The Class Relations in United States during the Late 19th and Early 20th Century - Essay Example

[Coarse Essay One The relations in United s during the late 19th and early 20th century All through the history, it can be observed that only few countries have been known for their eminent existence in the world and America is one of those countries that effectively influenced the whole world by different means. The concept of the class system firstly appeared in America with the emergence of upper, middle and lower working class. America has its vast history in terms of class relations and its impact on their society. Many events and movements that took place in America gave rise to the economic growth by giving equal rights to the different classes of the society. Class System and their Working Conditions It is evident through the history that, in 19th century the class system became more fluid. The major class during that phase was aristocracy that had certain dominance over other classes in all aspects, in various fields of the society. There were Different classes specifically middle class and working class that emerged in 19th century. Primarily, American class relation was divided into two major classes, the upper class and the working class. The upper class consisted of all the government officials, landlords and the well renowned personalities of the society. Whereas, middle class consisted upon clerks, office workers and labor force in industries. There was a huge line of distinction in class relations because middle class was completely neglected by the aristocracy. Apart from upper and middle class, there was another class that was known as lower class, existed in the society. However, their existence and significance was never been noticed until the progressive movement and other effective events that took place in their favor and ended up by giving them their rights. Although primarily, all the rights were only confined to the upper class that had a hold on the whole society which depict the poor condition of class relations in America. Primarily, there were no distinctive factor between middle and lower class, they used to work together and lived in the same communities but afterwards, these class relations were distinctly split into different classes. After the division of the middle and lower classes, their working conditions also became transformed. This distinction between the workers was in the form of separate rooms but, with the pace of time this distinction widened into different locations that became a key element to indicate class relations in America. During 19th century, firms started growing and became more complex. At that phase of the century, different changes happened in the management of the industries that separated manual and non-manual worker. All the manual worker on that time were become clerks while, the non-manual worker was assigned to handle sales and other paper works. With the pace of time, the circumstances became worst for both lower class and middle class that gave rise to frustration and aggression among the people. These factors of American class relations contributed effectively to Progressive Era. According to Upton Sinclair’s ‘The jungle, which portrayed the real image of the class relation in America that the working condition in America was most terrible, as the factories, stockyards, meatpacking houses and other plants represented the inhuman conditions. These circumstances were raised just only due to corrupt business owners and union leaders in around the society. Within a short span of time, this book took the whole America by storm, and it resulted in the radical reforms specifically in the meat packing industry and influenced the whole nation. During that period, the president Roosevelt took further actions regarding these working conditions and also took preventive measures in order to get through of these conflicts in the class relation of America Wealth and class Relations. During 19th century, it was due to the inequality in class relations in America that wealth only depended upon political connections, land ownership and commerce. All of these sources continued till the end of 19th century. According to the researchers, population and life spans increased as per capita income which was nearly tripled by late 19th century. The various changes that occurred in organizations of production, it enabled broad middle class to emerge in the industrializing countries all around the Europe. It is evident through the history that land holdings and wealth were only confined for the nobility, royal families and other wealthy farm families. During 19th-century Government of America was more towards Capitalism. Because there was no central bank, no welfare trusts no fiat money, no income tax for most of the century. There were no federal regulatory agencies or antitrust law because of which class relations of America were too worst, and the society faced the worst conditions, but, it did not last till the end of 19th century. In that period, time, term, government gave rise to an economy whose individuals were allowed to follow their own interest freely such a starting new businesses. That resulted in the form of wealthiest as well as innovative nation at the same time (Dahlen). Progressive Era (1890s -1920s) The inequality and injustice in class relations gave rise to the Progressivism. Progressivism was actively supported by middle and lower middle class because these were the people who were facing the injustice and brutality by aristocracy. Progressive Era was the historical reconstruction of politics during 19th and 20th century. Progressivism was focused on the actions and movements against the various aspects such as corruption, injustice and inequality in the class relation. Most of the leaders and the activists of these movements came from working class backgrounds. It was a working class that had skills to organize the large gatherings of the people and also had courage to sacrifice their self. These activists faced most terrible situation such as violence, deaths and other hardships just for supporting society in terms of status value and equal rights. During this era, working class fought for their rights such as to improve their working conditions and living condition. These activists also had concerns with preserving environment and resources respectively. During Progressive era, economic growth of America became increased along with an increase in income of the lower class, as well as middle class and aristocracy. One of the major growing industries of that time was automobile manufacturing. Automobiles were all in rage in America that radically changed the pattern of living. Many influential changes occurred in the society during the progressive era that reshaped the class relations in America. Progressivism resulted in more growth of educated working class, and the certain measures took place during the progressive era in terms of physical and health education. It has been noted through the history that progressivism also gave rise to industrial growth due to which more opportunities became available for working class. Hence, it can be said that Progressive era was one of the most influential period in the history of America’s class relation which supported its economic growth by every mean. 16th and 17th Amendments According to 16th amendment, U.S gave all power to congress in order to collect taxes of incomes and all the other sources. Government passed the 17th amendment according to which the senator will be chosen by mean of voting through election instead of getting selected through election by state legislators. It is apparent that these amendments were only meant to support the class relation of the American society, and it merely became possible with the struggle of working class in the form of progressivism. The main goal behind the progressivism was to eliminate the corrupt government who had the political and social dominance over the society. Susan B. Anthony Apart from class differences, there was another discrimination that was found within the class relation of America which was based upon gender. It was seriously proposed by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott that the vote is the fundamental right of women. Three years later, Susan B. Anthony joined their effort and became a driving force towards the women rights attainment. After the eighteen years of suffrage, The National Woman Suffrage Association came into being that was led by Susan. The main goal behind this association was to agitate the amendment to the constitution in the favor of women right, but, it continued to be failed again and again. Until the arresting of Susan while voting in the 1872 presidential election, that grabbed the National attention that supported the movement directed by her. Susan died during 1906 and left the world with these words ‘Failure is Impossible’ that later became the motto of suffragist. After an array of effort, during 1920, the19th amendment became approve due to which women won their right to vote. These efforts of Susan B. Anthony helped efficiently in the enhancement of the class relation in America. List of Events There were too many events that took place in America in respect to maintain class relation. Some of the most important events are as follow: Ku Klux Klan 1865 On Dec 24, 1865, six confederate veterans formed a secret society which was known as Ku Klux Klan. Soon KKK transformed into a violent group that actively worked against Reconstruction policies and affected the class relations of America. 1877 End of Reconstruction During 1877, the end of reconstruction took place due to which civil right and civil liberties for African American were badly influenced. It caused mistrust and cynicism in white Southerners for the federal government which lead them towards the creation of Jim Crow Laws that restricted black American with very little political power. 1881 assassination of Garfield In 1881, most of the half-breeds gained Federal job because of Garfield. Many political and social changes occurred in America during this period, time, term that efficiently assessed in maintaining class relations. However, one day when Garfield was travelling through the train and became shot by a half-breed who was not allowed for the job. After some time, Chester Arthur became the next president. 1892 Homestead Strike During 1892, Homestead steel mill was purchased by Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie outfitted the plant that reduced the need of skilled worker due to which their incomes became reduced that caused a massive strike in homestead mills. During the protest Henry Clay Frick got assassinated by the workers, because of which the leaders of homestead union became blacklisted for the rest of the life and steel industry never became unionized till 50 years after the incident. 1894 Pullman Strike On May 11, 1894, a huge railroad strike and boycott took place that badly disrupted the rail traffic in the Midwest region of America. It was marked first time in the history of America that injunction was used to break the strike. On June 28, congress in collaboration with the president created a national holiday that was named as Labor Day that was the incentive to manage class relations in the society. 1889 Gospel of Wealth The Gospel of Wealth was written by Andrew Carnegie, who was a successful businessman and millionaire of America. He was responsible for the large sums of donation of money for social causes to eliminate class difference from the society. All around the book he argued that the people who are wealthy have an obligation to give something back in order to serve society. Franklin Roosevelt Franklin Roosevelt was one of the progressive presidents of America who worked efficiently to enhance the class relations of America. Between the duration from 8 March till 16 June, that later known as First Hundred Days, in which Roosevelt actively worked to reform banking system and spent a large amount of government spending to restart the economy and put the people back to their work. He also supported the creation of social services network in society. Though, it can be said that the class relation of America has its certain vitality in the history that has set an example for all the nation of the world in the form of revolutions and economic growth. In order to be prospered and to become more develop, all the countries should follow the footsteps of America. Essay Two American Dream All through the history, it can be evident that America has been supporting its economy by every possible mean, and American Dream has been of the Example of these progressive efforts. The idea behind the American Dream was to regulate wealth and better life for all American depending upon their abilities and achievements. During 19th century, when society was facing certain discrimination based upon gender, class, races, and other norms and beliefs, on that time American dream was formulated as an incentive in those circumstances. American Dream American Dream is a term that can be defined as the dream of the land where life would be better, richer and fuller for each citizen by providing each with the opportunity according to their ability and achievement (L. DeVitis). It was a difficult dream for European upper class to interpret effectively because of their class and birth influence on the society. Accordingly, all the other individual of the society were found mistrustful to it. Through the research, it is affirmed that the American dream was not about high wages or to attain luxury life, but it was about the social order for enabling each to attain maximum importance in the society according to their capabilities. The aim of the American Dream was to make a person recognized by the society for their achievement which was apart from the aspects like position and birth. The idea behind American dream is to avoid discrimination on the basis of social status, racial difference and gender. However, it is the concept that has built in the mind of the people that they see the man as stronger, eligible part of the society. According to the people, man is the money maker of the society that makes it difficult for women to go beyond stereotypical generalization of the society. When American dream was formulated, it was thought that it would be attainable for everyone but by considering the facts due to discrimination it can be stated that it is not possible for everyone to achieve American Dream. Role of Marketing and American Dream During that era, it was represented through massive marketing that wealth can be achieved easily and quickly to fulfill the American Dream. It was depicted through the television entertainment industry that people can achieve American dream and could become successful more through luck rather than through hard work but by mean of state lottery programs and related activities. It was the impractical approach that led people towards corruption and other corrupt sources for earning money. Success, Money and American Dream In the modern age, success means to achieve a goal by hard work. Success means having more confidence on yourself and your hard work rather than being dependant on other in order to achieve success. However, it is the sad reality of our world that has not changed much yet. In this modern age, world is still facing various conflicts that have risen on the name of racial difference, skin color and norms and beliefs. There are many examples that can be seen in different societies of the world such as Syria, Black American community and many other groups have been targeted just because of racial differences and other discriminations. It can be easily observed in the light of different aspects regarding money and success that are apart from patriotism and social conscience, it is only money that is the source of success, power and respect in the modern age. The concepts such as for attaining American Dream or to achieve success in the modern world, money is the most important element that matters which that is all above the hard work and utmost efforts that people make for success. It is evident through the time, and that society has been facing such discrimination in various terms and one of the major examples of this is American Dream. Impact of Popular Culture and Music on Vietnam War and World War In World Wars, mass media has played a vital role in history. However, during the World War, most of the information was controlled by the army. Similarly, during the war of Vietnam, the same propaganda was adopted that resulted in the form of minimal insight of the real issues of the war that clearly portrayed the biases of the media and government that hid the reality from the eyes of the society. Pop culture had been influencing American society by different means such as in the form of different campaigns, activities and music. One of the examples of music was the song ‘Over There the Yanks are coming’ that inspired both the Army and the society who were worried about their nation and loved ones. It was sung during the war between the America and Germany. There were various other examples of pop culture that had set the examples in the history and influenced the scenario of World War and for the attainment of the American Dream efficiently. It is evident through the history that music and musician have certain impacts on the war all around the world. Similarly, in America, the legendary musician named as John Lennon, who had the rebellious nature. He was one of the most controversial people of the time due to his political and peace efforts. He hugely criticized the Vietnam War because of which he got deported back from Manhattan. However, later, some of his songs became the anthem among the societies for supporting anti-war movement. Similarly, in the present period, time, term, popular culture, music and mass media is playing a significant role and one of the recent examples of this is the war of Israel and Palestine. Media is promoting the activities in regards to the rights of the Palestinian society and representing different campaigns in the different region of the world. Hence, there are different practices concerning popular culture that are the prominent part of our everyday life that are in support of American Dream. Women and American Dream The certain inequity that the American society was facing was in the form of gender discrimination that was acting as an obstacle to achieve American Dream, which was aimed to give equal right to each of the society. During 19th century, the scenario was even worst for the women. The discrimination was the eminent part of the society in terms of gender and races. On that time Susan B. Anthony raised her voice for the rights of the women. Because, during that period, women were often underestimate in various fields of the society had no certain rights in the society. There was no concept of equality between men and women in that era. Women even had no rights to vote so then that could not even attain the American Dream. In those circumstances, Susan fought for the rights of women because she believed that there should be equal personal and economic independence for women in the society. According to Susan, society could not have improved until the women were given with the rights same as men. It was due to her efforts that women won their right to vote and afterwards, and it enabled women to attain their aims and goal regarding American Dream and to become a prominent part of the society. Impacts of World War on Market and Nation’s Loyalty America is the only country that has been through an array of conflicts and major wars that affected American dream. It has been noted through the history that there always has been some strong American strategies behind the war that does not let the economy face crises for long. However, it is the truth that after the First World War America faced the worst condition when the nation’s loyalty and family loyalty were are put into vain because of the number of deaths and injuries that were caused due to the war efforts that acted as a hindrance to achieve American Dream. The way America came out of these conflicts is commendable. The declaration of World War had put the finance into market into initial panic and trading was close for a certain time period that resulted in 24-% drop and the aim to fulfill American Dream was nearly back dropped. The DJIA became the little bit lower but just after a month in came back into its old state, and the damage did not last for long. During Second World War, when the enemy caught America by surprise then the sudden crisis occurred in the stock market of America. This crisis did not continue till America won the battle that gave all the investor the positive feeling regarding American market. Hence, it can be said that there is no doubt that America is been the superpower for long. In the lights of the facts, it has been cleared that these are the utmost efforts of America that are behind its success which made America as one of the most powerful economies of the world and the idea behind the American Dream worked proficiently to increase the economic growth in the nation. Work Cited CIH. American History: The 19th Century. 8 March 2014. 14 July 2014. . Dahlen, Michael. The Rise of American Big Government: A Brief History of How We Got Here. 2014. 14 July 2014. . DeVitis, Joseph. The Success Ethic, Education, and the American Dream. Newyork: State University of New York Press, Albany, 1996. Read More