Free essay on us history- reform and idealism to conservatism

Introduction

A refection on the American History depicts a number of milestones that are worth emulating. Of immense significance is the mid-19th century when various issues aligned with idealism were realized. Precisely, this period was characterised by an immense rise in civil rights movements, which advocated for the plight of the segregated populations. In fact, this period marked an immense rise in idealism, which was of immense benefit to the American populations at large. This can accredited to the fact that idealism marked the end of all forms of segregation levied against the minority populations such as women and African Americans (Dunn 24). As a result of idealism, the minority populations were able to attain significant progress in their lives whereby most of these populations rose to become middle class individuals. However, this did not last long since form the year 1970 to 1980, America turned towards conservatism. Notably, there are various reasons that precipitated the shift of Americans from idealism to conservatism.

Reasons from the shift from idealism to conservatism

As previously connotes herein, there are various reasons that precipitated the shift of America from idealism to conservatism in the year 1970 to 1980. More importantly, the assassination of prominent leaders who advocated for idealism precipitate the shift to conservatism. Precisely, by the close of the year 1967, prominent leader; Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Worth noting is the fact that was an eloquent leader who did all that was within his limits to ensure that the concept of idealism became a real virtue in America (Fleming 50). In fact, he advocated for the channelling of minority populations such as African American into the typical white society. Evidently, this was the main thematic idea behind idealism. His death remains to be such an unfortunate incident that precipitated the end of idealism.
Similarly, the assassination of Senator Robert Kennedy; a prominent leader who advocated for the plight of the disadvantaged that occurred after Luther’s murder contributed to the decline of idealism. Certainly, the mysterious murder of these leader offered a comprehensive platform, which enhance the re-emergence of conservatism ideas that were on the brink of shrinking. As such, these death are the primary factors that prompted the end of idealism and ushered in a new era of conservatism. Another crucial factor that precipitate the shift of America from idealism to conservatism is the fact that conservatism was perhaps inevitable (Dunn 64). Worth noting is the fact that other European nations such as Britain, and Germany were conservative and had experienced immense progressive growth in terms of militancy issues. This prompted the notions that of conservatism would allow for militancy progress of America. This occurs as one of the contributory factors that prompted the shift of America from idealism to conservatism. In addition, this confirms that indeed the conservative backlash was inevitable.

Effects of conservatism on liberty in pursuit of happiness in America

While one of the major hypothesized pillars of conservatism liberty it is crucial to note that this political ideology has a negative effect on liberty and pursuit of happiness in America. Notably, there are various reasons that justify this notion. Above all, conservatism has a derogatory effect in the socio-economic stability of various Americans. Precisely, conservatism is based in the ideology aligned with the need to “ maintain the status quo.” Many at times, conservatism ideologies seek to keep things the way they were in the past. For this reason. Conservatism is founded on an ideology that does not offer a comprehensive platform that could enhance the socio economic progress of Americans (Fleming 62). As a result, American cannot enjoy constitutional dispensation aligned with pursuit of liberty and happiness. Instead, Americans are forced to keep toiling hard in order to meet their daily needs. To be precise, the limited socio economic progress of America as a result of conservatism ideologies makes it challenging for Americans to have liberty in pursuit of happiness.
On another note, the shift of America from idealism to conservatism has a negative implication on the American society based on the fact that it precipitates segregation of the minority populations. This creates tensions between the minority Americans and white majorities, which polarizes the society; hence, making it challenging to attain various societal developments. In addition, segregation, which is promoted by conservatism increases the occurrence of economic inequalities, which only serves to precipitate aristocracy that does not serve for the best interests of the society (Dunn 30). From this analysis, conservatism impeaches on the liberty in pursuit of happiness in America because it is often is streamlined to offer limited freedoms that only serve for the best interest of the dominant societal members.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the swift change of America from idealism to conservations in the years 1970 to 1980 was precipitated by various issues. The mysterious assassinations of leaders who showed relentless support for idealism is perhaps the most comprehensive factor that precipitated this shift. The implications of these shift are certainly unwelcomes based on the immense issues it precipitates at the societal level (Fleming 24). Overall, the history if America is marked by various events, which have shaped what America is at the moment.

Work Cited

Dunn, Charles W, and J D. Woodard. The Conservative Tradition in America. Lanham, Md. [u. a.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2003. Print.
Fleming, Bruce. Why Liberals and Conservatives Clash: A View from Annapolis. Boston: Routledge, 2006. Print.