Unit 5: Rebirth of a Nation, Part One – 1877-1900

Section 1: “The Business of America is Business”: Industrial Expansion

Essential Questions

• Was the growth of big business good or bad for ordinary Americans? Our economy?

• What explains the rhetoric of “progress”? Did this idea clash with the founders’ vision for America?

Andrew Carnegie• Founded Carnegie Steel

(late 1870’s).• Regarded as the second

richest man in history.• Devoted a large portion

of his wealth to charity (The Gospel of Wealth).

John D. Rockefeller• Founded Standard Oil in

1870.• Regarded as the richest

man in history.• Established the

University of Chicago

Social Gospel

A Protestant Christian intellectual movement that was most prominent in the early 20th century United States and Canada. The movement applied Christian ethics to social problems, especially issues of social justice such as excessive wealth, poverty, alcoholism, crime, racial tensions, slums, bad hygiene, child labor, inadequate labor unions, poor schools, and the danger of war.

WORKING MAN’S BURDEN: THE CONFLICT BETWEEN LABOR & CAPITAL

Section 2

Essential Questions

• What is at the center of this conflict? Does it still exist today?

• Was the rise of industry good for American workers?

Karl Marx and the Rise of the Proletariat Karl Marx:1. Developed the modern theory of

socialism/communism2. Theorized all of human history had been a conflict

between the bourgeoisie (business owners) and the proletariat (workers).

3. In a capitalist economy (such as the U.S.), the bourgeoisie exploited the proletariat in order to accumulate more material possessions for themselves.

"The wealth of those societies in which the capitalist mode of production prevails, presents itself as 'an immense accumulation of commodities,' its unit being a single commodity." (First sentence of Capital, Volume I.)

U.S. Labor Relations

1. Eugene V. Debs (head of the IWW or Wobblies and Samuel Gompers (head of the AFL), were both sympathetic to the ideals of socialism/communism.

2. Many U.S. workers joined pro-socialist movements and political parties

Rock, Paper, Scissors Activity

ORIGINS OF EMPIRE: OVERSEAS INCURSIONS AND PUBLIC DEBATE

Section 3

Essential Questions

• Why did America choose to become a colonial and imperial power despite the wishes of many citizens? Did the nation’s actions reflect the values of the Declaration of Independence?

• What were the motivations behind the nation’s military actions abroad? Were they justified?

Imperialism Defined:

• A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Reasons for Imperialism:

1. Establish power and prestige2. Demonstrate military power3. Access to natural resources and

ports4. New markets for manufactured

goods5. Limit the power of other

imperialist nations

Examples of U.S. Imperialism

1. Spanish-American War• Cuba (protectorate)• Puerto Rico (territory)• Guam (territory)• Philippines (protectorate)

2. Hawaii (annexed)3. Alaska (purchased from Russia)

Results of U.S. Imperialism

1. Cuba granted independence

2. War with the Philippines.3. Guam and Puerto Rico

remain territories.4. Hawaii annexed against the

will of the native population.

U.S. Foreign Policy Supporting Imperialism“Big Stick Policy” or Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine:

• Developed by President Theodore Roosevelt.

• Expanded on the Monroe Doctrine.

• U.S. would consider any intervention in North American an act of aggression

Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy”:• Implements by President

William Howard Taft.• Sought to use U.S. business

investment to influence foreign policy goals.

Wilson’s “Moral Diplomacy”:

• The United States should intervene in other nations when it is “morally right”.