1 – Explain the evolution of the Federal Government, from U.S. involvement in World War I through the end of the Cold War (1917-1990). What major events allowed for the growth of the U.S. Federal Government in general, and the role of the Presidency specifically?

• QUESTION

• This essay will focus on the second half of our class only (World War I through the Reagan Administration). However earlier U.S. history may be included as part of the Introduction.
• Double -Space
• So that I can maintain equity and blind-grading, please to not type you name into the essay. It will automatically be submitted under your student ID.
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Essay Question options (choose one):

1 – Explain the evolution of the Federal Government, from U.S. involvement in World War I through the end of the Cold War (1917-1990). What major events allowed for the growth of the U.S. Federal Government in general, and the role of the Presidency specifically?

2 – The government has the job of protecting both civil liberties and civil rights. In modern U.S. history the government has both failed in to protect these and expanded to protect these. Explain this evolution within the years 1917-1990. When has government supported or denied civil liberties, and when has it supported or denied civil rights? (your answers should demonstrate an understand of the differences between civil liberties and civil rights)

3 – World War I was a significant turning point for the United States, changing our nation politically, socially, economically, etc. Looking the current state of the U.S. and the American people today, what events, between the years 1917-1990, shaped our nation into the 21st century?

ANSWER

Evolution of the Federal Government and its Impact on the United States (1917-1990)

Introduction

The history of the United States is marked by numerous transformative events and periods that have shaped the nation into what it is today. This essay will focus on the second half of our class, covering the period from World War I through the Reagan Administration, and explore the evolution of the Federal Government during this time. Additionally, we will touch upon earlier U.S. history to provide a comprehensive introduction. The years 1917-1990 witnessed significant changes in the U.S. government, both in terms of its growth and its role in protecting civil liberties and civil rights.

The Evolution of the Federal Government

The period from World War I to the end of the Cold War saw the U.S. Federal Government undergo substantial growth and transformation. Several major events contributed to this evolution:

World War I and the Expansion of Federal Power

The United States’ involvement in World War I provided an impetus for the expansion of federal power. To ensure a coordinated war effort, the government implemented a range of measures such as the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918, which curtailed civil liberties in the name of national security.

The New Deal and the Great Depression

The Great Depression of the 1930s called for a strong governmental response. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal introduced sweeping economic and social reforms, establishing agencies like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Social Security Administration (SSA). These initiatives expanded the role of the federal government in safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.

World War II and the Rise of the National Security State

World War II brought about a further expansion of federal power, particularly in matters of national security. The creation of agencies like the Office of War Information (OWI) and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) marked a shift towards a more centralized and coordinated approach to governance.

The Cold War and the National Security State

The Cold War era witnessed heightened federal involvement in defense and intelligence activities (Milestones: 1945–1952 – Office of the Historian, n.d.). The establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Council (NSC) solidified the government’s role in protecting national security, often at the expense of civil liberties.

Government’s Role in Protecting Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Throughout the years 1917-1990, the U.S. government faced complex challenges in safeguarding civil liberties and civil rights. These concepts, while closely related, differ in their scope and application:

Protection of Civil Liberties

The government’s track record in protecting civil liberties during this period was mixed. Examples of failures include the aforementioned Espionage Act and Sedition Act during World War I, which restricted freedom of speech and assembly. However, there were also instances of progress, such as the Supreme Court’s landmark decisions in cases like Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which struck down racial segregation in schools.

Expansion of Civil Rights

The government expanded its efforts to protect civil rights during the years 1917-1990. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., prompted significant legislative changes (Wilkins, n.d.). The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to address racial discrimination and ensure equal rights for all citizens.

Events Shaping the Nation into the 21st Century

Several key events between 1917 and 1990 left an indelible mark on the United States, shaping its trajectory into the 21st century:

Social and Cultural Transformation

The counterculture movements of the 1960s, including the anti-war movement and the fight for women’s rights, challenged traditional norms and paved the way for greater social progress. The impact of these movements can still be felt today in ongoing debates surrounding gender equality, racial justice, and individual freedoms.

Technological Advancements and Globalization

The post-World War II period witnessed rapid advancements in technology and the rise of globalization (“Globalization of Technology,” 1988). Developments such as the internet, space exploration, and the emergence of multinational corporations transformed the United States into a global superpower, shaping its economic and political landscape.

Reaganomics and the Conservative Shift

The Reagan Administration (1981-1989) ushered in a period of conservative governance, emphasizing free-market principles and reduced government intervention. Reaganomics, characterized by tax cuts and deregulation, influenced subsequent economic policies and contributed to the ideological divide that persists in the United States today.

Conclusion

The years from World War I to the Reagan Administration marked a crucial period in the evolution of the U.S. Federal Government. Major events, including World War II, the civil rights movement, and the Cold War, shaped the federal government’s growth and its role in protecting civil liberties and civil rights. These historical developments continue to influence the United States in the 21st century, as the nation grapples with ongoing challenges and strives for a balance between governmental authority and individual freedoms.

References

Globalization of Technology. (1988). In National Academies Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.17226/1101 

Milestones: 1945–1952 – Office of the Historian. (n.d.). https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/national-security-act 

Wilkins, R. (n.d.). Civil Rights Era (1950–1963) – The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom | Exhibitions – Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/civil-rights-act/civil-rights-era.html