U.S History 1877 to Present 

U.S History 1877 to Present

The United States Declaration of independence, as well as the United States Constitution is some of the most important documents in American history. The documents represent the American values that permeate into its social, political, social, and cultural history. The documents also illustrate the founding ideal of the great American founders. The U.S Declaration and Constitution illustrates the importance of basic human rights and the right to freedom of free states.

The Declaration of Independence mostly enables the establishment of independent states that are free to establish economic activities, form a government, and many other things conducted by independent countries or states. The declaration is often viewed as the basis of modern American philosophy in terms of freedom and human right. These documents came at a time when Americans had determined that they needed self-rule and the ability to set up a government free from overseas political influence. As such, this set precedence where America is always forward-looking approach to political, social, cultural, and economic approaches.

The documents represent the era of reconstruction following the Civil War (United States & Jefferson, 1970). During the reconstruction, the colonies came to an agreement that independence was needed for its people to thrive in the new colony. This was later followed by the industrialization that occurred between the 1850s and 1920s.

During the industrialization period, the basic morals of life, liberty as well as the pursuit of happiness were well observed (United States & Jefferson, 1970). After independence, the country was now open to increased industrial transformation. This transformation enabled a new culture of capitalism based on the idea of personal interests rather than social interests. This illustrates the same principles as these included in the declaration and constitution. America’s political and social history has been shaped by its insistence on freedom, including personal and political freedom (United States & Jefferson, 1970). This principle is what the founding father had envisioned to shape the future of America.

Even after the declaration and constitution presented new approaches towards freedom, Americans have only sought greater freedoms. The American social and political history illustrates increased efforts to gain greater freedoms. For instance, the constitution recognizes the freedom to bear arms as well as form militia. Such freedoms also recognize the freedom of LBGT individuals. These were part of the Civil Rights Movement that was led against ideas such as white supremacy, racism, and inequality (Wills, 2018). All this freedom began in America and influenced other countries to provide better freedoms to citizens.

The declaration also focused on enabling the American government to enjoy increased freedom to conduct its business and activities aimed at protecting and helping its citizens. The decisions were taken during World War 1, and 2 provide a clear illustration of these ideas. The American government enabled the country to become a superpower by amassing military, political, and economic strengths (Wills, 2018). Without such decisions, the country would not be a superpower. These same ideologies illustrate the same ideas supported by the founding fathers. Certain laws that were being used often reflected a lack of proper freedoms. I believe that basic ideals intended to guide America’s future was based on freedom.

The period of counterculture also illustrated the basic tenants of freedom. Due to increased globalization, new cultures began to emerge all under the ideology of freedom. Certain movements such as hippies, Asian-American liberation, or gay rights all emerged due to the ideal found in the constitution and declaration of independence. These documents were paramount in enabling debate across or old and new cultures. Individuals in society often seek better methods of achieving freedom, including the ability to live a happy life or pursue happiness. Such a society cannot exist in a country that does not value individual freedoms (Harbison & Belz, 1948). The greater part of American history was also shaped in the light of freedom. Today’s citizens may never understand the significance of these documents, based on many changes in the recent past. Nevertheless, these documents play a significant role in modeling an American philosophy based on freedom (Harbison & Belz, 1948). Some of the major freedoms remain contentious as the recent number or home-based terrorism has grown. Issues such as school or public shooting are often regarded as the increased freedom to carry guns. Some freedoms are still yet to be realized as they remain controversial. For instance, racism may have ended, but it still haunts different individuals of the community. Certain government or agency programs also remain unequal.

In conclusion, not all things are perfect, but whatever has been achieved thus far is based on the values and ideals of the founding fathers. The ideals of freedom, liberty, and the right to pursue happiness continue to guide the American mindset. Americans are more than determined to pursue life through individual rights and freedoms. The American system has been shaped by the idea of being free. Society has basically changed where each individual enjoyed more rights and freedoms compared to other generations 100 years ago.