Industrialization in Tennessee - Assignment Example

Final Exam Answers for Topic Industrialization in Tennessee (1865-1920) Q1 - Industrialization refers to a period of socio-economic change which changed human life from agrarianism to an industrial society. It involves economic development, social change and technological advancement. Industrialization took place from 18th to 19th century. It was characterized by the large scale production of energy and metals. During industrialization, economy was extensively organized to promote manufacturing. Philosophically, industrialization meant the change of people’s attitudes towards the understanding of nature rationalism. Q2 – Tennessee transformed from an agricultural state to an industrial state. The Tennessee Valley Authority enhanced development through chemical and apparel manufacturing, as well as power supply. The development of a railroad in Nashville and Louisville also helped in transporting goods between Tennessee and other parts of USA and beyond, in 1866. Tennessee Valley authority had a developed coal-fired steam generating plant around 1970. It produced a lot of nuclear power by 1970. Q3 – Industrialization in Tennessee led to cost overruns and environmental problems such as air pollution. It also caused high levels of security and safety problems. “On the positive side, the economic development of Tennessee improved. Industrialization also led to non-communism and capitalism which improved the socio-economic factors of the state. Income also improved as production from industrialization increased. Q4 – Industrialization played a crucial role in the course of development in Tennessee because it enabled them to access power easily in order to produce more goods and services. This improved commercial production and development of the state. Transport was also made easier by industrialization; leading to increased development. Answers for Topic 2: The Progressive Movement of Tennessee (1890-1920) Q1 – The progressive movement was a period of successive social reforms in early 1900. It involved various events such as the suffrage movement which required the inclusion of women in elections. Progressivism also involved a reaction against intolerable actions of the government such as corruption. It was supported by writers who exposed the bad actions and activists who fought for reforms in and outside the House of Representatives. Q2 – There are various reforms that were implemented as a result of progressivism. One of them was the regulation of railroads and other public corporations which benefited the local populace. The tax system was also reformed to become more equitable; e.g. the federal income tax. Women were also allowed to vote in 1920. Other reforms include correction of abuse of children and child labor, legislation of healthcare and welfare rules, development of wage laws, establishment of food and drug standards, and natural resource conservation. Q3 – Tennessee failed to implement some reforms successfully as a result of Progressivism. One of them is poverty. Despite progressivism, Tennessee did not manage to eradicate its poverty as the progressive movement dealt with other economic, social and political issues. Racism was also not addressed in the progressive era. The black people were segregated and could not be involved in the progressive movement and in other development issues. In fact, segregation of lacks was legalized in early 1900 as a way of achieving separate but equal development. Q4 – Progressivism enhanced both positive and negative effects on social, economic and political development of Tennessee. On the positive side, it led to increased participation in elections and government decisions; hence improving political democracy. It also led to increased regulation and utilization of resources; hence improving the economy of Tennessee. It also led to improved healthcare and social welfare of the people. On the negative side, progressivism led to increased social exclusion and racial discrimination; hence social development declined rather than improving. Answers to Topic 3: Tennessee in the 1920s Q1 – Tennessee embraced modernization in 1920s was demonstrated by modernization of agriculture and commerce. In this case, mass production was enhanced through machines and technologies. Modern school system was also developed in 1925 to improve education in Tennessee. There was also mass production of consumer goods such as autos. Credit economy was also developed. Public services were also developed to address social problems. Q2 – Tennessee remained traditional in 1920s in terms of cultural attitudes and racialism. It continued segregating against the blacks. In terms of culture, Tennessee continued to remain traditional in 1920s through arts that expressed the heritage and pride of Tennesseans. Religion also remained traditional. They encouraged traditional values and practices. Q3 – The most important political development of Tennessee in 1920s was the trial and conviction of a High School teacher called John T. Scopes. This happened because he challenged a law enacted by the legislature. The legislature was enacted to prohibit the teaching of evolution in High School. This was a resurgence of fundamentalism as a former presidential candidate William Jennings supported the prosecution of the teacher. In 1920s, women were also allowed to vote through the First amendment which followed the Suffrage movement. Q4 – 1920s was very significant in the course of development of Tennessee because it led to improvement of democracy, social institutions and economic productivity through modernization. The use of modern approaches of production and social activities led to improved human welfare; which in turn improved development in general. Democracy allowed increased participation in political processes; hence promoting political and economic development. Answers to Topic 4: Tennessee in Depression and War Q1 – The Great depression had significant effects on Tennessee. Shutdowns and high unemployment rates caused by the great depression led to decline in the industrial economy. Everyone’s lot was made worse during the great depression. Farmers produced more and earned less. Wages declined and discounting increased; causing people not to afford basic needs such as healthcare and goods. As a result, local commercial businesses could not sell goods and local governments could not collect enough taxes. Three major banking institutions in Tennessee collapsed in 1930 including Caldwell and Company. This led to liquidations and many people lost their money. Q2 – State and local governments in Tennessee dealt with the great depression by forming the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1933 to engage in planning and development of Tennessee. Some of the things done were the construction of hydroelectric dams beginning in 1933. Inexpensive electric power was provided, especially in rural areas. The local and state governments also implemented the policies of the New Deal proposed by the federal government under President Franklin Roosevelt in order to overcome the effects of depression. Q3 – The New Deal had great impact in Tennessee like in any other state in USA since 1932. Crop reduction program developed by Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) received support by 100,000 farmers in Tennessee. Employment in Tennessee was also boosted by road building and public works provided by the Works Progress Administration. The New Deal also provided tax revenue of $350 million between 1933 and 1935 to assist in stimulating Tennessee’s economy through employment and investment. Q4 – The most significant Tennessee’s contribution to World War II was the inclusion of 10% of its population in armed forces that participated in the war. Farmers and city dwellers who did not go to war participated in war-related activities; and Tennessee received war orders of nearly $1.25 billion. Tennessee participated in combat civilian administration and military research, and in 1942-1943 the state hosted 28 army divisions in preparation for invasion. Answers to Topic 5: Tennessee and the Civil Rights Movement Q1 – In the 1950s, African-Americans were discriminated against through racial attacks from the whites. Blacks were taken into custody and killed for fighting against racialism during the Columbia riot. Children of black people were confined in all-black schools in Knoxville. Integration of blacks and whites was opposed by some white agitators including John Kasper. There were taunts and threats of black children in school. Q2 – The civil rights movement of 1960s manifested itself in Tennessee through demonstrations that began in Nashville from 1960 to 1963. African Americans in Nashville hosted the historical events of the civil war – local black universities were concentrated. There were also strong churches and politically active ministers who played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. Black lawyers and doctors also supported the demonstrations. Boycott of consumption by black consumers caused pressure on merchants in 1960. The use of students’ non-violent demonstrations also played a crucial role in the movement. Question 3 – Desegregation was achieved in Tennessee through demonstrations from the blacks. Nashville was the first major city in Southern USA to desegregate its public facilities. The Nashville sit-in movement and peaceful demonstrations by students encouraged the desegregation of public schools such that black children learned in the same classes with white children. Freedom Rides were also initiated to allow black and white passengers to participate in bus terminals throughout the South. Question 4 – After 1970, rights improved as the single party domination ended. Desegregation also led to the significant reduction of discrimination and racialism in 1970s. The Blacks started to integrate with Whites in schools while black politicians started to participate actively in the politics of the state. The use of public institutions and resources were also opened for blacks as well as whites equally. Answers to Topic 6: Tennessee since the 1960s Q1 – The most significant event to occur in Tennessee in 1970 was tremendous business expansion and economic growth. This includes the economic boom of the state in 1990s. After moving from an agricultural to an industrial economy, the state experienced business expansion and growth. By 1994, Japanese companies had invested more than $4 billion and more than 27,000 employees in manufacturing and business operations in Tennessee. This has made Tennessee to become one of the leading foreign investment destinations in America. Q2 – In terms of political developments, Tennessee moved from a one-party rule which ended in 1966. Republican governor Richard Nixon was elected twice in early 1970s. Since then, the seat had been exchanging between Democrats and Republicans. There has also been a conflict between rising government expenses and people’s resistance to taxes since 1970s. In 1985, sales tax was raised to 5.5% to support school reform package initiated by the governor. This led to fluctuating consumer expenditure and conflict between taxpayers and politicians. Q3 – One of the most important economic developments of Tennessee since 1970s is the low unemployment and high per capita income of $21,000 which doubled that of the earlier decade of 1960s. Diversity in the economy of Tennessee has also enabled it to survive and grow through recessions. Tennessee has strong manufacturing and agribusiness sector which combines with tourism, hospitality, entertainment and insurance to enhance burgeoning economic growth. Q4 – The most significant social development since 1970s has been the increased inclusion of women in the economy. Jane Eskind became the first woman to be elected as into political office in Tennessee. Martha Craig rose to become the first woman in Tennessee Supreme Court. This improved women participation in economic and political issues encouraged social inclusion. “Better Schools” initiative developed in 1980s also improved social lives of citizens. Read More