Explain the relationship of urbanization, immigration, and industrialization with the national political events of from 1877-1900 including partisan elections, national legislative reforms, and political behavior of voters
The relationship of urbanization, immigration, and industrialization with the national political events of from 1877-1900 was complex and dynamic. During this period, known as the Gilded Age, the United States experienced unprecedented economic growth and social change, but also political corruption and social unrest. Urbanization, the growth of cities in both population and physical size, was driven by industrialization, the manufacturing in factory settings using machines and a labor force with divided tasks. Immigration, the movement of people from other countries to the United States, was fueled by both push and pull factors, such as poverty, oppression, war, religious persecution, economic opportunity, political freedom, and cultural diversity. These three processes interacted with each other and with the national political events of the era, such as partisan elections, national legislative reforms, and political behavior of voters.
One of the main effects of urbanization, immigration, and industrialization on national politics was the rise of new political parties and movements that challenged the established two-party system. The Populist Party, for example, emerged from the discontent of farmers and workers who felt exploited by the industrial and financial elites. The Populists advocated for reforms such as a graduated income tax, direct election of senators, government regulation of railroads and banks, free silver coinage, and labor rights. The Progressive Movement, which spanned from the 1890s to the 1910s, was a coalition of reformers from different backgrounds and ideologies who sought to improve the conditions of urban life and politics. The Progressives supported measures such as municipal ownership of utilities, public health and sanitation programs, women’s suffrage, prohibition of alcohol, anti-trust laws, and social welfare policies.
Another effect of urbanization, immigration, and industrialization on national politics was the intensification of social and cultural conflicts that divided the nation along lines of class, race, ethnicity, religion, and region. The rapid influx of immigrants from southern and eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America sparked nativist reactions from some native-born Americans who feared losing their jobs, culture, and political influence to the newcomers. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Immigration Restriction Act of 1924 were examples of federal laws that aimed to limit or exclude certain groups of immigrants based on their nationality or race. The urbanization and industrialization of the South also triggered racial violence and segregation against African Americans who had gained some civil rights during Reconstruction. The Jim Crow laws enacted by southern states after 1877 enforced racial discrimination and disenfranchisement in all aspects of public life. The urbanization and industrialization of the West also resulted in conflicts with Native Americans who resisted the loss of their lands and cultures to white settlers and corporations. The Dawes Act of 1887 and the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 were examples of federal policies that attempted to assimilate or reorganize Native American tribes according to white standards.
In conclusion, urbanization, immigration, and industrialization had a profound impact on the national political events of from 1877-1900. They created new opportunities and challenges for economic development and social change, but also generated political tensions and conflicts that shaped the course of American history.
References:
– Rees J. Industrialization and Urbanization in the United States,
1880–1929. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of American History.
Published online July 2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online.
https://oxfordre.com/americanhistory/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199329175.001.0001/acrefore-9780199329175-e-327
– The Rise of Industrial America,
1877-1900 | AP US History Study Guide from The Gilder Lehrman Institute
of American History.
https://ap.gilderlehrman.org/essays/rise-industrial-america-1877-1900
– City Life in the Late 19th Century | Rise
of Industrial America,
1876-1900 | Library
of Congress.
https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/rise-of-industrial-america-1876-1900/city-life-in-late-19th-century/
