History of American Politics :: essays research papers

Throughout American history there have been changes that have shaped the way we live today. Some of them are small things: for example the way we vote, the way requirements for a citizenship are obtain and other minor things that does not effect every person at any given time. There are also many consistent ways we have lived in America through our history such as: the two party systems and how we are represented have been constant for a long period of time in the United States. None of these things are as important as the end of segregation and our economic structure, capitalism. These two effect the entire country continuously throughout history, no matter who you are our what your beliefs or your political views. Capitalism is one of the longest and most important constants in America today. It's emphasis around the "America Dream" defines America and appeals to many countries, that you can own your own land, business, house, car, or almost anything you could ever want. This is the very essence that has separated the United States for the rest of the world for a long time. The idea that the harder you work and the better of a job you do will bring you financial success in your life. What would happen to America if we no longer had capitalism as our economic structure? There have been two times in American history when capitalism was almost taken away from us. If WWII had a different outcome, as it almost did, wouldn't the country be almost forced into Fascism? This may seem as a unlikely outcome but what would of happen to the "American Dream." During the Cold War it was a stand- off between Capitalism and Communism. If was a very tense time, and some say it was just luck or a toss of the dice that we didn't convert and the Soviets did. Since these changes would of happen in the last half-century the effects would still be felt in America. What would happen to the "American Dream"? The way that every one lived in this country would be completely changed. The way we did business, the way we bought clothes, when we went out to eat, everything. The reason of is because the Communism and Fascism are very extreme when compared to Capitalism. Fa! scism is extremely right wing and a dictator controls the government and his power is enforced by his military. Communism is extremely left of center which has many more citizen help programs such as: health care, medicare, welfare, in this country has a hard enough time dealing with