Category: American history

How Did Mercantilism Contribute to the American Revolution: Analytical Essay

Introduction:

Mercantilism, an economic system prevalent in Europe during the 16th to 18th centuries, played a significant role in shaping the relationship between the American colonies and the British Empire. In this analytical essay, we will explore how mercantilism contributed to the causes of the American Revolution by examining its impact on trade policies, taxation, and the colonies’ economic independence.

Trade Restrictions and Colonial Dependence:

Under the mercantilist system, the British Empire aimed to maximize its economic power by controlling colonial trade. The Navigation Acts and subsequent trade regulations restricted the colonies’ ability to engage in direct trade with other nations, forcing them to rely heavily on British markets for their exports and imports. This dependence on Britain limited the colonies’ economic growth and stifled their ability to establish independent commercial relationships.

Favoritism Towards British Industries:

Mercantilism promoted the idea of a favorable balance of trade, where a nation’s exports exceeded its imports, leading to a net inflow of wealth. The British government heavily favored its own industries by imposing high tariffs and trade barriers on colonial goods that competed with British products. This policy undermined the economic prospects of the American colonies and created resentment among colonial merchants and manufacturers who faced unfair competition.

Taxation and Revenue Generation:

Mercantilism also contributed to the American Revolution through taxation policies imposed by the British government. The Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and Townshend Acts were all measures designed to generate revenue from the colonies and maintain British economic dominance. These acts imposed direct taxes on goods and legal documents, causing economic hardships and fueling colonial grievances over taxation without representation. The resistance to these taxes, such as the Boston Tea Party, eventually led to a confrontation between the colonies and the British Empire.

Economic Nationalism and Independence:

The strict mercantilist policies enforced by Britain limited the colonies’ economic autonomy and stifled their aspirations for self-sufficiency. As the American colonies developed industries and gained wealth, they increasingly sought economic independence from British control. This desire for economic self-determination played a significant role in fueling the revolutionary sentiment among the colonists. The pursuit of economic nationalism and the rejection of mercantilist restrictions became central to the colonial resistance movement.

Enlightenment Ideas and the Critique of Mercantilism:

The intellectual climate of the Enlightenment, with its emphasis on individual rights, economic freedom, and limited government intervention, provided a philosophical framework for challenging mercantilist principles. Thinkers such as John Locke and Adam Smith criticized mercantilist policies, advocating for free trade, competition, and the rights of individuals to engage in economic activities without undue government interference. The spread of these ideas among the colonial elite further contributed to the ideological foundation of the American Revolution.

Conclusion:

Mercantilism, with its emphasis on controlling colonial trade and maximizing the economic interests of the British Empire, played a significant role in fueling the causes of the American Revolution. The trade restrictions, economic dependence, taxation policies, and curtailed economic independence imposed on the colonies generated discontent and resistance among the colonists. As the colonies sought economic nationalism and embraced Enlightenment ideals, they increasingly challenged the mercantilist system and ultimately fought for their independence. The American Revolution, therefore, can be seen as a culmination of the tensions and conflicts that arose due to the mercantilist policies enforced by the British Empire.

Black Codes, Corruption of Politics, and Westward Expansion: Analytical Essay

Introduction:

In the period between the Civil War and the Great Depression often referred to as Reconstruction and then the Gilded Age, many expansions were made in innovation and everyday life. The United States started to lead the world in industrialization, it was a time of massive political and social changes, and it was a time of relative prosperity. But, the people that benefited the most by massive margins were white wealthy business owners so much so that the effects of these times can still be felt today. In this essay, I will talk about how although these times are characterized by gains for all Americans towards a better life, if you were not a wealthy white man before these times your chances of getting out of poverty were slim to none. The examples I chose to illustrate this are Black Codes in the south, The corruption of politics, and Westward expansion.

Black Codes:

After Andrew Johnson took office he was tasked with overseeing reconstruction but instead of carrying out Lincoln’s plan he had formulated his own. Because of Johnson’s strong racist beliefs and his belief in states rights he left the southern states to handle reconstruction as they saw fit (560). As a result, laws were passed by southern government that attempted to bring back legalized slavery with a bit of fluff. These laws were called Black Codes. They allowed black americans things like marriage, ownership of property, and limited access to courts, but denied them the right to testify against whites, to serve on juries, or to vote (561). Possibly the most egregious of these laws was that if a freed slave could not prove they had a labor contract they could be forced to work for white landowners again or put in jail for vagrancy. Jobs offered to blacks at the time were very limited and so many freed slaves ended up right back where they started some even worse off. Another result of these failed reconstruction planned was sharecropping. At the time many freed slaves did not own land so the option of sharecropping was almost their only option at the time. The premise was you would rent land from a landowner who in most cases used to own you and you would work the land and pay the rent of the land with whatever crops you got. Essentially it was slavery, you worked the land, made just enough to pay back the owner, and the rest of the money was used on other debts that the landowner would impose on you. The refusal of southern whites to give up the old ways of slavery robbed freed slaves of their right to freedom and shows that even after the emancipation proclamation slavery was alive and well in the south.

Corruption of Politics:

As discussed in class, the politics of the gilded age raise many ethical questions about the government at the time and how it was run. “Get rich, dishonestly if we can, honestly if we must,” A quote from The Gilded Age claimed to be the slogan of the time (615). I think this quote really captures the essence of the gilded age, wealthy businessmen seek to change legislature to their advantage and make a buck at anyone’s expense except their own. As a result, not many pieces of legislation were passed at the federal level which fueled problems that arose from the economic growth in the United States with no clear direction. Many farmers struggled to get by because of the low cost of food, the working poor were living in unsanitary shacks which spread many illnesses, and even middle class Americans were struggling to make it by tightrope walking on the poverty line. This forced many Americans to quit trusting in the federal government and put faith and resources into local government. All of this will come to a climax during the election of 1876 which I think sets the tone for the rest of the era’s politics. Hayes vs Tilden is regarded as one of the most corrupt and controversial elections to take place in American history. In my opinion, I don’t see any great qualities in either of these candidates except that neither of them were involved in large public scandals in the past 10 years leading up to the election. The democrats fear a large African American turnout and so they rely on groups like the Ku Klux Klan, the Redshirts, and the White League to scare off any black voters at the polls. A great deal of money and backroom deals are used to further both parties political gains and as a result, the election is very close but ultimately through the compromise of 1877 also called the great betrayal Hayes is declared President. The cost being that troops were pulled out of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina giving the south back full control of its state laws and brings an end to post civil war reconstruction.

Westward Expansion:

At the end of the Civil War, the settled parts of the United States did not extend much further than the Mississippi. Thought to hold many acres of good farmland it didn’t take long for settlers to start moving west with the help of the US Government. What was not taken into consideration was the effects this would have on the indigenious people living there or how tough farming some of these lands might be. Some prominent images that come to mind when thinking about the west is the numerous small family farms and the iconic cowboy but contrary to popular believe neither of these images are as glorious as you may think. The land out west was unforgiving the the consequences were deadly for many. Poisonous snakes lived in the tall grasses and blizzards, droughts, and dust storms would ravage the area periodically. The burden of these difficulties normally fell on the women (604). On top of this, these farms were rarely profitable and most farmers were living below the poverty line or completely broke and left homeless. The real money to be made in the west was by wealthy white business conglomerates who were the only people with enough capital and man power to effectively cultivate the land and make large profits. Other businesses that prospered in the west included oil, lumber, and tourism again all owned and operated by large corporations. The other result of western expansion is the racial cleansing of the majority of the native American people. During the civil war, many altercations with the native people had already taken place but after the conclusion of the war these fights took on a whole new level of aggression. Starting with the economy of the natives the United States army set out to destroy villages, horses, and especially the buffalo (608). As a result, tribes were broken and natives were put on to reservations as white settlers moved deeper into the west. The reservations would not last long though, for the idea of American freedom did not apply to anyone who was not white and christian and so the government decided to remake the Indian way of life. At young ages, natives were taken from their homes and sent to boarding schools to learn a more “civilized” way of life. Then the most egregious legislature was passed in 1887 named “The Dawes Act”. This act broke up all of the native lands into small farming plots and were given to native families, if they accepted then they would become American citizens and hopefully learn the habits of civilized society. “The policy proved to be a disaster, leading to the loss of much tribal land and the erosion of Indian cultural traditions. Whites however benefited enormously.” White settlers purchased more than 80% of the indians land leaving the natives a fraction of their homeland and sacred sights. If this wasn’t enough the final “battle” between native americans and the united states army was on December 29th, 1890, a group of natives called the ghost dancers were peacefully gathering for days of singing, dancing, and religious observance. This was seen as a possible uprising and on that day soldiers opened fire on the ghost dancers and killed 200 natives most were women and children. The soldiers who were in the “battle” received medals of honor which have still to this day not been rescinded.

Conclusion:

Looking through the lense of the white man at the time you may be able to rationalize the three examples I gave above because although these gross atrocities happened to these people it was all in the name of forward progress. But looking at these times from any other view it’s easy to see who the real benefactors of all this economic gain is and it is wealthy white men above all others. I chose my three points for specific reasons, the black codes to show the persecution of black americans in the south, westward expansion to show the harsh side of settlement in the west, and the corruption in politics that made this all possible. All these points illustrate a period of great power differences between all minority groups compared to whites. The laws that were passed during this time have created an unequal playing field that still persists in the united states today. Looking at all these examples it’s plain to see the government chose white power and money over the wellness of its minority citizens.

Essay on Captains of Industry: Steel Magnate Andrew Carnegie and Oil Man John D. Rockefeller

Introduction

During the Gilded Age, Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller emerged as two influential figures known as Captains of Industry. Carnegie, a steel magnate, and Rockefeller, an oil tycoon, played instrumental roles in shaping the industrial landscape of the United States. This analytical essay delves into their business strategies, philanthropic endeavors, and the impact they had on American society during this transformative era.

Business Strategies

Both Carnegie and Rockefeller employed distinct business strategies that propelled them to prominence. Carnegie implemented vertical integration, where he controlled all aspects of the steel production process, from raw materials to distribution. By doing so, he achieved cost-efficiency, improved quality, and gained a competitive advantage. This strategy allowed Carnegie to dominate the steel industry, amassing immense wealth and contributing to the expansion of American infrastructure.

On the other hand, Rockefeller utilized horizontal integration in the oil industry. He acquired and consolidated competing oil companies under his Standard Oil monopoly, exerting control over production, refining, transportation, and distribution. This approach allowed Rockefeller to achieve economies of scale, reduce costs, and control prices, solidifying his dominance in the oil industry.

Impact on American Society

Carnegie and Rockefeller’s business ventures had profound effects on American society. Carnegie’s steel empire fueled the growth of the nation’s infrastructure, particularly the construction of railroads, bridges, and buildings. This development facilitated industrialization, urbanization, and the transportation of goods, leading to economic expansion and job creation.

Rockefeller’s control over the oil industry enabled him to provide a stable and affordable supply of oil to consumers. This had a significant impact on various sectors, such as transportation, heating, and manufacturing. Moreover, Rockefeller’s strategic approach contributed to the standardization of oil products, improving their quality and reliability.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Both Carnegie and Rockefeller were known for their substantial philanthropic contributions. Carnegie, after selling his steel company, dedicated a significant portion of his wealth to establish libraries, universities, and other educational institutions. His belief in the importance of knowledge and learning led to the creation of over 2,500 libraries worldwide, making books and education accessible to the general public.

Rockefeller, too, embraced philanthropy and established the Rockefeller Foundation, focusing on areas such as public health, medical research, and education. His contributions played a crucial role in advancing medical breakthroughs, supporting scientific research, and improving public health initiatives. Rockefeller’s philanthropic efforts continue to impact society today.

Criticisms and Controversies

While Carnegie and Rockefeller were celebrated for their achievements, they faced criticisms and controversies. Critics argued that their business practices led to monopolies and unfair competition. Some believed that their actions stifled competition, limited market access for smaller players, and exploited workers.

Rockefeller, in particular, faced scrutiny for his aggressive business tactics, leading to legal battles and the eventual dissolution of the Standard Oil monopoly. These controversies sparked debates on the appropriate role of government regulation in ensuring fair competition and protecting consumer interests.

Conclusion

Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, as Captains of Industry, played pivotal roles in shaping the Gilded Age and the modern American economy. Their innovative business strategies, philanthropic endeavors, and influence on infrastructure and energy sectors left a lasting impact on American society. Despite criticisms and controversies surrounding their business practices, their contributions to industrialization, philanthropy, and the overall development of the nation cannot be overlooked. By analyzing their strategies, impacts, and controversies, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex legacies of these influential figures in American history.

America’s journey is complex and ever-changing.  Our presidents have acted as le

America’s journey is complex and ever-changing.  Our presidents have acted as leaders along this journey, often making decisions that have vast implications for our history as a nation.  In this assignment, you will research a president from this semester (mostly 20th century) that you believe has had an intense contribution to our American history and place him in conversation with a cultural/social event or issue that occurred during his tenure in office.  How do the president’s actions influence and respond to social change and unrest?  For example, you may choose to analyze John Kennedy’s decisions in the Oval office that had an influence on the Civil Rights movement and Martin Luther King.  Are King’s and Kennedy’s definitions of freedom in sync with one another?  You will engage fully with the issues surrounding the “top-down” presidency and the social and political perspectives from the “bottom-up.”  You must use specific examples.   Your paper should be 1,500 words and include a bibliography with two sources that are NOT internet blog sources. 
COC Library Distance Education Resources
Chicago Manual Style is preferred, but MLA and APA formatting will be accepted.  Chicago Manual Style Formatting
Examples of other thesis arguments
Teddy Roosevelt’s Square Deal and Reform of the Progressives
Hoover’s Great Depression financial response and the Bonus Army
FDR’s WWII response and gender issues or Japanese internment
Truman and Eisenhower’s Cold War and ethnic minorities
Nixon’s silent majority and suburbia
Bush’s post 9/11 civil liberties responses
Obama’s economic initiatives and Affordable Care
Chicago Style is used in most history classes, and because history places such a large importance on source origins, footnotes are used to show where a particular piece of information came from. In-text references are assigned a particular number (1, 2, 3, etc.) and a footnote will appear at the bottom of the page to link the source to the in-text reference. For example:
Professor Janet Farrell Brodie argues that couples in the 19th century had concerns about frequent pregnancies primarily because of health concerns.1
For help with Chicago Style formatting, please see CMS Handout on Canvas or The Learning Center.  
PRESIDENTIAL History Report – 20% of the final grade. 5-7 pages  – Rubric and assignment detailed below.    Please do NOT email me your paper.
Presidential History Paper Rubric
Presidential History Paper Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis and Focus
Masterful demonstrates an engaging and fully developed thesis focused on historical study applicable to course
20 pts
Masterful
16 pts
Skilled
12 pts
Able
8 pts
Developing
4 pts
Novice
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSupporting Historical Details
Masterful shows consistent evidence from historical study and current scholarship
20 pts
Masterful
16 pts
Skilled
12 pts
Able
8 pts
Developing
4 pts
Novice
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStructure
Structure is paragraphs are well developed and appropriately divided. Paper is well within 5-7 page range
20 pts
Masterful
16 pts
Skilled
12 pts
Able
8 pts
Developing
4 pts
Novice
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTone and Presentation of Historical Content
Clear presentation with tone and point-of-view appropriate for assignment
20 pts
Masterful
16 pts
Skilled
12 pts
Able
8 pts
Developing
4 pts
Novice
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar
Each sentence structured effectively and powerfully. No grammatical errors
10 pts
Masterful
8 pts
Skilled
6 pts
Able
4 pts
Developing
2 pts
Novice
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeVocabulary and Word Usage
Vocabulary range.
10 pts
Masterful
8 pts
Skilled
6 pts
Able
4 pts
Developing
2 pts
Novice
10 pts
Total Points: 100
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The body of the Paper must be between 1500 and 2000 words, double spaced. A mini

The body of the Paper must be between 1500 and 2000 words, double spaced. A minimum of 4 primary sources from the course’s required textbook must be cited. Format the entire paper according to the Chicago Manual of Style Guide.

You are required to write a 2-3 page narrative and reflective paper based on the

You are required to write a 2-3 page narrative and reflective paper based on the articles you’ve read, the lectures you’ve watched, and the conversations you’ve had with your classmates in the BLOG section. Please provide examples, experiences, and unique perspectives to support your reflection.
PROMPT:
Explain the concept of Gender as a Social Construct and its relevance in Chicana/o/x Studies. 
Additionally, please share how your personal identities, including your own gender, race, and language, have impacted your lived experiences either positively or negatively.
Lastly, reflect on how the information you learned in this module has challenged or confirmed your previous beliefs regarding Gender and sexuality.
GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A REFLECTION PAPER
MLA or APA style
Add a work cited page
Double-spaced, 
Times New Roman, 12-point font.
1-inch margins.
Parenthetical citations (when needed), e.g.,  MLA (Hernandez 18) or APA (Hernandez, 2020, p.18), or Chicago Style.
Submit your reflection as a Word document or PDF to the assigned folder.
Make sure you can download your document after submitting it to ensure that the file is not corrupted. 
Below I have attached the reading for this reflections. 

Dear Students: In this discussion question we focus on the Fourteenth Amendment

Dear Students: In this discussion question we focus on the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, which was ratified and added to the Constitution three years after the Civil War in 1868. Among other things, the Amendment prohibited states from enacting laws that abridged Americans’ rights or deprived them of due process when taking their life, liberty, or property (as the result of a just sentence imposed for a crime). Regarding the Amendment, our textbook author states that its “broad language opened the door for future Congresses and the federal courts to breathe meaning into the guarantee of legal equality.” In this question we will study and analyze the Amendment both in the years right after its passing, and then far on into the future, as far as last year, as a matter of fact. The goal here is to appreciate how this Amendment, enacted 155 years ago, still remains very much relevant in the present and likely on into our future.
To begin, please read the text of the Amendment, available by clicking once on “Next” in the lower right-hand corner of your screen, or take a shortcut to it by clicking on the link in the beginning of this sentence. After you have read the Amendment, please go on to read excerpts from five Supreme Court decisions that invoked the Fourteenth Amendment as the basis or a basis for the decision. You can advance to the text of each excerpt by continuing to click on “Next,” or take a shortcut to each one by clicking on their titles in the links below. Whether you access the slides by clicking on “Next” or by clicking on the links on this page, you can always go back a slide by clicking on “Previous” in the lower left-hand corner of your screen.
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Loving v. Virginia (1967)
Roe v. Wade (1973)
Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022)
Once you have read excerpts of each Court decision, please go on to answer the following question with an answer at least three paragraphs long:
What was the significance of the Fourteenth Amendment when it was ratified in 1868? Did it live up to its guarantee that no state “shall . . . deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law . . . nor deny to any person . . . the equal protection of the laws”? How has the Fourteenth Amendment remained significant since then?

Why did President Harry Truman order the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan in 19

Why did President Harry Truman order the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan in 1945. Do you agree or disagree with his decision? 

How did the industrial revolution change the U.S. economy, society, and governme

How did the industrial revolution change the U.S. economy, society, and government? What political movements emerged as a result of the industrialization revolution?

INSTRUCTIONS:
You are required to write a 2-3 page narrative and reflective pape

INSTRUCTIONS:
You are required to write a 2-3 page narrative and reflective paper based on the articles you’ve read, the lectures you’ve watched, and the conversations you’ve had with your classmates in the BLOG section. Please provide examples, experiences, and unique perspectives to support your reflection.
Notes:
To excel in this assignment, it’s crucial to answer the prompt with a thoughtful and reflective approach. 
Your reflection should be analytical and show that the topic has significance to you beyond just getting a good grade.
It is recommended that you incorporate personal experiences and cite the authors appropriately.
PROMPTS: 
Incorporate personal experiences and explain how the research conducted by Louis Crompton and Richard C. Trextler on gender, sex, and the criminalization of homosexuality is connected to the current fight for reproductive rights and the rights of the queer/trans community. 
Combine the Module’s readings, lectures, discussions, fun facts, and factoids to demonstrate how Crompton, Trexler, and Tortorici’s works have impacted your prior comprehension of the influence of the Conquest on current discussions regarding Gender and Sexuality.
GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A REFLECTION PAPER
Double-spaced, 
Times New Roman, 12-point font.
1-inch margins.
Parenthetical citations, e.g.,  MLA (Hernandez 18) or APA (Hernandez, 2020, p.18), or Chicago Style.
Submit your reflection as a Word document or PDF to the assigned folder.
Make sure you can download your document after submitting it to ensure that the file is not corrupted.