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FIRST DESTINATION: NATIONAL FREEDOM - 1726 to 1820
"A
nation of people has a right to unite and govern itself freely."
The New Side Awakening - (1726 to 1743)
Definition
of an Awakening period - At the dawn of an Awakening period, an "idealist spark" challenges the institutionalized status quo.
At this time, the social "ground" is fertile enough for new ideas to emerge, grow and "awaken" society. At the climax of
an Awakening period (which can occur 10-15 years after the initial sparks), a new set of values and ideologies that conflict
with society's status quo values now begin to overcome those old values.
Idealist spark
Oct. 22, 1726 William
Tenent founds Log College in Pennsylvania.
Climax
June 1, 1741 Presbyterian church schism of Old Side and New
Side
The New Side Awakening: Religious disputes and first shared experiences -- Adherents of the New Side Awakening
focused on a revival of spiritual and ethical life in the colonial Presbyterian Church. They welcomed the teachings of itinerant
preachers who spoke the word of the common man. Their power did not come from an academic degree, from ordination by a clerical
body, or by their position in the social upper class. They felt that it came simply from the Spirit of God. The "Old Siders,"
on the other hand, felt that the Presbyterian Church's preachers needed first to thoroughly know intellectually how God's
universe operated, and that teaching should not come solely through an hysterical "feeling" of God in their hearts.
Rising
Self-Interest Period - (1744-1772)
Definition of a Rising Self-Interest period - During a period where the public's
self-interest is expanding, the first signs mark the end of the old civic order and the beginning of a new, uncertain and
undefined path for society. Surging throughout this period of Rising Self-Interest, an Unraveling Force speeds up the erosion
of central authority. Throughout this time period, institutions will be redefined and individualism will strengthen. (Unraveling
Forces in U.S. history have included Mercantilism, Manifest Destiny, the Immigration Wave, and the Information Superhighway.)
During
this period, the Unraveling Force of Mercantilism encouraged the desire for economic self-sufficiency.
First signs:
Mar.
15, 1744 -- France joins Spain against England in King George's War.
1744 -- Iroquois League grants Ohio Territory to
English colonies.
June 15, 1745 -- New England colonies capture Louisbourg fortress.
Nov. 28, 1745 -- NY colonists
persuade Iroquois to wage war against French.
Components of this Rising Self-Interest Period
Movement Component
- frontier expansion
Economic Component - cross-territory economic competition
Political Component - Mercantilist
policies (the Unraveling Force)
Foreign Component - Unrelenting conflicts with French, Spanish and Indians
Historic
Crisis Period - (1773-1787)
Definition of a Historic Crisis period - A period of Historic Crisis can be started by a
single historic "spark." During this period, a sense of local and national community is built, and a civic vision urgently
crystallizes.
Every Historic Crisis period builds toward a climax (which can occur 2 to 15 years after the initial crisis
spark). In the aftermath of this climax, a resolution is eventually achieved, and swift and sweeping societal change occurs.
War
of Independence -
Crisis spark
Dec. 16, 1773 -- Boston Tea Party
Climax
Oct. 19, 1781 -- British surrender
at Yorktown
Civic Strengthening Period - (1788-1820)
Definition of a Civic Strengthening period - After
the Historic Crisis has been resolved, society visualizes a future of planning, doing and building. Institutions are created
which are based on a new civic order and society enters a period of Civic Strengthening. This institutionalized status quo
will continue until the inevitable idealist spark and new social Awakening.
Initial Resolution:
June 21, 1788 --
National Constitution ratified
Major Strengthening initiatives during this period:
Political
Ratification of the U.S. Constitution
Establishment of Washington DC as the first planned capital city in the world
Establishment of the Library of Congress
Financial/Business
Establishment of the Bank of the United States
Declaration of neutrality in order to protect its overseas trade from continuing British-French conflicts
Transportation
Creation of the nation's turnpike and tollway Systems
Creation of a viable steamboat transportation industry
Territorial
Organization and settlement of the old Northwest Territory
Negotiating the Louisiana Purchase
SECOND
DESTINATION: INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM 1821 to 1885
"All people have a right to life and liberty."
The Moral Action
Awakening - (1821 to 1842)
Definition of an Awakening period - At the dawn of an Awakening period, an "idealist spark"
challenges the institutionalized status quo. At this time, the social "ground" is fertile enough for new ideas to emerge,
grow and "awaken" society. At the climax of an Awakening period (which can occur 10-15 years after the initial sparks), a
new set of values and ideologies that conflict with society's status quo values now begin to overcome those old values.
Idealist
spark
1821 -- Charles Finney undergoes religious conversion.
1821 -- Quaker Benjamin Lundy publishes first
abolitionist journal.
Climax
Aug. 21, 1831 -- Nate Turner's rebellion in Virginia
Jan. 1, 1832 --
The New England Anti-Slavery Society is founded.
The Moral Action Awakening: Belief in moral action and the rise of
abolitionism -- Participants in the Moral Action Awakening continued to believe in a passionate Spirit of God, but they also
preached a belief in the capacity of humans for moral action. They felt that sinners had a duty and an ability to repent
and desist from sin. This belief in self-determination further weakened the Calvinist doctrine of predestination. The Awakening
first commenced in the Presbyterian Church, then was embraced by the Methodist and Baptist Churches.
Rising Self-Interest
Period - (1843-1859)
Definition of a Rising Self-Interest period - During a period where the public's self-interest is
expanding, the first signs mark the end of the old civic order and the beginning of a new, uncertain and undefined path for
society. Surging throughout this period of Rising Self-Interest, an "Unraveling Force" speeds up the erosion of central authority.
Throughout this time period, institutions will be redefined and individualism will strengthen. (Unraveling Forces in U.S.
history have included Mercantilism, Manifest Destiny, the Immigration Wave, and the Information Superhighway.)
During
this period, the Unraveling Force of Manifest Destiny helped to push the population and fragment the culture.
First
signs
Feb. 3, 1843 -- U.S. Senate passes Lewis Linn's Oregon Bill.
May. 22, 1843 -- The first Great Migration
of 1,000 Easterners head west to the Oregon Territory.
Apr. 12, 1844 -- Pres. Tyler signs treaty to annex Texas.
Components
of this Rising Self-Interest Period
Movement Component - the great migration
Economic Component - news of gold rushes
Political
Component - Compromise of 1850 & Kansas-Nebraska Act
Foreign Component - Belief in Manifest Destiny - (the Unraveling
Force)
Historic Crisis Period - (1860-1868)
Definition of a Historic Crisis period - A period of Historic
Crisis can be started by a single historic "spark." During this period, a sense of local and national community is built,
and a civic vision urgently crystallizes.
Every Historic Crisis period builds toward a climax (which can occur 2 to 15
years after the initial crisis spark). In the aftermath of this climax, a resolution is eventually achieved, and swift and
sweeping societal change occurs.
U.S. Civil War -
Crisis spark
Oct. 16, 1859 -- John Brown leads attack
on Harper's Ferry arsenal.
May 1860 -- Southern Democrats walk out of Democratic National Convention.
Nov. 6, 1860
-- Abraham Lincoln wins presidential election.
Climax
July 1-3, 1863 -- Battle of Gettysburg.
July
4, 1863 -- Gen. Grant captures Vicksburg.
Civic Strengthening Period - (1869-1885)
Definition of a Civic
Strengthening period - After the Historic Crisis has been resolved, society visualizes a future of planning, doing and building.
Institutions are created which are based on a new civic order and society enters a period of Civic Strengthening. This institutionalized
status quo will continue until the inevitable idealist spark and new social Awakening.
Initial Resolution
May 16,
1868 -- Reconstruction policies move forward after near impeachment of Pres. Johnson.
Major Strengthening initiatives
during this period:
Industrial
- The growth of the railroad business as an industrial power across the North,
South and West
- The creation of the open-range cattle business and the interrelated nationwide meatpacking industry
- The industrial exploitation of the Western resources of lumber and minerals
- The organization of business trusts in
the steel, iron and oil industries
- The organization and consolidation of a national textile industry
THIRD
DESTINATION: EQUALITY OF NATIONS 1886 to 1961
"Nations of people own a sovereign voice equal to other nations."
The
"Social Gospel" Awakening - (1886 to 1911)
Definition of an Awakening period - At the dawn of an Awakening period,
an "idealist spark" challenges the institutionalized status quo. At this time, the social "ground" is fertile enough for
new ideas to emerge, grow and "awaken" society. At the climax of an Awakening period (which can occur 10-15 years after the
initial sparks), a new set of values and ideologies that conflict with society's status quo values now begin to overcome those
old values.
Idealist spark
May 1-4, 1886 -- Nationwide labor demonstrations, attacks on striking McCormick
Reaper workers, and Haymarket Riot in Chicago
July 1886 -- Mt. Herman conference of student missionaries
1886 --
Washington Gladden publishes book on Applied Christianity
Climax
July 7, 1896 -- William Jennings Bryan
gains Democratic nomination for President.
The Social Gospel Awakening: Passion for Social Gospel and growth of student
missions were coupled with ethnic and labor hostility. -- The "Social Gospel" Awakening was launched from a Congregationalist
philosophy of Applied Christianity which reasoned that the teachings of Jesus contained the fundamental principles for the
right-ordering of society and that their "application" would solve current social problems. Leaders of the Social Gospel
movement pushed this philosophy further by encouraging believers to ardently apply Christian principles to a variety of social
problems.
Rising Self-Interest Period - (1912-1928)
Definition of a Rising Self-Interest period - During a
period where the public's self-interest is expanding, the first signs mark the end of the old civic order and the beginning
of a new, uncertain and undefined path for society. Surging throughout this period of Rising Self-Interest, an "Unraveling
Force" speeds up the erosion of central authority. Throughout this time period, institutions will be redefined and individualism
will strengthen. (Unraveling Forces in U.S. history have included Mercantilism, Manifest Destiny, the Immigration Wave, and
the Information Superhighway.)
During this period, the Unraveling Force of foreign immigration helped to redefine social
institutions and ideas.
First signs
Jan. 12, 1912 -- Lawrence textile workers walk off job to begin the Bread
and Roses strike.
Feb. 1912 -- Theodore Roosevelt announces his intention to gain the Republican Party nomination for
president.
Nov. 5, 1912 -- Socialist Party candidate Eugene Debs wins 6% of the popular vote for U.S. President.
Components
of this Rising Self-Interest period
Movement Component -- foreign immigration wave - (the Unraveling Force)
Economic
Component -- labor unionism
Political Component -- rising socialism
Foreign Component -- stronger nativism
Historic
Crisis Period - (1929-1944)
Definition of a Historic Crisis period - A period of Historic Crisis can be started by
a single historic "spark." During this period, a sense of local and national community is built, and a civic vision urgently
crystallizes.
Every Historic Crisis period builds toward a climax (which can occur 2 to 15 years after the initial crisis
spark). In the aftermath of this climax, a resolution is eventually achieved, and swift and sweeping societal change occurs.
Great
Depression and World War II --
Crisis spark
Oct. 29, 1929 -- NY stock market crashes on "Black Tuesday."
May
1931 -- Financial collapse of Austria's largest bank.
Climax
June 6, 1944 -- Allies' D-Day invasion
of Europe.
Civic Strengthening Period - (1945-1960)
Definition of a Civic Strengthening period - After the
Historic Crisis has been resolved, society visualizes a future of planning, doing and building. Institutions are created
which are based on a new civic order and society enters a period of Civic Strengthening. This institutionalized status quo
will continue until the inevitable idealist spark and new social Awakening.
Initial Resolutions
Oct. 24, 1945
-- United Nations established by charter.
March 8, 1946 -- IMF and World Bank boards meet for first time
June 5,
1947 -- The Marshall plan announced to aid European recovery.
April 4, 1949 -- NATO formed by 12 North American and
European nations.
Major Strengthening initiatives during this period:
Political
- Establishment of the
United Nations with its home base in the U.S.
- Development of the Marshall Plan to support European countries in need
- Founding of NATO collective-defense agreement
Financial/Business
- Founding of IMF and the World Bank
- Advancement
of massive track-home subdivision construction
- Development of atomic energy industry/utility
Transportation
- Financing and construction of the national interstate highway system
- Enhancement of the national commercial aviation
infrastructure
Territorial
- Approval of the admission of Alaska and Hawaii as new states
- Funding and development
of the U.S. space program - (Expanding upward instead of outward)
FOURTH DESTINATION: INDIVIDUAL EQUALITY
1961 to 2026
"All people of all races, creeds and cultures are politically and socially equal."
The "Charismatic"
Awakening - (1961 to 1982)
Definition of an Awakening period - At the dawn of an Awakening period, an "idealist spark"
challenges the institutionalized status quo. At this time, the social "ground" is fertile enough for new ideas to emerge,
grow and "awaken" society. At the climax of an Awakening period (which can occur 10-15 years after the initial sparks), a
new set of values and ideologies that conflict with society's status quo values now begin to overcome those old values.
Idealist
spark
April 1960 -- Episcopal congregation in Van Nuys experience "speaking in tongues."
Oct. 11, 1962 -- Pope
John XXIII convenes Second Vatican Council.
May 2-3, 1963 -- Black children attacked during civil rights demonstrations
in Birmingham.
Aug. 28, 1963 -- Black leaders organize The March On Washington.
Climax
Aug. 9, 1974
-- Pres. Richard Nixon resigns.
Sept. 8, 1974 -- Pres. Ford grants Nixon a full pardon.
Sept. 12, 1974 -- Violent
racial protests erupt in Boston over school busing issue.
Sept. 16, 1974 -- Pres. Ford announces amnesty for Vietnam
War draft evaders.
The Charismatic Awakening: The "Gifts of the Spirit" movement and the Catholic ecumenical movement
expand along with civil rights protests. -- The "Charismatic" Awakening stemmed from a Pentecostal movement that placed emphasis
on the subjective experience of the Gifts of the Spirit, including speaking in tongues, healing, prophecy and other aspects.
It also focused on strengthening spiritual convictions through these gifts and through signs from God and the Holy Spirit.
This Protestant movement spread across the "line" to the Roman Catholic faithful at a time when Catholic leaders were opening
up the Church to more ecumenical beliefs, to a reduced emphasis on institutional structure, and an increased emphasis on lay
spirituality.
Rising Self-Interest Period - (1983-2006 ?)
Definition of a Rising Self-Interest period
- During a period where the public's self-interest is expanding, the first signs mark the end of the old civic order and the
beginning of a new, uncertain and undefined path for society. Surging throughout this period of Rising Self-Interest, an
"Unraveling Force" speeds up the erosion of central authority. Throughout this time period, institutions will be redefined
and individualism will strengthen. (Unraveling Forces in U.S. history have included Mercantilism, Manifest Destiny, the Immigration
Wave, and the Information Superhighway.)
During this period, the Unraveling Force of instant communications and the
Information Superhighway de-centralizes large institutions and strengthens individual power.
First signs
Oct.
23, 1983 -- A suicide bomber destroys U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut.
Jan. 1, 1984 -- AT&T divests itself of its "Baby
Bells."
Jan. 22, 1984 -- Apple Computer debuts the MacIntosh personal computer.
1984 -- Jesse Jackson launches the
Rainbow Coalition during his presidential campaign.
May 1984 -- Pres. Reagan puts pressure on the Soviets with China
visit and SDI initiative.
Components of this Rising Self-Interest period
Movement Component -- mobile communications
and information - (the Unraveling Force)
Economic Component -- expansion of Internet commerce
Political Component
-- self-appointed world policeman
Foreign Component -- anti-Arab attitude
Historic Crisis Period - (2006?-2026?)
TO BE DETERMINED . . .
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