20th Century American Politics and Society

This section explores the political situation in the USA during the 20^th century. In the 20th century, America experienced significant growth, becoming one of the most prosperous nations in the world. Many Americans enjoyed improved standards of living and access to new luxuries and technological innovations. Society and culture underwent profound changes, from the rise of consumerism to shifts in social values. However, it is important to remember that not every American experienced this prosperity, as issues like inequality and discrimination remained persistent.

The American System of Government

The United States, having gained independence in 1776, established a republican form of government. The framers of the Constitution deliberately designed the system with safeguards to prevent any single person or group from having too much power. The system of government was structured around three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The aim was to ensure a system of checks and balances, whereby each branch could limit the powers of the others, ensuring no abuse of authority.

• Legislative Branch: Comprised of the Congress, which is split into two chambers—the Senate and the House of Representatives. Congress is responsible for making laws, levying taxes, and deciding how the government spends its money.
• Executive Branch: Led by the President, who is responsible for enforcing laws and overseeing the federal administration. The President is supported by a Cabinet, made up of appointed officials who oversee specific areas, such as defence and transport.
• Judicial Branch: This branch is headed by the Supreme Court, which interprets the Constitution and ensures laws comply with it. There are also other federal courts that handle cases involving national law.

In addition to the federal government, each state has its own government that manages local affairs, such as education and policing, although it must operate within the framework set by the national Constitution.

Political Parties in America

Throughout the 20th century, American politics was dominated by two main political parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. While the specific priorities of these parties evolved over time, their general political philosophies during the period from 1920 to 1975 can be summarised as follows:

• The Republican Party: Traditionally, the Republicans advocated for a laissez-faire approach to the economy, meaning they preferred minimal government interference in business and the economy. They favoured low taxes, particularly for businesses, and believed that the market should be allowed to regulate itself. Their approach to governance was typically conservative, seeking to preserve traditional values and reduce the size of the government. The Republicans were often referred to as the GOP, short for Grand Old Party.
• The Democratic Party: The Democrats, in contrast, believed that the government had a responsibility to intervene in economic and social matters, especially to protect vulnerable groups. Following the Great Depression and the New Deal policies of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the party adopted a more liberal stance, promoting welfare programs and social reforms. Over time, the Democratic Party became increasingly progressive on issues of civil rights, which led to a growing alliance with African Americans and other minority groups.

The American People: A Diverse Society

American society in the 20th century was a mosaic of different peoples, reflecting the country’s complex history. The nation’s development was heavily influenced by the diverse groups that contributed to it, each with their own unique cultures and experiences.

• Native Americans: Native American tribes were the original inhabitants of the land now known as the United States. There were hundreds of distinct nations, each with its own language, customs, and way of life. The arrival of European settlers in the late 15th century led to the displacement, disenfranchisement, and tragic decline of Native American populations. By the start of the 20th century, the Native American population had fallen dramatically, from an estimated 5 million in 1492 to around 250,000. Despite this, many Native Americans continued to fight for recognition, self-governance, and the preservation of their cultural identity.
• Established Immigrants: The first major waves of European settlers arrived from Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands from the 17th century. Many of these early immigrants sought religious freedom, economic opportunity, or simply a new start in the New World. By the 20th century, the descendants of these immigrants formed the most powerful and wealthy segment of American society, holding considerable influence in politics and business.
• African Americans: African Americans trace their roots to enslaved people brought to America during the transatlantic slave trade. Between 1619 and 1865, millions of Africans were forced into slavery, primarily to work on plantations in the southern states. Slavery was officially abolished after the Civil War, but African Americans continued to face systemic discrimination, particularly in the form of segregation, disenfranchisement, and exclusion from economic opportunities. In the early 20th century, African Americans in the South were subject to Jim Crow laws, while those in the North faced less overt but still significant racial inequalities.
• New Immigrants: A new wave of immigration occurred between the mid-19th century and the 1920s, bringing in large numbers of Catholics from countries like Ireland and Italy, as well as migrants from Eastern Europe and China. These new arrivals often faced hostility and prejudice from the earlier-established WASPs (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants), who saw them as culturally inferior or as threats to their social and economic standing. Despite these challenges, many immigrants succeeded in creating vibrant communities and ultimately became part of mainstream American society.

The 20th century was a time of both remarkable progress and deep divisions for America. While the country became an economic powerhouse, many groups continued to fight for their rights and recognition within a system that often marginalised them. The legacy of these struggles continues to shape American politics and society today.