The 8 occupants of the Oval Office between 1941 and Who were they and which party did they represent?

George Washington the first US President and George W Bush the ……. President?

The race to become the 44 th President is on. Who are the three current frontrunners? Which party do they belong to and which is their party’s symbol? (Be aware of the race for the White House as you will have a regular pop quiz on modern America throughout the year.)

THE USA: A DIVIDED UNION? The United States

The USA at the start of the 20 th century – A society in change

Geography Vast continent straddled by two great oceans. Massive natural resources e.g. coal, oil, water, wood etc. Huge agricultural base in the Mid West Massive industrialization in northern cities Predominately agricultural in the south and east Massive potential for rapid growth and development at the start of the 20 th century

Society Massive urban growth from 1870 onwards The city becomes the controlling influence in US life Northern cities like NYC and Chicago served as huge magnets for migration within the US and from abroad By 1920 the majority of Americans lived in the great northern cities

Population and Immigration In the half century after the American Civil War, immigration to the US exceeded 26 million. Five times greater than the previous 50 years Up to 1880 the majority of settlers were WASP from northern and western Europe By % of immigrants originated in southern and eastern Europe and were Jewish and Catholic in religion Also sizeable movement of Japanese and Chinese from Asia.

The American Dream Immigrants came because of the prospect of wealth and employment. Many also came to escape religious and political persecution Believed that hard work would be rewarded a the land of opportunity. In reality many faced racism and violence Nationalities became ghettoized in big cities e.g. Little Italy in NYC Many “original” settlers (WASPS) saw them as a threat to American culture and their way of life.

The American Way – “Rugged Individualism” American society was built on the belief in the power of the individual to overcome A frontier or pioneer mentality was and is part of the American psyche – a form of “rugged individualism”

America was built on the belief that everyone has the opportunity to pursue the American dream. To achieve wealth and status from their own hard work. Also a right to live freely and independently Big government and a controlled economy not part of this tradition. Government there to help individuals gain from society. Government’s aim should not be to restrict, protect and interfere. Fewer laws the better If Americans cannot stand on their own then so be it. Anyone with an ability for hard work will succeed and prosper.

The Political System A union of States split into Federal government and State governments. The US is a Republic not a Monarchy. All public officials are elected by universal suffrage At the start there were 13 states there are now 50. Each state has its own laws There are three branches of Federal government – The Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary Legislature Congress Judiciary Supreme Court Executive The President

The President – Is head of the Executive. He appoints a cabinet to help govern. He or she is elected every 4 years. Usually drawn from the two major parties i.e. Republican and Democrat. The President cannot make laws himself. Charged with carrying out the laws made by Congress. Yet can ask Congress to draft laws that he favors. Congress is the US legislature. Divided into two houses – the House of Representatives and the Senate. Raise revenue, impeach public officials, ratify presidential appointments, raise revenue and frame laws. Both houses must agree on a law before its passed. The Supreme Court is at the head of the Judiciary. It comprises 9 senior judges appointed by the president. Its job is to ensure that laws are legal and follow the principles of the US constitution. The constitution of the US set up a series of checks and balances to ensure that no one branch of government could become too powerful.

Conclusion By the 20 th century the USA was changing dramatically e.g. modernizing, expanding, urbanizing, becoming richer and ethnically diverse. This growth and prosperity would last until the Wall st Crash of 1929