Essay Sample on America in the 1780s

Introduction

America is witnessing rapid changes in all spheres of life. A wind is blowing over our political, Social, and economic systems. The aged persons in the society today highlight their youth as dark past. The questions that should be in our minds is; how will the present America-Nov 1780- shape the future of our great nation? Are our actions and governmental programs geared towards achieving the goals of vision 1800? What are we doing to change society for the better? Are our words compatible with our actions? If the answer to these questions is in the affirmative form, then we are on the right track; if the response is negative, then we need thorough societal rethinking.

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"The American Guide" is a bi-monthly imaginary virtual periodical of 'Citizens' of America, and is distributed 'online' throughout the world. The contents of "The American Guide" are imaginary and do not reflect the views of Americans. This issue tackles a wide range of topics with the lead story being; 'Our freedom'. The topic story highlights the main political developments in our great nation such as the aftermath of our independence on 4th July 1776. On the economic arena, our correspondents examine the current industrial wave and the issue of 'American iron snake'. Socially, we present the issue of gender equality in our society. The new religious denominations claiming to be ordained by God are also explored. The current scientific revolution has also been discussed. Finally, the views of our readers have been published.

Political Developments

Imagine how we eagerly waited for the day we would gain our independence. Our forefathers fought for freedom and some were injured while others lost their lives in this noble obligation. Families were disintegrated and economic ruins followed. There was human misery and suffering from West to East America. Finally, the enemy had to go on 4th July 1776. The British had no alternative but to give in to our demands about 2 years ago. Think of the former 13 British colonies. They are now self -governing States of the Union under the new constitution.

One national challenge has been overcome but a new phenomenon has sprung up. Our vast lands Every-day, our nation is visited by persons who have the intention of carrying out mining and agricultural activities. The vast regions have been occupied by the Red Indians for generations. The areas are so vast that some are totally uninhabited. As you read this article, many foreigners are coming to our ancestral lands. The immigrants come from continental European countries where there is social and political turmoil. Is it that we have gained self- government and independence only to be neo- colonized? As a nation, all measures should be taken to find the ulterior motives of the newcomers.

Economic Developments

The 'American iron snake' is a common topic in our society today. Many volumes have been written over the issue. Various myths have cropped up with some claiming that if one touches the 'iron snake', severe biting occurs. Some people discuss the topic with awe for they fear that the 'snake' might penetrate their rooms at night and bite them. The much-discussed issue refers to the American Railway that was opened about ten years ago in 1869. The Great railway links west and east America. The railway has drastically opened most of the remote regions. The railway encouraged westward expansion and the discovery of mineral resources in California. If my grandparents rise from their grave, they would be scared and would definitely pray for the world to break and swallow them alive for fear of the long 'iron snake'.

Let me now turn to the new industrial wave in our country. Our nation has been a British colony for many years. The colonial masters have exploited our national resources for their well-being. Mining and agricultural sectors in Europe depend on our great agricultural and mining resources. They went to their homeland barely 2 years ago but their impacts are visible today and will be witnessed in generations to come. Though they ruled us with a heavy hand, we can boast of some positive gains from their aristocracy. The British colonialists laid the foundation for industrial growth and development in our country. They established some industries, though targeted to benefit them in terms of acquiring manufactured gods for their markets in the worldwide empire. After independence, the factories were left at the mercy of our far-sighted leaders. Today, the former colonialists are represented in the country by their technocrats in various economic spheres such as the manufacturing sector, banking, transport and communication, mining, insurance, and agricultural activities. Their industrial know-how combined with our expertise has greatly steered the industrial growth in our nation. Furthermore, the foreign policy of our former colonial master is pegged on assisting the newly independent nation. In that context, the former colonialists are fueling huge amounts of capital to our nation through their multinational co-operations.

Social Developments

The industrial wave has far-reaching effects on our social systems. The wave has contributed to change of our traditional family set ups. Traditionary, males catered for the economic wellbeing of their families. Today, women are working for payments leaving their homes under the care of their husbands! The cash paid work has contributed to rural-urban migration as most of the factories are found in the urban centers.

The working conditions in the factories are poor. People are living in cellars! Poor sanitation leads to the outbreak of diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, and cholera which are killing many people as there is no cure for the disease. There are no properly constructed toilets and no refuse disposal points. Garbage is thrown in the streets. Most of the workers live in poorly lit rooms and work under long hours. A normal working day is 18 hours. In fact, the government should formulate laws governing factory work conditions and workman`s compensation.

Though the economists stress on laissez-faire attitude, the time has come for the regime to save the highly exploited common person. The industrial and commerce sector should not be allowed to operate on their own ways and there should be checks and balances from the government. In fact, further research should be carried out to find out whether the supply and demand laws bring benefits to everyone or otherwise. To make matters worse, women and children are forced by circumstances to work in the factories. Furthermore, they are subjected to long working conditions under poor pay.

Equality of Rights

Ignoring the plight of women is plummeting our society to danger in various ways since the community has expectations that are best met by women. Our society is ripe for feminism. Feminism is the advocacy of personal, social, political and economic equality of sexes. Feminist groups should be formed to engage in organized multiple campaigns for women rights, interests and opportunities. The women`s movements should agitate for equality of rights in our society from women right to vote, employment equality, equality in marital issues, eradication of poverty and women violence to equal power and opportunities as males

Scientific Revolution

As the fraternity of "The American Guide", we wish to salute our great national and international scientists who have recorded great milestones in their discoveries. We are in a century of scientific revolution and new innovations and inventions are carried out daily. We as the family of "The American Guide" have a great honor to recognize the great scientists who apply the empirical approach to solve common challenges in medicine, agriculture, industry, and transport and communication. Special thanks go to Louis Pasteur who is spending sleepless nights searching for cure and vaccines for diseases such as anthrax, snake bites, rabies, chicken pox, cholera, among other ailments. "The American Guide" wishes him all the best in his experiments and hope that one day a cure for the diseases will be found.

Religious Developments

The basic cognitive orientation of a person or community consists of the individuals understanding, knowledge, and point of view. Each individual has a set of coherent opinions concerning what the world is, how it functions, and the nature of humankind existence. Recent religious developments have witnessed the rise of a new crop of individuals terming themselves as atheists.

The Atheists believe that God does not exist. They presume that the Universe and all life was created randomly. According to Atheists, persons create objects to fulfill their needs and purpose. They adopt a worldview of human secularism and hence values human life and peaceful human co-existence. According to most Americans, God is immortal, omnipresent, a spirit and has always existed.

Conclusion

"The American Guide" welcomes views from readers on topical issues. The articles are published bi-monthly and the editor reserves the right to select the materials to be published. Only published articles will be compensated.