Final answer:
The growth of bureaucracy is linked to the need to manage complex societies and the desire for organizational efficiency. Historical periods such as the 1930s and 1960s saw expansions of U.S. bureaucracy linked to economic reforms and social programs, while bureaucratic systems worldwide have evolved to serve larger populations and promote merit-based governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Led to the Growth of Bureaucracy in History?
The expansion of bureaucracy over history is attributable to various factors, including the need to manage increasingly complex societies and the desire for efficiency and standardization. Significant growth periods in U.S. bureaucracy occurred during the 1930s and 1960s, which were times of transformative politics, with the implementations ranging from administrative organization during the Great Depression to the expansion of government programs for socio-economic reforms. The efficiency of the division of labor, as argued by Adam Smith, and the view of employees as vital components in an organization's functioning, suggested by Robert Owen, played roles in the bureaucratic development.
Over time, bureaucracy adapted to the needs of larger societies, from ancient Egypt to modern-day nation-states. The need to ensure equal opportunities and serve large populations has always been at the core of bureaucratic systems. Despite its advantages, certain aspects of bureaucracy have come under scrutiny, particularly its resistance to change and how it may perpetuate existing power structures.
The evolution of the U.S. bureaucracy has been shaped significantly by historical events, including administrative reforms like the establishment of a merit-based civil service and the creations of federal agencies such as the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Reserve Board, which came about during periods of industrial and economic change. The current challenge of adapting traditional bureaucratic systems to the fast-paced, flexible demands of today's workplace, highlights the ongoing dynamic between societal needs and administrative structures.