Paul H. Bergeron: Tennesseans and Their History - Essay Example

Paul H. Bergeron: Tennesseans and Their History During the period between statehood and 1860, in what ways did Tennessee’s political, economic, and social development reflect that of the United States as a whole? In what ways was this development unique to Tennessee? Thesis Statement Tennessee’s historical diversification and rapid changes felt between the period of statehood and 1860 shaped America’s future. The Tennessee’ development offered various similarities and uniqueness that defined growth in the important region. This paper discusses how Tennessee’ political, economic, and social development corresponded with the entire United States development while focusing attention on the unique elements of Tennessee. Outline 1. Revolutionary war of the 1770s (Bucy 95-97) 2. Constitutional convention in Knoxville 3. Political struggle between anti-federalists and federalists in Congress 4. Tennessee State Declaration in 1796 (16th state) 5. Power shifts in political regions from the east to central Tennessee in (Foster 43) 6. The role of the federal government in shaping Tennessee’ political, social, and economic structure (McDonough 155) Relationship between Tennessee’ Development and the Development of the Entire America Notably, Tennessee development was unique. The Tennessee’ political, economic, and social development relate to the development of the entire America. For instance, the presence of the Manhattan Project in Tennessee influenced economic development in the entire America. In this context, Tennessee’ economic development corresponded with the entire United States development. Indeed, the Manhattan Project led to the development of the atomic bomb in U.S. Furthermore, the scientific developments in America still influences Tennessee’ economy and culture. The political developments in Tennessee provided unique opportunities for significant groups in the region and entire America to collaborate with the aim of fostering current and future national and regional endeavors. Tennessee’ political and economic development allowed various organizations, donors, federal agencies to integrate for purposes of catalyzing regional and national developments. Through the establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the United States Congress shaped significant development in Tennessee (Lyons 13). Indeed, the TVA became the dominant producer of electrical power in America (Culvahouse 25). The establishment led to environmental, economic, and technological developments in Tennessee by guaranteeing the supply of low-cost electricity. TVA supplies electricity to various states and individuals across America. Indeed, TVA delivers low-cost electricity to federal institutions, individual citizens, and industries thus enhancing national development. TVA led to infrastructure improvements and agglomeration economies that relate to the American economy by improving manufacturing productivity in the entire nation. TVA region has since developed from a poor region in America to attracting new industries. The establishment of Tennessee Valley Authority also enhanced forestry and agricultural development in the entire America by advocating effective environmental and farming methods. Indeed, TVA established a program to educate farmers on how to increase crop produce, increase forest cover, and improve the flora and fauna in America. TVA led to agricultural development by introducing new crops and farming practices in America. The entire America experienced agricultural development through the extension programs developed by TVA. Moreover, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development corresponded with the entire American economic development since it attracted new corporate investment in the region and collaborates with regional companies to foster national economic growth. The Tennessee State Constitution formed a basis for the American constitution (Laska 35-36). The engineering and technological developments in Tennessee corresponded with other technologies in America. Indeed, the technological developments exhibited in the construction of dams as well as the production and supply of low-cost electricity in Tennessee corresponded with national technological developments that included radios and telephones. These developments enhanced economic growth in Tennessee and the entire America. Moreover, Tennessee invests in public education as seen in the development of the University of Tennessee that influenced the American education system by defining and enhancing higher education in America (Lyons 285). The changes in Tennessee’ politics corresponded with American politics that included the republicans and democrats. Indeed, Tennessee’ political development influenced the voting partners in the entire America where most Tennesseans recognized and supported slavery in America. Most Tennesseans voted for Democratic candidates through national elections that depict national norms (Lyons 230). Bergeron offers the historical development of Tennessee by highlighting every landmark event. In this sense, the author heralds Tennessee as a product of a certain accumulation of developments and circumstances. The text begins from the American Frontier history that details exploration and cultural significance of expansion and definition of boundaries. In this sense, the author fits Tennessee into the America’s geography thereby defining reasons for its existence. It is essential to highlight, however, that ignoring Tennessee’s prehistoric data by first analyzing the place from the European explorer’s perspective undermines other crucial perspectives. The book offers a critical review of the Civil War and its influence on Tennessee’s well-being. It is essential to highlight that issues of race and slavery are fundamental to the discussions of American states’ development. In this sense, the text highlights Tennessee as one of the fundamentalist states that resolved to secede from the larger America as based on the resolve to purge slavery (Bergeron 132). In this view, the resistance becomes a means of Tennessee’s reconstruction as a place that would later accept cosmopolitanism. This development reflects and compliments the later Civil Rights era that redirected American racial politics and relations for a better nation. In the era of reform, the text discusses Tennessee’s confrontation and reaction to modernity. Modernity, in this frame, became a means of transforming lives. For instance, healthcare and education advanced in the state thereby granting Tennesseans a quality life. In addition, issues of environmental conservation and cultural heritage became immediate concerns. A society that reaches such a stage professes the idea of reevaluation, as it observes its problems and creates relevant solutions. The modern evaluation of Tennessee highlights the place as a haven of promise and fortunes since it continually develops into a better state. Works Cited Bergeron, Paul. Tennesseans and their history. Knoxville, TN: Univ. of Tennessee Press, 1999. Print. Bucy, Carole S. Tennessee through Time: The Later Years. Layton, UT: Gibbs Smith, 2008. Print. Culvahouse, Tim. The Tennessee Valley Authority: Design and Persuasion. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2007. Print. Foster, Dave. Tennessee: Territory to Statehood. Johnson City, TN: Overmountain Press, 2002. Print. Laska, Lewis L. The Tennessee State Constitution. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print. Lyons, William. Government and Politics in Tennessee. Knoxville, TN: Univ. of Tennessee Press, 2001. Print. McDonough, James. “Tennessee in the Civil War.” Tennessee History: The land, the People and the Culture. Ed. Carroll Van West. N.p., 1998. 155. Print. Read More