Something about the world we live in- the beginning
May 23, 2017
The beginning of the ideologies
Since the beginning of time, the people who have resided in the middle parts of what we call the northern continent, so presumably today the United States, have expressed, and in most time very aggressive ways, that they do not like it when they are under the impression that things just aren’t going “their way!”
After winning the war, and gaining independence from Britain, the history of the United States had somewhat of a rocky start- With the failure to receive support the Articles of Confederation, to how to manage the turmoil and chaos within the newfound states, Washington’s cabinet had much to handle. To the extent of the influence they had, two men, unknowingly, started down the path of what political parties would shape the ideologies for Americans everywhere, for the rest of history.
Alexander Hamilton, a well dressed, came from nothing but dirt poor, rose his way up through the ranks at a young age to be the youngest in Washington’s cabinet, swooned in to capture the hearts of new Americans. However, he was soon to be anything but despised by Washington’s other fellow trusty; other known as Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson is what you could call your old-ish, laid back traditional kind of guy who would usually stand for the statement, “if it works, why try and fix it?” which usually pertain to the majority of the government regulations at the time. With gray strands that popped up and settled throughout his hair, he disliked the idea of Hamilton’s young charm, and his constant need to always seek better established in something he called, “banks.”
Washington really did not like the idea of the two men fussing, and frankly hated the idea as of why the two men seemingly HAD to have such opposite ideals. Hamilton, claiming that the Constitution was not strict enough, wanting more influence of a big government, lessening the power of individuals states’ rights, and then laying the basis of letting the government handle money through systematic “banking,” basically gave Jefferson a heart attack at the mere thought of it. As anyone can assume, Jefferson, who owned a number of slaves and had private property located in Monticello, France, did not like the idea of someone else handling his money, and with no states’ rights, how will there be a system of servitude to men who are able to afford it? He hated big government, and was stubborn to his own opinion of letting the states decide their own laws. Knowing how difficult each state was, particularly the south, it would be a true nightmare to try and unite them under one cause.
Despite their inevitable differences throughout the political policies for their new country, their duty was to solely serve the purpose of bettering the United States as a whole, despite their differences. As Washington gave his Farewell Address, he asked of only particular request of the American people, and one of them was to not form political parties, the other was to stay out of foreign affairs but you already know we totally broke that.
Other things we also totally broke… the two men themselves, Hamilton and Jefferson, created exactly two different political parties. The Federalist, who advocated for a larger government and support of the banking system under Hamilton, and the Democratic Republicans (I know, haha) under Jefferson. So as soon as they could, they technically, did the exact thing the former president had asked them not to.
Besides all that craziness, that is the basic formation of the two sides. Later throughout history, many names will be become of the two party sides but each will stand for the same concepts.
Whether it’s the Whigs, Bull Moose, Populist, People’s, Left Wing or Democrats, they stand for a bigger government who provides social programs for the poor and old, in favor of higher taxes and other social rights such as abortion, and developments of women’s suffrage and social security were all made possible throughout the Democratic Platform.
As for the other side, whether they are called the Democratic Republicans, Conscience Whigs, or Free Soil Party, they stand for a smaller government and more individual rights for states. Local governments and more of a traditional step are welcomed throughout the party. Tending to favor in a free market, little government interference and against many social issues, the Republican Party is intended to preserve and delegate the image of the traditional American Dream. The emancipation of slaves and appointing the first women into major offices such as the Supreme Court and Congress are all movements that party has gained throughout time.
*During the time period of the 19th-20th century, parties have now basically flipped sides in accordance of modern day.
For example- Although the Republicans were initially the party to emancipate and do lots of work to better the lives of former slaves, they did little during the Civil Rights era throughout the 1960’s. However, Democratic presidents such as John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, passed legislation that would pick up large momentum for the Civil Rights cause. Although many Democrats did reside in the south during the mid 1800’s, and Republicans in the north, this is the complete opposite now, where as Democrats vote heavily in the north while as Republicans sway votes in the south (and surprisingly sometimes in the north AKA Michigan, Penn)
*The excerpts below will conclude only to post civil war era, and remain heavily on the 20th century*
The history of the Democrats
THE HISTORY- THE GOOD OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
“Liberals”
-Andrew Jackson, he was a man who did many things but probably the most important was the ideal of “universal male suffrage” so now, even if you are poor and do not own land, you can vote in elections!
-Women!!! Women can vote!!! Under Democratic president Woodrow Wilson, the United States passed the nineteenth amendment allowing women to vote.
-Finally something is done about the environment after an entire century of big machines and the pollutions from the booming industry, Teddy Roosevelt and his need for conservation proposed that lands should be set aside, under Federal property, so it would not be taken over by booming industries. So in short, national parks were created
-When you’re getting old and ready to retire, you now do not have to depend on solely your family, because of FDR there is social security! You are able to save money straight from your paychecks to a small savings account for you to receive when you probably need it the most.
-Under Lyndon B. Johnson, the Civil Rights Act was passed, and therefore outlawed discrimination of African Americans and women while also prohibiting segregation.
-Under the Obama’s Affordable Care Act, it will now be the intention to keep and hold insurance companies accountable to therefore create and improve a better health care system for all Americans.
Although many Americans do believe that under many democratic presidencies, America has thrived throughout our economy and social issues that have kept society apart, and to an extent that is true, but like everything else in life, nothing can be perfect.
THE HISTORY- THE BAD OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
-They caused the Civil War because literally slavery was the most heated topic for southerners and was a vital part of their lifestyles, although very cruel and many did suffer, the southern, democratic beliefs at the time did not see slaves as equal, but as means of labor.
-Yes, it is mentioned that Woodrow Wilson did pass suffrage for women under the 19th Amendment, but he did ever so reluctantly. The amendment was passed at the very end of his term after radical feminist marched outside the white house and there were countless marches in the streets for women and their hopes for voting equality.
-FDR, by passing social security and other programs proposed in his New Deal, it was in WW2 when he was criticized for throwing Japanese Americans into intermediate camps, due to war hysteria that many people in America had. These camps, although not as harsh and cruel, reflected those in the Holocaust for the Jewish.
-Lyndon B. Johnson was responsible in passing the Civil Rights Act to ensure that no Americans will face segregation and discrimination in the workplace. However, he was one of many presidents who kept troops in Vietnam, causing countless protest on the American home front because of the young men who were being drafted, and even after many ordeals that showed American troops were causing nothing besides adding fuel to the fire. Troops were finally pulled out under Nixon, a republican.
The history of Republicans
THE HISTORY- THE GOOD OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
The GOP, the Grand Old Party…
-Under Lincoln, it was issued through the Emancipation Proclamation that the slaves were no longer slaves, and the Civil War was a turning point for African Americans and their importance to American society, and what makes it true today. He also granted that any person born in America is granted citizenship, and that former slaves were now free to vote in elections. (Men only, of course)
-1872-The introduction of women’s rights by Susan B. Anthony and Cady Stanton, both prominent Republicans, were written out for the passage of the 19th Amendment but sadly was not passed until 1920.
-Under Dwight Eisenhower, the Interstate Highway System was created and now he is the reason so many Americans are able to transport themselves from one point to another.
-Appointed by a republican president, Jeannette Rankin was the first women elected to the U.S House of Representatives in 1916, which is really confusing because it is even before women’s suffrage!
-After years and years of stagflation, which is high inflation and unemployment, under many democratic presidents, the rise of conservatism was on its brink and Ronald Reagan not only cut taxes heavily but the economy prospered under him.
-Also under Reagan, the collapse of the Soviet Union finally came to an end, thus restoring the former Cold War tensions and gradual steps for an era of world peace.
-2005- after decades of fighting for women’s position in the government, Condi Rice, under George W. Bush, is appointed secretary of state. Not to mention she was also black.
Once again, although major improvement of history has been achieved from their presidencies, like everything in life and especially policies of the government, cannot be perfect.
THE HISTORY- THE BAD OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
-During the Great Depression, little was done by president Herbert Hoover, and all that many remember of him, were the “hoovervilles” that were made up of homeless on the streets caused by unemployment during the depression.
-Under Nixon, he was one of few presidents unable to finish his term because of resignation under the “Watergate” scandal, accusing Nixon of causing turmoil and chaos towards the Nation Democratic Convention, and also causing many Americans to lose faith in their government.
-Ronald Reagan, during the AIDS epidemic, refused to believe that it was a disease that could affect you if you were not a homosexual, and proceeded to call it “gay man’s disease”
-After the attack on the World Trade Center, the U.S wanted to proceed with war in Afghanistan by claiming that there were weapons of mass destruction located there. Even being told by the United Nations that there were indeed none, the U.S invaded only to find no weapons of mass destruction.
What is even going on now?
PRESENT DAY- WHAT IS EVEN GOING ON NOW
2017
The recent election has left many Americans either distraught and confused or happier than ever. For the first time in a long time, the Republicans have gathered much control over the House and the Senate, which have been in control by Democrats during the presidency of Obama. Ruthless like never before, the Republican party has failed to repeal Obamacare, or the Affordable Care Act, and Trump has also failed to pass many programs that have been included in his first 100 days of office. Many Republicans have also criticized his choices as a president so far, and it will be very interesting to see what they choose to do next.