America completely transformed from what it was at the time of Reconstruction. It saw
transformations socially, economically, and politically. America was founded on principles of
equal rights and equal opportunities for all, independent of social ranking. Despite this, the 20th
century was spent rediscovering America's social equilibrium at home regarding the civil rights
of its people while also striving to spread equality to the world through democracy. There was
very much a balancing act between spreading democracy and defining democratic equality at
the same time. It was a major goal for the U.S. to stop the spread of communism and spread
democracy to the people of the world, ensuring that they get equal opportunities and maintain
stable and peaceful sociopolitical infrastructures. This battle between Equality and Inequality in
the nation and globally both represent the most dominant theme in American history since the
Reconstruction era.
The Jim Crow Laws reflected the U.S. not being willing to grant minorities acceptance
into the supposed melting pot society that had always been advertised. The Jim Crow Laws were
laws that enforced racial segregation within society. Minorities were promised legal equality
through the constitution, but the country found a way to limit their rights socially. This caused a
grandiose divide in society between ethnic groups. The Government claimed they were separate
but equal despite these ethnic groups knowing otherwise. This supports the idea that despite
the U.S. campaigning the globe singing the praises of democracy, there were still issues of
Equality and Inequality at the forefront of society back at home.
The Civil Rights movement represents the boiling point of minority ethnic groups in
America. These groups felt that they were treated as less than whites and started campaigning
for the removal of the Jim Crow Laws and for proper social and legal equality for these ethnic
groups. These movements were monumental in tearing down the racist infrastructure that had
been built to limit the foothold these groups have in our society. This, too represents the
imbalance of equality and inequality in America.
Along with the diminished rights of minority groups, women's rights in America were
too lacking. Men were preferentially chosen over women for job positions. Women were
segregated into cleric/service sectors. It took the country decades to recognize women as social
equals. The value of women in the workforce was not fully appreciated or understood. This
shows how women to had to fight for equality here at home.
It Is hard to sell a product with confidence knowing that it fails to provide what it promises;
knowing that it has faulty parts that are guaranteed to break apart eventually. The United States
was selling democracy to the world despite it being a faulty product. The people at home were
not satisfied with their rights. The U.S. felt that democracy offered a system superior to
Communism that allowed citizens more equality and opportunity. This was not how people at
home felt. The issue of equality globally and domestically in America was the most dominant
theme in American history since the Reconstruction Era.