Question

One of the main features of American history in the age of industrialization was the growing presence of the federal government in American society. In an essay specifically explain why the government began to aid the expansion of the market economy during the Civil War and how the Homestead and Pacific Railroad Acts passed by the federal government during this period helped lead to the defeat of the numerous Native American nations in the West. In addition, what domestic factors (events and issues within the United States) help explain why the United States government began to build a commercial overseas empire in the 1890s

Answer 1

As this question asks for an essay to be written by you, we cannot provide you with the whole essay. However, we can discuss some ideas that might guide you through your work.

The increasing presence of the federal government in the United States is a pattern that we can see in modern history. This presence became particularly significant with industrialization. One of the ways in which the federal government became more involved in American society was through the expansion of the market economy during the Civil War. The Civil War was a battle between the North and the South, with the North eventually winning partly due to its industrial capacities. This demonstrated the importance of development and industrialization, and led to an expansion of economy and industry in the years following the war. Moreover, this expansion was needed during Reconstruction in order to assimilate the newly free black population.

Some of these policies, such as the Homestead and the Pacific Railroad Acts had a deep impact in the West. These two acts allowed the population of the United States to expand west, creating more cities and expanding the national market. However, they also led to the loss of land (relocation) and autonomy of many American Indian nations.

Finally, there were some domestic factors that helped explain why the United States wanted to become an overseas empire. As the economy and industry of the country improved, America wanted to find new markets around the world. Moreover, the country was also inspired by the idea of Manifest Destiny. This idea argued that the United States had been chosen by God to spread a message of peace, democracy and the rule of law all over the world, and that this could be achieved through imperialism.