America's Reconstruction: Addressing Inequities Since 1865 - Essay Sample

Introduction

America has undergone a constant metamorphosis in a bid to reconstruct itself since the year 1865, following the Civil war. The war had come as a result of prolonged periods of racial discrimination, slavery, inequality, and so on. People of color had gotten fed up and decided to revolt against their white counterparts. The activities attempted to address the inequities that came as a result of slavery, social, economic, political, and even cultural problems that were prevailing. In the period between 1865 and the modern times, a lot has changed, mostly for the better, in the country (Nordlund & Willis 102). Each of these transformations serves a specific function towards developing America and making it what it is today. Consequently, this piece will discuss the most essential change that has happened during that time under the political, social, economic, or cultural developments bracket, which majorly falls on the political platform.

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Political Transformations

The civil war triggered a series of political changes that have rolled out continuously in American history since 1865 (Dunning 1866). Various constitutional amendments have shaped interpersonal interactions as well as how the government treats its people regardless of their differences. Initially, slavery had paved the way for racism and gender discrimination, which disadvantaged people of color, especially black people living in the United States. For instance, they were not allowed to vote during elections, they were considered as the personal property of their master at the time, who was at liberty even to sell them to another master. The reconstruction era began with correcting such vices with the 1865 abolition of slavery, which was attained through the thirteenth amendment (Dunning 1867). Henceforth, the former slaves would be able to get employment, proper healthcare as well as education, the same as their former captors. Arguably, this was the beginning of a better life for the African Americans who had suffered for long.

Unfortunately, the decision did not sail through immediately as it faced opposition from radical republicans who feared that the move would empower the former slaves. Consequently, the federal government gained enormous powers to handle justice at the state level, under the ratification of the fourteenth amendment. However, many democrats moved to the republican party over time. By the wake of 1870, African Americans had finally gained the right to vote through the ratification of the fourteenth amendment. The window for constitutional alterations had allowed for continuous changes for the betterment of the state. For instance, the 18th century gave rise to further political changes as citizens now had the power to initiate government action.

The national government proved to be more responsive to the needs of its people through the seventeenth amendment in 1913, which enabled the people to directly elect their senators as opposed to having the state legislative bodies select them. At the same time, such benefits as workmen's compensation had started trickling down to citizens as well as federal employees' protection under the Workmen's Compensation Act of 1916 (Nordlund & Willis 114). With this legislation, workers or their families could now receive payments for death or disability suffered while at work. Other rights that have come as a result of these federal amendments include the twenty-second amendment in 1951. This latest legislation was meant for the presidents as it restricted their term to only two after Franklin Delano Roosevelt having been elected for a third term. The American presidency has historically been a reserve for the whites, but as times changed, so did the policies, allowing for people of diverse origins to vie for the seat. Arguably, the right to vote and the abolishment of slavery qualifies as the greatest of all the changes.

The primary reason why social and political equality is the most significant of all the changes is that for the first time history, the United States elected a colored president, Barack Obama, in 2008 (Dunning & William 42). This act can be termed as the most essential political development of all time as with it came many advantages. For example, the United States proved to the world that despite the country being a stronghold for white people, everyone has a chance to be whatever they want to be. Obama's opponents were all white, and his election to the highest office in the land stirred various reactions, both from the States and the rest of the world. This development opened America to numerous benefits that may not have been otherwise achieved. For instance, Obama cut the rate of unemployment from 10% to 4.7% within six years (Perry 1). Other achievements during his two terms include ending the war in Iraq, fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ community, among many others. Having elected Obama as the American president, citizens of color could finally see themselves as part of the owners of the country.

Conclusion

In summary, after such significant political milestones that would have changed America for good, the next president, Donald Trump, is white and has taken the country back to the olden days. When he gained power, he promised to get rid of most people of color and return the state to its rightful owners. Considering modern-day America and the legislations that are currently being enacted, it is evident that the political setup is not favorable for national building. For example, abolishing Obamacare and building a wall around America to keep Mexicans out may not be a logical solution to the economic needs of the people. Consequently, the essential political developments that have been successfully implemented and changed America may eventually be destroyed by the decisions of the current political setup.

Works Cited

Dunning, William Archibald. ... Reconstruction, Political and Economic, 1865-1877. Vol. 22. Harper & brothers, 1907.

Nordlund, Willis J. "The Federal Employees' Compensation Act." Monthly Lab. Rev. 114 (1991): 3.

Perry, Tod. "28 Of Barack Obama's Greatest Achievements As President Of The United States." GOOD, 20 Feb. 2020, www.good.is/articles/obamas-achievements-in-office. Accessed 2 Apr. 2020.