Radical and Reform Movements in American History

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Introduction The course began in the year 1789, a significant year of transition for the United States. A decade or so prior, the United States was embroiled in a conflict over the inability of a foreign power to govern an overseas territories without proper representation in the foreign power’s government. This conflict, The American Revolution, may be the first significant radical movement in the history of the United States. However, the American Revolution led to unprecedented reforms in North American society. The Civil War, another significant example of a radical movement in the United States, began as a conflict over the issue of states rights. However, it quickly escalated into an issue of the legality and morality of slavery and once that was deemed amoral and illegal, the overthrow of the system that benefited from the institution the most was attacked. Consequently, the movement that responded to that overthrow sought to change the reasons for the radical overthrow. This response or rather reform manifested itself the Civil Rights Movement (1890s-1920). The relationship between radical and reform movements in American history is akin to a cause an effect factor. The radical movements of specifics cause leads to the effect that develops into a reform movement. Radicalism is the process by which change is forced. An aspect or aspects of the society or system is found flawed and action is taken to correct that flaw. The determinate factor in the success of the radical movement in contingent upon the ability of true reformers to create and enforce change. Therefore, radical and reform movements, work in conjunction with each other, as one cannot exist without the other. Radical Movements How does history reflect upon r... ... middle of paper ... ...lass, Frederick. “Composite Nation.” Parker Fraternity Course. Boston. 1867 Debs, Eugene V. "Outlook for Socialism in the United States." International Socialist Review Sept. 1900: n. pag. Web. 11 Dec. 2013. . Framers of the Constitution. "Preamble of the United States Constitution." Transcript of the Constitution of the United States - Official Text. US Archives, 2012. Web. 09 Dec. 2013 Foner, Eric. The Story of American Freedom. New York: W.W. Norton, 1998. Print. “Radicalism”. Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2013. Web. 9 Dec 2013 “Reform”. Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2013. Web. 9 Dec 2013 Walters, Ronald G. Preface. American Reformers: 1815-1860. New York: Hill and Wang, 1991. Xv-Xix. Print. Washington T. Booker. “Is the Negro Having a Fair Chance?” University of Virginia. NewYork.1912

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