History Class Discussion Questions
Question 1
Conservatism in the USA is a social and political philosophy that is characterized by support for moral universalism and Christian values, respect for republicanism and American traditions, defence for western cultures from threats posed by moral relativism, authoritarianism and socialism, etc. Conservatives in the USA consider individual liberty to be a fundamental element of democracy. In the1950s and the 1960s, the Republican Party was plagued by socioeconomic, geographical; and philosophical differences that it was forced to unite with local groups, journalists and conservatives intellectuals so as to achieve political power. The new alliance was, however, not without challenges too. Even though right-wing politicians, anti-communists, libertarians and traditionalists all worked together, they only did so when it suited their individual purposes, and they still remained firmly committed to individual agendas. Additionally, conservatives during the 50s and the 60s were mostly dismissed and perceived as having no hope of winning political power. Throughout the 1950s, for example, conservatives did not have any impact, and their audience was very limited because they chose to concentrate on their differences instead of concentrating on their strengths. Each faction believed that it was the only one that understood the troubles of America. With time, however, they began to work together after realizing that their divisions were doing them more harm than good. Critics had begun to label them as extremists, and they started to work together to counter such perceptions. In the late 50s and early 60s, right-wing journalists warned conservatives that their progress was being undermined by racist and anti-Semitic remarks, and they were warned against associating with racists and anti-Semites. Consequently, conservatives started to work together by joining forces to create a formidable movement. They formed an alliance with right-wing politicians, grassroots groups, and intellectuals, a move that became a significant move in the development of their conservatism movement. The movement was further solidified in the 1980s when President Reagan strengthened it through tax cuts, increased spending in defence, and introduction of policies that strengthened Judeo-Christian morality and family values.
Question 2
The advocates of the Manifest Destiny coined the concept to imply that America was destined by God to spread its dominion, capitalism and democracy across North America. The philosophy catalyzed the territorial expansion of the 19th century and was used to justify the removal of natives Americans from their homes. America’s Rapid expansion intensified slavery and lead to the civil war. With the rapid growth in the American populations, millions were forced to move westward in search of new opportunities and land. The westward expansion started with the purchase of Louisiana which stretched from River Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains. President Jefferson also had his eyes Florida, but it was President Monroe that concluded the deal at around 1819.
America’s westward expansion was criticized by many. When speaking to congress in 1823, Monroe warned European nations not to interfere with America’s westward expansion. He warned the Europeans that any trial to colonize American continents would be perceived as an act of war. By the time the State of Texas was admitted to the Union, the belief that America must expand westwards had been imprinted in the hearts of many people across the United States. In 1842 when the US and Great Britain entered into a treaty on where the Canadian border would be drawn, the question of Oregon was left open. And by the time the question got settled, the US – driven by the spirit of territorial expansion and the Manifest Destiny – had entered into war with Mexico.
While America benefited the most from the westward expansion and the Manifest destiny, Mexico, Hispanics, Native Americans and many non-European occupants suffered the most. For instance, while the agreement of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the American-Mexican war, the treaty added over 500 thousand square miles to America, including what now constitutes Wyoming, Colorado, California, and New Mexico. Additionally, the expansion of America westwards also fueled questions over slavery. Questions were asked on whether slavery would be legal in newly admitted states, questions that eventually fueled the civil war.
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