American History

The most significant motive why America wanted to become an imperial state in the 19th century was for economic benefits. The objects of analysis during the period of geopolitical expansion, imperialism and global engagement were geopolitical culture and the development of foreign policy. Geopolitics was the need for exposing the geopolitics with domination and imperialism. The political imperialism that was initiated during the 19th and the 20th century set pace on things to come in the United States. During this period, most of the countries, America included were embracing the idea of world powers or great powers. One of the leading supporters of this movement in America was Albert Beveridge. He talked about oversees expansion to increase the prosperity of the country. For a country that considered itself God chosen, individuals and societies saw this period as a God sent opportunity to spread Christianity. This was a part of President William McKinleys resolution to retain the Philippines. This is what saw the establishment of many missionaries in other countries. This period saw Americans enjoy freedom, liberty and prosperity. The United States thinkers and political leaders are currently embracing a clear imperialist or neoimperialist mission for the country. This is seen in the mainstream media and their dealing with the foreign affairs. This is evident mostly in the Bushs administration especially on the war on terrorism. In the pursuit of extending what can be seen as the American empire, the leaders of the country are not only going back to the notion of imperialism, but also to the perspective of the notion as advocated for by its 19th century supporters. The idea of imperialism came as a shock to the people and societies in the United States, since they do not want to consider their country as an empire (Skowronek, 1982).  

The American founding fathers were hesitant about executive authority in the country. There was great potential for constitutional extension of presidency. Utilizing this potential, the early heads of state- Washington, Jefferson, Polk and Lincoln expanded the position of presidency in foreign affairs. The main sources of presidential power became wars and threats of war. During the greater part of the 19th century, the presidency remained considerably weak. For most of this period the office was an insignificant institution. However, from the 1890s to the 1920s, the presidential powers went up rapidly. The president became so powerful as the head of state as well as the head of government. He has the executive power to execute the federal law, as well as the power to appoint federal executive, ambassadorial, judicial and regulatory officials. Most of the initiatives of the president of the United States affect the country as well as other outside countries considering the fact that it is world hegemony, for example, the presidential initiatives to intervene in Vietnam, Iraq and other countries. The presidency of the United States has been described as the imperial presidency by many writers. Since the philosophical arguments of Aristotle, it is clear that information alone is not an assurance of political success. What are important are the principles of the political system and definitely those of its policy-makers. This is the reason why the leadership and initiatives of presidents in the United States has had effects on individuals and societies in the country. Taking the example of Bushs decisions to intervene in Iraq, individuals who were sent to war as well as their families were affected. Societies both within and outside the country were also affected. The problem remains that the power of the presidency in the country continues to enable presidents to come up with decisions that have profound effects on individuals and societies (Skowronek, 2002).

The American forefathers were aware of the future needs to change the laws of the land and this was the reason why they created a constitution that could be amended. During the time period of 1877-1920, there were various legislative actions that were followed by amendments to the constitution. Teddy Roosevelt was for example the most notable supporter of the changes with a lot of reforms being carried out during his reign. Some of the crucial changes done during this period were introduction of income tax after the 16th amendment, direct appointment of senators after the 17th amendment, prohibition following the 19th amendment, and suffrage of women following the 19th amendment. All the changes were aimed at boosting democracy in the country by making it possible for the citizenly to govern and avoid political bosses. The governor of California is an example of a supporter of these changes. He initiated initiative, referendum and recall seeing them as positive influences for public involvement. The changes gave Americans more freedom and a voice in how they were to be governed. There was an effect of these changes especially on the middle class. This is because they this class was caught in between big capital and big labor, as a way of taking political action. Many of the states took an initiative of enacting changes that would see the improvement of living and working conditions. This was beneficial to individuals as well as communities. Laws like the child labor laws were made stronger and new ones developed. This provided benefits like rise in age limits, shorter working hours, restriction of night shifts, and requirements for education (Wiebe, 1966).    
The Democratic and Republican parties in the United States have dominated the politics of this country for a very long time. Despite the fact that they trace their roots in the 1800s, there were other parties that enjoyed flashes of fame before they faded away completely. Some of these are political organizations that successfully put their members into power. The first political party in the country was the Federalist Party. This party supported a strong state administration and leaders such as John Adams and Alexander Hamilton. The party declined in the elections of 1800. The forerunner of the current Democratic-Republican Party was the Jeffersonian Republican Party, which supported President Jefferson into power. The forerunner of todays Republican Party was he National Republican Party. There were other parties like the Anti-Masonic Party, the Whig Party, the Liberty Party, the Free-Soil Party, the Know-Nothing Party and the Greenback Party. Different parties in the country played different roles in the politics of the country. Some were beneficial while others oppressed the people of the country, for example the controversial Know-Nothing Party that opposed immigration into the country. However, the country was more democratic as compared to other countries around the world. They elected leaders to office in a democratic way, which was beneficial to the people and communities in the country (Skowronek, 1982).

During the time period of 1877-1920, when people were not satisfied by the actions of leaders and political systems, they came up with citizens founded organizations and movements to counter the political systems and their actions. For example in the year 1877, there was the railroad strike dubbed Americas first national strike. These organizations and movements that were founded by citizens at the local, state and national levels were aimed at addressing various social problems. Some of the issues they were aimed at addressing were alcohol and prostitution, child abuse, railroad and corporate laws, probation, parole, town planning, referendum, party primaries, and direct elections among others. The movements bore fruits despite the fact that some people lost their lives and properties in the process. These movements motivated a lot of reforms that saw the people enjoying their life and working in the country.  The child rights, labor laws, voting rights and other rights and freedoms were introduced as a result improving the lives of individuals as well as the entire society (Wiebe, 1966).