A. When considering the roots and early foundation/settlement of America, obviously the colonial period plays a crucial role in the development of the present-day United States. Write an essay in which you consider and analyze the economic and political relationship between colonies and England from 1756-1781. How did the relationship develop over time? How did fundamental economic doctrines like the Mercantilist doctrine play a key role? Then, describe and discuss the new “economic and political identity that occurred post-revolution as the country developed. Deal with the economic and political conflicts that demonstrated the changing nature of how the new country came to operate from 1781-1800. Consider and describe new economic features and political institutions that would demonstrate the new country and focus as well on economic and political debates that would frame philosophic differences within the United States in this period of its early development. Do these fundamental areas of economic disagreement still exist today? Defend or refute with evidence.
B. The economic excesses of the 1920’s, according to many economic historians, were really a reaction to the regulatory economic climate of the Progressive era. Write an essay in which you first address the period of economic “Progressive regulation” under the three Progressive Presidents between 1901-1920. Analyze the central and pivotal economic situations that were indicative of this new economic philosophy and how it would and did change America during the period. Be sure to consider specific laws, statutes, and Executive branch use of power that demonstrated this new economic way of thinking during the period. As a contrast and reaction, trace the economic and cultural excesses of the 1920’s that helped contribute to the economic “crash” of 1929. Why was Hoover not able to deal with it appropriately? Describe the specific agencies and programs that were part of Roosevelt’s “New Deal” that were created to help America recover from this economic calamity. Could the New Deal be used today? Defend or refute that element with evidence to support your position.