According to the textbook Out of Many, the United States hasn’t always been the epitome of booming economic success. There was a time when we were an undeveloped country. There were other countries that were far more powerful than us. The year was 1800 and those commanding nations were Britain and France. In 1800, the United States was mostly farm land used for agriculture. Ninety-four percent of Americans lived in very small communities and four out of five families farmed the land. (pg. 242)
At this point in time, the main objective of farming was to provide for their own families. The idea of selling was not even an option at this time. Britain and France both had no great need for American raw materials and heavily taxed American ships. It seemed that the United States might never be an integral part of trading with these commanding countries.
The economic boom, as it’s called, began around the time of the French Revolution. Because these two countries were at war they depended on the United States to do their exporting for them, this was known as reexports. America got the advantage because they were neutral in the warfare. “Reexports amounted to half of the profits in the booming shipping trade.” (pg. 243) America also profited from a long string of European wars which allowed them to be a vital part of the China trade.
This period, called the National Period, was a very important time in our history. The United States was once a country dominated by others. These events in international trading were the foundations of what would become of our great nation.
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3 comments:
You bring up some very interest points in your discussion. The extreme isolationism that America was known for seems to be non existent when their are profits to be made. Much profit was made by playing both sides in the middle between France and England. This should serve as an important reminder that events abroad have a profound impact on domestic affairs, yet going into the future America still favored isolation. The isolation that America preferred led to heavy involvement in several wars as our nation slowly realized that it depends on the survival of other nations.
- Vincent Saracino
After reading your blogs I feel that you did a good job at telling your point of view. I feel that you have a lot of good opinions and you seem to really enjoy this class. I agree with most of your responses and they are similar to my views such as, “At this point in time, the main objective of farming was to provide for their own families. The idea of selling was not even an option at this time” (Monica). Here you make a point that at that time there were not many options and money was low. Farmers could hardly provide for their families so selling the produce would be very hard if they could not provide for themselves. So far from reading the blogs you have posted I feel you have a decent understanding on our history and that you seem to enjoy it.
Written by Daniela Ruiz-Urrutia
Critique of the History120 Blog
Due to the way the text was cited it seems to me that the writing in these pieces was taken right out of textbook. But depending on whether that is true or not it is an ok blog. I think it’s good that the author added some personal touches in the work. The blog only needs some minor work in my opinion such as improved citation. But despite the downfalls I would have to say that the pieces are quite good. Well good luck with your family and becoming a teacher.
Critiqued by: Richard Allen
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