How and why the ideas of an American empire change from the 1790s to the 1850s

Answer

In the world history, the period between 1750s and 1850 exists among the eras that were associated with significant changes in the manner in which various territories and empires conducted their affairs. During this period, the Seven Years War, which occurred between 1756 and 1763, was accompanied by intense rivalry between European powers, an issue that extended into competition for territory/empire[1]. The political arena was to be transformed by a succession of revolutions battled in the name of freedom/liberty, particularly in France, America, Geneva, and Holland. The novel ideas and rivalry of imperial powers were carried to other empires such as Egypt, India, and Caribbean, leading to the creation of the first black republic of Haiti in 1790s. In America, the period between 1750 and 1890 was associated significant transformations in the social, economic, and political ideologies within the America Empire to help the nation match the level of rivalry that existed among different world territories, thereby leading to the changing of the notion of American exceptionalism. All these transformations were aimed at positioning the American territory as the world’s strongest power.

Rampant changes were witnessed in the social spheres of the American Empire between 1750 and 1890. Social transformations that occurred during this period covered the dimensions of arts, literature, and settlements among others. In art, the empire saw the emergence of the Hudson River School as well as famous painters like Thomas Cole who came with their novel styles of painting. Most of these artists now began focusing on the painting of landscape, as opposed to people, animals or other items[2]. As a result, the American panting style acquired its identity by breaking away from the English style of painting.

In literature, writers began writing using American themes, leading to the emergence of famous novels like The Last of Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving[3]. This period was also associated with changes in places where people lived. The white man desired the land of native Americans. As a result, native Americans were chased out of their settlements. In 1830, Jackson assisted in the passing of the Removal Act, which forced countless Native Americans out of their settlements[4]. In 1838, approximately 15,000 Cherokees compelled to walk hundreds of miles from their families and homes. Most of them were resettled to the region west of Mississippi River.       

The period between 1750 and 1890 was associated with major transformations in various economic dimensions of the American Empire. Economic transformations witnessed during this era involved novel technological inventions, production systems, and transportation. Samuel Morris revolutionized the world of communication by inventing the telegraph that enabled the sending of messages within minutes, as opposed to months[5].

In 1764, James Hargreaves invented the Spinny Jenny, which could sup eight pools of thread at a given time, thereby significantly impacting the textile industry[6]. Textile mills and yarn mills were also established. Eli Whitney developed the idea of interchangeable parts. This concept involved the use of a machine in making all parts similar. As a result, the production efficiency was enhanced, leading to the saving of time and money. Furthermore, this idea contributed significantly to the growth of industrial revolution.

In the transport sector, Robert Fulton developed the first steamboat, known as the Clermont. This boat helped in changing the manner in which goods were transported. Following the development of canals such as the Erie Canal shipping became easier, enabling farmers to earn more income. In 1806, the Congresses implemented a policy to fund national road, an event that happened for the first time[7]. This road covered places such as Cumberland, Maryland, and West Virginia, making traveling easier and quicker. 

Several aspects of the empire’s political sphere were also subjected to immense changes. For example, several changes occurred within the foreign policy, leading to the eradication of the American Exceptionalism. America moved away from the Washington’s notion of “staying isolated” to the notion of “Neutrality”. America wanted to engage in trade with other nations, but was inclined towards staying out of their fights or problems. Being that president Monroe was worried that European powers would develop colonies in South America, he made a bold statement informing Europeans to keep out of Latin America. Contrastingly, the American military could not maintain such a policy because it was not powerful. Thanks to the English government that supported America during this time.

In terms of territorial outlook, this period led to changes in the manner in which America appear. American embraced the belief of manifest destiny, which argued that the U.S had the right to enlarge its territory from ocean to ocean. This goal was accomplished in many ways such as buying land, engaging in wars, and grabbing land, particularly from Native Americans. In 1803, Thomas Jefferson revolutionized this belief by making the first purchase of land. Jefferson spent approximately $15million on 800,000 square miles of land located west of Mississippi River.

In conclusion, the era between 1750 and 1890 was marked by significant changes in the economic, political, and social ideologies of the American Empire. Some of these changes include technological advancements, development of transportation systems, move from exceptionalism to neutrality, changes in the outlook of America, changes in the way people live, and changes in literature and arts among others. These changes marked the journey towards the positioning of the America as the world’s most powerful nation

[1]Archer, Robin. “The Lost World of America Conservatism: The Party of Order and the fear of Freedom.” Journal of Political Ideologies, 18, no.2 (2013): 200-218

[2]Greenberg, Amy. Manifest Destiny and Territorial Expansion: A Brief History with Documents. (New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2011) 208

[3]Archer, Robin. “The Lost World of America Conservatism: The Party of Order and the fear of Freedom.” Journal of Political Ideologies, 18, no.2 (2013): 200-218

[4]Greenberg, Amy. Manifest Destiny and Territorial Expansion: A Brief History with Documents. (New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2011) 208

[5]Archer, Robin. “The Lost World of America Conservatism: The Party of Order and the fear of Freedom.” Journal of Political Ideologies, 18, no.2 (2013): 200-218

[6] edip

[7]Greenberg, Amy. Manifest Destiny and Territorial Expansion: A Brief History with Documents. (New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2011) 208