Democracy for the Working Man

The industrial period following the civil war was more than a technological revolution for industries, but a working class revolution that would lead to being proactive within democracy, improving their quality of life. This revolution was brought on by oppressive industries that had gone unregulated after they had reached the goals given to them by the U.S. government. However prior to creating an atmosphere of oppression they had done a great deal to help develop and shape the nation, and should not be viewed as entirely evil. In response to this the working class would react to this creating a turning point in history that would open the door for their involvement in democracy.

I can understand the response of the working class toward the large corporations that have grown powerful and unsympathetic to those that worked in oppressive conditions to make them succeed. I do not think that they were unjustified in wanting better wages and shorter work days, or even feeling resentful toward the United States government for not implementing policies to help protect their right to advance their socio-economic status from being stifled by the companies that they worked for. Democracy was not working in the favor of the masses but rather for the elite few that were already far better off than most would even hope for. I think that another side of the issue should be looked at before these companies that helped forge a nation are condemned entirely.

These powerful companies that have become large and powerful, such as the railroad industries, mining companies, and textile factories to name a few, helped to shape the United States through several government assistance. They were encouraged to aim their efforts at settling the west either directly through the laying of hundreds of miles of track for trains, or mining for coal, the chief source of fuel for almost all forms of daily activities. In addition to this, the U.S. government had hoped to become a larger part on international trade with other countries. To do this the American government needed to provide an open market so that these companies could grow uninhibited and not be delayed by regulations and restrictive policies. I think that almost anyone can agree that it is this freedom that is allowed to these companies that made a shift in the economy forcing workers to move to the cities and provide the necessary workforce to support the rapidly growing industries. While there was some dissatisfaction with the change by some, I think that as a whole quality of life had improved over that of the tradition of farming that produced a meager living at best. Unfortunately before the consequence of this freedom was realized, these industries were growing out of control forming monopolies which had not been outlawed yet. Until this point in history, there was no need to regulate business as it was doing as hoped, speeding up the process of settling the west and developing our nation. For these reasons, the growth of industries had been seen as doing more good than they were doing to harm the country. I think that because of the benefits created by industries, they should not be viewed as entirely evil or condemned as being a modern version of the slave boss. It is a fair assumption to say that without these companies, the country would have developed in a significantly different way and not be the super power that it has become. However not all of the actions by these industries can be defended by looking at the positive role they played in the development and shaping of the nation.

I consider the up rise of the working class in response to horrid working conditions and low hourly wages to mark their start in being an active member of the democratic system that they so cherished. I think that they realized that oppression from their employers would be a problem long before the government would begin to regulate business. Despite the benefits enjoyed by many, the realization that change was badly needed became a central issue too late to make fast reforms within industries and powerful