Economic Forces and their Effect on Civic Participation Throughout United States History

Abstract

 Throughout U.S. history, Economic events and legislation have led to civic activism in the form of protesting and political disruption and have had long term social effects that are seen in the present. 

       The economic history of the United States has been one of unprecedented success and unparalleled growth. At the founding of our country, Alexander Hamilton envisioned a financial structure that would prioritize the well-being of the populace and ensure the stability of the United States economy. However, he could have never envisioned the effect that economic events and fiscal legislation would have on the common people in terms of civic activism. The economy is so interwoven into the fabric of society that any change in it has the potential to create a social revolution, and it has. The nature of economics and its pervasiveness throughout society makes it a potent catalyzer for change. 

      In this paper, two major events were explored. First, the causes of The Panic of 1873, the United States' transition to the Gold Standard, and their implications.  Additionally, The social effect which manifested itself through the Free Silver Movement and William Jennings Bryan is dissected. Second, the 2008 Financial Crisis is explained, including the systematic failures that allowed it to occur, and the creation of the Occupy Wall Street Movement.

     Lastly, an intriguing take on 21st-century civic activism is explored, with Social media and digital presence illustrated as champions for modern social cum political change