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‘STATE OF THE NATION' – a summary of addresses during significant times in American history

American Civil War

 The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a defining moment in history between the Southern Slave States (Confederates) and the Northern Free States (Union) with the Confederates wanting to keep slavery and the Union wanting to abolish it. We all know the outcome on that one. The State of the Union speeches during this time are a fascinating read. Here is my summary. For a more detailed look at this time in American history, this video is a great buy --> The Civil War - A Film by Ken Burns               

Obviously, the war was a huge part of Abraham Lincoln's speeches during this time but there was also a lot going on aside from the war. During this time, there was a healthy harvest each year, finances were very healthy which is surprising considering the cost of war. The Department of Agriculture was created and relations with China and Europe were good but sometimes strained with Japan (a sign of things to come maybe?). The plan for a pacific railroad was brought to the table and work commenced, again, surprising considering the amount of men caught up in the war. Similarly, the pacific and atlantic telegraph lines were planned and established.

What boosted the finances during this time was the discovery of gold and silver mines along the pacific railway and the issuing of notes in order to pay the armed forces. It still wasn't enough though as the public debt stood at $1billion!!!

However, the plight of the Indians was still a problem and an attack by the Sioux resulted in 800 deaths. Likewise, there were problems on the Canadian border. It seems Mr. Lincoln really had his hands full during these years but handled it very well considering. But within days of the war ending with his Union the victors, he was assassinated.

World War I

The next critical time in history was the First World War and the change in the subject and tone of  the addresses during this time is fascinating. In 1914 war broke out in Europe and America declared its neutrality saying they would aid if necessary but not get involved. This address mentioned how the war in Europe was hampering trade but the finances were still healthy. A sign of things to come was the request to increase the quantity of merchant and navy ships and to prepare for war. But Americans were also told ‘We are at peace with the World'. Again, what didn't seem to add up was the request for everyone to volunteer for military training if America was not, nor intended to be, joining the war.

This remained the clear message in 1915, with the address stating that America was remaining steadfast in her neutrality. However, once again the army was increased, and citizens were asked to enlist in the army and navy. It was clear there was a concern of attack as the President stated that the army and navy were not big enough to protect the country. As a means of funding all of this, taxes were introduced / raised on petrol, cars and cheques. The pacific railroad, mentioned above, was causing a problem for the government due to work hours, conditions etc.

By 1916 the main focus of the address was the railroad issue. A legal 8 hour work day was decided with minimum wage for railroad employees. Very little was mentioned about the war in Europe other than it would be a government right to acquire railroad material and staff for military use if necessary.

1917 and all hell breaks loose, America is now at war with the Germans but not with her allies. This was to come at a later date. Most of the address focused on this war and by the 1918 address, the war was over with the address stating that it was thanks to the USA.

The railroads were still causing problems and taxes were to be increased. Most interestingly, it was decided that lands in the west would be claimed. So far the Pacific railroad has been in nearly every address I have read so I am off to get this and find out what was really going on, I bet it is a fascinating story --> Sunset Limited: The Southern Pacific Railroad and the Development of the American West, 1850-1930

World War II

During the years leading up to World War II, America were still recovering from the Depression and its affects on the economy. The address in 1939 could not have got it more wrong when they said that World War has been averted! The address went into great detail on how religion and democracy must be defended at all times. Although the people were assured that America was not at war, and had no intention of being at war, there was a call to increase the defences so as to be prepared for ‘quick attacks'. An ominous message considering what lay ahead, and bizarrely accurate. The country was still in debt but the credit system had improved so as to make it easier to get loans. The labour movement was created and taxes were increased. As in the 1914-1918 addresses, the railroad was still causing problems!!!

1940 seemed to mirror the address of 1915 with a reassurance again that America would maintain her friendship with other countries and will not be entering the war or making any foreign alliances. As seen before, the army and navy budgets were increased so as to grow their size and strength if only to maintain peace and protect democracy.  Unemployment was at its highest and the Trade Agreement Act was brought into being.

1941 saw a complete turnaround in opinion with the security of the USA in serious threat. The War in Europe was an ‘assault on democracy' and the future of the USA was in serious danger. More funds were needed to build more ships and planes and munitions were to be made for other nations at war. Not only that, but these  munitions would be given to these nations with repayments for same to be organised at a later date and the repayments could be in goods not money. Again, an increase in taxes was called for to fund all of this. An interesting part of the speech was the call to ‘shame' people who don't agree and if that didn't work, arrest them! 1942 saw a world at war and this was the subject of the whole address. It was the same in 1943 with a mention of the army population being increased from 2million to 7million.

In 1944 we saw a return to the more traditional State of the Union address. This year it was printed as the current President had flu! Again, security was a large part of the address but there was also a call for a change in the Tax Laws, War Contracts Law, National Service Laws and the Food Laws

Vietnam War

As this war continued for 20 years a summary of the addresses during this time would be a book not a blog so I am just going to look at the years 1970-1972. For a more in depth look at the Vietnam War read this excellent book The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War

As I am sure most of you know, Richard Nixon was the President during this time and in 1970 the Vietnam War was still at a stalemate. He did, however, state the end of the War was the goal for that year. Interestingly, his address also stated that it was not the responsibility of the USA to defend or aid other countries (a big turnaround from the addresses during the WWI and WWII years) and he insisted that other nations play a role. He mentioned the desire to develop relations with Russia, China and Poland and the huge growth in the economy although crime, inflation and social unrest were at an all time high and during the 60's the Government had spent more than it had earned so budget cuts were inevitable. However, Nixon also wanted a complete reform of the welfare system, to make amends for eco pollution with a costly pollution control programme and was going to win the war against crime.

The 1971 address saw no mention of Vietnam and all the acts that had been called for in 1970 were still waiting to be completed. Government departments were to be reduced and again welfare, unemployment, the environment and health care were all mentioned. It was planned to renew local governments to share policy between Federal and State.

The only mention of Vietnam in 1972 was that the USA involvement was coming to an end. The address this year had a completely different flow and feel to it, no doubt as it was an election year. Crime and civil disorders had been reduced during the previous 12 months. Strangely, there was a request to increase the defence budget in order to help other nations with arms. Unemployment was still an issue so a Job Creation Programme was to be implemented and at this time USA workers were the highest paid in the world. There was to be a change to the local property tax regulations and as in the previous 2 years, the welfare system reform and eco system reform were still not implemented.

So there you have it, my little summary of what Mr. President was saying over the years. I hope you enjoyed reading it, I thoroughly enjoyed the research.

About the Author

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