American History Term Paper

American’s Turbulent Relationship With The Government:

Shifting Beliefs Throughout United States History

American History

April 28, 2011

Over the course of the United States history American’s have had a “love-hate” relationship with the government. During times of hardship American citizens desire a powerful, active government and at other times they believed the role of the government should be minimal in the lives of American citizens.

After the Civil War ended in 1865 the United States entered a Reconstruction Era as the nation began to reunite. Since the war was over and the slaves were free, the American people were wondering what was going to happen to the war torn south and the newly freed slaves. Although the blacks were now free, conditions for them were difficult and unfair. Toby Jones said, “I don’t know as I ‘spected nothing from freedom, but they turned us out like a bunch of stray dogs, no homes, no clothing, no nothing, not ‘nough food to last us one meal.” Although the freedmen were happy to no longer be slaves, they felt abandoned by the government and believed it should play a more significant role in bettering their lives. In response to this the federal government created the Freedmen’s Bureau; which helped aid the former slaves with housing, education, and employment contracts, but it was not enough help and support for the struggling blacks. On the other hand, many southerners were still upset about losing the war and did not want the blacks to be free. They did not want and were unhappy with the new government interference because they believed slaves should have no rights. Reverend James Sinclair said, “In my opinion, there is generally among the white people not much love for the government.” In retaliation the southerners created the Klu Klux Klan to intimidate blacks and regain power. In general, the majority of people were dissatisfied with the overall role the government was playing in everyone’s lives. Even though the...