Populist!!!

A third party is an additional political party other than the two major parties participating in state and national elections. These third parties usually do not gather as many votes as the major parties do. Despite the fact that the presidential candidates of these parties have little chance of being elected, these parties are really significant since they may promote important concepts to be incorporated into government.
In the presidential election of 1892, the Democrats, Republicans, and infamous Populist were competing for a place in the presidency. Regardless of the failure to reach presidency and the short period of time it lasted, the populist party promoted fine ideas that would help improve government and social life. This party however could not accomplish much of what they desired. Therefore, the populist were not effective enough politically, but their ideas did help the country later on after their disappearance.
The People's Party, as it was also called, opted for inflation through free and unlimited coinage of silver, therefore the strongly opposed the gold standard. This party centered mainly in rural areas and focused on agrarian issues, such as forming a political alliance between poor whites and Blacks. At the time of elections, its candidate James Weaver received a little more than a million votes as well as 22 popular votes. This was a great achievement for such kind of party. The populist had other objectives as well. Among these was government ownership of major industries, replacement of fixed income tax with graduated income tax, and direct election of U.S. senators. Not everything was achieved, however the direct election of senators and graduated income tax would later become a reality.
The party went on a downfall, a downfall whose causes were many. One was the lack of support from the south to the party and their goal to unite Blacks and poor whites. To make it even harder for the Populist, the Jim Crow laws, Literacy tests, and poll taxes made the task of gaining southern support almost impossible. To make things worst, their leader, Thomas Edward Watson became a voracious racist, creating a racial division among the party.
When 1896 came, the Democrats incorporated into their platform much of the Populist's own platform, and incorporated, with some difficulty, William Jennings Bryan as their candidate. This caused Populist to be done as a National political party, however, their platform was later on well absorbed by Republicans and Democrats.
To conclude, the Populist party was not so effective in concern to their goals, however they could gather enough votes to stand out during elections. The party had good motives for the country, but they found themselves with harsh obstacles that prevented them from gaining total support from the citizens. Nevertheless, the party provided important goals to other parties that later realized that the populist's platform could be useful.

Unions

After the civil war, an era of industrialism began. This era was led by a partnership between government and big businesses. During this period of time Railroad systems, electronic devices, and other needs were invented or improved. To build and use the inventions and improvements much labor labor was needed. As a result of the desire for industrial growth from the government and businesses, workers were most of the time not taken into account. In response, the workers organized themselves into unions. These unions aimed to represent the interest of people at work and negotiate with employers for better terms and conditions for their members.
Various Unions were formed, each had different rules for admission, but all with a similar goal to protect and extend the rights of American workers. These unions were successful but not to a full extent. Organization was exceptional, they decided who could enter the union and who could not. However the achievement of their main goal was scarce.
Among the many unions was the National Labor Union (NLU). This was the first union and was formed right after the end of the Civil War. It included workers no matter race,gender, or skill level. Their main concern was not racial or gender equality, but they opted for higher wages and an appropriate amount of working hours. Their concern on working hours was solved, and eight hours of work were given for federal workers. Other unions were: The knights of Labor, whose concern was racial and gender equality as well as for an end to child labor; The American Federation of Labor (AFL), which only admitted skilled workers, thus making it more successful than any of the major labor unions. ; Last but not least, was the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) , which promoted worker solidarity to overthrow the employing class.
These strictly organized Unions also created strikes. These strikes were for the most part unsuccessful and often ended up with terrible consequences. Some strikes included the Railroad strike of 1877, the Homestead Act strike, the Pullman strike and the Haymarket square riot. In response, the government sent troops to maintain control. However in some strikes such as the Haymarket Square Riot in Chicago, the strikers opted for violence which ultimately caused the strikes to end without any kind of accomplishment and more importantly deaths.
The extreme, and fast growth of capitalism and industries in the post war era led to tension between capitalist and their employees. The unions formed as a result, all shared a common goal even though they had different conditions for admission. The unions excelled at organizing themselves, unfortunately, they could not accomplish most of their goals such as an increase in wages and the overthrowing of employers by the working class. Therefore they could not be very successful.

Reconstruction Plans.

The American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, was a clash between the United States of America ( the union) and the southern slave sates also known as the Confederate States of America. It all began when Abraham Lincoln, a republican who opposed the expansion of slavery, took the victory in the elections of 1860, resulting in some southern states declaring their secession for the Union. The Union saw this as a rebellion, therefore, when Lincoln took office, his goal was to preserve the Union. To do this, a war was necessary. After reaching an amazing number of hostilities, the Union came out victorious. The next step was reconstruction.
The reconstruction was an attempt to resolve the consequences of the civil war. It would need to address how the south would return to the union, the condition of the newly freed blacks, and decide what would happen to the ex-leaders of the confederacy. Lincoln, Johnson, and the Radical Republicans presented plans for reconstruction, among these were similarities and differences on how to confront the matter. However, the Radical Republican's plan presented the best soulution.
Lincoln's plan was based on a quick and painless reincorporation of the south to the Union. He began the ten percent plan, which stated that in order for a state to be readmitted, it needed just ten percent of voters to take a loyalty oath to the United States. He also wanted the south to discard the compact theory and welcome the contract theory. Lincoln's plans for reconstrutcion were very moderate compared to the Radical Republican's plans.
Johnson's plan was somewhat similar to Lincoln's, for he also requested a certain percentage ( fifty percent) of voters to swear loyalty and allegiance to the United States. Johnson also opted for a pardon to ex-confederates which in turn would help keep control of southern State Governments, southern lands and black people. Even though he enforced the acceptance of the thirteenth amendment, like Lincoln's plan, not much was done to enfranchise the south's black population.
Johnson's plan caused him to come into direct confrontation with the Radical Republicans, thus creating a struggle between the executive and legislative branch. In discontent with Johnson actions for reconstruction, the Radical Republicans wanted to destroy Johnson's plans. Unlike Lincoln's plan, the Radicals would guarantee the enfranchising of the blacks into the south, mainly because doing so would provide economic aid to the demolished south and keep the freedmen from job competition in the North. To further enfranchise blacks, they came up with the fourteenth amendment, which defined citizenship rights and had to ratified by states in order to be readmitted.
The similarities and differences between these plans at the end all provided good references to each other to come up with better alternatives for a reconstruction favorable to the United States economically and socially. Clearly, the one that did this the best were the Radical Republicans, since their plan was well thought, and it intergrated the freedman while at the same time helping the country's economy recover.

The Reform Movements.

A reform movement is a kind of civil movement whose goal is to make a progressive change in certain aspects of society. Since the end of the revolutionary war, concerns about the values of the new society emerged. During the period between the end of the war of 1812 ans the antebellum period, a variety of grassroots movements flourished to address the social problems confronting the nation. This period is known as the age of reform.
The grassroots movements in the age of reform were successful in achieving their goals. In these movements citizens tried to confront the maladies that plagued their society. Such movements included included movements concerning women's rights, abolition, public education and prison reform.
The women's rights movement emerged mainly because of the common discontent among slaves and women of not having as much freedom or not freedom at all as men did. Led by Elizabeth Cady Santo and Lucretia Mott, women's rights advocates met at the Seneca Falls Convention were a Declaration of Sentiments was published. This declaration requested for legal equality for women.
Women accomplished some of the freedoms they wanted. They were given the responsibility to be educated women in order to follow the "republican motherhood" "code" which would ultimately help to create and secure a central position in the young minds of the nation. This meant that women would now have a better education provided for them.
Along with the women's rights movement came the abolitionist movement. This movement was probably one of the most controversial movements of the age of reform. Its goal was to end slavery for the abolitionist saw slavery as morally wrong. Some abolitionist leaders are Theodore Weld, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. These leaders contributed to the movement through many creations such as the Underground railroad and newspapers such as The Liberator. However, these movement did not saw its desired effects right away. Instead, the results would come along later on.
A movement for public education emerged as well. Its purpose was to have a more relevant curriculum and easier access to education. School reformers fundamentally expected to improve education so that children would become responsible citizens, sharing common national values. Horace Mann, an advocate for educational reform, made it possible to achieve the goals of the movement by making possible an increase in the money spent on schools, thus introducing the textbooks.
As with the mental health movement, the prison reform movement argued about about practices of humiliation and physical abuse to maintain order and discipline in prisons. Reformers requested for more humane measures such as rehabilitation through order and discipline.
The grassroots movements during the Age of reform saw their goals being accomplished. Women saw more job opportunities, prisons were better organized, abolitionist expressed and spread their ideas, and education was dramatically improved. These movements were also successful in arousing the government to initiate programs and policies to address society's problems.Unfortunately, the North and West were the only socially improved sides, for the south remained industrialized and traditional. Later on, it would take a war to set both sides equal.

U.S vs Mexico.

As time has passed, people from both, the United States and Mexico have developed a great rivalry. This rivalry is fueled by nationalism. In this modern era, whenever the United States faces Mexico in some sort of challenge, a victory over the rival is more than just another victory. It is a victory that provides pride of one's nation.
The start of this rivalry flourished after the Mexican-American War. In going to war against Mexico, President of the United States, James Polk was taking into account the best interest of the United States, for his ultimate purpose was territorial expansion.
The Mexican- American War was one of the biggest conflicts sustained by the idea of "Manifest Destiny"- The belief that America had the God- given right to expand its territories. When President Polk took office in 1845, the idea of "manifest destiny" had taken over the mentality of most Americans, and so it did in the mind of President James Polk.
He demonstrated to be a follower of this idea through his work to settle the Oregon border affair and through his desire for the acquisition of California. In addition he also admitted Texas into the union a decade later after they had gained their independence from Mexico.
President Polk, not satisfied with the annexation of Texas, wanted to acquire the California - New Mexico region as well. Since past attempts to obtain this territory through negotiations with Mexico had failed, Polk needed another way put his hand on the tempting territory. He opted for a more violent and later controversial way, war.
Polk sent troops to the disputed area near Nueces river and the Rio Grande. He proceeded to do this despite the fact that many Americans believed the area belonged to the Mexicans. Polk's opportunity to declare war came when Mexican forces, according to him, had crossed over the border to attack Americans. - This was never proved.
This excuse- based war brought a victory to the Americans after they had gone all the way to Mexico's capital to defeat Mexico. Polk, in such a controversial manner, had accomplished his ambitions for territorial expansion. Under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the Mexican - American war was terminated. The treaty stated that Mexico recognized the American claims to the are north of the Rio Grande. Mexico also ceded California and New Mexico to the United States for $15 million.
Even though Polk was not satisfied with the terms of the treaty because he thought America deserved even more territory, in his first term as president, Polk achieved his ultimate goal and attributed to Washington's reference to America as a " Rising Empire."
Ultimately, Polk made a huge impact for United States history, for the American territory dramatically, if not unbelievably, increased since the American Revolution. This acquirement of land would boost America's economy, since it created an infinite number of jobs.

Mr. Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States. He served two terms, from 1801 to 1809. He was also the principal author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He helped to promote the ideas of Republicanism, since he was the leader of the Democratic- Republican party. His presidency could be seen as satisfactory in domestic affairs policies and actions which took part mostly on his first term; Though during his second term, he had difficulty dealing with foreign affairs policies and actions.
Throughout his first term, surprisingly, Jefferson maintained the federalist domestic and foreign policies such as the Bank of the United States and Hamilton's debt repayment plan. He also wanted to remain apart from international alliances and maintain the nations neutrality. In addition, internal taxes were reduced, military budget was cut and government size was reduced.
His most important accomplishment involving foreign affairs, was the decision he made concerning the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which he conducted despite not having authorization by constitutional amendment. The opportunity came when Napoleon was in a big need for money to defend his territory, and he offered to sell the Louisiana territory to the United States, who paid only $15 million. Regretting this offer would have changed the history of the United States from what it is now, since the size of the U.S. almost doubled in size after the acquisition of this land.
This vast amount of territory needed to be explored; Jefferson organized an expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. This individuals helped gather information of this "new" land. This was a helpful move by Jefferson to start a westward expansion.
After his re-election in 1804, Jefferson was faced with foreign affairs, in which he did not have a pleasant experience. In North Africa, a coastal nation known as Barbary States were seizing international ships and holding their crews for ransom. United States ships were susceptible to be attacked, as a result, the United States pay the pirates to protect their ships; It wasn't until the United States defeated the pirates in 1805, that the damages stopped.
To make things worst, relations with France and Britain also worsened. The conflict between the French and British intensified, which resulted in irregularity in of the American shipping. The British tried to stop trade between the U.S. and France by adopting various tactics such as capturing of American ships and forcing the sailors into the British navy. Jefferson, instead of opting for war against one or both nations, decided to punish the British and French through a series of acts. The most significant was the Embargo Act of 1809, which attempted to force respect for U.S. neutrality by ending all foreign trade. Unfortunately, for Jefferson, the act was a total failure since it hurt more than it helped the United States.
Jefferson's presidency was weak most likely because he was the president of a young, developing nation of which he was only the third president. This means that he did not have much to learn from the experiences of the only two previous presidents, George Washington and John Adams. However, we can also say that his presidency was an admirable one, since he did make a risky move defying the constitution: the purchase of the Louisiana territory, which came out to be a great success. He can also be recognized as one of the founding fathers of America for his big contributions that helped developed this country.

R.I.P. - AOC.

Clearly, the Articles of Confederation were an inadequate form of government,as it developed foreign and domestic problems or weaknesses. The Articles of Confederation represent the first constitutional agreement between the thirteen American colonies . Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government was weak, and most of the power stood with the states.

In foreign matters, under the AOC, Congress could make decisions, however it required the approval of the states. Additionally, they had to request troops from the states in spite of not having a chief executive or state department to conduct foreign affairs. Mainly, the AOC had a great impact on economy concerning foreign relations; In most part, this was due to the irregular monetary system. Furthermore, the central government could not regulate international trade.

Domestically, the AOC was also a great failure. It gave no power to congress to tax or regulate trade among the states. In addition, it permitted the states to take individual actions. Congress could also pass laws, but could not force states to obey them. In addition, the currency was not a standard one, for each new state had money different from other states; As a result of congress' incapability to tax states, the paying of debts of the Revolutionary war became a major issue. Because the AOC let the states decide on their taxes, Massachusetts implied high taxes on their citizens, its consequence being Shay's rebellion which led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and served as a major factor for the creation of the Federal government.

Regardless of the AOC's successful Northwest Ordinance, which created the Northwest territory, the Articles of Confederation were a weak and ineffective form of constitutional government. The AOC, however, provided an experience that would help develop a better government later on. This new government would be based on the United States Constitution of 1788.