Discuss three ways that the policies and the United States Imperialism (e.g., Monroe Doctrine, American Indian policies, slave codes, territorial annexations) have impacted American society and economics today
LO 03.01 – Discuss three ways that 18th-century class/societal stereotypes evolved into current management and leadership practices
LO 03.02 – Discuss the rise of the American labor movement and identify three roles of state and federal governments in labor conflicts
LO 05.01 – Explain the concept of political freedom and discuss five ways that it impacts American personal and professional life today
LO 06.03 – Compare the concepts of equity and equality and identify five ways each impacts American workplace culture today
Career Relevancy
United States Imperialism brought many changes to economics and society by using power and influence on other countries. It has brought about negative results such as dependence on foreign aid but has also brought about positive changes we can see today like the world becoming more consistent with the spread of languages and legal systems which helps with economic trade between countries. On the other hand, though, we have lost cultures and languages because of Imperialism. The labor relations struggle is pertinent to your career in that you will have to negotiate labor related issues for yourself and your co-workers. These issues may include pay, benefits, and advancement. Because of early labor movements in America’s history, there is the possibility to even negotiate in the first place. Your professional life is still affected by events dating back to the 18th century when there were many stereotypes. These stereotypes had to be overcome to help evolve our country to be more inclusive and progressive. Not only did the country move toward more equality but also toward more political freedom. In our personal and professional lives we are presented with endless possibilities. We can truly work hard towards a management position, a bigger plot of land, or a bonus or pay raise. Because our country has worked to overcome discrimination through labor laws, civil rights laws, and political freedoms, citizens of all nationalities, colors, sex, and age can benefit and find a fit in today’s workplace culture.
Background
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American Imperialism refers to the influence of the United States on the economy, culture, and military of other countries. The Monroe Doctrine, policies regarding Native Americans and slave codes were thought to be put into place as protections against acts of aggression and rebellion against the United States by entities both home and abroad. Today’s society remains impacted by these historical acts in that legal systems became more unified over the years, as did educational opportunities. Additionally, territories annexed many years ago are still associated with the United States as the United States still provides financial aid and military defense to many of these annexations. American economics remain affected as evidenced by import/export treaties in place and the place of power held by America in the financial arena. America is fueled by innovation, which has led to the development of products and services, not only at home but worldwide.
Societal stereotypes abounded in 18th century America, especially regarding race and class. Indian of the Midwest (n.d.) reports, “The most prevalent negative images of Midwest Indians in the 18th and 19th centuries showed them killing and/or capturing White people, especially women.” In addition, racial stereotypes existed regarding Irish immigrants, in that they were seen as only fit for physical labor or working class, and African Americans were unfairly seen as slaves, and mentally inferior to whites. These stereotypes and class distinctions have been overcome, for the most part, due to education and acknowledgment of basic human rights afforded every human being. Civil rights laws have made it possible for people of all nationalities to be equal as far as work position, pay, and managerial possibilities. These laws have also made it possible for women and men to work side by side with equal classifications and job titles. There is still much work to do on total equality for pay and position but because of the evolvement of class or societal stereotypes to what we have today the future looks promising for all those who have dealt with discrimination in the past. Current management and leadership practices reflect this progress by implementing laws and rules regarding discriminatory practices in the workplace and working toward equality for all employees.
The American Labor movement “…grew out of the need to protect the common interest of workers.” (Labor Movement, n.d.) This protection included fighting for better wages, safe working conditions, and better hours. The American government needed to step in to help. One way the government played a role in the American labor movement according to the United States Department of Labor (n.d.):
- The Office of Labor-Management Standards was created to administer and enforce most provisions of the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, which “…directly affects millions of people throughout the United States.” This act directly affects unions, to include fair reporting of financial status, elections, and protecting union funds.
Another role government played in the American labor movement was:
- Governmental involvement in labor disputes is generally held to that of an umpire or referee, overseeing dispute negotiations and protecting the public interest. A more active role may be taken in the event of strikes, especially if violence erupts.
Yet, another role the government played during the Great Depression in concerning unions and the labor movement was:
- Government encouraged labor unions and forced employers to recognize and negotiate with labor unions.
Political freedom is defined as freedom from oppression, the absence of disabling conditions or the absence of compulsion, especially economic compulsion, in a society. Political freedom in today’s climate includes participating in an election, either by voting or being a candidate; the right to a fair trial; and being free from tyranny (i.e., part of a democracy). Political freedom in personal life may include freedom from restraints on social interaction or enforced social conformity.
While the concepts of equality and equity are occasionally thought to be the same thing, differences exist. Equality is basically treating everyone the same way, while equity is providing each individual with the means to be successful. There are numerous areas of the workplace in which each of these can be involved with some of those areas being gender equality/equity, age equality/equity, race equality/equity, pay equality/equity, and religious equality/equity. In each of these areas, care must be taken to act in a nondiscriminatory manner, i.e., treating each member of your team equally fair, while making sure each employee or co-worker is provided with the tools they need to perform their task successfully.
References
Indians of the Midwest. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://publications.newberry.org/indiansofthemidwest/indian-imagery/stereotypes/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Labor Movement. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/labor (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Labor Relations. (n.d.). United States Department of Labor. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/labor-relations
Prompt
create a timeline to help you understand the context of events and movements you studied this week, and how these events relate to your current career. You will put these ideas together for presentation in a PowerPoint and explore how they influenced each other and your career.
choose three ways that the policies of the United States Imperialism (e.g., Monroe Doctrine, American Indian policies, slave codes, territorial annexations) have impacted American society and economics today. Put them in order of when they occurred in American History and create a PowerPoint presentation that pulls them all together.
Choose three ways that the policies of the United States Imperialism have impacted American society and economics today.
Describe each policy and explain how you believe the policy has impacted American society and economics today.
Sample Solution
