The prompt for this week’s discussion in one of my graduate classes and based on the numerous readings was: “If you had to select one defining moment, challenge, social cause, technological achievement, or political struggle that marked the start of the century what would it be and why?”
Some great discussions thus far and focused on, for example, the Spanish-American War, Progressivism, Women’s suffrage movement, Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency, ect.
I focused on 1904:
In December 1904 while addressing Congress President Teddy Roosevelt established what would become the “Roosevelt Corollary.” In this address Roosevelt declared that the United States must “exercise” its influence in the Western Hemisphere and join Europe as an “international police power,” or in other words an Imperial power. [1] Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” policy established the United States as truly a world power. The Spanish-American War of 1898, though a sweeping victory, did not establish the U.S. as a world player. It was a first step, and so it could be looked to as that defining moment.
However, I look to Roosevelt and his presidency as our ascendancy into the 20th Century. Roosevelt was our first Progressive president, an imperialist, and a visionary. His leadership expanded American influence, power, and prestige to such a degree that we became a modern imperialistic state. The Great White fleet alone by 1907 (initiated by Roosevelt by 1903), one could argue, was a unprecedented event for a nation dedicated to neutrality since its creation.
Economically, by 1904, the U.S. was becoming an industrial giant on an unprecedented scale. The mid-1890s was a depression wrecked economy, however, by 1904 the U.S. was experiencing an economic boom. The nation’s GDP double during the first decade of the century. Additionally, with the likes of Rockefeller, Carnegie, and JP Morgan, American industry was a giant. Rockefeller would become the first billionaire at this time. By 1900 the U.S. was the largest producer of steel in the world. Huge trusts had resulted in super corporations that established the U.S. as the leading industrial giant in the world. [2]
In foreign policy the early 1900s proved to be the awakening point for the U.S. as men had come to power who had their eye on growing American power and influence. Not just Roosevelt, though he was the key, however he joined John Jay,Secretary of State, Henry Cabot Lodge, influential thinkers such as Alfred T. Mahan, the Navial theorist who encouraged Roosevelt to develop a strong naval force and who probably first used the term “Middle East” in an article in the National Review about foreign policy illustrating how far the U.S. had come in international relations by 1904. Without the Great White fleet initiative and a strong navy, the U.S. was a second rate power without a visionary like Roosevelt.[3]
Chris,
I really enjoy the type of questions Dr. Bowles asks in his courses. Great choice in discussion topic. People forget the political giant that Henry Cabot Lodge was during this time.
I always thought the election of 1920 was also a defining moment, and only so because I read a great book on it by David Pietrusza recently. So, I guess I would have posted that since it was recent in my head.
Alex
New book on Theodore Roosevelt and the election of 1912, the transformation of American Politics. by Sydny Milkis. The book just focuses on the election. This was the first time there was a Republican Presidential Primary. Roosevelt won 8 out of the ten- state primaries most by landslide numbers, (this is from memory so most likely wrong.. Taft received the nomination. This was the election of the Bull Moose Progressive Party. Roosevelt’s platform included health care, women suffrage, and equal Access to economic opportunities. In one review of the book the writer described the Roosevelt Progressivism as being to hyper – democratic while also being character based.
Taft should have indeed stepped aside but instead he let hubris and stubbornness win the day.
Chris
I keep thinking how the country is in a very similar position.
1902 Securities National a railroad monopoly owned by J. P. Morgan. Morgan went to the white house requesting to maintain his monopoly. T. Roosevelt said “NO”
versus 2008 13 banks approach the White House requesting capitol. All thirteen receive bailout money. The 1892 economic crash sue to over building of railroads and unability to pay off debt versus the 2000 dot com crash 280 dot com companies went bankrupt. or the housing market. A century apart but bound to repeat.
I
am thinking about the statement “that Taft should have stepped aside”
At a time when running for the Presidency was predetermined. Taft had T Roosevelt’s blessing. Roosevelt selected him to carry on the movement and beliefs. I have never really understood their differences outside of style. Taft was clearly regarded as more conservative versus the “mad messiah.” (yes that word was used back then) However the progressives had this saying, that Roosevelt cut the hay Taft will bring it into the barn.” Roosevelt had an expectation that Taft would keep his cabinet choices which became a problem when Taft chose his own dismissing Roosevelt’s. I wonder at his point whose ego was in the forefront?
If Roosevelt ran and won? Just an opinion today’s Republican party would be very different. It still would have a business orientation while also including a larger role for the working class, women and most likely people of color. .Just an idea, for the first 50 years the country’s foreign Policy would be a lot more active. Including a quicker involvement in the world wars.
The end of the 19 Century an early 20 century was the closing literally and fugitively of the American Frontier. The “open spaces were being wired off. The famous cattle drive with lone cowboys riding bringing in the herd and then moving on. The closing of the frontier also shifted the opportunities for people who wanted adventure, seek out their dreams or were just too antisocial to live in society. It lead to a period of nostalgia, The buffalo Bill Wild West show, dime novels of western heroes. It also influenced changes in Agriculture and animal husbandry. and growth of new cities.
Chris
I would like to say that it is a very good research, and it helps me a lot in my project. I´m a student in BA in English and I would like you to help me with another information that you may
have about this topic.
thanks alot.