Describe “The Economic Landscape of the United States from the Civil War through the Progressive Era” in your research paper.
The period spanning from the Civil War to the Progressive Era witnessed some of the most transformative economic changes in U.S. history. From post-war reconstruction, the growth of big business, to the fight for labor rights, these years were rife with innovation, struggle, and significant shifts. Your task is to explore the major economic factors, movements, and events of this period, examining how they shaped the nation’s economic trajectory and the lives of its people.
Guidelines:
Introduction: Set the stage by discussing the economic landscape of the U.S. at the onset of the Civil War and the challenges that lay ahead due to the conflict.
Reconstruction and Economic Recovery:
Investigate the economic objectives and outcomes of the Reconstruction era.
Analyze the Southern economy’s transformation from a slave-based system to sharecropping and tenant farming.
Rise of Big Business and the Gilded Age:
Discuss the growth of industries, such as railroads, steel, and oil, and the emergence of powerful business magnates.
Assess the role of innovations, trusts, and monopolies in shaping the economy.
Labor Movements and Struggles:
Delve into the rise of labor unions and major strikes of the era.
Analyze the economic motivations behind labor demands and the response from employers and government.
Progressive Era Reforms:
Identify key economic problems targeted by Progressive reformers.
Examine significant legislative acts or policies of the era, such as antitrust laws, banking reforms, or worker protections, and their impact on the economy.
Conclusion: Reflect on how these economic developments from the Civil War through the Progressive Era influenced the U.S.’s trajectory into the 20th century. Consider the balance between industry growth and labor rights, and how this dynamic played into larger societal changes.
Requirements:
The essay should be 1,000 words in length, double-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font.
Incorporate at least six academic sources to support your analysis. Suitable sources include books, academic journals, and reputable online databases.
Properly cite all references using the Chicago Manual of Style.
Structure your essay logically, with coherent arguments, clear transitions, and topic sentences for each section.
Ensure you proofread for clarity, coherence, and grammar.
3 total Graphs, Charts, and Tables are required. These (Graphs, Charts, and Tables)
should each have their own page with a title (on the top of the page) and a
description of no less than two complete sentences (below the table or graph).
There should be at least one piece of data evidence for each of the main points
in your thesis.
○ These pages DO NOT count towards your word count, and should be
located after the conclusion and before the references.
Grading Criteria:
Your essay will be evaluated based on the following:
Depth of analysis and comprehension of the topic.
Clarity, structure, and organization of writing.
Effective use and citation of academic resources.
Ability to connect economic changes to broader societal trends and implications.
Insight into the lasting effects of this period on subsequent U.S. economic history.
