The transformative nature of industrialization brought important changes to the American experience. Both theAmerican Yawpand the primary source readings (Johnson) indicate that contemporaries offered suggestions for how to reform society (Lloyd and George), while others advocated for essentially the status quo (Sumner and Carnegie). Each of the authors present a distinct view of political economy, properly defined as those interrelationships between individuals, government, and public policy. In short, the relationship between the political and the economic. It is traditionally understood that America has always committed itself to a capitalist political economy. That is, we cherish individual property rights, equality of opportunity, minimal government intervention in the economy, and aim to construct a society where individuals are allowed to maximize economic opportunities and personal wealth.
For this essay, students will identify and discuss the political economy gleamed fromtwoof the primary source readings taken from JohnsonsReading the American Past. Political economy is defined here loosely as a vision for the economy, an ideological disposition or understanding of the economy, an economic program, suggestions for reform, the role of individuals and government, capital and labor, and property, in the economy, or suggestions for public and private economic policy, etc. Essentially, the essay needs to capture and relay the main message oftwoof the sources found in the Johnson selections.
For instance, Sumner is generally interpreted as one of Americas principal advocates of laissez-faire and, sometimes, Social Darwinism. If you choose to write about Sumner, explain this version of political economy as Sumner describes it. Or, Gompers was an American socialist leader. Explain his understanding of how the economy should function. Students need to illustrate a sharp command and clear understanding of the main ideas of the two readings they have selected. Its a good idea to pull deftly selected passages (quotations) from the text, but do so judiciously.
These are the selections from the JohnsonReading the American Pastthat student will choose from. Pick two:
Johnson, Document 18.1,William Graham Sumner on Social Obligations.
Johnson, Document 18.2,Henry Lloyd Attacks Monopolies.
Johnson, Document 18.4,Andrew Carnegie Explains the Gospel of Wealth.
Johnson, Document 18.5,Henry George Explains Why Poverty is a Crime.
Johnson, Document 19.1,A Textile Worker Explains the Labor Market.
Johnson, Document 19.4,Walter Wyckoff Listens to Revolutionary Workers.
Johnson, Document 20.4,Conflicting Views about Labor Unions (Thompson
And Gompers).
Writing Standards
The essay will be 3 pages long. An introduction, a little more than a page on each reading, and a conclusion.
Standard margins.
12 point times new roman font.
In-text parenthetical citations. For example: (Johnson, 25).
The essay needs to reference/cite at least 2 sources from the list of required readings. The 2 sources that will form the basis of your discussion. If the essay does not reference at least 2 sources, the grade will be penalized.
All essays need to be submitted to turn-it-in, through canvas. I will not grade the essay if its not submitted to turn-it-in.
Proofread the essay. If I cant understand the writing, the grade will be penalized.
The rubric is posted on the course portal.
Every essay needs a formal works cited page. Remember to cite each individual source. MLA format for the works cited page.
There is no need to consult outside sources. All of the information needed to complete this essay are found in the module. Students must reference the Johnson text.
Every essay needs a formal introduction that properly introduces the topic.
Every essay needs a formal conclusion.
