Question

Discuss 3 major factors that undermined u.s. reconstruction efforts in former confederate states following the civil war (between 1865 and 1877). these factors can be national and/or regional in nature. please support your argument with specific historical facts/details. discuss how significant transformations (e.g., economic, technological, political or social) in the u.s. during the "industrial era" (1860-1900) led to tensions that strained american society in new ways. please support your argument with specific historical facts/details. please discuss the ideas/ideologies that promoted and rationalized u.s. expansionism/imperialism in the "new west" (1865-1900) and then around the world (starting in the 1870s). you could also consider if these were different from earlier articulations of u.s. foreign policy principles (e.g., pres. washington's farewell address, john quincy adam's 7/4, 1821 speech to u.s. congress, etc.). how did the u.s. become a more expansionist world power starting in the 1870s and why?

Answer 1

During the Reconstruction era, three major factors undermined U.S. efforts in former Confederate states: resistance from Southerners, lack of federal support, and economic challenges.

Step-by-step explanation:

Factors Undermining U.S. Reconstruction Efforts:

1. Resistance from Southerners: Former Confederate states resisted Reconstruction efforts by enacting Black Codes, which aimed to limit the rights and freedoms of African Americans. Additionally, the Ku Klux Klan and other terrorist organizations used violence and intimidation to undermine the progress made during Reconstruction.
2. Lack of Federal Support: The federal government did not provide sufficient support or enforcement to ensure the success of Reconstruction. As a result, many of the reforms and policies meant to protect the rights of freed slaves were not effectively implemented.
3. Economic Challenges: The economic devastation caused by the Civil War, combined with the transition from a slave-based to a free labor economy, posed significant challenges to the reconstruction process. The loss of cheap labor and the need to rebuild infrastructure hindered progress.

Tensions during the Industrial Era:

The significant transformations during the Industrial Era led to tensions that strained American society:

• Economic Inequality: The rapid industrialization and growth of big business created vast wealth disparities, with a small group of industrialists amassing great fortunes while many workers faced long hours, low wages, and dangerous working conditions.
• Lack of Workers' Rights: The exploitation of workers and the absence of labor regulations contributed to labor unrest and the rise of labor unions, which fought for better working conditions and fair wages.
• Environmental Impact: The industrial era brought about environmental challenges, such as pollution from factories and the depletion of natural resources.

Ideologies Promoting U.S. Expansionism:

The ideas and ideologies that promoted U.S. expansionism in the New West and around the world differed from earlier articulations of foreign policy:

• Manifest Destiny: The belief in America's divine mission to occupy the continent from coast to coast, expanding its territory and spreading its institutions.
• Social Darwinism: The belief in the superiority of American culture and the idea that it was the nation's duty to spread its values and civilization to other parts of the world.
• Economic Interests: The desire for access to new markets, raw materials, and investment opportunities drove U.S. expansionism.

The U.S. became a more expansionist world power starting in the 1870s as a result of the increased economic power and influence gained through industrialization. The development of a more modern and powerful navy also enabled the United States to project its power beyond its borders.