Was America Ever Really Great?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Was America Ever Really Great?

When was it great to begin with?

329
Was America Ever Really Great?
Confused Grandma via Twitter

Trump supporters are rallying behind Donald Trump in hopes that he will "Make America Great Again." The question is: when has America been great for everyone? What era of the United States has every single person been afforded the same rights? Same sex marriage was just legalized last year.

Here are different incidents in America’s history when it was “great."

1. Slavery 1776-1865

Since the nation began, America allowed slavery until 1865. It became prosperous off the enslavement of an entire race. America did not view African Americans as people but rather as property. In the Supreme Court decision Dred Scott v. Sanford in 1857, it was declared African Americans were not viewed as citizens and could not sue in the court of law.

2. Indian Removal Act 1830

The American government under Andrew Jackson authorized the removal of Native Americans from their lands. This resulted in The Trail of Tears. In 1838 and 1839, the Cherokee were forced to march from their territory east of the Mississippi River to a designated area in the Oklahoma area. Over 4,000 Cherokee died.

3. Jim Crow Laws 1877-1965

Jim Crow laws made racial segregation legal in the South. Whites thought of themselves as the superior race. Blacks and Whites were not allowed to drink from the same water fountain or use the same restrooms. White drivers had the right-of-way in all intersections. There were different schools for each race. These laws were put in place to try to keep African Americans in a subservient position.

4. Red Scare 1919-1920

After World War I, an irrational fear of immigrants swept over the nation. Many Americans believed immigrants wanted to overthrow the government because of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. The labor strikes in 1919 contributed to these fears. In 1921 two Italian immigrants, Sacco and Vanzetti, were executed for armed robbery and murder. They were not properly identified by eyewitnesses. There was no evidence connecting them to the money. In 1925, Celestino Madeiros confessed to participating in the crime with a gang. However, Sacco and Vanzetti were still executed in 1927.

5. Japanese Internment Camps

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. After that, any person of Japanese descent in America was under suspicion. Their assets were frozen by the government and their homes were raided for anything connecting them to Japan as contraband. President Roosevelt issued an executive order to relocate anyone of Japanese descent to internment camps. The majority of the people relocated to concentration camps were born in the United States.

There are many more instances I can provide, like voting rights, but I feel as if my point has been made. What era is this greatness that everyone is speaking of?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

96532
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments