In-depth Notes on Era 7: 1890-1920

During this period, the United States transitioned from a rural, agricultural economy to an urban, industrial economy dominated by large corporations. This economic transformation came with instability that prompted calls for reform, leading to the Progressive Era. Progressives, responding to issues of political corruption and social injustices, advocated for government interventions to address these concerns. This movement significantly shaped policies, focusing on regulating corporations and improving social welfare, which later influenced the establishment of welfare measures during the Great Depression.

The Progressives were primarily comprised of middle and upper-class urban dwellers, many of whom were women. They sought social reforms that included protecting welfare, moral improvements, economic reforms, and increased government efficiency. Their activism, manifested through muckraking journalism and various reform organizations, aimed to tackle issues like labor conditions, child labor, and women's rights. Key leaders included Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson, each of whom played a role in advancing Progressive policies.

Muckrakers were journalists who highlighted the socio-political issues of the day, including the impact of industrialization and urbanization. Notable muckrakers included Jacob Riis, whose work "How the Other Half Lives" exposed urban poverty and living conditions, and Upton Sinclair, whose "The Jungle" shed light on unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry. Their writings galvanized public support for legislative reforms.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the U.S. engaging in imperialist practices, driven by a belief in Manifest Destiny and economic motives. The acquisition of territories such as Hawaii and Alaska reflects this expansionist attitude. Advocates of imperialism, including figures like Alfred Thayer Mahan and Reverend Josiah Strong, argued for stronger military and economic presence overseas. This culminated in conflicts such as the Spanish-American War, which ended with the U.S. gaining territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

The Spanish-American War was pivotal in reorienting America's foreign policy towards imperialism. Triggered by the U.S.S. Maine explosion and fueled by sensational journalism, the conflict resulted in the U.S. defeating Spain and acquiring key territories. Despite this military success, it also led to debates regarding the future of these territories and the implications for U.S. foreign policy, particularly in terms of self-determination and American values.

The reaction to U.S. imperialism included significant anti-imperialist sentiment, arguing that it violated principles of self-determination and isolationism. Anti-imperialists raised concerns about the rights of people in annexed territories and the moral implications of extending American governance to foreign lands.

America's involvement in World War I further solidified its role as a global power. The war fostered economic opportunities for American industries while also raising questions about national security and international responsibility. Following the war, debates about the League of Nations and America's international role continued to shape U.S. foreign policy, engaging the nation in international diplomacy and conflict resolution efforts.

This era is marked by the intertwining threads of economic growth, social reform, diplomatic expansion, and international conflict. The Progressive movement's achievements in addressing social and political issues laid a foundation for future reforms, while America's newfound imperialistic ambitions altered its position in global affairs. Each of these elements contributed significantly to the United States' development during this transformative period, ultimately setting the stage for its 20th-century dominance on the world stage.