20th Century United States - 1990 Words

The 20th Century United States The 20th century was a time of considerable transition for the United States. Going from the countries lowest point in history, to becoming the strongest nation in the world, left Americans and their leaders confronted with many difficult decisions. The decade of depression that had preceded World War II had produced enormous changes in US politics and the American political and economic systems. Beyond politics, Americans also faced challenges in their day to day lives as American culture and society was also going through transitions. The ways in which these questions and problems were attempted to be answered, the balances of power that resulted, and the significance of wartime government were†¦show more content†¦Still, there was movement occurring, and hope remained as President Kennedy was working on a Civil rights Act, and he was suspected to pull out of Vietnam. This potentially would have aided the civil rights movement, and arguably due to the importance Ro bert Kennedy put on reforming African American’s rights, JFK would have addressed this issue now with more vigor. In 1963, however JFK was assassinated and Lyndon B Johnson took office, thus changing the course abruptly. LBJ passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation in schools, public places, and employment. He also proposed a set of domestic programs which he called â€Å"The Great Society† which goal was to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. There was a major increase in spending that addressed problems outlined in the New Deal such as education, medical care, urban problems, and transportation but differed from the New Deal in types of programs enacted. However well-intended these programs might have been, its goals were not being met at the rate in which civil rights activists would have liked. Part of the reason being that in opposition to Kennedy’s plan for Vietnam LBJ decided to continue fighting. Most of his attempts t o increase the standard of living failed, partly due to his involvement inShow MoreRelatedDuring the late 19th century and early 20th century the United States saw many political reforms1100 Words   |  5 Pages During the late 19th century and early 20th century the United States saw many political reforms that would bring the nation back into a positive and moral state after a bloody civil war tore the country apart. It is said that the average American over the age of 15 during the time prior Prohibition drank almost seven gallons of pure alcohol a year. Prohibition was a period of time in which the average citizen broke the law because alcohol was a major part of citizens’ lives and the restrictionsRead MoreThe United States And The American Century989 Words   |  4 Pages Throughout the 19th century, the United States concentrates on expanding its reach into foreign markets and colonization of foreign territories. After fighting Spain for Cuba and the Philippines, along with the annexation of Hawaii and other territories, the Unites States have become a minor imperial power. The 1920s is a time of wealth and prosperity for America and they try to avoid any more involvement in foreign entanglements, but WWI engages the U.S. in European affairs, leaving AmericansRead MoreHuman Progress in the Twentieth Century Despite Two World Wars953 Words   |  4 Pages The world in the 20th century went through the destruction of World War I and World War II and the hazard of a nuclear war in the course of the Cold War and coped to revolutionize themselves with essential developments within their societies. The world, as a whole, has advanced more than it has suffered during the turbulent 20th century because of the advancements of innovations and human right, despite the demolition of the two World Wars. The 20th century inflicted the greatest suffering to theRead MoreWomen’s Inequality in the 20th Century Essay1194 Words   |  5 Pagestwentieth century, American women fought for the right to vote, the right to make choices regarding their own bodies, and the right to be their own people. The disparities between men and women were often overlooked or blindly accepted, but as Gloria Steinem said, â€Å"history is herstory too.† After nearly 200 years of struggling, women made up only 10% of Congress, received wages less than 75% of their male counter parts, and are stigmatized based on their class and race. By the end of the century, femaleRead MoreThe Relationship Between China And East Asia Essay1708 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Age of Discovery,† which spanned from the 1500s to the 1800s. By the beginning of the 20th century, most of the world’s lands had already been discovered. Trade links between China and Europe had been around since the Hellenic A ge. And in the year 1900 it had been 124 years since the founding of the United States of America. Cross the Pacific Ocean, and one would find themselves face-to-face with the United States’ distant neighbor, East Asia. In East Asia, two of the most historically significantRead More All Quiet on the Western Front Essay858 Words   |  4 PagesAll Quiet on the Western Front The 19th century view of war expressed that it was the most honorable and glorious event that a man could participate in. This romantic viewpoint was quick to change after World War I. In addition, Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front further illustrated the ghastly nature of war. His descriptive writing portrays the graphic details of reality, leaving the readers of the 20th century in shock. Since Remarque was the first author of his timeRead MoreReflection On The American Culture1384 Words   |  6 PagesReflection on Class Sources American culture refers to the traditions and practices of the people of the United States. Culture comprises of the nature of buildings, religion, music language and marriage. The population of the United States is more than 320 million people making it the most culturally diverse country in the globe. Books such as Crabgrass Frontier, Manifest Destination and Muscular Christianity are important sources of information about American culture. This paper is a reflectionRead MoreImperialism : The Age Of Imperialism1010 Words   |  5 PagesIndira Yuldasheva C band Expansionism Essay The late 19th century and early 20th century is known as the â€Å"Age of Imperialism†, a period in which major world powers, including the United States, adopted a policy of expansionism. Expansionism is defined as the policy of territorial or economic expansion, which is often achieved through diplomacy or military force. During this time period, the United States notably acquired territory in the Pacific and Latin America. The nation’s growing colonialRead MoreWhat Comes Naturally : Miscegenation Law And The Making Of Race1048 Words   |  5 Pageshappenings, though other important talking points are acknowledged as well. The main narrative of racial implication is the underlying theme in Pascoe’s writing. Pascoe presents the hard facts and inevitable truth about miscegenation laws in the United States during a time where society was torn on these very trying issues. Comparing the more modern laws to those established in the days of white and native Am erican marriage issues, Pascoe presents the argument that these laws were established and maintainedRead MoreAP Us History DBQ977 Words   |  4 PagesDBQ American expansionism in the late 19th century and early 20th century was, to a large extent, a continuation of past United States expansionism, while also departing with previous expansionism in some aspects. During the period of time between the late 19th century and early 20th century, America was going through significant changes. After a revolution in Cuba against the Spanish, as well as the Americans starting the Spanish-American War, the Americans received several territorial concessions