The Most Significant Events In US’S History- A paper [1](2)(1)(1)(18).jpg)
Presented By Freedom’s Editor
Abstract: This paper discusses the most significant events in the United State’s political history. The author covered a wide range of issues on his final project paper-ranging from the genesis of the Cold War era, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the much talked about Corporate greed. The author also provides a detailed account about the factors that triggered the Cold War. He also commented on the US Foreign Relations shift.
Introduction: The United States, Britain, and Russia were in alliance during the World War II, which led to the defeat of Germany, and its former ally Japan. The alliance was reached in the spirit of ending Hitler’s western domination. Many lives were lost in that bloody war, which ravages Europe, and its surroundings.
Having successfully fought the war, the US and the Soviet Union (Russia) became strange bed fellows, following what observers call Russia’s growing military might. The USSR was competing with the United States in terms of nuclear weapons. Russia had atomic bombs, and other deadly missiles, which poses a major threat to the United State’s national security. Russia was in the position to conquer many Western countries militarily, thanks to its military might.
Even well before the World War II alliance merger, the United States has always distrusted Russia. The US at the time believe that the Soviet Union was posed to undermine its national security, through the release of weapons of mass destruction. The US entertained the belief that Russia was recruiting foreign spies to tap its military capabilities. This to some extent had strained the relationship between the two superpowers.
The United States was also concerned about Russia’s growing power dominance. The USSR had been propagating for communism, which does not go down well with the United States. While the US advocates for the promotion of democratic culture, on the other hand, Russia was busy promoting communism. One could safely argue that the issue of communism also triggered the Cold War era. The USSR became popular, as it succeeds in initiating communism in other Western countries. “ The Soviets had gotten Hungary's Joszef Cardinal Mindszenty, an outspoken anti-communist, to confess to espionage, and they also seemed to be able to indoctrinate political enemies and even control the thoughts of entire populations(Stephen Budiansky Stephen, Goode E. Erica, Gest Ted 1994).
McCarthyism Era
Politics in the United States during the 50s was characterized by an environment of fear, and uncertainty. Take for example, the McCarthyism era, which contributed to a nationwide fear. All these, was done in the name of fighting communism.
The McCarthyism era undermines the United States’s much cherished political freedoms. McCarthyism was more of a witch hunting spree aimed at targeting suspected communist, and socialism supporters, or sympathizers. The whole idea of McCarthyism, was to wage an anti communist crusade, which Republican Senator R McCarthy, of Wisconsin, and his group partly succeeded to some extent. The Colorado website reported that “McCarthyism and the political and cultural anti-communist hysteria it created threatened the the American's basic rights.”
The era of McCarthyism was also characterized by the sacking of suspected disloyal workers. Workers suspected of having ties with Communist regimes were dismissed, and in some occasions prosecuted. The majority of the list of the suspected communist spies, supposedly on the State Department payroll, and were submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigations ( FBI), by Senator McCarthy for scrutiny were later found to be false. Mr. McCarthy could not prove his allegations against the accused persons.
While climate of fear continues to grip Democrats, many people at the time were afraid to speak out against the Government-for fear of being labeled a communist. The consequences were dire so to speak. Take, for example the sentencing to death of two couple Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, who were accused of spying. The allegations were that the couple were supplying state secrets to the communist regime.
Granted, espionage is a serious crime, but sentencing the couple to death was violation of their right to live. Laws barring accused persons the right to innocence until proven guilty also undermined the right to a fair trial. All accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. Convicts should also be availed with the opportunity to exhaust all legal remedies before being sentenced to death.
McCarthyism Breeds Violence
The burning down of Government libraries, suspected of containing subversive materials by Senator McCarthy and his group was also an affront to free speech and democracy. The Voice of America Radio, and other media outlets were targeted in that random raid of suspected media houses possessing communist documents. Mr. McCarthy’s attempts to screen out suspected communists supporters serving the United States army was also aimed sowing seeds of discord amongst the military.
The passage of the Loyalty Act also marked the screening of teachers, and other Federal workers in this country. Like, the McCarthyism theory, the loyalty act was also aimed at curbing suspected communist spies in Government. Federal workers were obliged to take an oath indicating that they will be loyal to the United States Government. McCarthyism advocates for anti communism, and socialism.
The Civil Rights Movement
The formation of the Civil rights Group was triggered by the racial segregation, discrimination and injustices in the country. There were racial imbalances, or injustices at the time. Minority groups, mainly blacks, and the Latino population were being segregated, and discriminated against.
Concerned by the lack of racial equality in the country, the Civil Rights Movement decided to spearhead nationwide protest marches to resist against what they called at the time white supremacy, and racial discrimination. The Civil Rights struggle was greeted with violence, and killings. Many lost their lives during the cause of fighting the racial injustices taking place in the country.
While the likes of Martin Luther King junior used the streets to vent their anger against racial injustices, the case of Oliver Brown is still fresh in our minds. Mr. Brown used the judicial system to fight racial segregation in our school system. Brown could not come into term, as to how his own daughter could not attend white schools in her neighborhood.
Initial attempts to contest the legality of such racial segregation was dismissed by the courts, but following a subsequent appeal, he was granted victory. He won the case.
Like Mr. Brown, Rosa Parks also suffered the same racial discrimination. She was jailed for merely refusing to give up her bus seat. Ms. Parks’s case attracted a nationwide demonstration, as blacks decided to boycott public transportation in protest.
These, among other racial discrimination cases were recorded at the time. Blacks were denied white collar jobs, decent housing among other social needs. They were confined to rural areas. The Daily News quoted President Obama as saying that “"there's probably never been less discrimination in America than there is today." Still, he said, "make no mistake: the pain of discrimination is still felt in America."
President Kennedy also played an important role in recognizing the existence of the Civil Rights Movement. Prior to his killing, Kennedy’s Government assured the Civil rights activists that discrimination would not be tolerated. He made efforts to pass anti discrimination legislation, which was later finalized by his successor. The Civil rights Movement was also officially recognized, while white supremacy was discouraged at all levels.
Shift On US Foreign Policy
President Richard Nixon’s Cold War foreign policy strategies were unique, in the sense that he was able to win the hearts and minds of America’s former arch rivals-notably the Soviet Union. With the support of his dynamic National Security adviser Henry Kissinger, President Nixon was able to effect a major foreign policy shift, this time from a peace containment diplomacy, instead of the usage of arms to tackle its perceived rivals. The Nixon administration was able to reach a bi-lateral deal with the soviets in the area of arms manufacturing. For example, there was a nuclear arms concession reached, which was aimed at containing the soviets from expanding its military might. The Nixon administration at the time wanted the soviets to reduce its nuclear exploration program.
Mr. Nixon’s new diplomacy initiative duped as the “ China Card” was also a success story. He was able to penetrate communist nation China, despite years of hostility with the United States. The United States had pledged to restore diplomatic ties with China during Nixon’s era. Mr. Nixon himself was a strong opponent of communism, but he decided to engage United State’s perceived enemies-most importantly communist nations into a peaceful dialogue.
The whole purpose of the US/China diplomatic relation was aimed at weakening other rival communist countries-notably the soviets. China emerging as a major new economic power, might likely send a mixed signals to its communist neighbors. Therefore, the US believe that by winning the support of China, it would succeed in neutralizing other communist nations.
President Nixon’s visit to China and Moscow were all part of the new peace deal initiated by his administration. The new deal was aimed at promoting trade between the respective countries, and also the containment of nuclear expansion. His Government’s role in restoring peace in Vietnam was clearly manifested in his new foreign policy deal, even though his Government supported Southern Vietnam at the time.
The Watergate Scandal
The Watergate scandal marked the end of President Nixon’s political career. In other words, it was a test for the United State’s much cherished democracy, because lawmakers were able to act on time to arrest the power abuses, obstruction of justice, and political persecution going on in the country, during Nixon’s era. It also helps to promote transparency, accountability, and probity-most importantly check and balances within Government.
President Richard Nixon was never impeached per say. Upon realizing the implications of his continued presence in office, following the Watergate scandal, he decided to resign ahead of time to avoid impeachment. President Nixon was aware of the possible embarrassment the said proposed impeachment proceedings were going to have on his person, and party. He has no alternative, but to call it quits.
The Watergate scandal exposes the amount of power abuse perpetrated during Nixon’s era. In the first place, it was wrong for a Government, which was expected to protect, and safeguards its citizens to be named in such a scandal.. Therefore, if the Government is seen to be aiding and abetting agents of crime, it would lost the trust, and confidence of the very people it sought to protect. Public trust is essential in any democratic dispensation. In the absence of trust, nothing will work.
Obstruction of justice is a serious crime. And based on the information available on the course material, this was evident during Nixon’s administration. Witnesses lied on oath just to exonerate Nixon, and others in Government. The Government then tried to meddle into judicial activities. This was evident in the appointment of judges. Concerns were raised over the Government’s impartiality in the way it appoint judges. Nixon tends to appoint judges, whom he thinks will serve his Government’s interest.
The Watergate scandal is still fresh in the minds of Americans. Power corrupt, absolute power corrupt. It was wrong for the Nixon administration to use the FIB at the time to crackdown on dissent. The United States is a free country, and therefore, dissent should be nurtured at all cost.
During Nixon’s era, anti war protesters, civil right activists, and other political movements were prosecuted. One thing, the Watergate scandal teaches us is that impunity, and tyranny does not last. Leaders should be accountable to its people.
The Lessons Of The Vietnam War
The Vietnamese war was greeted with strong opposition across the country. Students across the US believe that such a war was a waste of resources, and as well as an affront to the very democratic principles, the United States had stood for. In other words, many argued that the US stepped its bounds by waging a war against Vietnam, when there were pressing issues of national importance to be tackled. For example, the average American at the time wanted job, healthcare, decent housing, college education, and guaranteed national security. Anything short of this, was considered unacceptable to the nation’s much cherished democracy.
The Vietnamese war was triggered by the growing expansion of communism in Asia. The US Government at the material time believe that Vietnam was likely to team up with its arch rivals-notably communist nations such as China, and Russia to undermines its national security capabilities. China, and Russia were at the time lobbying support from other communist nations to strengthen its military might. The former Soviet Union was also posed to introduce communism in the United States, with reports of the recruitment of soviet spies to penetrate the US national security apparatus. The soviets were committed to unseating the existing US Government and replacing it with a communist regime.
Concerned by such developments, the United States deemed it imperative to engage the Vietnamese Northern communist regime military. The US, in alliance with the Southern Vietnamese regime, fought their allies in the Northern region. The whole purpose of the war was to end communism in Vietnam. The US backed the Southern Vietnamese by providing them with military support, and other economic incentives. Countries perceived to be communist supporters were excluded from us financial, and military aid.
Even though, the Communist regime in the Northern Vietnam, never poses as a major security threat to the United States, but the Government wanted to take control of it, in order to weaken the growing communist expansion in Asia. Although, on the other hand, many were with the view that there were no justification for the said war.
Public Outrage
Tensions started to mount nationwide, following the growing number of US causalities in the Vietnamese war. The world digital history reported that “The Vietnam War cost the United States 58,000 lives and 350,000 casualties. It also resulted in between one and two million Vietnamese deaths.” There were public outrage throughout the country, following rise death toll. Students, community leaders, and right activists voiced their opposition against the war.
The advent of television also tends to influence the student’s involvement in the anti war protest. The news media portrayed scary pictures of death US soldiers in their evening newscast. This, to some extent, had influenced public perception towards the rationale behind such a war. Many believe that the war should not have happened in the first place. They questioned the motive behind the Government’s action.
In registering their dissatisfaction against the Government’s move, students organized protest marches in many colleges across the country. The Kent State protest tragedy in Ohio, is still fresh in minds of Americans. The anti war riots, left many students killed, and a massive destruction to public property. The National Guards fired, and killed students protesters. There was a growing hostility between the military, and civilian population. Students never appreciated the fact that the soldiers were acting on a Government order to fight in Vietnam. They tend to develop a different perception towards the military, and the entire Government machinery.
The Vietnam war being seen as waste of Government resources. Many believe that the funds that were used to fight the war, could have been challenged to pressing developmental sectors, which were in dire need of attention. Americans wanted jobs, welfare, and a good healthcare system.
Nixon’s Era
When President Richard Nixon decided to extend the war to Cambodia, there was a growing opposition to his move. Many believe that he was embarking on a lost battle since the Northern Vietnamese regime were yet to be concurred militarily by the US forces on the ground. Many viewed his move as uncalled for, amid a nationwide protest to ask for the withdrawal of the US troops from Vietnam. “Richard Nixon became the next president, and his war strategy included increasing the air war over North Vietnam, extending the war into Laos and Cambodia, and slowly bringing the troops home( Caruso Kevin).
The students unrest had some economic, political and security ramifications. For example, there was a significant lost of public property, and lives. Economic activities were stalled, thanks to the anti war riots. This, to some extent, undermined businesses. In the absence of relative peace, there cannot be meaningful development.
On the other hand, the Government also lost public confidence, following what was considered as the unjustified war, and the killing of the student protesters. Many condemned the killings. Unprovoked national guards shot and killed students. They argued that the students were merely exercising their rights to freedom of association.
The news of the students killing sent a shocking waves across the country. Many criticized the US security forces. They argue that soldiers have betrayed the oath they have taken-that is to protect the lives and properties of Americans. Tempers flared up across the US.
Civil rights activist Martin Luther King was also in the forefront in waging an anti war campaign. Like the students, Dr. King too was opposed to the Vietnamese war. He questioned the rationale behind the war. Dr. King had spearheaded so many anti war protest marches.
While President Nixon was not the pioneer of the Vietnamese war, it is imperative to note that he also played a major role in trying to liberate the Southern Vietnamese. Despite public criticism against his Government’s policies towards Vietnam, Nixon was determined to engage the Northern communist regime. He ensured that US troops stayed in Vietnam to fight the war
Major Shift On US Diplomacy After The Vietnamese War
Having realized that it was practically impossible to defeat the Northern Vietnamese communist regime military, the US Government under the leadership of President Nixon decided to embark on a major diplomatic shift. This time, they initiated what was called at the time a containment program. The whole purpose of the containment program was to win the support of communist regimes-notably China, and Russia by extending peace deal diplomacy to them.
The Nixon administration registered significant achievements in their quest to meant fences with their perceived arch rivals. With the support of his National Security adviser Henry Kissinger, President Nixon was able to reach a peace deal with communist nations such as China and Russia. Chief among his Government’s demands were the reduction of the manufacturing of nuclear weapons by communist nations. The US also agreed to promote bilateral trade with its allies, with the ultimate aim of ending communist expansion.
Reagan’s Economic Success Story
The administration of President Reagan recorded a major economic success during its term in office. Inflation was brought to a minimal level, while the economy was growing steadily. The job market boomed overtime. The Charismatic, and outspoken US President was able to restore the US economy on track, following years of recession.
President Reagan’s economic success story could be attributed to his sound economic policies. His Government passed legislations, such as the Economic Recovery Program in a bid to curb inflation, and other economic challenges facing the nation. Reagan’s famous tax cut policy helped to stimulate the economy to some extent. There was also judicious management of state resources under Mr. Reagan’s watch. Unnecessary Government spending was discouraged during his watch.
Besides, the economic reform legislations spearhead by his administration, the Reagan Government also promotes liberal economy. The Government at the time ensured that local businesses were given free hand to run their show. Mr. Reagan refuses to enforce price control mechanism, or other methods employed by other regimes to curb inflation. Instead, he promotes free trade, tax reduction, healthcare, and sound economic policies.
Thanks to President Reagan’s blueprint economic policies, the American economy boomed. Unemployment was low during his watch, while wages went up. There were jobs all over the country. One could safely argue that his administration was very instrumental in actualizing the much talked about American dream. Regan extended Amnesty to the millions of illegal Immigrants residing in the US. This to some extent helped to beef up the nation’s workforce. Some of the Immigrants had different working background.
President Reagan was able to get the support of some conservatives into his party. His administration was also committed to promoting religious tolerance. Mr. Reagan was a strong opponent of the Soviet Union. He was also opposed to communism.
Corporate Greed
President Ronald Reagan’s Reaganomics program had its positive and negative consequences. While it was aimed at tax reduction, combating inflation, judicious management of state resources, reducing Government spending, and corporation regulation, on the other hand the program created some degree of poverty disparity in the country. The program elevated the economic status of the rich and corporate America. For example, the poor were marginalized, and discriminated against in terms of access to white collar jobs. The majority of the white collar jobs went to the white population.
Corporate greed also created massive unemployment, and homelessness. There was also cheap labor. American jobs were also being outsourced overseas during President Reagan’s watch. Moody reported that “Business put politics on an open class basis in the '70s when it declared 'one-sided class war.”
While Reagan’s tax policy was widely hailed, many Americans believed that the policy was meant to advance the economic needs of the rich, and the influential business community. Big corporations exploited the labor market by providing cheap wages to the workforce.
Conclusion
There have been numerous economic and political transformations in the United States. Despite previous economic challenges befalling this country, the US economy emerged stronger and vibrant during Reagan, and Clinton’s eras. The nation continues to witness economic prosperity.
That said, it is imperative to note that President Obama inherited a major budget deficit from his predecessor George Bush. With unemployment jumping the roof, economic uncertainties continued to grip the average American. The Government must cut down public spending in order to salvage the nation from the current economic meltdown.
With judicious management of state resources, America’s future would be bright. Initiating major economic reforms, might also impact positively towards the nation’s economic future. The path for economy recovery should start now. Failure of which, might have some long term economic ramifications on the ailing economy.
Reference Page:
Caruso Kevin. The Vietnam War. Retrieved From: http://www.vietnammemorial.com/vietnam-war.html
Learn about the Vietnam War. Retrieved June 20 2009 From:http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/modules .cfm
http://www.colorado.edu/AmStudies/lewis/2010/mccarthy.htm
Stephen Budiansky Stephen, Goode E. Erica, Gest Ted. (January 24 1994) The Cold War experiments. Retrieved May 23 2009 From: http://www.geocities.com/area51/shadowlands/6583/project120.html
Moody Kim. Reagan, The business Agenda and the collapse of labor. Retrieved July 16 2009 From: http://66.102.1.104/scholar?q=cache:rSF4wJWzfj4J:scholar.google.com/+corporate+greed+during+Reagan&hl=en
