The Development of Democracy in the United States
I. Intro/Thesis
II. Spanish American War
III. WWI
IV. Great Depression
V. WWII
VI. Conclusion
The United States of America became the example of democracy for the rest of
the world. Founded on the principles of freedom and equality, this country had
a long process during which democratic principles have been established. Spanish
American War, the Great Depression, War World I, and War World II proved the
principles of democracy, which became the basic principles of the US Constitution.
The conflict between Spain and the United States of America, which took place
in 1898, and also known as Spanish-American War, is often regarded as a number
of steps, which manifested America’s desire to establish the principles
of democracy in the world. The conflict was initiated by the United States,
which demanded Spain to resolve the conflict with Cuba. Spain did not meet the
demands of the United States. In addition, the tension became stronger after
the explosion of American ship called “Maine”. Yellow Press, which
exaggerated the atrocities of Spanish army, also became one of the reasons of
war. The war ended quickly after several brilliant victories of the U.S. army
in Cuba and the Philippines. The war lasted for only 113 days and ended in the
Treaty of Paris, which passed several Spanish colonies, such as the Philippines,
Guam and Puerto Rico to the USA. After the end of War the United States liberated
Cuba from the domination of Spain and helped to establish independence in this
country. During the War the United States of America proved its strong attachment
to the principles of democracy all over the world.
The United States took part in the WWI in order to save the democracy. As Wilson,
the president of the United States commented on America’s involvement
in the war, “God helping her can do no other.” (Tuchman, 69) All
citizens of the United States were indignant with violations, committed by German
army in many countries of the world. Ship crisis and economic reasons also became
important factors, which made the United States to pass to active actions. Finally
the United States of America came to realization that war actions were necessary
in order to maintain the peace in the world and save democratic ideals. As Wilson
commented in his speech on April 2, 1917, “A steadfast peace can never
be maintained except by a partnership of democratic nations”. (Tuchman,
69) The participation in the WWI had rather a preventive character as it was
an attempt to stop Nazi invasion, which threatened the world democracy. Despite
this attempt was not successful and one more world war was necessary in order
to stop Germany, it still had great meaning for the United States as it manifested
active position of the country on the world scene and its strong attachment
to the ideals of democracy.
The Great Depression became a serious test for the American democratic system.
The Great Depression became the biggest economic fall during the history of
the United States, which stared after the Stock Market Crash in 1929. Trade
and personal income experienced a period of great decline during this time.
Depression quickly became widespread to the most countries of the world. Economic
instability finally led to the development of anti-democratic regimes in many
countries, such as Germany, Italy and the USSR. The government of the United
States managed to overcome the Great Depression without turning to dictatorship.
Starting from the 1933 Roosevelt insisted on the necessity of a restructuring
of the economy in order to avoid another depression. New Deal programs, aiming
to stimulate demand and create work places have been created. In contrast to
many counties, which couldn’t find democratic way to solve economical
problems, the United States of America escaped this danger.
After the experience of the World War I the United States of America took preventive
measures when the World War II broke out. Hostility of Japan and threat of Nazi
regimes to democracy made the United States of America to take active part in
this war. Trying to keep neutral position the USA did not start war actions
until the attack to Pearl Harbor. The United States of America took part in
the WWII helped to stop Nazism and helped to save democracy in the world.
The United States of America is a comparatively young country but it became
an example of freedom and democracy for many countries of the world. This can
be explained by many facts. First of all people came to these lands looking
for freedom and that is the reason it became the most precious treasure for
them. So much effort was put in order to save this treasure that even the most
serious tests did not break these ideals.
References
Barbara W. Tuchman How We Entered World War I, 1967.
Bernanke, Ben S. “The Macroeconomics of the Great Depression: A Comparative
Approach” Journal of Money, Credit & Banking, Vol. 27, 1995
Friedman, Milton and Anna Jacobson Schwartz. A Monetary History of the United
States, 1867-1960, 1963.
