Progression and the Modern Era

What marks the real end of the Modern era? Some historians argue that the Modern era ended just a few short years ago. Modern is defined as of or relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past.  Taking a look at history as a whole, one can assert that to be modern, means to progress. In recent history, our society has progressed into a more racially and gender accepted one.  We can see examples of this in having elected the first black president into office, to women entering and succeeding in the work force, and men staying home to care for children.

President Obama was elected into office in 2008. This was the first time in history that a black man was elected into presidency. Looking back, the black man was historically oppressed. Throughout each generations progression came small strives of opportunity for black men and women beginning with freedom from slavery, to ability to own property, to attend “white” school, to being able to vote. While some progression did occur, it occurred with its limitations. Today, we live in a society where one is judged first on their character, education, and participation in the community.

Secondly, according to dol.gov, women account for 51% of the work force today.  In 1940 only 20% of women over the age of 16 were in the work force. Fathers are choosing to stay at home to care for young children and take on the formerly thought of as “mother role”.  Is this progress or regression? I think the answer would depend on whom you ask. Some may consider it a man’s duty to provide for his family and the fact that the woman has to or choses to enter the work force may reflect poorly on the man’s ability to take care of family. Others would argue this shift in roles is progress and that it is because of this progress that historians believe the end of the modern era took place just a few short years ago.

Setting the Tone with Slavery

Reflection: Examining the Very Beginning

            The European Empire was built on the need to survive and grow an economy. It was early settler’s need to survive that led to the development of the Americas.  Some historians believe it was not the need to survive but greed that led to the Native American slaughter and the creation of slave trade. 

Europeans had the advantage over other civilization competitors in being able to sail across the Atlantic to “discover” the Americas. It was the idea of “getting rich” that ultimately motivated Europeans to migrate because they were not positioned very competitively in the world economy. The European economy relied heavily on crops and livestock and space was needed in order to thrive. After the Europeans settled in the Americas, a growing merchantile class rose and capitalism began to flourish. Settlers were quickly realizing that anyone that was willing to work hard and obtain and grow their land could become wealthy.

Strayer mentions that a Spanish conquistador said, “We came here to serve God and the Kng, and also to get rich.” The Europeans were looking for free land to grow and they knew they needed to conquer any existing societies in order to be able to have full control over the land.  Between bloody battles and widespread diseas and germs, Native Americans were almost completely wiped out. In a 50-year time frame, almost 90 percent of the Native American population was wiped out, says Strayer. It was not until the 17^th century that their population began to grow once more.  While the Europeans may not have purposefully spread disease and germs which lead to the obliteration of the Native American population, it did serve their purpose well. Some Native American tribes were wiped out by disease before the Europeans even reached them.

Slaves were eventually introduced to the Americas when Europeans realized they needed help with their new land.  The slavery of Native Americans and Africans began to develop and for over one hundred years will carry over well into the development of what we know our nation to be today- The United States of America.  Slavery could be considered the backbone to what our country is founded on. The use and abuse of other human beings used to facilitate making as much money as possible is a current issue as well as a long-standing historical issue.

Agricultural Epidemic- What's Next?

From the Ice Age came a new society where Agriculture influenced family structure, social order, politics, education, and trade.  The sudden growth of agriculture created a new world with new world problems. Much like today’s technological advances, society often has a difficult time transitioning with new innovations. If the development of agriculture influenced our society today in such a way where division of labor class has emerged, how can we reverse such affects this transition has on society? Thinking about today’s society and social order leaves me very curious about if we continue on this path of development our society will eventually divide itself in such a way where the non labor force will perish.