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Question 1

Between 1877 and 1930, America’s federal government role in the economy as well as

society underwent substantial changes through local as well as international interventions.

Initially, the government played almost no role at all, concentrated on preserving laissez-faire.

However, when America extended its national economic interests beyond its borders,

particularly towards Asia and Latin America, it started being assertive of these interests. In China

for example in 1899, Secretary of State John Hay declared the Open Door Policy to ensure that

Chinese markets were open equally for Western powers which was an indication of increased

interventionism as a means of protecting American economic interest overseas. Similarly, during

the Mexican Revolution, Washington executed military interference to defend property rights

just like her interventionist predecessors had done in Latin America.

However, things changed in 1898 when the US completed the acquisition of territories

like Hawaii and the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. This meant that America was

no longer just an isolationist nation as it had been before. The Hawaiian annexation and

subsequent Philippine-American war presented arguments about American imperialism and its

relationship with democratic values. For instance, there were those who believed that it was a

civilizing mission – such as Albert J Beveridge – and those who saw it as foreign oppression

rather than self-rule – members of the American Anti-Imperialist League. It is from this angle

that internal debates on colonization showcased broader discussions on questions regarding

national identity and what part United States should play in world affairs.

In addition, during this period, the federal government played a different role in society

due to socio-economic and domestic matters. The Progressive Era witnessed the rise of reformers

who intended to address issues of urbanization, industrialization and labor rights. For instance,
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personalities such as Theodore Roosevelt advocated for changes that would curb high

handedness by large firms and ensure improved working environments. Moreover, it became

evident that the government had an obligation towards its people with the establishment of

regulatory agencies like the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) and Food and Drug

Administration (FDA).

Moreover, the federal government responded to social movements such as women’s

suffrage movement and labor movements in a way that built on its social role. The amendment

was not given any special name other than the 19th amendment but this was seen as a significant

shift towards an inclusive democracy. To demonstrate, there was evidence of these changes

when progressive labor laws were passed, like child labor regulations which criminalized

employing children under certain age brackets, and recognition of employees’ right to

association through collective bargaining.

The role of the federal government in the economy and society changed greatly from

1877 to 1930s, as it became more involved both domestically and internationally. America’s

economic growth and international competition necessitated a strong civil defense policy for the

protection of American interests outside the country, this was also brought about by social

injustices that existed within America, which necessitated welfare reforms. Therefore, while

upholding democratic values in an era of global change and diversity among American people,

the government used regulations, diplomatic measures, domestic moves etc. to deal with its

surrounding world.

Question 2

The American welfare state formation was considerably influenced by the geopolitical

events of the Spanish-American and Philippine-American wars of 1898-1902. These conflicts

signified a shift in American foreign policy that found America reaching out its hands to the rest

of the world thereby creating a debate on whether this country should have become an empire or

not. The wars raised questions as to whether America had been better off as a republican nation

or should it have extended its territories like an imperialistic empire. In this regard, through the

Treaty of Paris, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Philippines were acquired thus revealing some form of

imperialism in USA.

The American social welfare state began during the Spanish-American War when there

were exaggerated reports of mistreatment by the Spanish towards Americans and destruction of

USS Maine. The inclusion of countries such as Hawaii and Philippines, however, led to debates

on whether or not it was ethical for America to do this through imperialism. Occupation and

insurgency during Philippine-American war demonstrated a conflict between the idea of

liberating societies by America and keeping its freedom at bay. The war raised questions about

American identity and its role in the world.

U.S imperialism reached unprecedented levels during the tenure of President Theodore

Roosevelt. The use of military power, territorial expansion and economic domination by

Roosevelt became part of America’s foreign policy. His naval extension, takeover of Hawaii, and

interference in Latin America demonstrated dedication to establishing American influence. The

Roosevelt Corollary justified U.S intervention in the Caribbean according to the Monroe

Doctrine creating a trend towards informal imperialism using gunboat diplomacy and dollar

diplomacy.

Dollar diplomacy was a means through which the United States could preserve stability

in that area and the American interests. As proof of this, loans and financial control were greatly

facilitated by dollar diplomacy. This relationship is complex because it shows how economic
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expansion is tied to imperialism. For instance, Roosevelt’s policies extended American power in

Latin America through economic mechanisms like dollar diplomacy as well as military

interventions. Actions such as building the Panama Canal, having a navy presence, getting

involved in Cuba plus Puerto Rico demonstrated just how determined the United States was in

molding its neighbors’ political landscapes and economies.

There were several events concerning the Spanish-American and Philippine-American

wars, in addition to Roosevelt’s imperialistic policies that had a lasting impact on American

history. Discussions about imperialism, national identity, and what America’s role should be in

international affairs continue to be important even today. This era was a divisive and pivotal

point in United States’ history during which it established herself as a major player globally with

all intricacies of empire building and its implications both domestically and internationally being

navigated.

Question 3

The Civil Rights Movement really helped in the fulfillment of the fourteenth

amendment’s promise of equal protection under the law. The movement broke down legal

segregation and discriminatory practices in different areas of American life because it was able

to do this through grassroots mobilization, legal suits, and nonviolent demonstrations Some

landmark occasions that marked a major turning point in their struggle for equal rights include

such events as Brown v. Board of Education (1954) which declared unconstitutional state laws

establishing separate public schools for white and African-American students. Meanwhile, the

Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 both constituted key legislative

triumphs that sought to counteract systemic racism while at the same time guaranteeing equal

public accommodation facilities access and voting rights entitlements for African Americans.
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However, there were great challenges and setbacks along the path of this movement. In

some cases, the federal government, state governments and even local opponents opposed it

violently through such events like police brutality and domestic terrorist acts perpetrated by

white supremacist organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan. The slaying of well-known civil

rights activists like Martin Luther King Jr. highlights how dangerous and hazardous their cause

was. On top of that lackluster pace in a heady stream flow towards a genuine equality together

with persisting racial discrimination within districts such as housing, education and work places

showed that legal victories did not result in true equality.

Occasionally, the Civil Rights Movement overlapped with other social and political

struggles that widened its sphere of influence and redirected its course. The movement became

more powerful as it joined forces with feminists, labor unions, and Vietnam War protestors

among others. It was the mass media that was instrumental in gathering support for this cause not

only through directing racial injustices to national and international audiences but also showing

images as well as footages in television screens that highlighted police brutality across various

states of America and peaceful demonstrations elsewhere. The effect on masses resulted from

these TV screens constantly showcasing images and footage about police violence as well as

peaceful protests happening all over the country while their politicians responded consequently

making changes possible.

With all the success that it had, the civil rights movement could not fully address

problems of poverty and systemic racism in American society. Even after legal segregation, de

facto segregation persisted, as happened in housing and schooling. African-Americans populated

these inner-city areas which stayed poor and also had less access to good education and medical

facilities. This is due to the fact that institutional racism persisted, leading to hurdles that
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hindered economic empowerment and movement of people in the social classes. The failure of

this movement to handle these matters fully demonstrated how deep-seated racial disparities

were thereby showing the urgency for further activism programs and policy changes that would

ensure sustainable equality for everyone.

The 14th Amendment’s promise was fulfilled largely in great part by the civil rights

movement which made significant strides, achieved legal victories and raised awareness. Yet,

there were setbacks, limitations and ongoing challenges that exposed complexities and multiple

dimensions of the struggle for equal protection under the laws. The movement laid a foundation

for future social justice movements, stressing that continual activism was necessary to overcome

systemic inequalities.