Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Billy Joel: " We Didn't Start the Fire"
Bibliography of blurbs: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0Adk4SbwHAUYqZGY1aHFnOXZfMTRmNTZyZHNoaA&hl=en
sources of Pictures: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0Adk4SbwHAUYqZGY1aHFnOXZfMTVmNjU2bWpkdg&hl=en
Sunday, May 16, 2010
chapter 30
1. In the 1970's not only did the population growth decrease but the distribution of the population changed. Before most of the population was in the North and East but after 1970 the population shifted to the South and West. According to the 1980 census, the fastest growing states were Nevada California, Florida, Arizona and Alaska which became to be known as the Sunbelt. The shift in population also affected the political power of some states. In 1990 and 2000, California gained eight seats in the House of Representative and Florida gained six while some northern and eastern states lost some seats in the House of Representatives. There are numerous reasons that caused this demographic shift. Some of the reasons are affordable air conditioning, tourism, and retirement communities in the the Sunbelt. The Sunbelt also attracted manufactures because the low labor cost there due to the absence of strong union and the growth of NASA stimulated economic development in the Sunbelt states. Another major reason for population increase in the Sunbelt is immigration
2. During the 20th century, many of the immigrants were from Mexico. Much of the immigration was spurred by the Mexican Revolution, the labor shortage caused by the two world wars and the Korean conflict. Many of the migrants came as seasonal agicultural worker. Other immigrants during the 20th century were from Puerto Rica and Cuba. Cubans began migrating in large numbers due to Fidel Castro's revolution. Immigration increased more with the passage of the Immigration Act of 1965, which ended the quotas but placed a limit of 20000 immigrants for every country. Also in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter admitted many Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian and Hmnog for helping the U.S. during the war. This act increased the number refugee which led to the passage of the Refugee Act. This Act made it easy for many refugee to enter the U.S. but very hard for people seeking improve economic lot such as the Haitians. Yet people who were decline immigration easily made into the United state illegally. This led to the passage of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 which imposed stricter penalities on business employing undocumented workers and granted residency to people who were able to prove they had been living in the US since 1982.
3. The most important technological advances occurred in Biotechnology, high-performance comouting and comunication systems. In 2000, the Human Genome Project successfully mapped the entire human genetic code. This discovery deepened scientists understanding of genetic engineering and promised new approaches to the treatments of cancer and other genetic disorders. Genetic engineering also benefited farmers who were able to increase their agircultural yeild by producing genetically modified crops. Although biotechnology provided many benefits to humans, there were also critics who feared the biotechnological advances would lead to a decline in biodiversity and they brought up ethical issues. The computer revolution entered a new phase during the 1970's when microchips increased the hardware capability and reduced the size and cost of computers, which made home computer more available to the public. These high-performance computer with powerful memory capabilites and parallel processors whic allow many operation to run simultaneously began to transform both indusry and information systems. Also labor costs were cut down because of computerize factories and robotics. Communications also improved with new techonolgies such as fiber optics and satellite transmission. The information revolution replaced normal post with electronic mail, fax and cell phones.
4.
5. As TVs and computers became a common luxury in homes, TV programming also changed. The programs in the mid 1970s and mid 1980 aimed to target urban and suburban people under the age of 50. CBS introduced more edgier programming such as "All in the Family" while ABC introduced programs that attracted more high school and college-age viewers and NBC brought humor to TV programming with the show Saturday Night Live. At the same time, independent local station suddenly thrived. The one local station that rose above the others was FOX with its first big hit, "The Simpsons." The WB and UPN networks soon followed FOX method, but all six of the channels were challenged when CATV, cable television was introduced. Cable Television allowed vewiers to watch various types of programs. Cable televison became even more popular when Ted Turner introduce CNN, movie channels and all-cartoon network to CATV. Soon as the ratings for network programs were going down, NBC and FOX expanded into the CATV industry.
6.The New Woman's Movement still focused on political empowerment but gender equality in the workplace and more financial aid for single mothers. During this time the number of children living in low-income, female-headed families were increasing. Activists tried improve this situation by encouraging the public to provide more assistance to single mother. Homeless shelter which once accommodated only men, increasingly tried to meet he needs of women and children. In order to help single mother the government tried to encourage more women to join the workforce but the workplace was laced with inequalities. The average female worker still made less than 70 cents for every dollar earned by the average male worker. Also, it was very hard for women to get a promotion in the male dominated workforce. Sexual harassment was another big issue Woman's movement fought for. The Supreme Court ruled that sexual harassment was a form of discrimination which was covered under the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The pressure for gender equity from the woman's movement greatly affected some institutions such as the Country Clubs and Protestant church which started include women in their group.
7. During this time, African Americans, American Indians, Mexican Americans, and Asian American developed and high sense of cultural identity. During the 20th century African Americans expressed black power and cultural pride. This sense of cultural pride is shown by the movie, Malcolm X and the creation of the Black Entertainment Television network which aimed its programming especially to African American viewers. Although it has been many since the emancipation of the slave African American activists still had to fight for equal treatment in the legal and criminal justice systems. One form of the discrimination that African Americans faced was the differences in sentencing of convicted felons. Courts imposed much harsher sentences for crimes involving drugs such as crack and cocaine, which were more consumed in African American communities, than for crimes involving more expensive form of cocaine, that is favored by white American. Also, in general the African American were more likely to recieve the death sentence for capital crime that felons of other ethnicity. African Americans also faced racial profiling. Police were more suspicious of African Americans and they would stop black motorists more ofter than members of any other ethnic group. Although African American still had to face racial discrimination, they did gain more political power. In 1970 13 African Americans formed the Congressional Black Caucus. During the 20th century, American Indians fought back for their native lands, political power, and equality. There were also legal and social changes were taking place at the same. The Civil Rights act of 1968 also included sections known as the "Indian Bill of Rights". These sections extended many of the rights stated in the Bill of Rights to American Indians. American Indian activism also fought to protect their tribal identity. American Indians sued to protect tribal waters, traditional religious ceremonies and to secure repatriation of Indian skeletal remains. Powwows were another way to developing cultural identity. Other ways American Indian activist tried to encourage cultural identity is by urging bilingualism and the renewed attention to tribal rituals They aggressively used the legal system to gain demands that were stated in old treaties. They gained recognition of specific fishing and agricultural rights. Mexican American highlighted a very complex ethnic identity. A general term of Spanish-speaking people was Latino or Hispanic, but under this general term there was great diversity. Cuban Americans who came to South Florida in 1960 enjoyed more access to education and higher income than other Latinos who came later. Immigrants from Dominican Republic and Central America in general were the most economically deprived. Like other ethnic groups, the Spanish-speaking also showed and increased sense of cultural pride known as Chicanismo. Town in the Southwest such as San Antonio experienced the most considerable cultural ferment and political-social change. As more Asian Americans began to reveal the experiences of the internment camps during the Second World War, it turned into a political agitation. Also, Asian American developed a new Asian American view which encourage people with different ancestral roots in Asia to join together and form a single pan-Asian movement. Groups such as the Asian Pacific Planning Council and National Asian Pacific American Network Council lobbied to obtain government funding for projects that benefited Asian American Communities and lobbied on issues relating to immigrants and education.
8.The new right composed of many different constituencies including the neoconservaties and protestant churches. The neoconservatives of this era denounced the Great Society, emphasized economic freedom and limited government. They worked to reinvigorate the nation's anticommunist foreign policy and celebrate its capitalist economic system. The protestants in fundamentalist and evangelical chruches also supported the New Right and developed the New Religious right. The New Relgious Right dealt with redefining the relationship between religious and political action.They believed that religious values should actively shape political policy making. The New Right felt that churches could provide divinely inspired assistance to people in programs such as welfare agencies. The New right also opposed degenerate lifestyles, particularly those espoused by feminists and homosexuals and emphazised the importance of family values.
6.The New Woman's Movement still focused on political empowerment but gender equality in the workplace and more financial aid for single mothers. During this time the number of children living in low-income, female-headed families were increasing. Activists tried improve this situation by encouraging the public to provide more assistance to single mother. Homeless shelter which once accommodated only men, increasingly tried to meet he needs of women and children. In order to help single mother the government tried to encourage more women to join the workforce but the workplace was laced with inequalities. The average female worker still made less than 70 cents for every dollar earned by the average male worker. Also, it was very hard for women to get a promotion in the male dominated workforce. Sexual harassment was another big issue Woman's movement fought for. The Supreme Court ruled that sexual harassment was a form of discrimination which was covered under the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The pressure for gender equity from the woman's movement greatly affected some institutions such as the Country Clubs and Protestant church which started include women in their group.
7. During this time, African Americans, American Indians, Mexican Americans, and Asian American developed and high sense of cultural identity. During the 20th century African Americans expressed black power and cultural pride. This sense of cultural pride is shown by the movie, Malcolm X and the creation of the Black Entertainment Television network which aimed its programming especially to African American viewers. Although it has been many since the emancipation of the slave African American activists still had to fight for equal treatment in the legal and criminal justice systems. One form of the discrimination that African Americans faced was the differences in sentencing of convicted felons. Courts imposed much harsher sentences for crimes involving drugs such as crack and cocaine, which were more consumed in African American communities, than for crimes involving more expensive form of cocaine, that is favored by white American. Also, in general the African American were more likely to recieve the death sentence for capital crime that felons of other ethnicity. African Americans also faced racial profiling. Police were more suspicious of African Americans and they would stop black motorists more ofter than members of any other ethnic group. Although African American still had to face racial discrimination, they did gain more political power. In 1970 13 African Americans formed the Congressional Black Caucus. During the 20th century, American Indians fought back for their native lands, political power, and equality. There were also legal and social changes were taking place at the same. The Civil Rights act of 1968 also included sections known as the "Indian Bill of Rights". These sections extended many of the rights stated in the Bill of Rights to American Indians. American Indian activism also fought to protect their tribal identity. American Indians sued to protect tribal waters, traditional religious ceremonies and to secure repatriation of Indian skeletal remains. Powwows were another way to developing cultural identity. Other ways American Indian activist tried to encourage cultural identity is by urging bilingualism and the renewed attention to tribal rituals They aggressively used the legal system to gain demands that were stated in old treaties. They gained recognition of specific fishing and agricultural rights. Mexican American highlighted a very complex ethnic identity. A general term of Spanish-speaking people was Latino or Hispanic, but under this general term there was great diversity. Cuban Americans who came to South Florida in 1960 enjoyed more access to education and higher income than other Latinos who came later. Immigrants from Dominican Republic and Central America in general were the most economically deprived. Like other ethnic groups, the Spanish-speaking also showed and increased sense of cultural pride known as Chicanismo. Town in the Southwest such as San Antonio experienced the most considerable cultural ferment and political-social change. As more Asian Americans began to reveal the experiences of the internment camps during the Second World War, it turned into a political agitation. Also, Asian American developed a new Asian American view which encourage people with different ancestral roots in Asia to join together and form a single pan-Asian movement. Groups such as the Asian Pacific Planning Council and National Asian Pacific American Network Council lobbied to obtain government funding for projects that benefited Asian American Communities and lobbied on issues relating to immigrants and education.
8.The new right composed of many different constituencies including the neoconservaties and protestant churches. The neoconservatives of this era denounced the Great Society, emphasized economic freedom and limited government. They worked to reinvigorate the nation's anticommunist foreign policy and celebrate its capitalist economic system. The protestants in fundamentalist and evangelical chruches also supported the New Right and developed the New Religious right. The New Relgious Right dealt with redefining the relationship between religious and political action.They believed that religious values should actively shape political policy making. The New Right felt that churches could provide divinely inspired assistance to people in programs such as welfare agencies. The New right also opposed degenerate lifestyles, particularly those espoused by feminists and homosexuals and emphazised the importance of family values.
Chapter 29
1. Lyndon Johnson's great society were a series of federal programs to enrich ntaion life and create a country of wealth. These programs were so controversial because they expanded national power. These programs provided Medicare and Medicaid and added the Department of Housind and Urban Development to the president's cabinenet. In addition these progams upgraded classrooms in low income neighborhoods. In the beginign Johnson's Great Society programs were seen as giving an "helping hand" instead of providing direct assistance, but as the cost of the war in Vietnam inscreased the international economy started to decline in the the1960's, the public started to lose faith in these programs. Some critics even thought that Great Society programs were the cause for the economic distress. Another viewpoint about Johnson's programs was presented in Charles Murray novel, Losing Ground. In the novel Murray charged the these programs encouraged antisocial social behavior. He argued that these programs were encouraging people to abandon their goal of improving their economic state and just live off of government hand outs.
2. The counter culture was mostly composed of young people, know as the hippies. who supported causes such as cooperative movement, enviromentalism, and fight aganist restriction on life stlyed choices. The counter culture were mostly associated with drugs, communal living, and new fors of music such as fold rock and acid rock. Although, counter culture was looked down upon, the music industry, hollywood, and the advertising industry focused their attention on attracting the youth culture. The Youth culturel were inspired by musicians such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and the Rolling stones who produced music unlike the traditiona. The music industry took advantage of these musical icons of the counterculture. Holly wood also started move away from the traditional all-age market and started to attract a youth dominated audience with movies such as Bonnie and Clyde and the Easy Rider. Even the advertising industry connected consumer products with the counter culture.
3. The violent event overseas in 1968 was the Tet offensive, where the NLF and North Vietnamese mounted suprise attacks on South Vietnam and swept thorugh eight provisional capitals and even seized the U.S. in Saigon for a few hours. The Tet offensive ended with the NLF and North Vietnam suffering a great number of casulities, but it was still a physcological defeat for the the United States because it showed that it would not be an easy South Vietnamese-United States victory. As a result of the Tet offensive, Johnoson and Clark Clifford, the secretary of Defense, decided to stop sending more troops to South Vietnam and insisted that South Vietnamese troops assume more of teh military burden. Johnson also promised to spend the rest of his time in office trying to find a end to the war. Meanwhile at home, violence increased as the news of Martine Luther King Jr. assassination by James Earl Ray spread. Only a few months later, Robert Kennedy, brother of JFK was assassinated by a Palestinian immigrant. To calm the violence, Richard Nixon became a presidential candidate promising to restore "law and order" to the United States.
4. The economic problems of the Nixon era were caused by numerous factor but may be the most significant factor that caused the economic distress would be the war in Vietnam. Lyndon Johnson, during his presidency, funded the war without cutting the costs of the Great Society programs and hid the rising cost of the war from the coutry. Also, inflation rate was on the rise and domestic spending did not decrease with the Democratic controlled congress. In addition to these problems unemployment rates had gone up to 6 percent by 1971. Normally, as unemployment rate increased, inflation was supposed to decrese, but both unemployment and inflation rose. This resulted in an unprecedented convergenc eof economic stagnation and price inflation, known as stagflation. Inaddition to stagflation, U.S. exports were becoming less competitive resulting in the first trade deficit in the 30th century, where the U.S. imported more products than it exported. Nixon tried to fix inflation by announcing a 90 day freeze on any increase in wages and prices.
5. Many Justices during Johson's presidency supported teh Great Society and therefore supported in bringing an expanding list of rights under constitutional protection. Cheif Justic Earl Warren and associate Justice William Brennan led the way in bringing many more rights under constitutional protection. One of the many important decision of the Warren court was the decision in the case Miranda v. Arizona which created the "Miranda Warning". The decision in this cases stated that the constitution requrie police officers, when arresting, to advise a felon of his/ her constitutional rights. Nixon opposed the Warren court so when Cheif Justice Warren resigned, President Nixon appointed Warren Burger a Republican as cheif Justice. The Burger Court faced many important rights related cases. One case was the Danridge v. Williams in which the Warren Court held that state laws capping the amount paid to welfare didn't violate the constution. The Burger Court also faced cases involving health and Safety and in general the Burger Court support the constitutionality of health and safety laws. Other cases that the court had to face involved women's rights. One of the most controversial case involving women's rights was the case Roe v. Wade in which the court ruled that a state law making abortion a criminal offense violated a woman's right to privacy.
6. Nixon's foreign policy mainly composed of Vietnamization and improving the tension with the Soviet Union and China. To improve the tension both naitons signed an agreement which limited the further development of both antiballsitic missiles and offensive intercontinental ballistic missiles. Also Nixon allowed Soviets greater access to U.S. trade and technology to help ther faltering economy. There was also the formation of People's Republic of China led by Mao Sedong, which the United states recognized as a legitamate goverment and started and exchanging informal dimplomatic missions. The other part of Nixon's Foreign policy was Vietnamization which was the withdrawal of U.S. ground forces from Vietnam, increasing the the air war and intensifying diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement. Although, Nixon official adhered to Johnson's bombing halt, Nixon and Kissinger increase both the ground and air wars in Vietnam and Cambodia, which was a neutral country. There was also the "May Lai" incident where Lieutenant Wiliam Calley killel over 200 innocent people. The finally incident that completely destroyed the public opinion of the war was known as the Christmas bombing. This was the heaviest bombardment in history, B-53 planes pounded militart and civilian targets in North Vietnam around the clock. All of the events just sickened Americans and lost enthusiasm in the war.
7. What ultimately led to Nixon's down fall was the Watergate Scandal. Initially, CREEP and the White House both claimed that neither had anything to do with burgalars, but the truth came out when one of the Watergate burglars opened his mouth unable to handle the pressure from Judge Sirice. Soon other witness joined with the watergate burglar in testifying in front of the Senate's Watergate committe, that linked Nixon and CREEP to burglary and other illegal activities. Nixon's situation got worse when John Dean, Nixon chief legal counsel, linked Nixon to an attempt to cover up Watergate. In addition to Nixon's problem, Nixon's vicepresident, Spiro Agnew was caught in an income-tax evasion.
2. The counter culture was mostly composed of young people, know as the hippies. who supported causes such as cooperative movement, enviromentalism, and fight aganist restriction on life stlyed choices. The counter culture were mostly associated with drugs, communal living, and new fors of music such as fold rock and acid rock. Although, counter culture was looked down upon, the music industry, hollywood, and the advertising industry focused their attention on attracting the youth culture. The Youth culturel were inspired by musicians such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and the Rolling stones who produced music unlike the traditiona. The music industry took advantage of these musical icons of the counterculture. Holly wood also started move away from the traditional all-age market and started to attract a youth dominated audience with movies such as Bonnie and Clyde and the Easy Rider. Even the advertising industry connected consumer products with the counter culture.
3. The violent event overseas in 1968 was the Tet offensive, where the NLF and North Vietnamese mounted suprise attacks on South Vietnam and swept thorugh eight provisional capitals and even seized the U.S. in Saigon for a few hours. The Tet offensive ended with the NLF and North Vietnam suffering a great number of casulities, but it was still a physcological defeat for the the United States because it showed that it would not be an easy South Vietnamese-United States victory. As a result of the Tet offensive, Johnoson and Clark Clifford, the secretary of Defense, decided to stop sending more troops to South Vietnam and insisted that South Vietnamese troops assume more of teh military burden. Johnson also promised to spend the rest of his time in office trying to find a end to the war. Meanwhile at home, violence increased as the news of Martine Luther King Jr. assassination by James Earl Ray spread. Only a few months later, Robert Kennedy, brother of JFK was assassinated by a Palestinian immigrant. To calm the violence, Richard Nixon became a presidential candidate promising to restore "law and order" to the United States.
4. The economic problems of the Nixon era were caused by numerous factor but may be the most significant factor that caused the economic distress would be the war in Vietnam. Lyndon Johnson, during his presidency, funded the war without cutting the costs of the Great Society programs and hid the rising cost of the war from the coutry. Also, inflation rate was on the rise and domestic spending did not decrease with the Democratic controlled congress. In addition to these problems unemployment rates had gone up to 6 percent by 1971. Normally, as unemployment rate increased, inflation was supposed to decrese, but both unemployment and inflation rose. This resulted in an unprecedented convergenc eof economic stagnation and price inflation, known as stagflation. Inaddition to stagflation, U.S. exports were becoming less competitive resulting in the first trade deficit in the 30th century, where the U.S. imported more products than it exported. Nixon tried to fix inflation by announcing a 90 day freeze on any increase in wages and prices.
5. Many Justices during Johson's presidency supported teh Great Society and therefore supported in bringing an expanding list of rights under constitutional protection. Cheif Justic Earl Warren and associate Justice William Brennan led the way in bringing many more rights under constitutional protection. One of the many important decision of the Warren court was the decision in the case Miranda v. Arizona which created the "Miranda Warning". The decision in this cases stated that the constitution requrie police officers, when arresting, to advise a felon of his/ her constitutional rights. Nixon opposed the Warren court so when Cheif Justice Warren resigned, President Nixon appointed Warren Burger a Republican as cheif Justice. The Burger Court faced many important rights related cases. One case was the Danridge v. Williams in which the Warren Court held that state laws capping the amount paid to welfare didn't violate the constution. The Burger Court also faced cases involving health and Safety and in general the Burger Court support the constitutionality of health and safety laws. Other cases that the court had to face involved women's rights. One of the most controversial case involving women's rights was the case Roe v. Wade in which the court ruled that a state law making abortion a criminal offense violated a woman's right to privacy.
6. Nixon's foreign policy mainly composed of Vietnamization and improving the tension with the Soviet Union and China. To improve the tension both naitons signed an agreement which limited the further development of both antiballsitic missiles and offensive intercontinental ballistic missiles. Also Nixon allowed Soviets greater access to U.S. trade and technology to help ther faltering economy. There was also the formation of People's Republic of China led by Mao Sedong, which the United states recognized as a legitamate goverment and started and exchanging informal dimplomatic missions. The other part of Nixon's Foreign policy was Vietnamization which was the withdrawal of U.S. ground forces from Vietnam, increasing the the air war and intensifying diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement. Although, Nixon official adhered to Johnson's bombing halt, Nixon and Kissinger increase both the ground and air wars in Vietnam and Cambodia, which was a neutral country. There was also the "May Lai" incident where Lieutenant Wiliam Calley killel over 200 innocent people. The finally incident that completely destroyed the public opinion of the war was known as the Christmas bombing. This was the heaviest bombardment in history, B-53 planes pounded militart and civilian targets in North Vietnam around the clock. All of the events just sickened Americans and lost enthusiasm in the war.
7. What ultimately led to Nixon's down fall was the Watergate Scandal. Initially, CREEP and the White House both claimed that neither had anything to do with burgalars, but the truth came out when one of the Watergate burglars opened his mouth unable to handle the pressure from Judge Sirice. Soon other witness joined with the watergate burglar in testifying in front of the Senate's Watergate committe, that linked Nixon and CREEP to burglary and other illegal activities. Nixon's situation got worse when John Dean, Nixon chief legal counsel, linked Nixon to an attempt to cover up Watergate. In addition to Nixon's problem, Nixon's vicepresident, Spiro Agnew was caught in an income-tax evasion.
Chapter 28
2. During era of affluence, atheism was associated with communism, therefore there was a greater emphasis on religious values. In order to emphasis religious values, the Congress funded the construction of a nondenominational prayer room on Capitol hill, added the phrase "under god" to the pledge of allegiance and declared the phrase " In God we Trust " as the national motto. Also in the age affluence, religion did not divide people as it did before. The concept that the three main religion in America, protestant, catholic, and Jewish were all preaching the same thing in affirming spiritual values and moral ideals.
3. The era of Affluence had a great influence on American economy and politics. As corporation turned out vast quantaties of consumer goods, profits rose and new inventions such as the gas stove became more avaliable to the public. America, during the age of affluence experience an era of wealth and consumer abundance. Americans were the people of plenty. Products such as kitchen appliances, television sets and and automobiles became symbols of wealth. Labor and management were also affected by affluence. The relationship between unions and corporations improved. Union leaders saw that closer cooperation with corporate managment could guarantee employment stability and political influence for their unions. Afflunce also enriched the nation's political structure and led to the development of pluralism. Pluralism is that idea that no single group could dominate the political process. According to pluralist accounts, olicy making proceeded form wide participation in public debate by a broad range of different interest groups. Pluralist believed affluence was moderating political passions making it easier to make compromises.
4. Although there were many positive aspects of the affluent society some critics dislike the affects it was having on teenagers. Some blamed affluence for the rising rebellious nature in teenagers. Critics disliked the affect comics and music especially rock and roll were having on teenagers. They felt comic were encouraging rebellious acts. one incident even led to the censureship of comics. Rock and Roll music was the symbol of youth culture and the king of Rock and roll was Elvis Presley. The reason that rock and roll attractive many teenagers is because the music was about teenager life. Critics denounced rock and roll and felt that it was and insult to the very idea of music. The criticism of youth culture was part of a broader phenomenon know as the mass culture. Critics feared that the mass-marketed products such as TV and music were threatening individualism by using standardized imagery and messages.
5. During the election of 1960 Kennedy and his two brother conducted a very energictic campaign while his opponent, Richard Nixon conducted a very slow campaign. Kennedy's Campaign was known as the "New Frontier." Kennedy promised more federal support for civil rights which former president Eisenhower didn't show. To show his support for civil rights Kennedy sent aides to Georgia when Martin Luther King Jr. was facing a jail sentence for a minor traffic violation. Kennedy also support social programs, promoting greater foreign policy and conducting a more aggressive Foreign policy. Kennedy's talented staff and his family's vast wealth were a great advantage of Kennedy. Kennedy definently dominated the presidential campaign in the election 0f 1960. Even in the debates Kennedy always had a clear victory. Kennedy seemed very strong, confident and energetic compared to nervous pale Nixon. In the end Kennedy only defeated Nixon by only about 100,000 popular votes and won the electoral vote by a thin margin.
6.
7. Both Eisenhower and Kennedy were hesitant in taking any serious action toward Civil Rights but both were forced to act as tension rose. In 1957 Eisenhower was forced to enforce a federal court order that mandated the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. When Orval Faubu, the sate segregationist governor employed the state's Naitonal Gaurd to block the desegregation, Eisenhower put the Arkansas National Gaurd under federal control and had the student be escorted into the school by armed troops. The other piece of civil rights legislation that was passed by Eisenhower was The Civil Rights Acts of 1957. Kennedy was also forced to take action when students and North Carolina A and T College sat down at a drug store and demanded to be served in the same manner as the white customers. Soon all across the south people were demonstrating non-violent sit-downs and freedom rides. As a response Kennedy finally signed an executive order that banned racial discrimination in federally financed houses, but Kennedy's actions weren't fast enough.
3. The era of Affluence had a great influence on American economy and politics. As corporation turned out vast quantaties of consumer goods, profits rose and new inventions such as the gas stove became more avaliable to the public. America, during the age of affluence experience an era of wealth and consumer abundance. Americans were the people of plenty. Products such as kitchen appliances, television sets and and automobiles became symbols of wealth. Labor and management were also affected by affluence. The relationship between unions and corporations improved. Union leaders saw that closer cooperation with corporate managment could guarantee employment stability and political influence for their unions. Afflunce also enriched the nation's political structure and led to the development of pluralism. Pluralism is that idea that no single group could dominate the political process. According to pluralist accounts, olicy making proceeded form wide participation in public debate by a broad range of different interest groups. Pluralist believed affluence was moderating political passions making it easier to make compromises.
4. Although there were many positive aspects of the affluent society some critics dislike the affects it was having on teenagers. Some blamed affluence for the rising rebellious nature in teenagers. Critics disliked the affect comics and music especially rock and roll were having on teenagers. They felt comic were encouraging rebellious acts. one incident even led to the censureship of comics. Rock and Roll music was the symbol of youth culture and the king of Rock and roll was Elvis Presley. The reason that rock and roll attractive many teenagers is because the music was about teenager life. Critics denounced rock and roll and felt that it was and insult to the very idea of music. The criticism of youth culture was part of a broader phenomenon know as the mass culture. Critics feared that the mass-marketed products such as TV and music were threatening individualism by using standardized imagery and messages.
5. During the election of 1960 Kennedy and his two brother conducted a very energictic campaign while his opponent, Richard Nixon conducted a very slow campaign. Kennedy's Campaign was known as the "New Frontier." Kennedy promised more federal support for civil rights which former president Eisenhower didn't show. To show his support for civil rights Kennedy sent aides to Georgia when Martin Luther King Jr. was facing a jail sentence for a minor traffic violation. Kennedy also support social programs, promoting greater foreign policy and conducting a more aggressive Foreign policy. Kennedy's talented staff and his family's vast wealth were a great advantage of Kennedy. Kennedy definently dominated the presidential campaign in the election 0f 1960. Even in the debates Kennedy always had a clear victory. Kennedy seemed very strong, confident and energetic compared to nervous pale Nixon. In the end Kennedy only defeated Nixon by only about 100,000 popular votes and won the electoral vote by a thin margin.
6.
7. Both Eisenhower and Kennedy were hesitant in taking any serious action toward Civil Rights but both were forced to act as tension rose. In 1957 Eisenhower was forced to enforce a federal court order that mandated the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. When Orval Faubu, the sate segregationist governor employed the state's Naitonal Gaurd to block the desegregation, Eisenhower put the Arkansas National Gaurd under federal control and had the student be escorted into the school by armed troops. The other piece of civil rights legislation that was passed by Eisenhower was The Civil Rights Acts of 1957. Kennedy was also forced to take action when students and North Carolina A and T College sat down at a drug store and demanded to be served in the same manner as the white customers. Soon all across the south people were demonstrating non-violent sit-downs and freedom rides. As a response Kennedy finally signed an executive order that banned racial discrimination in federally financed houses, but Kennedy's actions weren't fast enough.
Monday, April 19, 2010
chapter 27
1. There are three different perspectives on the origins of the cold war. The first and most accepted view by historians is the Soviets desire for new territory and the ideology to spread communism forced the United states to take as hard line as possible. Revisionist argued that after being invaded during both World Wars it is is natural respose for the Soviets to want to protect their borders. The revisionist believe that the U.S. should have reassured the Soviets instead of intensifying their fears. The last view states that the tension between the two powers was inevitable. In all three of th view Harry Truman played a important role in intensifying the tensions between the two nations. The US-Soviet relation worsened with the mention of the atomic bomb at the Potsdam Conference. Truman intented to scare the Soviet by using the atomic bomb on Japan but it is unclear if the use of the atomic made the Soviets scared or more agressive.
2. The policy of Containment was first introduced when Greece was facing a conflict in which, communist led insurgent were trying to take over the government. If the communist led insurgents won in Greece then Turkey would also become vulnerable to commnuism. Turman saw Turkey to be critical to U.S. interests. Truman knew that the Congress would not be in favor of providing foreign aid to Turkey and Greece. Therefore, inorder to gain support, Truman overally dramatized the whole situation. In an overally dramatic speech Truman stated that the U.S. national security depended on the future on all countries, not only Greece and Turkey and that if the United States did not help these countries fight communism then totalitarian communism would spread around the world. As a result of this speech Congress passed Truman's request for $400 million in assistance to Greece and Turkey. The term initially appeared in an article written in a journal called Foreign Affairs which was written by George Kennan the State Department's leading expert on Soviet affairs. In the article Kennan stated that the main element in the U.S. foreign policy should be "long term contaiment of Russian expansive tendencies."
3. The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall plan were part of the U.S. foreign policy. The Truman Doctrine stated that U.S. must aid countries who are resisting attempted subversion by armed minorities or by outside pressures or else totalitarian communism would spread around the world. With the Truman Doctrine, 400 million dollar in assistance was provided to Greece and Turkey. The Truman administration also feared that the economic turmoil that Europe was facing at the time made it vulnerable to communist movements. In order to strengthen the economy of Europe George Marshall proposed the Marshall plan, which would provide Europe with the necessary funds to design and carry out a broad program of postwar economic reconstruction. Under the Marshall Plan, the U.S. provided nearly 13 million dollars in assistance to 17 Western European nations. The Soviet's response to the U.S. containment policy was the Berlin Blockade. In June 1948, Soviets cut off all highways, railroads, and water routes linking West Berlin to West Germany. However, the soviet blockade of Berlin failed because America provided round the clock delivery of 2 million tons of supplies.
4. As a result of Truman containment policies it was an easy win for Harry Truman in the election of 1948. The other candidates were Henry A. Wallace nominated by Progressive party, Thomas E. Dewey a republican nominee, and Thomas Thurmond, candidate of the States' Rights policy. Many believed that Truman had zero chance of winning the presidency. Truman's opponent, Dewey was so confident of winning that he developed a very slow, energetic campaign and when he reached Kansas City, Dewey relaxed by booking a hotel suite that the president used whenever he was in town. On the other hand Truman conducted a very energetic campaign, denouncing Dewey and Henry Wallace. In the end, Truman aggressive campaign paid off because in November, Truman gained a solid majority in the electoral college even though he only 49.6% of popular vote. Truman was easily able to win the election of 1948 because of Franklin Roosevelt's achievements. It was the benefits of the New Deal programs that helped Harry Truman in the election. In addition, Truman attracted people with his anticommunist policies.
5. Concerns for internal security greatly affected work life and the entertainment industry. Concerns
4. As a result of Truman containment policies it was an easy win for Harry Truman in the election of 1948. The other candidates were Henry A. Wallace nominated by Progressive party, Thomas E. Dewey a republican nominee, and Thomas Thurmond, candidate of the States' Rights policy. Many believed that Truman had zero chance of winning the presidency. Truman's opponent, Dewey was so confident of winning that he developed a very slow, energetic campaign and when he reached Kansas City, Dewey relaxed by booking a hotel suite that the president used whenever he was in town. On the other hand Truman conducted a very energetic campaign, denouncing Dewey and Henry Wallace. In the end, Truman aggressive campaign paid off because in November, Truman gained a solid majority in the electoral college even though he only 49.6% of popular vote. Truman was easily able to win the election of 1948 because of Franklin Roosevelt's achievements. It was the benefits of the New Deal programs that helped Harry Truman in the election. In addition, Truman attracted people with his anticommunist policies.
5. Concerns for internal security greatly affected work life and the entertainment industry. Concerns
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Atomic Bomb DBQ
On August 6, 1945 a United States B-29 bomber dropped a massive atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Hiroshima was not a military base, in fact most of the casualities caused by the bomb were civilian death. While the people of Japan were still trying to coprehend the devastating situation. The U.S. planned for another bombing mission. Three days later, the United States droper another bomb on Nagasake. Nearly half of Nagasaki had been destroyed from the bomb. Th reason for the U.S. 's decision to use the atomic bomb is controversial, but the decison was mainly adeplomatic measure calculated to intimidate the Soviet Union
Although many believed that the Atomic bomb was the key to completely ending the war with Japan but it was apparent to everyone that even without the bomb Japan was already on the verge of collapsing. Japan had already been weakened by many other air bombing. The United States "had hit some 60 Japanese cities with our regular Hight Explosive and incendiary bombs and, as a result of our raid, about 241,000 people had been killed, 313,000 wounded, and about 2,333,000 home destoryed."(Doc B) It is very clear from General H.H. Arnold's accounts about the Japaneses situation in World War 2, Japanese surrender was inevitable. Although, the bomb might have quickened the process, Japanese unconditional Surrender of the Japaneses was coming with or without the bomb. " Japan was essentially defeated and that we could win the war in another 6 months."(doc F)
At the time, President Truman and much of the United States government was less concerned about the Japanese surrender and more about Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union. Russia at the time was superior in military weaponry and military tactics. Many of the United States leaders felt that the United should show its power and strength and sort of scare Russia. The opportunity to do this presented by using the Atomic Bomb. Up until than Russia had the new and better weaponry but the Atomic bomb was a very powerful weapon, therefore it was big accomplishment that the United States, " won the race of discovery" of the atomic bomb.(Doc h) Even though without the bomb the surrender of Japan was possible but the United States needed from the Souviet Union. The United States strategic plan for the of Japan would require 5,000,000 men, which would only be possible with the help of the Souviet Union.(Doc A) Truman was relcutant to seek help because the United States wanted to undermine the power of the Souviet Union not seek their help. As Winston Churchill states in the Potsdam Conference, " We should not need the Russians" if the atomic bomb could be used. Like many Dwight D. Eisenhower feared that " no power on earth could keep the Red Army out of the war unless victory came before they could get in." (Doc C) The only way to gain victory with out the aid of the Russians was by the using the Atomic bombs.
Although many believed that the Atomic bomb was the key to completely ending the war with Japan but it was apparent to everyone that even without the bomb Japan was already on the verge of collapsing. Japan had already been weakened by many other air bombing. The United States "had hit some 60 Japanese cities with our regular Hight Explosive and incendiary bombs and, as a result of our raid, about 241,000 people had been killed, 313,000 wounded, and about 2,333,000 home destoryed."(Doc B) It is very clear from General H.H. Arnold's accounts about the Japaneses situation in World War 2, Japanese surrender was inevitable. Although, the bomb might have quickened the process, Japanese unconditional Surrender of the Japaneses was coming with or without the bomb. " Japan was essentially defeated and that we could win the war in another 6 months."(doc F)
At the time, President Truman and much of the United States government was less concerned about the Japanese surrender and more about Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union. Russia at the time was superior in military weaponry and military tactics. Many of the United States leaders felt that the United should show its power and strength and sort of scare Russia. The opportunity to do this presented by using the Atomic Bomb. Up until than Russia had the new and better weaponry but the Atomic bomb was a very powerful weapon, therefore it was big accomplishment that the United States, " won the race of discovery" of the atomic bomb.(Doc h) Even though without the bomb the surrender of Japan was possible but the United States needed from the Souviet Union. The United States strategic plan for the of Japan would require 5,000,000 men, which would only be possible with the help of the Souviet Union.(Doc A) Truman was relcutant to seek help because the United States wanted to undermine the power of the Souviet Union not seek their help. As Winston Churchill states in the Potsdam Conference, " We should not need the Russians" if the atomic bomb could be used. Like many Dwight D. Eisenhower feared that " no power on earth could keep the Red Army out of the war unless victory came before they could get in." (Doc C) The only way to gain victory with out the aid of the Russians was by the using the Atomic bombs.
Friday, April 2, 2010
1920's DBQ
Although America experience a period of prosperity during the 1920's, it was also a period of conflict between the old traditional ways and the new ways. Essentially, a groups known as the fundamentalists completely disapproved of the new ways. Many of these fundamentalists were white protestant. The people who embraced these ways were the city dwellers. The cause for the social and economical differences during the 1920's was effec ts of World War I and these differences were manifested by the KKK, and new immigration laws.
New method of mass production developed during the war increased production, therefore decreased prices. Additionally, with new invention of credit allowed even the common Americans to buy new products. One of the greatest inventions of the 1920's was the Ford model T. The Model T gave more freedom to teenagers and allowed farm famillies to go on family outings and see the exciting life of the city. These new products and especially the Model T, became signs of wealth as Sinclair says, "The standard advertised wares...were his symbols and proof of excellence.."(doc A)
When the men were away fighting the World War, women took over jobs, which were previously held by men. Women gained a new sense of independence, as a resulf of World War I. From the 1920's the flapper women image formed. A flapper women was more social and wore shorter dresses and had shorter hair. The one group the was aganist this new found independence amoung women, were white protestants and the KKK. They believed that women should go back to being a homemaker. These groups were against almost all new ideas and inventions of the 1920's. Importantly, the KKK and the fundamentalists were aganist darwinism and allowing more new immigrants into America. As represent by the trial in Doc C, Fundamentalist believed that the bible should be accepted as it is given, but the intellecuts of the 1920's discredited the bible with ideas of Darwinism.
New method of mass production developed during the war increased production, therefore decreased prices. Additionally, with new invention of credit allowed even the common Americans to buy new products. One of the greatest inventions of the 1920's was the Ford model T. The Model T gave more freedom to teenagers and allowed farm famillies to go on family outings and see the exciting life of the city. These new products and especially the Model T, became signs of wealth as Sinclair says, "The standard advertised wares...were his symbols and proof of excellence.."(doc A)
When the men were away fighting the World War, women took over jobs, which were previously held by men. Women gained a new sense of independence, as a resulf of World War I. From the 1920's the flapper women image formed. A flapper women was more social and wore shorter dresses and had shorter hair. The one group the was aganist this new found independence amoung women, were white protestants and the KKK. They believed that women should go back to being a homemaker. These groups were against almost all new ideas and inventions of the 1920's. Importantly, the KKK and the fundamentalists were aganist darwinism and allowing more new immigrants into America. As represent by the trial in Doc C, Fundamentalist believed that the bible should be accepted as it is given, but the intellecuts of the 1920's discredited the bible with ideas of Darwinism.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Chapter 25 Responses
1. It was not just one cause for the Great Depression but numerous causes which intensified the depression and made it much harder to recovery and repair from the depression. The decisions made by authorities backfired and sunk America deeper into the depression. During the 1920, even if they did not have enough money to buy a stock, many investors bought on 10% margin. The investors only put in 10% of the price of the stock and borrowed the rest from banks and brokers. During the 1920 the stock market was doing so well that investors expected to pay of the loans by selling their shares after the prices of gone up, but their plan failed when the Stock Market crashed. Creditor demanded for the loans to be payed but the investors could not which left them in serious debt. The situation of the debtors grew even worse because of the decisions of Federal Reserve Board and high Tariffs. Federal Reserve Board decreased the amount of money in circulation and increased interest rates. This change made it much harder for debtors to pay creditors thus plunging the economy deeper into depression. To add to the country's trouble's the Tariff Act of 1930 increased the tariff on agricultural goods and manufactured good to 40 percent. This high Tariff was supposed to eliminate competition and improve the American Industry but Foreign government responded by increasing their tariff, keeping out American goods. Overall the boom of the 1920 and bad decisions by the leaders of America led to the great Depression.
2. Herbert Hoover believed that to achieve the American Dream one has to work for it which is why, during the Great Depression, Hoover was against the Federal government providing relief to unemployed and homeless. Also, Hoover's method in helping the Depression didn't include that many Federal Agencies. The only Federal agencies mainly set up during Hoover's presidency are the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the Home Loan Board. On the contrary, FDR established many agencies to help the depression. Hoover felt that if the federal government provided direct relief to the unemployed and homeless then they become lazy and dependent on federal money instead of working for the money and as result, they would the capacity for citizenship. Even though Hoover was against direct relief to the public, he was not against providing government assistance to failing banks and businesses. Roosevelt, on the other hand, created programs such as Federal Emergency Relief Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps, and the Civil Works administration to provide relief to the poor, provide jobs to young men planting trees to stop erosion or work in small-scale government projects. Hoover's and Roosevelt's views on federal activity could be explained by their background. Hoover worked hard in his studies and in his political career to develop and good reputation in the political world while FDR already had a reputation because of his cousin, Theodore Roosevelt. Before the 1920's, FDR had no political achievement and throughout his life FDR did not distinguish himself neither at school nor at law, like Hoover did.
3. Although there were many supporters of the New Deal, there were also critics of the New Deal programs. Critics pointed out the economic interest of the New Deal programs such as the AAA and the NRA. These critics felt that some programs were ignoring the ordinary people. Critics such as Huey Long, Father Charles Coughlin, and Francis E. Townsend that the New Deal Programs were run by banker and rich businessmen. These critics used the radio to denounce the New Deal programs and gain support for the support for their ideas of improving the economy. These attacks on the New Deal programs worsened the public's discontent with the programs and encourage rebellions. Workers staged strikes demanding that employers start following the provisions of the NRA codes, recognize their union and provide an increase in wages.
4. While the First New Deal dealt with providing relief to both the public and industries and banks, the Second New Deal mainly focused on limiting the power of the rich and increase security and welfare for the ordinary man. The First New Deal created programs to bail banks out, provide relief and job for the poor and unemployed and improve the environment. Also, FDR's theory of improving the economy over all changed. In the First New Deal, FDR limited the production but in the Second New Deal FDR's tried to increase consumer spending, by supporting unions, providing more social welfare and creating public works projects. The main of the Second New deal was to direct more money to ordinary Americans than to the needs of big businesses. One of the big pieces of legislation that provided financial security was the Social Security Act. This Act required states to set up welfare funds from which money would be distributed to the elderly poor, the unemployed, single mothers, and the disabled. The FERA from the First New Deal also provide relief but it more of a temporary federal organization, which did not always provide relief to women. The Social Security Act was more of a permanent welfare system and was a pension program. Another important program of the Second New Deal was NLRA like the NRA supported the worker's choose of joining a union and also required employer to recognize and bargain with the unions,but unlike the NRA, the NLRA actually succeeded.
5. During the Depression did not gain anymore independence than they already had. People still believed that a woman's proper place was at home. This view that women should stay inferior to male's intensified during Depression. During the Depression, men could not fulfill their responsibility in providing economic security for their families. Male employees who tended to work in blue collar industries had a higher unemployment rate than women who worked in white collar jobs. Therefore, during the depression women were mostly the breadwinners of the house.
6. Most minority groups met the requirements to receive the relief provided by the New Deal but the minorities which benefited the most are the Eastern and Southern European immigrants. Eastern and Southern European immigrants made up a big part of the urban population and the working-class. Therefore they were able to receive welfare, and unemployment relief provided by the New Deal programs. African Americans who lived in the northern cities and were part of union benefited from the New Deal programs, but most African Americans lived in the rural south as tenant farmers or sharecroppers under white Americans. In the rural south African Americans, were excluded from most New Deal programs or received unfair treatment. In addition, Roosevelt made no effort to decrease the racial discrimination. Roosevelt feared that if he supported African American minority than he would lose the support of the white south. Mexican American benefited the least from the New Deal programs. A great number of Mexican Americans were deported during the Depression. Americans believed that by deporting Mexican Americans, jobs would be available for white Americans. If Mexicans were unable to show any form of documentation of their citizenship than they were deported even if they lived in the United States for many generations. Even though the New Deal Programs helped some minority groups, the programs did not exclude racial discrimination.
2. Herbert Hoover believed that to achieve the American Dream one has to work for it which is why, during the Great Depression, Hoover was against the Federal government providing relief to unemployed and homeless. Also, Hoover's method in helping the Depression didn't include that many Federal Agencies. The only Federal agencies mainly set up during Hoover's presidency are the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the Home Loan Board. On the contrary, FDR established many agencies to help the depression. Hoover felt that if the federal government provided direct relief to the unemployed and homeless then they become lazy and dependent on federal money instead of working for the money and as result, they would the capacity for citizenship. Even though Hoover was against direct relief to the public, he was not against providing government assistance to failing banks and businesses. Roosevelt, on the other hand, created programs such as Federal Emergency Relief Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps, and the Civil Works administration to provide relief to the poor, provide jobs to young men planting trees to stop erosion or work in small-scale government projects. Hoover's and Roosevelt's views on federal activity could be explained by their background. Hoover worked hard in his studies and in his political career to develop and good reputation in the political world while FDR already had a reputation because of his cousin, Theodore Roosevelt. Before the 1920's, FDR had no political achievement and throughout his life FDR did not distinguish himself neither at school nor at law, like Hoover did.
3. Although there were many supporters of the New Deal, there were also critics of the New Deal programs. Critics pointed out the economic interest of the New Deal programs such as the AAA and the NRA. These critics felt that some programs were ignoring the ordinary people. Critics such as Huey Long, Father Charles Coughlin, and Francis E. Townsend that the New Deal Programs were run by banker and rich businessmen. These critics used the radio to denounce the New Deal programs and gain support for the support for their ideas of improving the economy. These attacks on the New Deal programs worsened the public's discontent with the programs and encourage rebellions. Workers staged strikes demanding that employers start following the provisions of the NRA codes, recognize their union and provide an increase in wages.
4. While the First New Deal dealt with providing relief to both the public and industries and banks, the Second New Deal mainly focused on limiting the power of the rich and increase security and welfare for the ordinary man. The First New Deal created programs to bail banks out, provide relief and job for the poor and unemployed and improve the environment. Also, FDR's theory of improving the economy over all changed. In the First New Deal, FDR limited the production but in the Second New Deal FDR's tried to increase consumer spending, by supporting unions, providing more social welfare and creating public works projects. The main of the Second New deal was to direct more money to ordinary Americans than to the needs of big businesses. One of the big pieces of legislation that provided financial security was the Social Security Act. This Act required states to set up welfare funds from which money would be distributed to the elderly poor, the unemployed, single mothers, and the disabled. The FERA from the First New Deal also provide relief but it more of a temporary federal organization, which did not always provide relief to women. The Social Security Act was more of a permanent welfare system and was a pension program. Another important program of the Second New Deal was NLRA like the NRA supported the worker's choose of joining a union and also required employer to recognize and bargain with the unions,but unlike the NRA, the NLRA actually succeeded.
5. During the Depression did not gain anymore independence than they already had. People still believed that a woman's proper place was at home. This view that women should stay inferior to male's intensified during Depression. During the Depression, men could not fulfill their responsibility in providing economic security for their families. Male employees who tended to work in blue collar industries had a higher unemployment rate than women who worked in white collar jobs. Therefore, during the depression women were mostly the breadwinners of the house.
6. Most minority groups met the requirements to receive the relief provided by the New Deal but the minorities which benefited the most are the Eastern and Southern European immigrants. Eastern and Southern European immigrants made up a big part of the urban population and the working-class. Therefore they were able to receive welfare, and unemployment relief provided by the New Deal programs. African Americans who lived in the northern cities and were part of union benefited from the New Deal programs, but most African Americans lived in the rural south as tenant farmers or sharecroppers under white Americans. In the rural south African Americans, were excluded from most New Deal programs or received unfair treatment. In addition, Roosevelt made no effort to decrease the racial discrimination. Roosevelt feared that if he supported African American minority than he would lose the support of the white south. Mexican American benefited the least from the New Deal programs. A great number of Mexican Americans were deported during the Depression. Americans believed that by deporting Mexican Americans, jobs would be available for white Americans. If Mexicans were unable to show any form of documentation of their citizenship than they were deported even if they lived in the United States for many generations. Even though the New Deal Programs helped some minority groups, the programs did not exclude racial discrimination.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Depression Era Journal
In the beginning of the depression we lived in Colorado but once the depression started we ended up living no where. In our family there was my father, my mother, my two younger brothers and I. Before the Dust bowl, the stock market crash and before any of the bad thing happened we were doing okay. Well, our crops weren't doing that good but our neighbors used to help us out. Every wee, all the farm families used to come together for church dinners, dances, playing board games and listening to the radio.
All the fun and games disappeared when the dryness, heat and grasshopper finally hit hard and all our crops were destroyed. We were left with no money or food. After a few month's all that was left of our farms was dry soil. Even when things were bad we always used to be a happy family but during the depression we never smiled or looked happy. The worst part was when we lost our farm because we couldn't pay the farm payment. For the first time my father collapsed right in front of us and cried. My father was always the backbone of our family and to see him fall to pieces like that made me realize how bad our situation really is. After that day our father wouldn't look straight into our eyes.
To add to our trouble there was the dust bowl. There was dust blowing everywhere. Some days you couldn't see anything but this big black cloud. By the end of the day you were covered in dust from head to toe. " We lived with the dust, eat with it and would sleep with it..." The worst of all dust storms occurred on April 14, 1935. We called it the Black Sunday. There was no sunlight and you couldn't see anything past two feet from you. There was black dust all around you.
So we had to leave Colorado because we had no home there anymore. We packed the few clothes and food we had and started walking towards the Golden State with the other families who also had no choice but to leave. By walking, riding the train and buses we finally arrived to California. We had heard so many stories about the land of “milk and honey.” There were even rumors that you could just each out and pluck food from the trees. In the movies that we saw, which were made in Hollywood, California, the people seemed so happy. Therefore everyone thought if they left their horrible lives here and move to California than they could have a nice life too. Also, there were lots of flyers from farmer promising as abundant amount of farm work in California.
All the fun and games disappeared when the dryness, heat and grasshopper finally hit hard and all our crops were destroyed. We were left with no money or food. After a few month's all that was left of our farms was dry soil. Even when things were bad we always used to be a happy family but during the depression we never smiled or looked happy. The worst part was when we lost our farm because we couldn't pay the farm payment. For the first time my father collapsed right in front of us and cried. My father was always the backbone of our family and to see him fall to pieces like that made me realize how bad our situation really is. After that day our father wouldn't look straight into our eyes.
To add to our trouble there was the dust bowl. There was dust blowing everywhere. Some days you couldn't see anything but this big black cloud. By the end of the day you were covered in dust from head to toe. " We lived with the dust, eat with it and would sleep with it..." The worst of all dust storms occurred on April 14, 1935. We called it the Black Sunday. There was no sunlight and you couldn't see anything past two feet from you. There was black dust all around you.
So we had to leave Colorado because we had no home there anymore. We packed the few clothes and food we had and started walking towards the Golden State with the other families who also had no choice but to leave. By walking, riding the train and buses we finally arrived to California. We had heard so many stories about the land of “milk and honey.” There were even rumors that you could just each out and pluck food from the trees. In the movies that we saw, which were made in Hollywood, California, the people seemed so happy. Therefore everyone thought if they left their horrible lives here and move to California than they could have a nice life too. Also, there were lots of flyers from farmer promising as abundant amount of farm work in California.
Once we got to California, we found out that what we thought was all wrong. My family was expecting to work in a family farm, so after awhile we buy our own farm but we were told “land monopoly and agriculture on an industrial scale.” There fore, like the Mexican American already in California we became migrant farmers. We moved so often that we never really had a real home and the homes we lived weren't really a home. We lived in ditch camps set by farmers. These ditch camps had a "little cabin which one could throw a cat through the roof, and the stove was just about ready to fall down." These cabins were unsanitary and covered with water and mud. My two younger used always get sick from exposed to the water all the time. I hated the place, we all hated the place but we had nowhere else to go.
Our lives got better when FDR became president. One of his New Deal programs, the Farm Security Administration provided relief to migrant farmers like us. The program set up 12 new camps which were so much better than the ditch camps. We had hot showers, flush toilets, breakfast for children and excellent recreation facilities and a big hall for entertainment, and even had a library. With the start of the World War II the depression completely ended.
Bibliography:
Life during the Great Depression." All about History. All about History. org, 2002-2010.Web. 21 March 2010. http://www.allabouthistory.org/life-during-the-great-depression.htm.
Ganzel, Bill. "The Dust Bowl." Farming in the 1930's. Ganzel Groups, 2003. Web. 21 March 2010. http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/water_02.html.
C., Meredith. "Okie life in California." Migrant Okies in California. The Head-Royce School, Oakland, 25 May 2010. Web. 21 March 2010.
thesis statement
During his presidency, FDR put much of the federal money for human relief and for public works projects which at the moment helped poverty-stricken Americans but his policies neglected businesses.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Chapter 24 DBQ responses
1. Many Americans in teh early 1920's were hostile towards immigrants and foreign ideas because American's that they were destroying the "Anglo-Saxon" race. American feared foreign political ideas such as communism because they believed that communism would take contro of the American government and destroy the "perfect" democrarcy which existed.
2. Both parents and Factory owner might the opposition to a prohibition on Child labor. The parents of the children might agrue that they need their children to work in order to increase their income and make some amount of savings. Factory owners might argue that children are a source of cheap labor.
3. Scientific theories of evolution caused great controversy because theories such as Darwinism went againist the idea of evolution explained in the bible. Darwinism "has not one syllable in the Bible to support it." ( Bryan) Many protestant whites believed that Darwinism was Atheism.(Hodge) They believed that by teaching Darwinsim, religion is being destroyed.
2. Both parents and Factory owner might the opposition to a prohibition on Child labor. The parents of the children might agrue that they need their children to work in order to increase their income and make some amount of savings. Factory owners might argue that children are a source of cheap labor.
3. Scientific theories of evolution caused great controversy because theories such as Darwinism went againist the idea of evolution explained in the bible. Darwinism "has not one syllable in the Bible to support it." ( Bryan) Many protestant whites believed that Darwinism was Atheism.(Hodge) They believed that by teaching Darwinsim, religion is being destroyed.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Chapter 24 Responses
1. After the First World War America experienced a period of prosperity in the 1920's. Prosperity played a key role is changing American lifestyle in the 1920's. Before the war America goods were mostly capital goods such as factory machinery and railroad tracks which of little benefit for household lifestyle. Postwar economic growth mainly rested on consumer goods such as washing machines, refrigerators, radios and vacuum cleaners. These new innovations made household chores much easier. The life during the 1920's was much less structured and work oriented. It was instead more about leisurely activities. With the invention of the Model-T and asphalts roads, Urban Americans now had access to rural areas for day-long jaunts. Also as mobility increased families were able to go to movies, amusement parks, and sporting event at any time and more teenagers started to move away from their families more. In order to attract American the new products professional advertising firms developed. The advertisements of the 1920's were mostly aimed at the new rising middle class. Even though these new innovations made American lifestyle easier, a big percentage of working-class families couldn't buy these products. To make it possible for working-class families to partake in new American market place consumer credits were introduced. Consumer credit allowed consumer to purchase any expensive items by making down payment and paying the rest in installments.
2. Women were seeking to establish a new identity for themselves in the 1920's and break the informal rules that ruled woman's lives. They started to wear shorter skirts, wear red lipstick and be more self reliant. Women in the workforce were segregated. Women received much lower wages than men for the same job. Women were also confined to only lower level ranks of jobs. Women of the 1920's were uninterested in political reform. Many women gave up on political reformed and focused on gaining equality and freedom just in society.
3. American Business and Government were more closely related in the 1920's than ever before. The president of the time were very probusiness. American businessmen regained their status as leaders which they had before the Progressived Era. The Republican presidents of the 1920's commited to minimal goverment and probusiness economics. Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge's campaign of back to "normalcy," which had little interest in regulation gained great support from the American public.
4. Calvin Coolidge believed in laissez-faire bussiness while Hoover believed in associationalism. Laissez-Faire is a bussiness philosophy which states that the government should not control trade or any business affairs. Laissez-faire stated that the only way the economy would prosper is if the Government did not involve. During his presidency, Coolidge put great focus on reducing the Government control on the economy. Coolidge passed the Revenuc Act of 1926, which greatly reduced the high income and estate taxes that were passed during the first World War 1. He also reduced the power of the Federal Trade Commission to regulate businesses. On the other hand, Herbert Hoover, the Secretary of Commerce during Coolidge's president believed that instead of controlling the enconomy, the government should help businesses form coroporations. Hoover believed that both the bussiness owners and the workers should form a trade association where they could discuss the problem of production and distribution, and then find ways to increase efficiency and profit. These ideas of Laissez-Faire and associationalism took over the debate on Foreign policy.
5.During the 1920's, America's economic rested more on metropolis than on rural farmers. Also, the 1920's census showed that more American lived in Urban areas than in rural areas. This change to a more urban life raised fear in the rural white Americans. They feared that the urban lifestyle of amusement parks, departmental stores, movies, cabarets, flashy fashion and open sexuality would destroy what a "true" American really was. The rural white American's tried to protect their way of life by supporting Prohibition, the KKK, immigration restrictions, and religious fundamentalism.
The prohibition movement resulted in the 18th amendment which prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcohol but the 18th amendment did not prevent the consumption of alcohol, instead it encourage law-breaking and illegal consumption of alcohol. Transporting and selling alcohol became a underground profitable business and mobsters such as Al Capone became rich by liquor trafficking. This rebellion even more encouraged Protestants to rid the country of Alcohol and they saw Catholic and Jew as the reason for the rebellion.
The Ku Klux Klan was reestablished in 1915 by William Simmons and the KKK’s hatred against foreign races expanded to include Jew and Catholics. The KKK believed that Jews and Catholics should be completely removed from the American population and restore purity to "Anglo-Saxon" race. The Klan's nativist ideas attracted many people. By 1924 almost 4 million American were part of the Klan.The nativist ideas of the Klan led to Johnson-Reed Restriction Act of 1924 , limiting the entry. In the 1920’s American’s didn’t see the need of allowing more immigrants into America. Unskilled workers were not needed to work in factories anymore and American felt that is was hard to Americanize the new immigrants. Although Americans did not exclude all immigrants. American considered the British, German, and Scandinavians racially superior. Therefore the Johnson-Reed Act denied entrance to Italians, Greeks, Poles, Slavs, Japanese, Chinese and eastern European Jews but allowed the superior races. Lastly, Protestant Fudamentalists were the most enduring in protesting the urban lifestyle.
6. Even though America was experiencing a period of prosperity there was a revival of a more stronger racist feelings towards Catholics, Jews and still African Americans. Catholic, Jews and African American were the target of the Klans hatred. Many Protestant Americans believed that Catholics and Jews were destroying the pure "Anglo-Saxon" race. In addition, to the revival of racism Fundamentalists started to favor religious bigotry. Fundamentalists believed that the Bible was the " fundamental truth" and should be followed word for word. They rejected the scientific theories of evolution which disapproved the Bible's theory on evolution.
7. Of the many ethnic groups present in the United states during the 1920's, the African American population was still the minority that was the least accepted was the Black population. During the 1920's millions of blacks moved to north. As the black population in the North increased, small black communities and cities formed but even with these communities African Americans had to face racial discrimination. African Americans could only find work which were least desired and the lowest-paying. They also only could find houses in poor conditions with very high rents. Although there were still racial division in the work place, during the 1920's the Black culture was vigorous,productive. African Americans brought their distinct musical, artistic, and literary talent to the north. Mexican American immigrants became the source of cheap labor in the United States during the 1920's. Mostly Mexican American worked on railroads, agriculture, and manufacturing but some also worked in steel, auto, and meatpacking industries. Like African Americans worked long hours for little wages. Unlike African Americans, the Mexican Immigrants did not settle in one place and create communities. Mostly, Mexican farmers only worked for several days at a farm and depended on the farm owner for shelter.
2. Women were seeking to establish a new identity for themselves in the 1920's and break the informal rules that ruled woman's lives. They started to wear shorter skirts, wear red lipstick and be more self reliant. Women in the workforce were segregated. Women received much lower wages than men for the same job. Women were also confined to only lower level ranks of jobs. Women of the 1920's were uninterested in political reform. Many women gave up on political reformed and focused on gaining equality and freedom just in society.
3. American Business and Government were more closely related in the 1920's than ever before. The president of the time were very probusiness. American businessmen regained their status as leaders which they had before the Progressived Era. The Republican presidents of the 1920's commited to minimal goverment and probusiness economics. Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge's campaign of back to "normalcy," which had little interest in regulation gained great support from the American public.
4. Calvin Coolidge believed in laissez-faire bussiness while Hoover believed in associationalism. Laissez-Faire is a bussiness philosophy which states that the government should not control trade or any business affairs. Laissez-faire stated that the only way the economy would prosper is if the Government did not involve. During his presidency, Coolidge put great focus on reducing the Government control on the economy. Coolidge passed the Revenuc Act of 1926, which greatly reduced the high income and estate taxes that were passed during the first World War 1. He also reduced the power of the Federal Trade Commission to regulate businesses. On the other hand, Herbert Hoover, the Secretary of Commerce during Coolidge's president believed that instead of controlling the enconomy, the government should help businesses form coroporations. Hoover believed that both the bussiness owners and the workers should form a trade association where they could discuss the problem of production and distribution, and then find ways to increase efficiency and profit. These ideas of Laissez-Faire and associationalism took over the debate on Foreign policy.
5.During the 1920's, America's economic rested more on metropolis than on rural farmers. Also, the 1920's census showed that more American lived in Urban areas than in rural areas. This change to a more urban life raised fear in the rural white Americans. They feared that the urban lifestyle of amusement parks, departmental stores, movies, cabarets, flashy fashion and open sexuality would destroy what a "true" American really was. The rural white American's tried to protect their way of life by supporting Prohibition, the KKK, immigration restrictions, and religious fundamentalism.
The prohibition movement resulted in the 18th amendment which prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcohol but the 18th amendment did not prevent the consumption of alcohol, instead it encourage law-breaking and illegal consumption of alcohol. Transporting and selling alcohol became a underground profitable business and mobsters such as Al Capone became rich by liquor trafficking. This rebellion even more encouraged Protestants to rid the country of Alcohol and they saw Catholic and Jew as the reason for the rebellion.
The Ku Klux Klan was reestablished in 1915 by William Simmons and the KKK’s hatred against foreign races expanded to include Jew and Catholics. The KKK believed that Jews and Catholics should be completely removed from the American population and restore purity to "Anglo-Saxon" race. The Klan's nativist ideas attracted many people. By 1924 almost 4 million American were part of the Klan.The nativist ideas of the Klan led to Johnson-Reed Restriction Act of 1924 , limiting the entry. In the 1920’s American’s didn’t see the need of allowing more immigrants into America. Unskilled workers were not needed to work in factories anymore and American felt that is was hard to Americanize the new immigrants. Although Americans did not exclude all immigrants. American considered the British, German, and Scandinavians racially superior. Therefore the Johnson-Reed Act denied entrance to Italians, Greeks, Poles, Slavs, Japanese, Chinese and eastern European Jews but allowed the superior races. Lastly, Protestant Fudamentalists were the most enduring in protesting the urban lifestyle.
6. Even though America was experiencing a period of prosperity there was a revival of a more stronger racist feelings towards Catholics, Jews and still African Americans. Catholic, Jews and African American were the target of the Klans hatred. Many Protestant Americans believed that Catholics and Jews were destroying the pure "Anglo-Saxon" race. In addition, to the revival of racism Fundamentalists started to favor religious bigotry. Fundamentalists believed that the Bible was the " fundamental truth" and should be followed word for word. They rejected the scientific theories of evolution which disapproved the Bible's theory on evolution.
7. Of the many ethnic groups present in the United states during the 1920's, the African American population was still the minority that was the least accepted was the Black population. During the 1920's millions of blacks moved to north. As the black population in the North increased, small black communities and cities formed but even with these communities African Americans had to face racial discrimination. African Americans could only find work which were least desired and the lowest-paying. They also only could find houses in poor conditions with very high rents. Although there were still racial division in the work place, during the 1920's the Black culture was vigorous,productive. African Americans brought their distinct musical, artistic, and literary talent to the north. Mexican American immigrants became the source of cheap labor in the United States during the 1920's. Mostly Mexican American worked on railroads, agriculture, and manufacturing but some also worked in steel, auto, and meatpacking industries. Like African Americans worked long hours for little wages. Unlike African Americans, the Mexican Immigrants did not settle in one place and create communities. Mostly, Mexican farmers only worked for several days at a farm and depended on the farm owner for shelter.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Treaty of Versailles DBQ
By 1918, both the Allies and the central powers knew the had to end the war. Therefore, at 5:00am on November 11, 1918 an armistice was signed. The recuperation process of the was was to be decided by the Treaty of Versailles but it faced great opposition from the U.S. senate. The U.S. senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles because it established the league of nations and Wilson refused to compromise of the League. Although there was a great opposition from both, liberal and conservatives. It was Wilson's stubbornness to compromise that led to the defeat of the Treaty of Versailles.
William Borah in his speech to the U.S. senate questioned President Wilson, " will anyone advocate that those matters which are of vital importance to our people shall be submitted to a tribunal created other than by our own people and give it an international army subject to its direction and control to enforce its decrees?"(Doc A) Borah predicted correctly, the Republican senate Refuse to ratify the Treaty of Versaille because it established the power to make U.S. foreign affairs decision on the League of Nations. Other reasons Republican refused to ratify the treaty because it didn't guarantee any of the goals that the Americans claimed as the reasons to joining the war. America's war aims were to free the European people of imperial powers but the "Treaty of Versailles doesn't even try to satisfy these aspirations."(doc B) " Liberals all over the world hoped that a war...would end in a peace which would moralize nationalism by releasing it from class bondage and exclusive ambitions.
Eventhough there was great opposition , if Wilson had compromised the Treaty would have been accepted. Wilson would not compromise even if some of his closest advisers told him . Herbert Hoover, in a letter to Wilson suggested that some how the treaty had to go into effect. Hoover explained that" the delay have already seriously imperiled the economic recuperation of Europe."(Doc D) Wilson supported the treaty and the League of Nations by stating to the public that America is the " light of the world created to lead the world in the assertion of the rights of free nations... this light the opponents of the league would quench."
As a result of the Wilson's stubborness, the U.S. senate failed to ratify the Treaty and join the League of Nations. Both Wilson and the Republican failed to see the " need for continued effort to bring about an adequate internal organization." Since they failed to see this America has alienated itself from foreign affairs.
William Borah in his speech to the U.S. senate questioned President Wilson, " will anyone advocate that those matters which are of vital importance to our people shall be submitted to a tribunal created other than by our own people and give it an international army subject to its direction and control to enforce its decrees?"(Doc A) Borah predicted correctly, the Republican senate Refuse to ratify the Treaty of Versaille because it established the power to make U.S. foreign affairs decision on the League of Nations. Other reasons Republican refused to ratify the treaty because it didn't guarantee any of the goals that the Americans claimed as the reasons to joining the war. America's war aims were to free the European people of imperial powers but the "Treaty of Versailles doesn't even try to satisfy these aspirations."(doc B) " Liberals all over the world hoped that a war...would end in a peace which would moralize nationalism by releasing it from class bondage and exclusive ambitions.
Eventhough there was great opposition , if Wilson had compromised the Treaty would have been accepted. Wilson would not compromise even if some of his closest advisers told him . Herbert Hoover, in a letter to Wilson suggested that some how the treaty had to go into effect. Hoover explained that" the delay have already seriously imperiled the economic recuperation of Europe."(Doc D) Wilson supported the treaty and the League of Nations by stating to the public that America is the " light of the world created to lead the world in the assertion of the rights of free nations... this light the opponents of the league would quench."
As a result of the Wilson's stubborness, the U.S. senate failed to ratify the Treaty and join the League of Nations. Both Wilson and the Republican failed to see the " need for continued effort to bring about an adequate internal organization." Since they failed to see this America has alienated itself from foreign affairs.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Chapter 23 DBQ
1. America claims that the reason for them to join the World war 1 was to bring the war to an end and "to vindicate the principles of peace and justice in the life of the world as against selfish and autocratic power." (President Wilson, 1917)
2. Wilson in his war message stated that America should fight for " democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own government, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for a universal dominion of right by such a concert of free people's as shall bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free." Wilson's war goals were very unrealistic and overly moralistic. He expected a world of peace and democracy which impossible when other nations didn't have these intentions. Wilson's goals never were achieved because the Treaty of Versailles excluded these ideals. Wilson's ideas had no economic benefit to other countries, so they were uninterested.
3. I believe that both moral ideals and national interests should guide American diplomacy. There should be a balance between moral ideal and national interest because not every country would choose the same moral ideals as America, therefore the difference in moral ideals could alienate America but national interests shouldn't completely control foreign policy either. Moral ideal should be included to gain public support and to remind ourselves of our morals.
4. During and after the war Americans feared about being overthrown by foreign countries and being ruled by communism. To avoid this, Americans started to force immigrants to fully become Americanized and pledge to be loyal to America. As punishment for being disloyal American believed they " should be disfranchised and interned."
2. Wilson in his war message stated that America should fight for " democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own government, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for a universal dominion of right by such a concert of free people's as shall bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free." Wilson's war goals were very unrealistic and overly moralistic. He expected a world of peace and democracy which impossible when other nations didn't have these intentions. Wilson's goals never were achieved because the Treaty of Versailles excluded these ideals. Wilson's ideas had no economic benefit to other countries, so they were uninterested.
3. I believe that both moral ideals and national interests should guide American diplomacy. There should be a balance between moral ideal and national interest because not every country would choose the same moral ideals as America, therefore the difference in moral ideals could alienate America but national interests shouldn't completely control foreign policy either. Moral ideal should be included to gain public support and to remind ourselves of our morals.
4. During and after the war Americans feared about being overthrown by foreign countries and being ruled by communism. To avoid this, Americans started to force immigrants to fully become Americanized and pledge to be loyal to America. As punishment for being disloyal American believed they " should be disfranchised and interned."
Monday, March 1, 2010
Chapter 23 Responses
1. World War I was initiated with the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne. Austria-Hungary blamed this death on Serbia and declared war on Serbia on July 28. Due to a treaty with Serbia Russia was compelled to come and rescue Serbia. In response to Russia's involvement into the war, Germany was obligated to protect Austria-Hungary from Russian attack because of the Triple Alliance, which required Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy to come to each other's aid if attacked. However, Germany instead of attacking Russia, the Russian troops struck France, Russia western ally. This military tactic involved France and Britain because of the Triple Entente, which obligated Britain, France and Russia to come to each other's aid if attacked. Finally, Europe was in all out war.
2. Even though the United States claimed to be neutral, but most American sided with Great Britain because of the strong ties between the two nations. America was linked to Britain economically, politically, and culturally. America shared the English language, a common ancestry and a commitment to liberty with Britain while Germany was still a very foreign country to many Americans. Germany was very different American traditions. Germany's monarchical rule and militarist views were very different from the Democratic traditions of the U.S. which lead Americans to judge Germany harshly. America was tied economically to Britain because much of the American products were exported to Britain. Also, the number of exports increased during the WWI. During the WWI $800 million worth of American goods were exported to Britain. In addition, members in creating the U.S. foreign policy were pro-British such as Colonel Edward M. House and Robert Lansing.
3. At the beginning of the WWI Wilson stated that is was "European" war which America should not be involved. Therefore, Wilson stated that America would remain normal relations with both sides. Even though, Wilson proclaimed American neutrality it was hard to remain neutral. American neutrality was initially threatened by British blockade of German ports because it impacted American trade with Germany, thus involving America in the war. Wilson's administration did try to protest the search and seizure of American merchant ship, but failed. Other incidents that threatened American neutrality such as the sinking of the Lusitania and the Sussex. A German U-boat torpedoed the Lusitania, a British passenger ship because it was allegedly carrying a large store of munitions to Great Britain. In the explosion 128 American citizens were killed. This incident increased the hatred towards Germans and more and more americans were starting to favor British. In response to the attack, Wilson demanded that Germany pledge never to launch another attack on the citizens of neutral nations but again in 1916 the Germans attacked the French passenger liner, Sussex. As more incidents were pulling America into the war Wilson was trying harder and harder to keep peace through a peace movement but on April 6, 1917, America inevitably entered the war.
4. World War I was the first "total" war which required the United States to invest all of its resources into the war. In order to bring the war to an end, United States had to devote its agricultural, transportation, industrial and population resources to the war effort. In order to finance and mobilize the war Wilson created centralized federal agencies to supervise nationwide activity. Some of the Agencies were the Food Administration, U.S. Railroad administration, Aircraft production Board and Emergency Fleet corporation, and the War Industries Board. The agencies were successful but also failed at certain jobs.. The Food Administration and the Railroad Administration created a more efficient way to distribute supplies to Europe but the Aircraft Production Board and Emergency Fleet Corporation failed at supplying the allies with combat aircraft and merchant vessels on time. Another weak side to these agencies is they were unorganized. For example the WIB lacked a stable authority therefore unable to implement their plans.
5. Initially, Americans were not in favor of American intervention into the War, to populrize the war effort Wilson created the Committee on Public Information. This Committee, led by George Creel, a progressivist and a muckraker, consisted of professional propagandist that explained the U.S. war aims to arouse public support for the war. The CPI distributed 75 millions of pamphlets and "Four minute Men" very concise, uplifting war speeches to large groups of people. As a result of the propagandist's efforts to spread the word about the war, a nationalist feeling began to spark in Americans. Workers, women, immigrants, and African Americans questioned that the democratic ideal America is fighting for abroad should first be established at home. CPI's efforts led American's to believe that the Progressives work would come to a conclusion with end of the war. Women believed that their fight for woman's suffrage would become successful, African Americans dreamed that the war would produce them second class citizenship and immigrants were hoping to increase their chances for success in the United States after the war has ended. In addition, to the nationalist feeling there was a rising hatred towards Germans. The CPI started to demand that all immigrants become 100 percent Americanized and reject their native language and native customs.
6. The Republicans played a crucial role in the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles. In order for the Treaty to be ratified by the League of Nation, the Treaty first had to be ratified by the U.S. senate. The senate was dominated by the Republican who strongly opposed the Treaty. The Republicans were split into two group, who both opposed the Treaty but just for different reasons. The members of the first group were primarily mid-westerners and westerners who were strong conservationist and isolationist, who believed that America should remain a separate nation from the European countries. The second group was led by Henry Cabot Lodge, which rejected Wilson's theory that every group of people regardless of their size, political power or economic condition, had the right to form their own nation and have a say in foreign affairs. Instead of Wilson's theory, Logde's group believed that only a few powerful, militarily strong country should control foreign affairs. Other issues that the Republicans raised about the treaty was that if it was constitutionally accurate to give the League the authority to take military decisions when this power was strictly given to the Congress. Regardless of the Republican opposition, the treaty was ratified with the required 2/3 majority.
7. The "Red Scare" was the fear that American government is going to be overthrown by Socialists, communists and anarchists. As a result of this scare Americans started on a campaign of repression. Radical and communist American were losing their jobs, killed and assaulted. Immigrants were forced to become a 100 percent Americanized.
8.
It has been six months since i was drafted into the military and tomorrow i will be going to Europe to face the war. I am a tab bit scared because i have heard the horrible stories of the trench warfare. I have heard that more people have died because of the diseases caused by the trenches than gun wounds. I have been chosen to be a trench runner. So, from tomorrow onwards i will be sending messages from one command unit to another. My higher authority has told me that I'm a trench runner because of my speed and excellent map reading. I guess i should be happy for that but scared because I'm going to be moving target until this war ends. This war is much different than the stories i have heard about the civil war from my father. Now there were machine guns, aircraft and submarines. These new technologies now cause more fatalities than before. Today I'm just a 19 year old guy without much responsibility but tomorrow i'll be a trench runner that the Allies depend on.
2. Even though the United States claimed to be neutral, but most American sided with Great Britain because of the strong ties between the two nations. America was linked to Britain economically, politically, and culturally. America shared the English language, a common ancestry and a commitment to liberty with Britain while Germany was still a very foreign country to many Americans. Germany was very different American traditions. Germany's monarchical rule and militarist views were very different from the Democratic traditions of the U.S. which lead Americans to judge Germany harshly. America was tied economically to Britain because much of the American products were exported to Britain. Also, the number of exports increased during the WWI. During the WWI $800 million worth of American goods were exported to Britain. In addition, members in creating the U.S. foreign policy were pro-British such as Colonel Edward M. House and Robert Lansing.
3. At the beginning of the WWI Wilson stated that is was "European" war which America should not be involved. Therefore, Wilson stated that America would remain normal relations with both sides. Even though, Wilson proclaimed American neutrality it was hard to remain neutral. American neutrality was initially threatened by British blockade of German ports because it impacted American trade with Germany, thus involving America in the war. Wilson's administration did try to protest the search and seizure of American merchant ship, but failed. Other incidents that threatened American neutrality such as the sinking of the Lusitania and the Sussex. A German U-boat torpedoed the Lusitania, a British passenger ship because it was allegedly carrying a large store of munitions to Great Britain. In the explosion 128 American citizens were killed. This incident increased the hatred towards Germans and more and more americans were starting to favor British. In response to the attack, Wilson demanded that Germany pledge never to launch another attack on the citizens of neutral nations but again in 1916 the Germans attacked the French passenger liner, Sussex. As more incidents were pulling America into the war Wilson was trying harder and harder to keep peace through a peace movement but on April 6, 1917, America inevitably entered the war.
4. World War I was the first "total" war which required the United States to invest all of its resources into the war. In order to bring the war to an end, United States had to devote its agricultural, transportation, industrial and population resources to the war effort. In order to finance and mobilize the war Wilson created centralized federal agencies to supervise nationwide activity. Some of the Agencies were the Food Administration, U.S. Railroad administration, Aircraft production Board and Emergency Fleet corporation, and the War Industries Board. The agencies were successful but also failed at certain jobs.. The Food Administration and the Railroad Administration created a more efficient way to distribute supplies to Europe but the Aircraft Production Board and Emergency Fleet Corporation failed at supplying the allies with combat aircraft and merchant vessels on time. Another weak side to these agencies is they were unorganized. For example the WIB lacked a stable authority therefore unable to implement their plans.
5. Initially, Americans were not in favor of American intervention into the War, to populrize the war effort Wilson created the Committee on Public Information. This Committee, led by George Creel, a progressivist and a muckraker, consisted of professional propagandist that explained the U.S. war aims to arouse public support for the war. The CPI distributed 75 millions of pamphlets and "Four minute Men" very concise, uplifting war speeches to large groups of people. As a result of the propagandist's efforts to spread the word about the war, a nationalist feeling began to spark in Americans. Workers, women, immigrants, and African Americans questioned that the democratic ideal America is fighting for abroad should first be established at home. CPI's efforts led American's to believe that the Progressives work would come to a conclusion with end of the war. Women believed that their fight for woman's suffrage would become successful, African Americans dreamed that the war would produce them second class citizenship and immigrants were hoping to increase their chances for success in the United States after the war has ended. In addition, to the nationalist feeling there was a rising hatred towards Germans. The CPI started to demand that all immigrants become 100 percent Americanized and reject their native language and native customs.
6. The Republicans played a crucial role in the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles. In order for the Treaty to be ratified by the League of Nation, the Treaty first had to be ratified by the U.S. senate. The senate was dominated by the Republican who strongly opposed the Treaty. The Republicans were split into two group, who both opposed the Treaty but just for different reasons. The members of the first group were primarily mid-westerners and westerners who were strong conservationist and isolationist, who believed that America should remain a separate nation from the European countries. The second group was led by Henry Cabot Lodge, which rejected Wilson's theory that every group of people regardless of their size, political power or economic condition, had the right to form their own nation and have a say in foreign affairs. Instead of Wilson's theory, Logde's group believed that only a few powerful, militarily strong country should control foreign affairs. Other issues that the Republicans raised about the treaty was that if it was constitutionally accurate to give the League the authority to take military decisions when this power was strictly given to the Congress. Regardless of the Republican opposition, the treaty was ratified with the required 2/3 majority.
7. The "Red Scare" was the fear that American government is going to be overthrown by Socialists, communists and anarchists. As a result of this scare Americans started on a campaign of repression. Radical and communist American were losing their jobs, killed and assaulted. Immigrants were forced to become a 100 percent Americanized.
8.
It has been six months since i was drafted into the military and tomorrow i will be going to Europe to face the war. I am a tab bit scared because i have heard the horrible stories of the trench warfare. I have heard that more people have died because of the diseases caused by the trenches than gun wounds. I have been chosen to be a trench runner. So, from tomorrow onwards i will be sending messages from one command unit to another. My higher authority has told me that I'm a trench runner because of my speed and excellent map reading. I guess i should be happy for that but scared because I'm going to be moving target until this war ends. This war is much different than the stories i have heard about the civil war from my father. Now there were machine guns, aircraft and submarines. These new technologies now cause more fatalities than before. Today I'm just a 19 year old guy without much responsibility but tomorrow i'll be a trench runner that the Allies depend on.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Chapter 22 DBQ
1. Fredrick Jackson Turner believed that the Frontier was the key to the American economic boom. He believed that Frontier shaped American culture and made it more different and unique from the British culture, which America came from. Turner fears that with the closing of the Frontier America will not be able to spread Christianity and the idea of democracy and civil liberty to save the inferior races. Turner believes Christianity and the idea of civil liberty are the two things that all of mankind need to be "lifted into the light of the highest Christian civilization."
2. Proponents of people argued that it was part of the American destiny to govern smaller nations. They believed that the reason America was developed with such a proficient government was to .help govern nations of the inferior race. Josiah Strong states that God "has made us adept in government that we may administer government among savage and senile peoples." According to Strong Americans were the chosen people of God and it was the American's responsibility to 'save' the inferior race.
3. I believe at the time ideology was most important in encouraging American imperialism but economic benefits and strategic interest were the underlying factors in encouraging American imperialism. Big Businessmen and Politician saw American imperialism as a way to expand power. The Ideology was used to gain support from the public because the principals of democracy and freedom were very important to the average American.
4. Foreign policy should be governed by economic interest because even though Foreign policy based freedom and democracy are wonderful in theory, it provide any benefits. An economic based foreign policy would farther the country more.
5. The United States should enter in the internal affairs of a foreign country when they start to effect the United States economy. "The right to intervene may be justified by the very serious injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people."(Sumner) Other reasons is when the conflict is being prolonged and neither side is "either unable or unwilling to stop or mitigate...," which was Sumner's justification for U.S. intervention into the Spanish American War.
2. Proponents of people argued that it was part of the American destiny to govern smaller nations. They believed that the reason America was developed with such a proficient government was to .help govern nations of the inferior race. Josiah Strong states that God "has made us adept in government that we may administer government among savage and senile peoples." According to Strong Americans were the chosen people of God and it was the American's responsibility to 'save' the inferior race.
3. I believe at the time ideology was most important in encouraging American imperialism but economic benefits and strategic interest were the underlying factors in encouraging American imperialism. Big Businessmen and Politician saw American imperialism as a way to expand power. The Ideology was used to gain support from the public because the principals of democracy and freedom were very important to the average American.
4. Foreign policy should be governed by economic interest because even though Foreign policy based freedom and democracy are wonderful in theory, it provide any benefits. An economic based foreign policy would farther the country more.
5. The United States should enter in the internal affairs of a foreign country when they start to effect the United States economy. "The right to intervene may be justified by the very serious injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people."(Sumner) Other reasons is when the conflict is being prolonged and neither side is "either unable or unwilling to stop or mitigate...," which was Sumner's justification for U.S. intervention into the Spanish American War.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Chapter 22 Responses
In the late 19th century there were many American interested in expanding America's role abroad. Of the many American, were Protestant missionaries, Businessmen and imperialists.The protestant missionaries wanted to expand America's role abroad to teach "ignorant" Asians the Gospel. the missionaries believed that it was their soul duty to 'civilize' the Asian and save them from their racial destiny. On the flip-side, Businessmen wanted to expand America's role abroad by expanding their businesses internationally and make great fortunes. The businessman's appeal towards foreign lands and markets increased when they discovered the frontier has disappeared. In the 1890's the frontier was believed to be an essential part to the growth of economy. Imperialists were politicians willing to assist America in becoming a world power and controlling world markets. Imperialists wanted to become a world power like Britain, France, Germany and Russia.
2. The Spanish americna War began witha Cuban Revolt in 1894, whicch was triggered by a U.S. tariff that made Cuban sugar too expensive for U.S. markets. The American intervention into the war occured for multiple reasons. The main reason that pushed U.S. into entering the war was Depuy de Lome's letter and 6 weeks later the Maine exploded. In the De Lome letterm Depuy de Lome described Mckinlety as a "cheap politician" and a "bidder for the admiration of the Crowd. This enraged the U.S. public and when the U.S. Maine exploded, Americans blamed the Spanish. Other reasons that the U.S. entered the war was because of Yellow journalism which embelished storied of Spainish brutality against Cubans. In the end, with the Teller Resolution America officially entered the war. After 5 months of fighting the was ended with a U.S. victory and the Treaty of Paris. According to the Treaty of Paris, America acquired Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philipienes. With the acquisition of the Phillipiene, America entered another war against the Filipino rebels. Eventhough the original justification for entering the war was to help Cuba achieve independence, after the war Americans didn't reliquish its power over the island.
3. Racism played a big role in the Spanish American War and in foreign affairs. Many americans considered the Asian race and the Spanish race inferior. This was one of the reasons Americans felt it was necessary to expand America abroad. The American view of foreign individuals was distorted by newpapers and racism. A perfect example would be the Spanish American War. WHen the american army came to Cuba they were shocked to see that Cuban revolutionaries were of a darker skin color and the Spanish were of light complexion. They were so shocked because in newspapers, Cubans were represented as being American, ligh-skinned, intelligen and civilized, but the Cubans were the compelete opposite of that view. Also, during warfare Cubans were skilled guerrilla fighter but because of prejudice Cubans were never credited for theri military expertise.
Each president chose a different apporach to lead America into becoming a world power. Roosevelt chose a militaristic approach while Taft chose a more business and corporate approach. Roosevelt felt that inorder to become anational power U.S. needed a strong military for support. To start the path to becoming world power, Roosevelt created the corollary, which stated that U.S. intervention is allowed under certain circumstances in hemispheric affairs, European nation were not allowed too intervene in the domestic affairs of nations in the Western hemisphere. William Howard Taft was the path to becoming a world power through expanding opportunities for corporate investment overseas. Taft's dollar diplomacy worked better in the Caribbean than in East Asia because there was no major power contesting the U.S. in the Caribbean. Woodrow Wilson's approach was much like former Republican presidents but instead of wanting to control other nations like Roosevelt, Wilson wanted to advance democratic ideals through U.S. foreign policies.
5. Central America and the Caribbean were very important to America. These land areas were important to the economy and to the step into becoming an imperial country. All three Progressive president focused on the two areas. As a result of the Spanish America had acquired Cuba, Prute Rico
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Chapter 21 responses
1. Muckrakers, settlement houses, and socialists played a key role in the development of the progressive movement by exploiting the flaws of U.S. economy, society and government and sought ways to reform it. Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposes the repugnant aspects of American life. Muckrakers such as Ida Tarbell, Lincoln Steffens and George Kibbe exposed the corruption of Local governments, corporations and the horrible states of family life. During this time when the middle-class people were drawn to the concepts of realism were inspired by the Muckrakers and started to take action.
Settlement houses established by young college-educated, protestant women were intended to help the largely immigrant urban poor. Of the many settlement houses, the first was the Hull House. The Hull house provided economic and social needs for the immigrants. The Hull house consisted a nursery, an employment bureau, and various social clubs. In addition to helping immigrants establish a stable life, the leader of the Hull house such as Jane Addams fought against Alcoholism and prostitution.
Bigger issues such as the control over industry were dealt by socialists. Socialists goals were much like the progressives. Socialists fought for regulating capitalism and reforming the economic system. Socialists came from many different parts of the country. Socialists were predominately German working-class immigrants and Jewish immigrants.Settlement houses established by young college-educated, protestant women were intended to help the largely immigrant urban poor. Of the many settlement houses, the first was the Hull House. The Hull house provided economic and social needs for the immigrants. The Hull house consisted a nursery, an employment bureau, and various social clubs. In addition to helping immigrants establish a stable life, the leader of the Hull house such as Jane Addams fought against Alcoholism and prostitution.
2. Before the 1890's municipal transportation networks and utilities of a city were controlled by corporation who charged unfair rates to the public, but the corporation managers received generous reductions. The city Commission Plan and the City Manager Plan were reforms which limited corruption and improved services. The city commission plan shifted municipal power form the mayor to 5 city commissioners, each responsible for a different department of city government. The city commission plan brought great success to Galveston, Texas and other cities that adopted this plan. The Galveston commissioners were able to restore the city's credit, harbor and build a sea wall to protect from future floods. Even though the city commissioners brought great improvements it was still flawed. The city manager plan was created to overcome those flaws. Under the city manager plan, the commissioner still made the policies but a chief executive or city manager implemented the plans. The city manager also made sure that commissioner's plans were always impartial.
Just a corruption existed in Local government, corruption existed in state governments too. One way the progressives saw they could reform the state governments was by restoring power into the people and protect individual's rights. In order to shift the power to the people, the progressives introduced reforms such as the direct primary, which allowed voters rather than party bosses to elect presidential candidates. Other reforms were the initiative, referendum and recall. The progressives also established government regulation of voting rather than political parties. By 1890's every states adopted the Australian Ballot. The Australian ballot allowed voters to vote in private. These reforms allowed the public to have a true say in government without any manipulation from political parties.
During the Progressive movement, much of the national reform centered around decreasing the power of the trusts, protection of workers, and quality of consumer goods. The biggest progressive leader was Theodore Roosevelt.
3. Initially Progressivism began with protestant middle-class Americans. These young Americans felt that it was their job to right the moral wrongs. They wanted to correct the corruption and immoralities they saw in the American government and decrease the gap between the rich and the poor. From this large group of protestants emerged groups such as the Muckrakers, leaders of the settlement houses, and the socialist.
4. Even though progressives believed that governmental power should be controlled by the public, they did not believe that every person was eligible to have that power. The Progressives felt that the "unfit" groups of people should be disenfranchised. One of the biggest groups they believed should disenfranchised were immigrants. Progressives created election laws and made becoming a citizen very difficult.
5. Women during the progressive era achieved many reform such as the settlement houses, the Mann Act and temperance reforms, but one of the most important victories was the 19th amendment which enfranchised women. The movement for Woman's suffrage began with the Seneca falls Convention and progressed so much that Wyoming became the first state to grant women the right to vote. The woman's suffrage movement gained great momentum during the progressive era because the view of women had changed. Women now were viewed as being gentler, possessing a moral sense and nurturing quality that men lacked. During the progressive era, instead to stating that a woman's capabilities were equal to a man's, they argued that women were different from and because of this difference they qualified to vote. Also, Americans believed that a woman's experience ans a mother and household manager would enable them to reform local and state government, which the progressives essential goal.
6.
Roosevelt
Vision: A
Roosevelt's ability to look beyond the here and now and wee what the future should be was great. Most of Roosevelt's reform policies were based on how he wanted the future to be. For example, the actions Roosevelt took as a conservationist were to preserve American lands and forestry for the future.
Accomplishments: A-
Roosevelt had achieved many things in various categories. Roosevelt broke up numerous monopolies, regulated the banking system and railroads, supported pieces of legislation such the pure food and drug Act, Meat Inspection Act and the Hepburn Act. Although Roosevelt's accomplishment did not completely erase the corruption businesses, railroads and banks but his accomplishments were the beginning to improvement.
Taft
Vision: C
William Howard Taft was handpicked by Roosevelt as his successor, but Taft was never able to achieve as much success or praise as Roosevelt. During his presidency Taft spent most his time trying to live up to the reputation of Roosevelt and gaining support. So, Taft did not have the ability to see what the future should be.
Accomplishment: C-
Compared to Roosevelt Taft did not accomplish much at all his only piece of legislation was the Payne-Aldrich Tariff which helped very little. It incluced a 2% corporate income tax but did not reduce tariff.
Wilson: A
Vison:
I would give Wilson's political view an A because throughout his presidency, Wilson fought with Congress for the passage of various reform such as the Underwood-Simmons Tariff. Also, during his presidency Wilson showed what an ideal and fair president should be like. For his cabinet he chose talented, wise members who were worthy of holding a position of authority and he displayed a public image where the president was in charge of his party and faithful to the public. In addition, many of his policies still remain today such the Federal Reserve.
Accomplishment: A+
Underwood-Simmons Tariff: reduced tariffs
Federal Reserve Act: strengthen the nation's financial structure.
Established the Federal Trade commission: managed the regulation of businesses
Kern-McGillicuddy Act: first workmen's compensation law
Keating Owens Act: outlawed child labor
The Adamson Act: guaranteed an eight hour work day
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Chapter 20 Responses
1. There were various sources of economic growth such as technology, corporate growth, new ideas of managments, mass production and distribution. Of the many invention the most inventions for economic growth were the harnessing of light and gasoline powered internat combustion engine. Whith the discovery of electricity industries switched from steam power which was expensive and high in pollution to more efficient and cleaner electrial power. As the demand for electrical generators rose, jobs in metalworking and machine-tool industries grew. TO control the market instability corporations formed. As the number of corporation grew a form of management was organized. Status and duties of the corporation were divided among individual managers ina heirachal system. The senior manager took over the responsibilities of the owner and created long-term plans. Below the senior manager is the middle manager who oversees the various departments and manages the staff of the departments. The main goal of the manager was to efficiently increase factory productivity with the fewest human or mechanical interruptions. The best way they saw to achieve this goal was to introduce scientific practices into the factory floor. The " time-and-motion studies" of Fredrick Winslow Taylor was the first step in achieving the manager's goals. Taylor observed each single movement a woker had to make in the prodution process in order to identify where wasted human energy can be eliminated. His principals and ideas were called Taylorism. The first to use Taylorism was Henry Ford in his assembly line. In the assembly each worker only performed one simple task as the car was carried on a conveyor belt to various work stations, so this saved time which was perviously wasted in transporting car parts to the different work stations and limited the time the worker had to perform the task.
2. The social and economic turmoil of the 20th century had a major impact on corporation and the lives of the workers. The economic instability led corporations to seek consolidation. The Railrods were the first to begin the process. The railroads formed pools where various coroporation came together and established standardized rate, and distributed discrete portions of freight business. These pools or trusts were intended to end the rate wars but many failed to follow by the rules because of their temtation to lower freight rates and exceed one's market share. The next method that corporations saw to end the economic instability was through mergers. Through mergers competition was eliminated thus there were decreased the rate wars. One of the biggest merger was when Andrew Carnegie and J.P. Morgan formed the U.S. Steel Corporation. The workers tried to attacke the economic and social turmoil through union and strikes.
3. From 1880 to 1914 there was a dramatic increase in the number of immigrants coming to America. Among the immigrants were Italians, Russians, Jewish, Hungarians and Slavs. These immigrants were called the "new immigrants" and were beneath the "old immigrants", who came from northern and Western Europe. The old immigrants were now socially accepted because they assimilated to American values, traditions and culture. Many new immigrants came to American to escape religious or political persecution or economic hardships. Many immigrants during this time were single men, who came to America for the high wages and planned to go back to their birth country. When they had enough money to buy a farm in their birth country. Immigrants made up 96% of the workforce in the U.S. industries. Much of the work immigrants did was back-breaking menial labor. Many immigrants worked on railroads and in coal mines. There were also "lighter" jobs such as jobs in garment manufacturing shops. These jobs were mostly held by immigrant women and children.
4. The ethnic communities created by the immigrants were a reproduction of the institutions that they had in their old country. In addition to the old institutions the immigrants also developed new institutions such as fraternal societies. These fraternal societies brought immigrants of common craft and nationality together. These societies provided members with death benefits, mortgage payments and a place to socialize. Within these ethnic groups were a small group of people who used their craft towards economic gain and formed the ethnic middle class. This rising middle class established businesses and provided its community with basic goods and services. Different ethnic groups chose a different route to enter the middle class. Many Jewish immigrants used their talent as tailors to opened up small manufactures in their apartments. Italian immigrants established construction companies and became contractors. Japanese immigrants embraced their agriculture talent and found their route to the middle class. At first they worked as agricultural laborers and then bought their own land.
5. Union were a big part of the early 20th century. It was very hard for the Immigrant workers and African Americans to enter the middle class. The only way to the middle class for these groups of people was through improving their working conditions and the only way to achieve this was thorugh a labor union.
6. In the 19th there was an ideal of separate sphere between the sexes. The male sphere consisted of outside and interacting with the public through work politics and public events. The woman's sphere consisted of doing house work, nurturing children and teach the morals of a good American. During this time it was forbidden to let the two sphere mix. After the Civil War, when more and more women were joining the workforce the two sphere did blend. During the early 20th century, as more women started to work in the factories and were receiving higher education education, women started to challenge the idea of sparate spheres. During the early 20th century a "New Women" developed. the new women was an ideal women that was tall, slender, athletic and wore practical clothes fashioned after men's clothing. women also started also started to interact with the opposite sex which an earlier-middle-class wouldn't have done. Women started to go out to dances and other public events. Women were also challenging their political rights such as their right to suffrage.
2. The social and economic turmoil of the 20th century had a major impact on corporation and the lives of the workers. The economic instability led corporations to seek consolidation. The Railrods were the first to begin the process. The railroads formed pools where various coroporation came together and established standardized rate, and distributed discrete portions of freight business. These pools or trusts were intended to end the rate wars but many failed to follow by the rules because of their temtation to lower freight rates and exceed one's market share. The next method that corporations saw to end the economic instability was through mergers. Through mergers competition was eliminated thus there were decreased the rate wars. One of the biggest merger was when Andrew Carnegie and J.P. Morgan formed the U.S. Steel Corporation. The workers tried to attacke the economic and social turmoil through union and strikes.
3. From 1880 to 1914 there was a dramatic increase in the number of immigrants coming to America. Among the immigrants were Italians, Russians, Jewish, Hungarians and Slavs. These immigrants were called the "new immigrants" and were beneath the "old immigrants", who came from northern and Western Europe. The old immigrants were now socially accepted because they assimilated to American values, traditions and culture. Many new immigrants came to American to escape religious or political persecution or economic hardships. Many immigrants during this time were single men, who came to America for the high wages and planned to go back to their birth country. When they had enough money to buy a farm in their birth country. Immigrants made up 96% of the workforce in the U.S. industries. Much of the work immigrants did was back-breaking menial labor. Many immigrants worked on railroads and in coal mines. There were also "lighter" jobs such as jobs in garment manufacturing shops. These jobs were mostly held by immigrant women and children.
4. The ethnic communities created by the immigrants were a reproduction of the institutions that they had in their old country. In addition to the old institutions the immigrants also developed new institutions such as fraternal societies. These fraternal societies brought immigrants of common craft and nationality together. These societies provided members with death benefits, mortgage payments and a place to socialize. Within these ethnic groups were a small group of people who used their craft towards economic gain and formed the ethnic middle class. This rising middle class established businesses and provided its community with basic goods and services. Different ethnic groups chose a different route to enter the middle class. Many Jewish immigrants used their talent as tailors to opened up small manufactures in their apartments. Italian immigrants established construction companies and became contractors. Japanese immigrants embraced their agriculture talent and found their route to the middle class. At first they worked as agricultural laborers and then bought their own land.
5. Union were a big part of the early 20th century. It was very hard for the Immigrant workers and African Americans to enter the middle class. The only way to the middle class for these groups of people was through improving their working conditions and the only way to achieve this was thorugh a labor union.
6. In the 19th there was an ideal of separate sphere between the sexes. The male sphere consisted of outside and interacting with the public through work politics and public events. The woman's sphere consisted of doing house work, nurturing children and teach the morals of a good American. During this time it was forbidden to let the two sphere mix. After the Civil War, when more and more women were joining the workforce the two sphere did blend. During the early 20th century, as more women started to work in the factories and were receiving higher education education, women started to challenge the idea of sparate spheres. During the early 20th century a "New Women" developed. the new women was an ideal women that was tall, slender, athletic and wore practical clothes fashioned after men's clothing. women also started also started to interact with the opposite sex which an earlier-middle-class wouldn't have done. Women started to go out to dances and other public events. Women were also challenging their political rights such as their right to suffrage.
chapter 19 responses
1. Railroad and the improvement in technology were the two most important factors in the nation's economic growth. Railroads greatly contributed to the nation's economic growth becuase they were the largest consumers of coal, the largest carriers of goods and people, and the lrgest employers of labor. Inaddition to contributing to economic growth, railroads led to the creation of standard time zone. Technological advances impacted economic growth by improving railroads and communications. Railroads gain improvement such as automatic signals, air brakes and knuckle coupler which made railroads more efficient. Other inventions such as the Telegraph, telephone and type writer made communicating over long distance easier.
2. As the drive for greater speed and productivity in factories increases, the conditions of the workers worsened. Workplace accidents increases and one of the worst was the triangular waist shirt factory fire. Also, the advance in technology replaced artisand with machines. Before, when artisan worked independently now orked under managers for low wages and no workmen's compensation. To regain their job independence and to decrease labor violence labor union formed. Laobr political activism grew and department of labor formed in several states. By the seeing the poor woking conditions of factory workers many wirters such as Henry George were inspired to create books telling the public of these conditions. this enraged many people and increased the urge to improve the working conditions.
3. The knights of Labor represented unskilled and some s killed laborers, while the AFL only supported skilled workers and looked down upon unskilled workers. The knights of Labor admitted even women and blacks. The AFL were very prejudice group. They were prejudice against southern and Eastern Europe immigrants and black workers. The main goal of the Knights of Labor was to raise wages, shorten hours and better working conditions. The AFL worked for the same bread-and-butter issues as the Knights of Labor. In addition, to the bread-and-butter issues the AFL also fought for legal protection for employer negotiated contracts or trade agreements. To achieve these goals, strikes was the main method but the knights of Labor discouraged this. Even though strikes was discouraged the knights of labor won most of its battles through strikes.
4. The Depression of 1893-1897 had nurmerous effects on the Ameircan Life. The Depression was triggered by a collapse of the stock market, and economic slowdown abroad, the issue with the American monetary system, declining farm prices, and over expansion of railroad construction. With the bankruptcy of the Reading Railroad and the National Cordage Company ccaused 491 backs and 15,000 other business failed. As a result the unemployment rate rose to more than 15 percent. Another major impact was the Coxey's Army led by Jacob Coxey, who convinced hundereds of unemployed workers to ride to Washington and press to put them to work on road building and other public works. This had a drastic impact but Coxey's army was put at rest.
5. The currency problem started during the Civil War when greenback notes were issued. To improve the deflation issue the treasury decided to bring the greenback to par with gold by limiting the amount of greenbacks in circulation. The shortage of money supply increased deflation. With the specie Resumption Act in 1875 the U.S. dollar was brought to the same value as gold but the decrease in money supply hurt southern and western farmers. The farmers debts were enlarged by the increasing value of greenbacks. The issue of deflation was brought into question by farmers who denounced bans and attacked the monetary system. The farmer's interest rate grew as the price of cotton or wheat declined which was his main crop.
6. The southern and western farmers faced problems concerning credit, railroad rates and the exploitation of workers and farmers by the "money power." To find solutions to these problems the Southern Farmer's Alliance emerged which later transformed into the National Farmer's Alliance and industrial Union. To eliminate the middleman merchant who profited from Farmers,the alliance set up marketing cooperatives. The alliance helped to improve the social and economic needs of the farm families. To achieve their goal the alliance set up a third party, The Populist party. The party platform included a graduated income tax, direct election of U.S. senators, unlimited coinage of sliver at a ration of 16 to 1, government ownership of railroads, telegraph and telephone companies and the establishment of sub-treasures or federal warehouses for the storage of crops. the People's party didn't last because the people's party was fused into the democratic party.
7. The election of 1896 was considered to be the turning poin in the American Political history, which moved away for political stalemate. In the election of 1896, the Republican candidate was William Mckinley and the Democrats candidate was William Jennings Bryan. Bryan actively campaigned througout the country, covering 18,000 miles, focusing mainly on the Free-silver issue. The Republican platform included maintaining the gold standard reviving business confidence and ending depression. The Republican attacked the Democrats by denouncing them as irresponsible inflationist and by stating that the free silver ment a 57-cent dollar. The Republican reached out to many immigrants by printing many pamphlets in various languages. In the end McKinley won the presidency with 271 electoral vores. This was considered an important eletion because many felt the outcome would determine their future. This election did determine the future because the Republicans would remain in control of the congress and the presidency for the next 14 years.
2. As the drive for greater speed and productivity in factories increases, the conditions of the workers worsened. Workplace accidents increases and one of the worst was the triangular waist shirt factory fire. Also, the advance in technology replaced artisand with machines. Before, when artisan worked independently now orked under managers for low wages and no workmen's compensation. To regain their job independence and to decrease labor violence labor union formed. Laobr political activism grew and department of labor formed in several states. By the seeing the poor woking conditions of factory workers many wirters such as Henry George were inspired to create books telling the public of these conditions. this enraged many people and increased the urge to improve the working conditions.
3. The knights of Labor represented unskilled and some s killed laborers, while the AFL only supported skilled workers and looked down upon unskilled workers. The knights of Labor admitted even women and blacks. The AFL were very prejudice group. They were prejudice against southern and Eastern Europe immigrants and black workers. The main goal of the Knights of Labor was to raise wages, shorten hours and better working conditions. The AFL worked for the same bread-and-butter issues as the Knights of Labor. In addition, to the bread-and-butter issues the AFL also fought for legal protection for employer negotiated contracts or trade agreements. To achieve these goals, strikes was the main method but the knights of Labor discouraged this. Even though strikes was discouraged the knights of labor won most of its battles through strikes.
4. The Depression of 1893-1897 had nurmerous effects on the Ameircan Life. The Depression was triggered by a collapse of the stock market, and economic slowdown abroad, the issue with the American monetary system, declining farm prices, and over expansion of railroad construction. With the bankruptcy of the Reading Railroad and the National Cordage Company ccaused 491 backs and 15,000 other business failed. As a result the unemployment rate rose to more than 15 percent. Another major impact was the Coxey's Army led by Jacob Coxey, who convinced hundereds of unemployed workers to ride to Washington and press to put them to work on road building and other public works. This had a drastic impact but Coxey's army was put at rest.
5. The currency problem started during the Civil War when greenback notes were issued. To improve the deflation issue the treasury decided to bring the greenback to par with gold by limiting the amount of greenbacks in circulation. The shortage of money supply increased deflation. With the specie Resumption Act in 1875 the U.S. dollar was brought to the same value as gold but the decrease in money supply hurt southern and western farmers. The farmers debts were enlarged by the increasing value of greenbacks. The issue of deflation was brought into question by farmers who denounced bans and attacked the monetary system. The farmer's interest rate grew as the price of cotton or wheat declined which was his main crop.
6. The southern and western farmers faced problems concerning credit, railroad rates and the exploitation of workers and farmers by the "money power." To find solutions to these problems the Southern Farmer's Alliance emerged which later transformed into the National Farmer's Alliance and industrial Union. To eliminate the middleman merchant who profited from Farmers,the alliance set up marketing cooperatives. The alliance helped to improve the social and economic needs of the farm families. To achieve their goal the alliance set up a third party, The Populist party. The party platform included a graduated income tax, direct election of U.S. senators, unlimited coinage of sliver at a ration of 16 to 1, government ownership of railroads, telegraph and telephone companies and the establishment of sub-treasures or federal warehouses for the storage of crops. the People's party didn't last because the people's party was fused into the democratic party.
7. The election of 1896 was considered to be the turning poin in the American Political history, which moved away for political stalemate. In the election of 1896, the Republican candidate was William Mckinley and the Democrats candidate was William Jennings Bryan. Bryan actively campaigned througout the country, covering 18,000 miles, focusing mainly on the Free-silver issue. The Republican platform included maintaining the gold standard reviving business confidence and ending depression. The Republican attacked the Democrats by denouncing them as irresponsible inflationist and by stating that the free silver ment a 57-cent dollar. The Republican reached out to many immigrants by printing many pamphlets in various languages. In the end McKinley won the presidency with 271 electoral vores. This was considered an important eletion because many felt the outcome would determine their future. This election did determine the future because the Republicans would remain in control of the congress and the presidency for the next 14 years.
Civil War project links
Rural Americans Move to the Cities
In the years after the Civil war, America experienced a period of Industrial boom where the American economy shifted from an agriculture base to an Industrial base. During this time periood many immigrants, African Americans, and yung, unmarried women were attracted to the large cities, looking to create a new life for themselves. To the Americans migrating to the cities, the life of the city seemed easier but the move to the citites brought them a life of hard labor with little compensation.
"The opportunity to get rich to attain great wealth is here...."(doc 1) This was the view of many rural Americans about cities such as Chic ago and New York City. The civil War destroyed Southern Economy. Many plantation were burned and farmers were not making much profit. During this time where farmers were at loss, numerous factories appeared in NOrthern cities in the need for labor. This was the golden opportunity for the Rural Families. To Rurla americans the city life seemed simpler. They ere amazed bu the technologies and excitment of the cities. A farmer's son, Harry Reese explains the city as a big mystry to them. He says, "Electric lights wer somehing to marbel at.. the old edison phonograph with its wax cylinder records and earphones was positively ghostly... andtrolley car, well they too were past understanding!"(doc 3) Rural American saw the city as a place of amusements. One of the many amusement sof the city life was the Chicago World Fair. This attracted over 27 milion visitor many of the rural visitors. (doc 2) The fair was "a showcase for techonology, progress, consumer culture and life in modern America."(Doc 2) Essentially Rural Americans were attracted to the cities by it ostentatious life.
Eventhough the life in the cities were exciting and exhibited the new technologies, the living and working conditions in the city were unpleasant. "Not the slightest provision had been made for the confort of the employees." (Doc 6) Carrie Meeber one of the many who was fooled by the excitment of promise of Chicago explains her first day of work as "nauseating." (Doc 6) At her workplace, " the wash room were desagreeable, crude, if not foul places, and the whole atmosphere was sorbid," Carrie explains. "The foreman became a tru ogre, prowling constantly about keeping her tied down to her miserable work."(doc 6) These were the conditions in many factories. They workers only worked on one tedious job the whole day without any breaks and were forced to work fast. With the low wage many factory workers recieved, they had to live in tenement apartments as shown in the Doc 4. the condition in the tenement apartments were very poor. A large group of people had to live in small area.
As shown in document 7 the population in he cities and the number of non-farm workers drastically increased between the 1850 to 1910. The reason for this increase is because many felt the cities were and opportunity to get rich and enjoy the city's various facilities such as fairs, cars, and electricity with didn't exist on the farms, but soon many understood that they wouldn't be able to enjoy the riches of the city because of the low wages and the physical labor that they had to do in the factories.
"The opportunity to get rich to attain great wealth is here...."(doc 1) This was the view of many rural Americans about cities such as Chic ago and New York City. The civil War destroyed Southern Economy. Many plantation were burned and farmers were not making much profit. During this time where farmers were at loss, numerous factories appeared in NOrthern cities in the need for labor. This was the golden opportunity for the Rural Families. To Rurla americans the city life seemed simpler. They ere amazed bu the technologies and excitment of the cities. A farmer's son, Harry Reese explains the city as a big mystry to them. He says, "Electric lights wer somehing to marbel at.. the old edison phonograph with its wax cylinder records and earphones was positively ghostly... andtrolley car, well they too were past understanding!"(doc 3) Rural American saw the city as a place of amusements. One of the many amusement sof the city life was the Chicago World Fair. This attracted over 27 milion visitor many of the rural visitors. (doc 2) The fair was "a showcase for techonology, progress, consumer culture and life in modern America."(Doc 2) Essentially Rural Americans were attracted to the cities by it ostentatious life.
Eventhough the life in the cities were exciting and exhibited the new technologies, the living and working conditions in the city were unpleasant. "Not the slightest provision had been made for the confort of the employees." (Doc 6) Carrie Meeber one of the many who was fooled by the excitment of promise of Chicago explains her first day of work as "nauseating." (Doc 6) At her workplace, " the wash room were desagreeable, crude, if not foul places, and the whole atmosphere was sorbid," Carrie explains. "The foreman became a tru ogre, prowling constantly about keeping her tied down to her miserable work."(doc 6) These were the conditions in many factories. They workers only worked on one tedious job the whole day without any breaks and were forced to work fast. With the low wage many factory workers recieved, they had to live in tenement apartments as shown in the Doc 4. the condition in the tenement apartments were very poor. A large group of people had to live in small area.
As shown in document 7 the population in he cities and the number of non-farm workers drastically increased between the 1850 to 1910. The reason for this increase is because many felt the cities were and opportunity to get rich and enjoy the city's various facilities such as fairs, cars, and electricity with didn't exist on the farms, but soon many understood that they wouldn't be able to enjoy the riches of the city because of the low wages and the physical labor that they had to do in the factories.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Frederick Jackson Turner
1. To Turner 1980 marked the end of Western settlement and he consideres this end " the closing of a great historic movement." In Turner's thesis he states the the end of the Western settlement marked by the Superintendent of the Census for 1890 " closed the first period of American history."
2. Turner considered the American frontier different from the European frontier because he believed that settlers moving into the American frontier had to stray away from the european methods and adopt new method which possessed a new identity for America. The European frontier was much like a microcosm of Europe it self. "It was the frontier of europe in a very real sense."
3. According to Turner, the frontier helped remove the european customs and help implement more 'American' methods and promoted nationalism and individualism. I believe that the frontier helped shape only part of the American life. I believe that other factors such as immigration, slavery, and industrialization also help shape American life. These factors including the frontier helped create a unique American view that exists have today.
4. Turner believed that "the growth of nationalism and the evolution of American political institution were dependent on the advances of the frontier." Many disagree with this concept and believe that the key to American individualism is the issue of slavery, Civil war and immigration. "when American history comes to be rightly viewed it will be seen that the slavery question is an incident. In the period from the end of the first half of the present century to the close of the Civil War slavery rose to primary, but far from exclusive, importance...."
5. I don't believe that there are any frontiers left for discovery. Almost all of the planet has been searched, discovered, and settled. All of the land is divided by religion, politics and economy.
2. Turner considered the American frontier different from the European frontier because he believed that settlers moving into the American frontier had to stray away from the european methods and adopt new method which possessed a new identity for America. The European frontier was much like a microcosm of Europe it self. "It was the frontier of europe in a very real sense."
3. According to Turner, the frontier helped remove the european customs and help implement more 'American' methods and promoted nationalism and individualism. I believe that the frontier helped shape only part of the American life. I believe that other factors such as immigration, slavery, and industrialization also help shape American life. These factors including the frontier helped create a unique American view that exists have today.
4. Turner believed that "the growth of nationalism and the evolution of American political institution were dependent on the advances of the frontier." Many disagree with this concept and believe that the key to American individualism is the issue of slavery, Civil war and immigration. "when American history comes to be rightly viewed it will be seen that the slavery question is an incident. In the period from the end of the first half of the present century to the close of the Civil War slavery rose to primary, but far from exclusive, importance...."
5. I don't believe that there are any frontiers left for discovery. Almost all of the planet has been searched, discovered, and settled. All of the land is divided by religion, politics and economy.
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