 1861and 1865 and occurred between the northern and southern states. Whereas, the northern states abolished slavery and regarded it as sinful, the southern states supported it. The slave southern states formed another union referred to as confederacy in protest of the slave abolishment calls. Their aim was to secede from the main union. President Lincoln had however rejected secession at all cost (Adams 192). The election of Lincoln increased secession calls by the southerners. A civil war ensued between the states loyal to the union and the southern states for 4 years. The war proved to be very costly and disastrous. Approximately 3% of the population died, the wealth that existed in the south was depleted. Income per person declined in the south, while southern influence in the federal government diminished immensely up to the 20th century. President Lincoln played an enormous role towards ending the war. Perhaps one of the reasons he is considered one of the best presidents in history. He developed the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the blacks who were slaves and encouraged them to join the union army (Adams 197). The civil war ended and slavery was abolished. Mexico had also its fair share of challenges, key among them being the Mexican Revolution. This wave of violence and turmoil caused a lot of refugees to flee into the US. The US’s businesses in Mexico were threatened and hugely destroyed causing animosity between the two countries. Property and investments were destroyed in Mexico resulting to huge losses and stalled growth. Nation-building process for the two countries occurred albeit differently. For Mexico, it began by gaining independence from Spain in 1821. This was followed by the annexation of some of its states by the US after the US-Mexican war. Other Spanish colonies also in Central America also gained independence and become republics. Mexico had few fertile lands since much of it was mountainous and desert. For development, she had to realize its agricultural potential. It also needed peace and stability for growth to occur. It needed better infrastructure and freedom from the huge debts it had (Adams 95). For the US, nation building involved creating unity in the union especially after the civil war. The civil war had proved to be catastrophic. Growth had to begin in the southern states which were hugely affected by the war. The captured slaves were released and encouraged to join the union army. Roads and rail network were to be built to the western states for accessibility. For countries, nation building involved unity and stability. In the US, it involved uniting the southern states and the other states. In Mexico, the different groups in the revolution had to be united. Economic growth was also required in both states as a nation building process. America developed as a powerful and influential nation. It also developed as a military powerhouse especially after the successful war against Mexico. The new territories also were rich in minerals, therefore, contributed to economic growth. Mexico also developed as an economic bigwig in Central America. Most people though believe Mexico is losing this position to Brazil. According to Presidents, 1845-1869, Lincoln was regarded as one of the best American. This is because he led America during one of the most difficult periods (Adams 210). Faced with a divided nation and a deadly civil war, Lincoln prevented the secession of most pro slavery states besides succeeding in ending the civil war. No wonder his statue still stands in Washington and many buildings and streets are named after him. President Lincoln played an enormous role towards ending the war. Perhaps one of the reasons he is considered one of the best presidents in history. Work Cited Bentley, Jerry, Ziegler, Herbert and Salter, Heather. Traditions and Encounters: A Brief Global History. Volume II. New York, NY: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print. Adam, Houston. King Leopold’s Ghost. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin, 1998. Print. Read More