1. What was Wilson's 14th Point?
Wilson's 14th Point was to call together an international organization, The League of Nations, which would address diplomatic cries.
2. What terms of the treaty specifically affected Germany?
A) restricted from maintaining an army
B) return the region of Alsace-Lorraine back to France to repay war damages
C) forced to sign a war-guilt clause stating Germany takes all responsibility for the war
3. What were the weaknesses of the treaty?
Germany was humiliated and this will not provide lasting peace. They were humiliated by the treaty requiring them to sign the war-guilt clause. Also there was no way Germany could repay a war debt of $33 billion. The Germans did not only suffer; the Russians did too. Russia had fought for the Allies for three years, suffering the highest amount of casualties by a nation in the war and they ended up losing more territory than Germany.Finally the treaty ignored the idea of self-determination.
4. Why did Henry Cabot Lodge object to the treaty?
Henry Cabot Lodge objected the treaty because he thought it threatened the U.S. foreign policy of isolationism. He was also suspicious the provision for joint economic and military action against aggression, even though it was voluntary
5. How did Wilson help bring about the Senate's rejection of the treaty?
6. What circumstances at this time would eventually lead many Germans to support Adolf Hitler?
The Treaty of Versailles was unable to solve anything, which resulted in unresolved issues within Europe. The treaty humiliated Germany and basically ripped of Russia. Hitler was a Austrian veteran of WWI and demanded vengeance for all Germans.
7. Who is George Clemenceau?
George Clemenceau was a French premier who had lived through two German invasions of France and was determined to prevent further more invasions from occurring.
8. Who is David Lloyd George?
David Lloyd George was the British prime minister who wanted Germany to pay for all their destruction because he he had just won the reelection with the slogan "Make Germany Pay".
9. Describe the participation of Russia at the peace conference.
Russia was excluded from the peace conference which led to it losing more territory than Germany did.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
WWI - The War at Home
What were some things accomplished by the following wartime agencies and laws?
1. War Industries Board
Encouraged companies to use mass production techniques to increase efficiency and to eliminate waste by standardizing products. They set production quotas and and allocated raw materials. They also applied price control only at the wholesale level which resulted in retail prices soaring as well as corporate profits.
2. Railroad Administration
They controlled the railroads.
3. Fuel Administration
They monitored coal supplies and rationed gasoline and heating oil. This resulted with gas less Sundays and light less night. Another effect was day-light savings time being reintroduced.
4. National War Labor Board
The board worked to improve factory conditions and pushed for an eight hour work day, labor ban for children, and better safety conditions.
5. Food Administration
It was set up to help produce and conserve food. This resulted with "the gospel of the clean plate" and certain days in a week in which a certain type of food was not rationed. Also American shipments to the Allies tripled.
6. Committee on Public Information
It was formed to polarize the war and was the nation's first propaganda agency. Led by Creel, they persuaded the nation's artists and advertising agencies to create thousands of works of art promoting the war. He distributed 75 million phamplets and such including the book "How the War Came to America".
7. Espionage and Sedition Acts
Under the Espionage and Sedition Acts a person could be fined up to 10,000 dollars and sentenced to 20 years in jail for interfering with the war effort or saying anything disloyal to the government. or war effort. It targeted socialists and labor leaders.
Briefly explain why Bernard M. Baruch and George Creel are significant historical figures.
Bernard M. Baruch established and reorganized the WIB. He was a prosperous businessman. George Creel was the head of the CPI was a former muckraking journalist. His propaganda campaign was highly effective. While his campaign promoted patriotism, it also inflamed hatred and violations of the civil liberties of certain ethnic groups and opponents of war.
1. War Industries Board
Encouraged companies to use mass production techniques to increase efficiency and to eliminate waste by standardizing products. They set production quotas and and allocated raw materials. They also applied price control only at the wholesale level which resulted in retail prices soaring as well as corporate profits.
2. Railroad Administration
They controlled the railroads.
3. Fuel Administration
They monitored coal supplies and rationed gasoline and heating oil. This resulted with gas less Sundays and light less night. Another effect was day-light savings time being reintroduced.
4. National War Labor Board
The board worked to improve factory conditions and pushed for an eight hour work day, labor ban for children, and better safety conditions.
5. Food Administration
It was set up to help produce and conserve food. This resulted with "the gospel of the clean plate" and certain days in a week in which a certain type of food was not rationed. Also American shipments to the Allies tripled.
6. Committee on Public Information
It was formed to polarize the war and was the nation's first propaganda agency. Led by Creel, they persuaded the nation's artists and advertising agencies to create thousands of works of art promoting the war. He distributed 75 million phamplets and such including the book "How the War Came to America".
7. Espionage and Sedition Acts
Under the Espionage and Sedition Acts a person could be fined up to 10,000 dollars and sentenced to 20 years in jail for interfering with the war effort or saying anything disloyal to the government. or war effort. It targeted socialists and labor leaders.
Briefly explain why Bernard M. Baruch and George Creel are significant historical figures.
Bernard M. Baruch established and reorganized the WIB. He was a prosperous businessman. George Creel was the head of the CPI was a former muckraking journalist. His propaganda campaign was highly effective. While his campaign promoted patriotism, it also inflamed hatred and violations of the civil liberties of certain ethnic groups and opponents of war.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The U.S. enters World War I
1. How did the United States raise an army?
The U.S. raised an army by passing the Selective Service Act. It required men to register with the government in order to be randomly selected for military service. It resulted with 24 million men registering with the government.
2. How did U.S. soldiers help win the war?
U.S. soldiers help win the war by arriving just in time to stop the German army from advancing any further at Cantigny, France. A few weeks later, the American troops played a major role in throwing back german attacks at Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood. Next they helped win the Second Battle of Marne. The tide was turned and now the U.S. soldiers could begin to attack the Germans offensively.
3. What were the estimated economic costs of the war?
The estimated economic costs of the war were about $338 billion.
4. What did the war cost in terms of the number of civilian deaths; military deaths?; injuries?; and refugees?
Deaths were about 22 million and half being civilians. 20 million people were wounded and 10 million became refugees. The U.S. lost 48,000 men in battle and another 62,000 died because of disease.
5. Define armistice.
Armistice is a truce.
The U.S. raised an army by passing the Selective Service Act. It required men to register with the government in order to be randomly selected for military service. It resulted with 24 million men registering with the government.
2. How did U.S. soldiers help win the war?
U.S. soldiers help win the war by arriving just in time to stop the German army from advancing any further at Cantigny, France. A few weeks later, the American troops played a major role in throwing back german attacks at Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood. Next they helped win the Second Battle of Marne. The tide was turned and now the U.S. soldiers could begin to attack the Germans offensively.
3. What were the estimated economic costs of the war?
The estimated economic costs of the war were about $338 billion.
4. What did the war cost in terms of the number of civilian deaths; military deaths?; injuries?; and refugees?
Deaths were about 22 million and half being civilians. 20 million people were wounded and 10 million became refugees. The U.S. lost 48,000 men in battle and another 62,000 died because of disease.
5. Define armistice.
Armistice is a truce.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
World War I Begins
1. What are the four main causes of World War I? Give an example for each as to why it was a cause.
- Nationalism-it often led to competitive rivalries between nations. Serbia was an independent nation which was made up of millions of Serbs who lived under the rule of Austria-Hungary. Russia regarded itself as the protector of the Slavic people and Serbs were considered to be Slavic. This resulted in Russia and Austria-Hungary becoming rivals for influence over Serbia.
- Imperialism- as nations industrialized they continued to expand their power over by extending their economic and political control over various peoples of the world. It soon became into a competition.
- Militarism- with an increased interest in nationalism and imperialism it led to increased spending on military. Nations competed to make better armies and especially navies to be more successful like the British.
- System of Alliance- the alliances were used to provide a measure of international security because nations were reluctant to disturb the balance of power. A minor outrage could cause a major problem.
2. How did the June 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand become the spark for WWI?
With all the alliances in a system when Austria-Hungary decided to declare war on Serbia, Germany had to back Austria-Hungary up because of a treaty the two had made earlier. Next Germany declares war on Russia. This inevitably forced Germany to declare war on Russia's ally France. After the British swore to protect Belgium, the German army attacked the country. Then Britain declared war on Germany and Austria-Hungary.
3. What happened within the first few months of fighting?
Within the first few months Germany came up with the Schleiffen Plan. It required holding action against Russia and a quick drive through Belgium to Paris. After France has fallen the two German armies would return and defeat Russia. Too bad this plan failed miserably.
4. Generally, why did the United States want to stay out of the war?
The United States wanted to stay out of war because it was not a threat to America. Also Americans saw no reason to get involved in a struggle 3,000 miles away.
5. Specifically, Why did the following groups of Americans tend to oppose U.S. participation in the war? Naturalized citizens; socialists; pacifists; parents.
Naturalized citizens didn't tend to necessarily oppose U.S. participation but they did follow the war closely. They felt some connection to the countries which they emigrated from so they sympathized for all these different nations. Socialists opposed U.S. participation because they thought the war to be a capitalist imperialist struggle between Germany and England to control markets and colonies in Africa, China, and the Middle East. Pacifists opposed U.S. participation because they believed it to be evil and that the U.S. should set an example of world peace. Parents opposed U.S. participation because they simply did not want their sons experiencing the horrors of warfare.
6. How did Germany respond to the British naval blockade of Germany’s ports? What was the U.S. response?
Americans responded in outrage and declared that it threatened freedom of the seas and prevented American goods from reaching German ports. Germany responded by a counterbloackade using U-boats.
7. What forced the United States into the war?
The German decision that their U-boats will sink all ships, hostile or neutral, in British waters on sight. This was after President Wilson called for peace.
Monday, November 16, 2009
America as a World Power
1. What role did President Roosevelt play in ending the Russo-Japanese War?
Roosevelt mediated a settlement between the Russians and Japanese after the Japanese came to him asking for help. The Japanese needed help because they were running out of money and men and did not want Russia knowing so they went to Roosevelt asked him to mediate peace negotiations.
2. What events led to the building of the Panama Canal? What happened regarding Columbia? (Be specific)
Many Americans including President Roosevelt felt that the U.S. needed a canal going through Central America. With a canal, the travel time for commercial and military ships would be greatly reduced and it would provide a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty of 1901, Britain gave the U.S. exclusive rights to build and control the canal even though earlier the to countries had agreed to share the rights to the canal. Engineers proposed two different routes that were both possible. One was through Nicaragua and the other through Panama. Even though the path through Nicaragua was easier the government chose the one through Panama because an agent of the French company, who previously tried to build a canal in the area, went to Waashington and convinced the U.S. to buy it's claim. before work could begin the U.S. had to gain permission from Columbia to make the canal. When the U.S. was rejected, Philippe Banau-Varilla, the agent who was sent to by the French company to convince the U.S. to buy the Panama route, began a Panamanian rebellion against Columbia. nearly a dozen U.S. warships were present on November 3,1903 when Panama declared its independence. Soon after Panama and the United States signed a treaty in which the U.S. agreed to pay $10 million plus $250,000 in annual rent for an area of land to Panama.
3. What did the Roosevelt Corollary state?
It stated that the United States will use force to protect its economic interests in Latin America.
4. How did Taft use Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua? (Be specific)
The Dollar Diplomacy was the policy of using the U.S. government to guarantee loans made to foreign countries by American businesspeople which inevitably kept European powers out of the Caribbean.
5. Why did Woodrow Wilson invade Mexico?
Woodrow Wilson invaded Mexico because according to his "missionary diploma" the U.S. had moral and responsibility to deny the recognition to any Latin American government it viewed as oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile to U.S. interests; he disliked general Huerta, who took over after Madero overthrew Diaz, and the opportunity came to enforce the missionary diploma when one of Huerta's officers arrested a small group of American sailors in Tampico. They were immediately released and an apology was sent to the U.S. but Wilson used the event as an excuse to intervene in Mexico.
6. What were three major foreign policy goals achieved by the United States in the early 20th century. Be sure to provide an example or two of each.
Roosevelt mediated a settlement between the Russians and Japanese after the Japanese came to him asking for help. The Japanese needed help because they were running out of money and men and did not want Russia knowing so they went to Roosevelt asked him to mediate peace negotiations.
2. What events led to the building of the Panama Canal? What happened regarding Columbia? (Be specific)
Many Americans including President Roosevelt felt that the U.S. needed a canal going through Central America. With a canal, the travel time for commercial and military ships would be greatly reduced and it would provide a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty of 1901, Britain gave the U.S. exclusive rights to build and control the canal even though earlier the to countries had agreed to share the rights to the canal. Engineers proposed two different routes that were both possible. One was through Nicaragua and the other through Panama. Even though the path through Nicaragua was easier the government chose the one through Panama because an agent of the French company, who previously tried to build a canal in the area, went to Waashington and convinced the U.S. to buy it's claim. before work could begin the U.S. had to gain permission from Columbia to make the canal. When the U.S. was rejected, Philippe Banau-Varilla, the agent who was sent to by the French company to convince the U.S. to buy the Panama route, began a Panamanian rebellion against Columbia. nearly a dozen U.S. warships were present on November 3,1903 when Panama declared its independence. Soon after Panama and the United States signed a treaty in which the U.S. agreed to pay $10 million plus $250,000 in annual rent for an area of land to Panama.
3. What did the Roosevelt Corollary state?
It stated that the United States will use force to protect its economic interests in Latin America.
4. How did Taft use Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua? (Be specific)
The Dollar Diplomacy was the policy of using the U.S. government to guarantee loans made to foreign countries by American businesspeople which inevitably kept European powers out of the Caribbean.
5. Why did Woodrow Wilson invade Mexico?
Woodrow Wilson invaded Mexico because according to his "missionary diploma" the U.S. had moral and responsibility to deny the recognition to any Latin American government it viewed as oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile to U.S. interests; he disliked general Huerta, who took over after Madero overthrew Diaz, and the opportunity came to enforce the missionary diploma when one of Huerta's officers arrested a small group of American sailors in Tampico. They were immediately released and an apology was sent to the U.S. but Wilson used the event as an excuse to intervene in Mexico.
6. What were three major foreign policy goals achieved by the United States in the early 20th century. Be sure to provide an example or two of each.
- It expanded its access to foreign markets in order to ensure the continued growth of the domestic economy. ex) the building of the Panama canal
- The U.S. built a modern navy to protect its interests abroad. ex)the presence of warships when Panama declared independence
- The U.S. exercised its international police power to ensure dominance in Latin America. ex) 1911 rebellion in Nicaragua that almost left the country bankrupt and the U.S. arranged for American bankers to loan the country enough money to pay off its debts
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Imperialism's Bitter Fruit
1. a. After the Spanish were forced out of the Philippines, why did fighting break out between American and Filipino forces?
The U.S. troops had been ordered to to establish control over the islands, when the Filipinos assumed that they would be granted independence after the Spanish left. Within two hours of the shooting incident, the fighting had begun. The Filipinos believed they were fighting for their independence.
b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
U.S. soldiers faced a quick- striking guerilla attack instead of confrontation by an organized army. War rules used by Western nations were ignored and both sides tortured and executed prisoners and commited other atrocities. The Filipino insurgents also blended very well into the civilian population. U.S. commanders routinely punished random civilians in reponse to attacks by Filipino guerillas.
2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
The military had racist views of the Filipinos. They were refered to as the n word by all white men even of different ranks. Black soldiers faced the same discrimination in the Phillipines as they did back home. Filipinos used this to their advantage by addressing the discrimination. This led to a high number of desertion by African Americans in the Phillipines.
3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.
a.The American public became increasingly apathetic about the issue and even Teddy Roosevelt stated that the country was not prepared to take on the burden of an empire. This could have been due to the continuous fighting.
b.American scholars warned imperialism increases war and conflict around the world. Artists like Mark Twain used their irony to to ridicule the imperialistic ideas.
4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
American technology and administrative expertise contibuted to rapid development on the islands. Roads and telegraph lines were built, finances reorganized, schools opened, sanitation improved, and yellow fever stamped out.
5. After the Spanish-American War, the United States insisted that Cuba only receive independence after agreeing to several limitations set forth in the Platt Amendment. Four restrictions on Cuban independence set forth in the Platt Amendment were:
a. gave the United Sates a right to oversee the Cuban economy
b. exercise veto power over Cuban foreign policy
c. intervene whenever necessary for the protection of life, property, and individual liberty
d. to build a naval base on the southeastern tip of the island at Guantanamo Bay
Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.
No because they say this was the price the Cubans had to pay for ending U.S. military occupation on their islands but after the Spanish left the United States shouldn't have tried to control the island like they promised they wouldn't do and instead give them their freedom.
6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? Why or why not?
Yes because even though some people were against it, most American citizens sought to increase their power and economic might by acquiring possessions overseas. The acquisition of Hawaii, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Phillipines proved that U.S. leaders had been looking for oppurtunities to increase America's power. They claimed to be bringin freedom and civilization to the people but rarely were their needs every taken under consideration.
The U.S. troops had been ordered to to establish control over the islands, when the Filipinos assumed that they would be granted independence after the Spanish left. Within two hours of the shooting incident, the fighting had begun. The Filipinos believed they were fighting for their independence.
b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
U.S. soldiers faced a quick- striking guerilla attack instead of confrontation by an organized army. War rules used by Western nations were ignored and both sides tortured and executed prisoners and commited other atrocities. The Filipino insurgents also blended very well into the civilian population. U.S. commanders routinely punished random civilians in reponse to attacks by Filipino guerillas.
2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
The military had racist views of the Filipinos. They were refered to as the n word by all white men even of different ranks. Black soldiers faced the same discrimination in the Phillipines as they did back home. Filipinos used this to their advantage by addressing the discrimination. This led to a high number of desertion by African Americans in the Phillipines.
3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.
a.The American public became increasingly apathetic about the issue and even Teddy Roosevelt stated that the country was not prepared to take on the burden of an empire. This could have been due to the continuous fighting.
b.American scholars warned imperialism increases war and conflict around the world. Artists like Mark Twain used their irony to to ridicule the imperialistic ideas.
4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
American technology and administrative expertise contibuted to rapid development on the islands. Roads and telegraph lines were built, finances reorganized, schools opened, sanitation improved, and yellow fever stamped out.
5. After the Spanish-American War, the United States insisted that Cuba only receive independence after agreeing to several limitations set forth in the Platt Amendment. Four restrictions on Cuban independence set forth in the Platt Amendment were:
a. gave the United Sates a right to oversee the Cuban economy
b. exercise veto power over Cuban foreign policy
c. intervene whenever necessary for the protection of life, property, and individual liberty
d. to build a naval base on the southeastern tip of the island at Guantanamo Bay
Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.
No because they say this was the price the Cubans had to pay for ending U.S. military occupation on their islands but after the Spanish left the United States shouldn't have tried to control the island like they promised they wouldn't do and instead give them their freedom.
6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? Why or why not?
Yes because even though some people were against it, most American citizens sought to increase their power and economic might by acquiring possessions overseas. The acquisition of Hawaii, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Phillipines proved that U.S. leaders had been looking for oppurtunities to increase America's power. They claimed to be bringin freedom and civilization to the people but rarely were their needs every taken under consideration.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Spanish-American War
1. What connections did the U.S. have to Cuba in the late 1800s? List at least two.
2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
Spanish reconcentration camps were towns filled with thousands of Cuban peasants. They were used by the Spanish to prevent non-rebels from helping the nationalist forces. These "camps" lacked food, housing, and sanitation. This caused a widespread of disease and starvation killing thousands.
3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. Publishers found out that stories on the Cuban revolt sold newspapers, whether they were real or fake. Owners of the two largest newspaper chains sent reporters to cover the revolt and generate support for U.S. intervention. Also religious magazine, mostly Protestant ones, supported intervention for humanitarian reasons. Others argued that American property was being destroyed because of the fighting. People of the business community wanted peace restored so their investments would no longer be threatened. Some merchants wanted intervention because the rebellion was causing their trade to dry up.
b. The de Lome Letter was a letter written by the Spanish minister, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, to the United States. Previously William McKinley had just taken office in 1897 and wanted to avoid war even though there was a rise in American intervention in Cuba. His efforts seemed successful when Spain recalled General Weyler, modified the policy regarding concentration camps, and even offered Cuba a limited self-government. Although the letter was not very supportive and criticized the President calling him "weak" and "a bidder for the administration of the crowd". To make matters worse the letter was first heard about when it was stolen from a Havana post office by a Cuban rebel and leaked to the New York Journal in February 1898. Although the Spanish government apologized and the minister resigned, American people were still angry over their president being insulted.
c. U.S.S. Maine was sent to Cuba by President McKinley to bring Americans citizens, who were in danger from the fighting, home and protect American property. On February 15, 1898 the ship blew up while in the harbor; more than 260 were killed. Nobody knew who was behind the attack but newspapers blamed the Spanish causing outrage amongst Americans.
4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
I believe intervention was due to people believing the stories published in the newspapers. They went not for a specific reason but because they believed all the exaggerated news. Without the newspaper many of the stories which made major headlines, such as the de Lome letter and the U.S.S. Maine, would be minor events that wouldn't cause much concern. Also some of the events wouldn't have even happened if it wasn't for reporters writing about the events happening in Cuba.
5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
The Teller Amendment said that the United States had no interest in asserting "sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control" over Cuba and promised to "leave the government and control of the island to its people" once peace was restored.
6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
A portion of the Spanish-American War was fought in the Philippines because the Spanish had a fleet based there.
7. Dewey’s victory in the _____________Phillipines_______________ sparked an outpouring of ________pride_________ in the United States.
8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
They wanted to fight for pride in their country.
9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
They were eager to serve in the war because they saw the war as an opportunity to elevate the status of blacks in the U.S. They hoped that their participation would wint the African- American community new respect and chip away at the wall of discrimination. Military service had been one of the few avenues for advancement open to African Americans.
b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
Even though African Americans had a lower rate of desertion and discipline problems than their white counterparts, they were denied promotion into the officer corps. They were among the first units to be mobilized. They were assumed to be better suited to the tropical climate of Cuba and more likely to withstand tropical disease. The black volunteers were never given the chance to fight in Cuba. Also their uniforms seldom shielded them from discrimination.
10. How did racism influence American perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines? Give two examples of events where racism affected U.S. policy after the war.
a.American bsinesses took over Cuban land and railroads; thus dominating the economy. This was only done because the administration and Congress felt that the rebels needed guidance in managing all their affairs.
b. Because of racial sterotypes American leaders had little hope in the African Americans and Asians who lived in Cuba , Puerto Rico, the Phillipines, and Guam. Few thought of the inhabitants of being able to form a stable democracy on their own.
- During the Cuban revolt, the United States had great interest in acquiring Cuba. Leading rebels of the country wanted to eventually join the United States. Ulysses Grant, the president at the time, was open to the idea but his secretary of state persuaded him to keep the country out of conflict.
- After the Cuban revolt was over the U.S. invested million into the island's sugar industry. The U.S. was the largest consumer of Cuban sugar ans in 1890 removed tariffs on the product making it cheaper to buy in the country. Cuban-American trade quickly reached $100 million annually. Although the depression of 1893 greatly hurt both their economies. The U.S. was pressured to cut back on imports and protect sugar producers within the country. In 1894 the country imposed a 40% tariff on sugar imports from Cuba. The Cuban economy began into a downward spiral.
2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
Spanish reconcentration camps were towns filled with thousands of Cuban peasants. They were used by the Spanish to prevent non-rebels from helping the nationalist forces. These "camps" lacked food, housing, and sanitation. This caused a widespread of disease and starvation killing thousands.
3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. Publishers found out that stories on the Cuban revolt sold newspapers, whether they were real or fake. Owners of the two largest newspaper chains sent reporters to cover the revolt and generate support for U.S. intervention. Also religious magazine, mostly Protestant ones, supported intervention for humanitarian reasons. Others argued that American property was being destroyed because of the fighting. People of the business community wanted peace restored so their investments would no longer be threatened. Some merchants wanted intervention because the rebellion was causing their trade to dry up.
b. The de Lome Letter was a letter written by the Spanish minister, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, to the United States. Previously William McKinley had just taken office in 1897 and wanted to avoid war even though there was a rise in American intervention in Cuba. His efforts seemed successful when Spain recalled General Weyler, modified the policy regarding concentration camps, and even offered Cuba a limited self-government. Although the letter was not very supportive and criticized the President calling him "weak" and "a bidder for the administration of the crowd". To make matters worse the letter was first heard about when it was stolen from a Havana post office by a Cuban rebel and leaked to the New York Journal in February 1898. Although the Spanish government apologized and the minister resigned, American people were still angry over their president being insulted.
c. U.S.S. Maine was sent to Cuba by President McKinley to bring Americans citizens, who were in danger from the fighting, home and protect American property. On February 15, 1898 the ship blew up while in the harbor; more than 260 were killed. Nobody knew who was behind the attack but newspapers blamed the Spanish causing outrage amongst Americans.
4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
I believe intervention was due to people believing the stories published in the newspapers. They went not for a specific reason but because they believed all the exaggerated news. Without the newspaper many of the stories which made major headlines, such as the de Lome letter and the U.S.S. Maine, would be minor events that wouldn't cause much concern. Also some of the events wouldn't have even happened if it wasn't for reporters writing about the events happening in Cuba.
5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
The Teller Amendment said that the United States had no interest in asserting "sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control" over Cuba and promised to "leave the government and control of the island to its people" once peace was restored.
6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
A portion of the Spanish-American War was fought in the Philippines because the Spanish had a fleet based there.
7. Dewey’s victory in the _____________Phillipines_______________ sparked an outpouring of ________pride_________ in the United States.
8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
They wanted to fight for pride in their country.
9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
They were eager to serve in the war because they saw the war as an opportunity to elevate the status of blacks in the U.S. They hoped that their participation would wint the African- American community new respect and chip away at the wall of discrimination. Military service had been one of the few avenues for advancement open to African Americans.
b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
Even though African Americans had a lower rate of desertion and discipline problems than their white counterparts, they were denied promotion into the officer corps. They were among the first units to be mobilized. They were assumed to be better suited to the tropical climate of Cuba and more likely to withstand tropical disease. The black volunteers were never given the chance to fight in Cuba. Also their uniforms seldom shielded them from discrimination.
10. How did racism influence American perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines? Give two examples of events where racism affected U.S. policy after the war.
a.American bsinesses took over Cuban land and railroads; thus dominating the economy. This was only done because the administration and Congress felt that the rebels needed guidance in managing all their affairs.
b. Because of racial sterotypes American leaders had little hope in the African Americans and Asians who lived in Cuba , Puerto Rico, the Phillipines, and Guam. Few thought of the inhabitants of being able to form a stable democracy on their own.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Imperialism: The Origins of a Global Power
1. Why did American plantation owners and U.S. Marines topple Hawaii’s queen in 1893? Why was Hawaii considered to be a valuable prize? What was President Grover Cleveland’s reaction? Do you agree or disagree with his quote on page 1?
The American plantation owners and U.S. Marines had toppled Hawaii's queen in 1893 because the island was a very important stopping point for U.S. ships heading to East Asia. It was also because Hawaii had rich soil that was excellent for growing tropical plants. This all together persuaded the U.S. that it would be a great idea to acquire the islands before another country. Although President Cleveland didn't approve of this and when the new American government in Hawaii tried to take over the islands, Cleveland withdrew the treaty that permitted them to do so. I agree with his quote on page one because the U.S. did not have the right to forcefully take their land. Also I think it is ironic that a nation that claims to give its citizen's freedom is stealing this very right from the Hawaiian people.
2. Identify five important changes that transformed American in the nineteenth century. How did these five changes affect Americans?
The Industrial Revolution
1)gave Americans new technology to complete everyday tasks with greater ease, mass immigration
2)created greater diversity within the U.S. and expanded the American culture, end to slavery
3)enabled African Americans to be free and allowed them to be true citizens of the U.S., food and drug laws
4)gave people a greater sense of security when purchasing meat products and drugs in stores, urban growth
5)caused an influx of people in U.S. cities where the most jobs were located.
3. How did the economic depression that began in 1893 deepen the divisions in American society? Which groups suffered the most during the depression?
The economic depression that began in 1893 deepened the divisions in American society by causing more labor strikes because the workers realized their vulnerability in an economy based on industry and manufacturing. This caused people to worry about the nation's future and caused plant owners to worry about profits as well. This resulted in laborers suffering a lot due to constant strikes and labor unions. Farmers also suffered greatly because the depression only hurt there low income.
4. What were the values many Americans attached to the frontier? Why did many Americans fear that the closing of the frontier would harm America’s national character?
Americans attached values to the frontier such as bravery, individualism, ingenuity, and patriotism. Americans feared that the closing of the frontier would harm the nation's character because they felt that once the frontier was done expandingand there would no longer be anything to work for resulting in no new opportunity to be found.
5. Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?
Some Americans suggested greater involvement over seas because this could be America's new frontier and there could be new land to claim and settle. This would allow the American frontier to continuously expand.
6. What policy did expansionists say would ensure the economic success of the United States? What did imperialists say?
Imperialism. They said the control over foreign territories and nations would give the United States control to secure export markets, raw materials, and cheap labor.
7. How did the theories of social Darwinism and scientific racism lend support to the cause of American imperialism? How were these pseudo-scientific theories used to justify racist policies and imperialism? Are they still used today?
Social Darwinism basically was survival of the fittest. According to Darwinists this could be done by the U.S. if other races or cultures were influenced by the country. Scientific racism assigned differences among people according to racial and ethnic groups. These scientists used mental abilities and personality traits as racial characteristics. Whites were obviously considered to be the most superior while blacks were at the bottom. The two confirmed the view that the United States and a handful of European nations were destined by nature to dominate the world; by doing so these countries would become more civilized. I believe these theories are not used today.
8. What did many Protestant churches say was America’s role in the world?
They said America's role was to "lift up" the "downtrodden" of other nations. This being they sent missionaries overseas to do this work. The leaders of this church believed the God had specially blessed Americans that their duty was to civilize the world.
9. Why did the United States become involved in several Latin American nations in the nineteenth century? Summarize why the United States became involved in Samoa, Hawaii, and other Latin American nations.
They only became involved because imperialist-minded leaders convinced others that the United States needed to stabilize any "quarrelsome" nations so that American commerce and influence could travel safely across the seas. The U.S. became involved in Samoa because they made a treaty in 1878 that promised American assistance in case of foreign interference and in return gave America free access to Samoa's harbor. Not too long after Germany and Britain tried to take over parts of Samoa. This led to an 8 year conflict. The United States became involved in Hawaii because they feared that one day the Japanese, who made up one quarter of Hawaii's population, would gain power on the islands and begin to demand rights. This could lead them to preventing the U.S. from accessing its naval base at Pearl Harbor. The United States became involved in the Latin American nations because they were intervening during a revolution.
10. Why was the United States concerned about British involvement in Venezuela? What concept did U.S. Secretary of State Richard Olney invoke in response?
The United States were concerned about British involvement in Venezuela because Venezuela shared a border with Guiana, which held large deposits of gold. Olney didn't want any European countries to think they could carve up Latin America for colonies as they did in Africa. Richard Olney invoked the Monroe Doctrine in response.
The American plantation owners and U.S. Marines had toppled Hawaii's queen in 1893 because the island was a very important stopping point for U.S. ships heading to East Asia. It was also because Hawaii had rich soil that was excellent for growing tropical plants. This all together persuaded the U.S. that it would be a great idea to acquire the islands before another country. Although President Cleveland didn't approve of this and when the new American government in Hawaii tried to take over the islands, Cleveland withdrew the treaty that permitted them to do so. I agree with his quote on page one because the U.S. did not have the right to forcefully take their land. Also I think it is ironic that a nation that claims to give its citizen's freedom is stealing this very right from the Hawaiian people.
2. Identify five important changes that transformed American in the nineteenth century. How did these five changes affect Americans?
The Industrial Revolution
1)gave Americans new technology to complete everyday tasks with greater ease, mass immigration
2)created greater diversity within the U.S. and expanded the American culture, end to slavery
3)enabled African Americans to be free and allowed them to be true citizens of the U.S., food and drug laws
4)gave people a greater sense of security when purchasing meat products and drugs in stores, urban growth
5)caused an influx of people in U.S. cities where the most jobs were located.
3. How did the economic depression that began in 1893 deepen the divisions in American society? Which groups suffered the most during the depression?
The economic depression that began in 1893 deepened the divisions in American society by causing more labor strikes because the workers realized their vulnerability in an economy based on industry and manufacturing. This caused people to worry about the nation's future and caused plant owners to worry about profits as well. This resulted in laborers suffering a lot due to constant strikes and labor unions. Farmers also suffered greatly because the depression only hurt there low income.
4. What were the values many Americans attached to the frontier? Why did many Americans fear that the closing of the frontier would harm America’s national character?
Americans attached values to the frontier such as bravery, individualism, ingenuity, and patriotism. Americans feared that the closing of the frontier would harm the nation's character because they felt that once the frontier was done expandingand there would no longer be anything to work for resulting in no new opportunity to be found.
5. Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?
Some Americans suggested greater involvement over seas because this could be America's new frontier and there could be new land to claim and settle. This would allow the American frontier to continuously expand.
6. What policy did expansionists say would ensure the economic success of the United States? What did imperialists say?
Imperialism. They said the control over foreign territories and nations would give the United States control to secure export markets, raw materials, and cheap labor.
7. How did the theories of social Darwinism and scientific racism lend support to the cause of American imperialism? How were these pseudo-scientific theories used to justify racist policies and imperialism? Are they still used today?
Social Darwinism basically was survival of the fittest. According to Darwinists this could be done by the U.S. if other races or cultures were influenced by the country. Scientific racism assigned differences among people according to racial and ethnic groups. These scientists used mental abilities and personality traits as racial characteristics. Whites were obviously considered to be the most superior while blacks were at the bottom. The two confirmed the view that the United States and a handful of European nations were destined by nature to dominate the world; by doing so these countries would become more civilized. I believe these theories are not used today.
8. What did many Protestant churches say was America’s role in the world?
They said America's role was to "lift up" the "downtrodden" of other nations. This being they sent missionaries overseas to do this work. The leaders of this church believed the God had specially blessed Americans that their duty was to civilize the world.
9. Why did the United States become involved in several Latin American nations in the nineteenth century? Summarize why the United States became involved in Samoa, Hawaii, and other Latin American nations.
They only became involved because imperialist-minded leaders convinced others that the United States needed to stabilize any "quarrelsome" nations so that American commerce and influence could travel safely across the seas. The U.S. became involved in Samoa because they made a treaty in 1878 that promised American assistance in case of foreign interference and in return gave America free access to Samoa's harbor. Not too long after Germany and Britain tried to take over parts of Samoa. This led to an 8 year conflict. The United States became involved in Hawaii because they feared that one day the Japanese, who made up one quarter of Hawaii's population, would gain power on the islands and begin to demand rights. This could lead them to preventing the U.S. from accessing its naval base at Pearl Harbor. The United States became involved in the Latin American nations because they were intervening during a revolution.
10. Why was the United States concerned about British involvement in Venezuela? What concept did U.S. Secretary of State Richard Olney invoke in response?
The United States were concerned about British involvement in Venezuela because Venezuela shared a border with Guiana, which held large deposits of gold. Olney didn't want any European countries to think they could carve up Latin America for colonies as they did in Africa. Richard Olney invoked the Monroe Doctrine in response.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Spanish-American War (1898)
Causes: How did each of the following help to cause the outbreak of the Spanish-American War?
1. American business owners
Even though the Spanish owned Cuba and rejected America's offer to buy it from them, the American capitalists began investing millions of dollars into the island for its large sugar can plantations. (Later on they were destroyed by Martí's revolution causing American owners to become furious and want support for Spain in order to protect their investments.)
2. José Martí
He was a Cuban poet and journalist who launched a Cuban revolution against Spain in 1895. The revolution sought resistance against Spain and consisted of guerrilla campaign and purposely destroying property. Property that was destroyed consisted of American-owned sugar mills and plantations which made the American owners angry.
3. Valeriano Weyler
He was a Spanish general sent to Cuba in 1896 to restore order. He tried to do this by setting up barbed-wire concentration camps into which he herded the entire rural population of central and western Cuba. This made it so that the rebels could not receive help from the people inevitably crushing the rebellion. There were 300,000 people in these camps; thousands ended up dying from disease and starvation.
4. Yellow journalism It is a style of writing in which news is exaggerated to lure and enrage readers. Two newspaper tycoons, William Randolph Hearst of the New York Journal and Joseph Pulitzer of the New York World, used this technique. Then people read about exaggerated Spanish brutality, which led to deepening American sympathy for the rebels.
5. De Lôme letter
It was a letter written by the Spanish minister, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, to the United States. Previously William McKinley had just taken office in 1897 and wanted to avoid war even though there was a rise in American intervention in Cuba. His efforts seemed successful when Spain recalled General Weyler, modified the policy regarding concentration camps, and even offered Cuba a limited self-government. Although the letter was not very supportive and criticized the President calling him "weak" and "a bidder for the administration of the crowd". To make matters worse the letter was first heard about when it was stolen from a Havana post office by a Cuban rebel and leaked to the New York Journal in February 1898. Although the Spanish government apologized and the minister resigned, American people were still angry over their president being insulted.
6. U.S.S. Maine
It was sent to Cuba by President McKinley to bring Americans citizens, who were in danger from the fighting, home and protect American property. On February 15, 1898 the ship blew up while in the harbor; more than 260 were killed. Nobody knew who was behind the attack but newspapers blamed the Spanish causing outrage amongst Americans.
Effects: What happened to each of the following territories as a result of the Spanish-American War?
7. Cuba
It was freed from Spanish rule.
8. Puerto Rico
It was invaded by American troops on July 25 and later turned over to the United States at Spanish and American peace talks.
9. Guam
It was turned over to America on December 10,1898 at the peace talk in Paris to agree on a treaty.
10. Philippine Islands
Filipinos, like the Cubans, were displeased by Spanish rule and wanted freedom. After Dewey's victory at sea, 11,000 Filipino rebels joined him by the next two months. Soon after the Spanish troops surrendered. On February 6, 1899 the islands became a part of America's rule along with Guam and Puerto Rico.
1. American business owners
Even though the Spanish owned Cuba and rejected America's offer to buy it from them, the American capitalists began investing millions of dollars into the island for its large sugar can plantations. (Later on they were destroyed by Martí's revolution causing American owners to become furious and want support for Spain in order to protect their investments.)
2. José Martí
He was a Cuban poet and journalist who launched a Cuban revolution against Spain in 1895. The revolution sought resistance against Spain and consisted of guerrilla campaign and purposely destroying property. Property that was destroyed consisted of American-owned sugar mills and plantations which made the American owners angry.
3. Valeriano Weyler
He was a Spanish general sent to Cuba in 1896 to restore order. He tried to do this by setting up barbed-wire concentration camps into which he herded the entire rural population of central and western Cuba. This made it so that the rebels could not receive help from the people inevitably crushing the rebellion. There were 300,000 people in these camps; thousands ended up dying from disease and starvation.
4. Yellow journalism It is a style of writing in which news is exaggerated to lure and enrage readers. Two newspaper tycoons, William Randolph Hearst of the New York Journal and Joseph Pulitzer of the New York World, used this technique. Then people read about exaggerated Spanish brutality, which led to deepening American sympathy for the rebels.
5. De Lôme letter
It was a letter written by the Spanish minister, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, to the United States. Previously William McKinley had just taken office in 1897 and wanted to avoid war even though there was a rise in American intervention in Cuba. His efforts seemed successful when Spain recalled General Weyler, modified the policy regarding concentration camps, and even offered Cuba a limited self-government. Although the letter was not very supportive and criticized the President calling him "weak" and "a bidder for the administration of the crowd". To make matters worse the letter was first heard about when it was stolen from a Havana post office by a Cuban rebel and leaked to the New York Journal in February 1898. Although the Spanish government apologized and the minister resigned, American people were still angry over their president being insulted.
6. U.S.S. Maine
It was sent to Cuba by President McKinley to bring Americans citizens, who were in danger from the fighting, home and protect American property. On February 15, 1898 the ship blew up while in the harbor; more than 260 were killed. Nobody knew who was behind the attack but newspapers blamed the Spanish causing outrage amongst Americans.
Effects: What happened to each of the following territories as a result of the Spanish-American War?
7. Cuba
It was freed from Spanish rule.
8. Puerto Rico
It was invaded by American troops on July 25 and later turned over to the United States at Spanish and American peace talks.
9. Guam
It was turned over to America on December 10,1898 at the peace talk in Paris to agree on a treaty.
10. Philippine Islands
Filipinos, like the Cubans, were displeased by Spanish rule and wanted freedom. After Dewey's victory at sea, 11,000 Filipino rebels joined him by the next two months. Soon after the Spanish troops surrendered. On February 6, 1899 the islands became a part of America's rule along with Guam and Puerto Rico.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
U.S. Imperialism Begins
1. Name at least five factors that fueled American Imperialism.
A) To continue manifest destiny
B) Desire for military strength
C) Thirst for new markets
D) Belief in cultural superiority
E) Serve as a solution to American overproduction and related problems of unemployment and economic depression
2. Choose two of the above five factors and describe them in your own words.
A) Thirst for new markets- Thanks to many advancements in technology there was more production than consumption of American products. This meant the country needed a place to supply them with raw materials and a market to sell their extra goods in. With new markets there would be new jobs to help fix the economic depression and decrease the number of unemployed.
B)Desire for military strength- Military presence around the world was growing pressuring Americans to build their own strength which led them to compete for a high naval power. This resulted in America having nine steel-hulled cruisers and being the world's third largest naval power.
3. What was known as “Seward’s Folly” and why?
Alaska was known as Seward's Folly because at the time it was acquired many doubted this decision as being useful but as time passed it became a state that was rich in wood, minerals, and oil.
4. What plantation-based product accounted for three-quarters of Hawaii’s wealth in the mid-19th century and who controlled this product?
Sugar plantations accounted for three-quarters of Hawaii's wealth in the mid-19th century. the Americans controlled this product.
6. Using as much detail as possible, outline the sequence of events that led to America gaining possession of Hawaii? In other words, why was the United States interested in these Pacific islands?
A) To continue manifest destiny
B) Desire for military strength
C) Thirst for new markets
D) Belief in cultural superiority
E) Serve as a solution to American overproduction and related problems of unemployment and economic depression
2. Choose two of the above five factors and describe them in your own words.
A) Thirst for new markets- Thanks to many advancements in technology there was more production than consumption of American products. This meant the country needed a place to supply them with raw materials and a market to sell their extra goods in. With new markets there would be new jobs to help fix the economic depression and decrease the number of unemployed.
B)Desire for military strength- Military presence around the world was growing pressuring Americans to build their own strength which led them to compete for a high naval power. This resulted in America having nine steel-hulled cruisers and being the world's third largest naval power.
3. What was known as “Seward’s Folly” and why?
Alaska was known as Seward's Folly because at the time it was acquired many doubted this decision as being useful but as time passed it became a state that was rich in wood, minerals, and oil.
4. What plantation-based product accounted for three-quarters of Hawaii’s wealth in the mid-19th century and who controlled this product?
Sugar plantations accounted for three-quarters of Hawaii's wealth in the mid-19th century. the Americans controlled this product.
6. Using as much detail as possible, outline the sequence of events that led to America gaining possession of Hawaii? In other words, why was the United States interested in these Pacific islands?
- King Kalakaua was forced to amend Hawaii's constitution and give voting rights to only the wealthy landowners.
- Kalakaua dies in 1891 but his sister Queen Liliuokalani takes power.
- She wants to remove the qualifications for voting.
- John L. Stevens disagrees with the idea and sets up a revolution against the queen putting Sanford B. Dole in power.
- President Cleveland demanded that the queen be put back into power but Dole refused to give up his thrown.
- Cleveland then recognized the country as the Republic of Hawaii but if a majority of Hawaiians favored annexation he would consider it.
- In 1897 William McKinley took over the Presidential office. He favored annexation.
- On August 12,1898 Hawaii was proclaimed as an American territory by Congress but Hawaiians weren't given the chance to vote.
- Hawaii becomes the 50th state in the U.S. in 1959.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Progressive Era Presidents Taft and Wilson
1. How did William Howard Taft get selected to run for president?
William Howard Taft was handpicked by Teddy Roosevelt to run for presidency.
2. How did Teddy Roosevelt come to oppose Taft for the presidency in 1912?
Unlike Roosevelt, Taft believed in progressivism and took action cautiously. First Taft did not expand on Roosevelt's reforms but intstead consolidated them. Second progressives believed Taft went against them when he signed the Payne-Aldrich Tariff which only moderated the high rates in the Aldrich Bill. They instead wanted him to sign the Payne Bill, which lowered rates on imported manufactured goods. Later the public became furious when this resulted in a higher cost of living. Then Taft angered conservatives by appointing Ballinger, who was against coservative control of western lands, as his secretary. They were further enraged when he fired Pinchot for voicing against Ballinger when he fired an official for going against him. Finally this resulted in controversies within the Republican Party.
3. What events helped Woodrow Wilson win the election in 1912?
First there was a split in the Republican Party. Second Wilson supported the New Freedom. He also supported small businesses and free-market competition; thus being he opposed business monopolies and categorized them as evil.
4. What legislation did Wilson use to attack trusts and monopolies?
The two key antitrust measures that were taking was the Clayton Antitrust Act and Federal Trade Commission Act. The Clayton Antitrust Act tried to strengthen the Sherman Antitrust Act by prohibiting corporations from aquiring the stock of another doing so would create a monopoly. The Federal Trade Commission had the power to investigate possible violations of regulatory statutes, to require periodic reports from corporations, and to put an end to unfair business practices.
5. What was the Nineteenth Amendment?
The Nineteenth Amendment was an amendment that allowed women to vote.
6. How did America's entry into World War I affect the reform movement?
When America entered World War I progress of reform had come to a standstill. This lasted throughout Wilson's second term causing an end to the Progressive Era.
William Howard Taft was handpicked by Teddy Roosevelt to run for presidency.
2. How did Teddy Roosevelt come to oppose Taft for the presidency in 1912?
Unlike Roosevelt, Taft believed in progressivism and took action cautiously. First Taft did not expand on Roosevelt's reforms but intstead consolidated them. Second progressives believed Taft went against them when he signed the Payne-Aldrich Tariff which only moderated the high rates in the Aldrich Bill. They instead wanted him to sign the Payne Bill, which lowered rates on imported manufactured goods. Later the public became furious when this resulted in a higher cost of living. Then Taft angered conservatives by appointing Ballinger, who was against coservative control of western lands, as his secretary. They were further enraged when he fired Pinchot for voicing against Ballinger when he fired an official for going against him. Finally this resulted in controversies within the Republican Party.
3. What events helped Woodrow Wilson win the election in 1912?
First there was a split in the Republican Party. Second Wilson supported the New Freedom. He also supported small businesses and free-market competition; thus being he opposed business monopolies and categorized them as evil.
4. What legislation did Wilson use to attack trusts and monopolies?
The two key antitrust measures that were taking was the Clayton Antitrust Act and Federal Trade Commission Act. The Clayton Antitrust Act tried to strengthen the Sherman Antitrust Act by prohibiting corporations from aquiring the stock of another doing so would create a monopoly. The Federal Trade Commission had the power to investigate possible violations of regulatory statutes, to require periodic reports from corporations, and to put an end to unfair business practices.
5. What was the Nineteenth Amendment?
The Nineteenth Amendment was an amendment that allowed women to vote.
6. How did America's entry into World War I affect the reform movement?
When America entered World War I progress of reform had come to a standstill. This lasted throughout Wilson's second term causing an end to the Progressive Era.
Child Labor Reform Photographs
Photograph A
Objective:This child is working/posing in a cotton mill with a room full of looms. Her clothes seem old and raggedy. her height tells us she's quite young.
Subjective:I think her life might be extremely hard because she works long hours in the mill with next to nothing pay. Its also sad that this child does not even know her own age. Also she must have needed to be very cautious working around the open machinery which is located everywhere.
Photograph B
Objective:Most of these girls do not have a happy expression on their face. There is hay in their hair and their clothes have begun to wore out. Also their hair needs to be tied up so it doesn't get caught in the machinery.
Subjective:Their expression tells us work is not easy.Theri appearance shows that they are tired from working all day.
Photograph C
Objective:the picture is of a young child not more than the age of eight in old clothing in a row between the looms.
Subjective:in the author's note what does it mean by "she just happened in" or "are helping sister"? The girl has a grave look on her face meaning something must be wrong. She has no shoes meaning she couldn't afford them. Also she has cotton scraps on her telling us she's been working hard all day.
Photograph D
Objective: In this picture there is a young boy with a sad look on his face. he is trying to sell newspapers.
Subjective:The way everyone else is dressed gives me the idea that it must be cold outside. His sad face says that not many people are buying his papers.
Photograph E
Objective:this picture is of young boys working in a mine and being overseen by older men, who would sometimes kick or prod them. The boys are covered in soot.
Subjective:If they were covered in soot, they must be breathing it in also which would have caused great damages to their lungs like stated in the author's note.
Photograph F
Objective:There are young boys who are working around open machinery,some of them have ripped or oversized clothes. Others appear to be sweaty.
Subjective:These boys must be working hard because they appear sweaty. also their pay must be low if they could not afford a new shirt.If their clothes are baggy it could have been worn by an older sibling before or it was bought so it could last a couple of years.
Photograph G
Objective:There are tons of people from all different ages working.
Subjective:According to the author's note the little girl is a real help to her mother. This is probably true because there was probably an extrodinary amount of work and any help is good. The girl who is refered to by the author must not be older than seven.
Photograph H
Objective:the picture shows children coming to work on a cold night. They are not properly clothed.
Subjective:Adccording to the author's note it is a winter night. The small girls only earn 84 cents. They have been working for two years while their older sisters for seven. They need to support their lazy father who says he is too ill to work. With a wage of 84 cents per child it would be barely enough to get by especially without their father working. They also would have had to work long hours to meet this amount they needed.
Objective:This child is working/posing in a cotton mill with a room full of looms. Her clothes seem old and raggedy. her height tells us she's quite young.
Subjective:I think her life might be extremely hard because she works long hours in the mill with next to nothing pay. Its also sad that this child does not even know her own age. Also she must have needed to be very cautious working around the open machinery which is located everywhere.
Photograph B
Objective:Most of these girls do not have a happy expression on their face. There is hay in their hair and their clothes have begun to wore out. Also their hair needs to be tied up so it doesn't get caught in the machinery.
Subjective:Their expression tells us work is not easy.Theri appearance shows that they are tired from working all day.
Photograph C
Objective:the picture is of a young child not more than the age of eight in old clothing in a row between the looms.
Subjective:in the author's note what does it mean by "she just happened in" or "are helping sister"? The girl has a grave look on her face meaning something must be wrong. She has no shoes meaning she couldn't afford them. Also she has cotton scraps on her telling us she's been working hard all day.
Photograph D
Objective: In this picture there is a young boy with a sad look on his face. he is trying to sell newspapers.
Subjective:The way everyone else is dressed gives me the idea that it must be cold outside. His sad face says that not many people are buying his papers.
Photograph E
Objective:this picture is of young boys working in a mine and being overseen by older men, who would sometimes kick or prod them. The boys are covered in soot.
Subjective:If they were covered in soot, they must be breathing it in also which would have caused great damages to their lungs like stated in the author's note.
Photograph F
Objective:There are young boys who are working around open machinery,some of them have ripped or oversized clothes. Others appear to be sweaty.
Subjective:These boys must be working hard because they appear sweaty. also their pay must be low if they could not afford a new shirt.If their clothes are baggy it could have been worn by an older sibling before or it was bought so it could last a couple of years.
Photograph G
Objective:There are tons of people from all different ages working.
Subjective:According to the author's note the little girl is a real help to her mother. This is probably true because there was probably an extrodinary amount of work and any help is good. The girl who is refered to by the author must not be older than seven.
Photograph H
Objective:the picture shows children coming to work on a cold night. They are not properly clothed.
Subjective:Adccording to the author's note it is a winter night. The small girls only earn 84 cents. They have been working for two years while their older sisters for seven. They need to support their lazy father who says he is too ill to work. With a wage of 84 cents per child it would be barely enough to get by especially without their father working. They also would have had to work long hours to meet this amount they needed.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
TR's Square Deal
1. How did Roosevelt create the modern presidency?
Roosevelt created the modern presidency by setting an example with his leadership and use of publicity campaigns.
2. How did Roosevelt's intervention in a coal strike set a precedent for federal arbitration?
Roosevelt's intervention set a new principle. This was that when public welfare was at stake, especially due to strikes at this time, the government was expected to step in to help settle the dispute.
3. What did Roosevelt do to the trusts and railroads?
In the public's best interests, President Roosevelt tried to delete the trusts and to gain more control railroads to make sure they do not cheat or hurt the people. His goal was federal regulation. Trusts would extremely lower prices to drive out competition and then extremely raise prices when there was no competition. Roosevelt tried to dissolve and break up trusts using the Sherman Antitrust Act. He was successful but was unable to slow the merger movement. Railroad companies tried to collude by fixing high prices in a certain area. This became prohibited when Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act. Meeting Roosevelt's needs the Elkins Act was passed, which prohibited the railroads from giving, and people from accepting, rebates given to use one certain railroad. It also prohibited them from changing rates without public notification. The the Hepburn Act was passed limiting the the distribution of free railroad passes. Roosevelt took these actions to stop the trust and railroads.
4. What legislation passed during Roosevelt's presidency protected citizens?
Meat Inspection Act
5. What did Roosevelt do to protect the environment?
He set aside 148 million acres of forest reserves, 1.8 million acres for water-power sites, and 80 million acres for mineral and water resource exploration. With the National Reclamation Act money from public land funded irrigation projects.
Roosevelt created the modern presidency by setting an example with his leadership and use of publicity campaigns.
2. How did Roosevelt's intervention in a coal strike set a precedent for federal arbitration?
Roosevelt's intervention set a new principle. This was that when public welfare was at stake, especially due to strikes at this time, the government was expected to step in to help settle the dispute.
3. What did Roosevelt do to the trusts and railroads?
In the public's best interests, President Roosevelt tried to delete the trusts and to gain more control railroads to make sure they do not cheat or hurt the people. His goal was federal regulation. Trusts would extremely lower prices to drive out competition and then extremely raise prices when there was no competition. Roosevelt tried to dissolve and break up trusts using the Sherman Antitrust Act. He was successful but was unable to slow the merger movement. Railroad companies tried to collude by fixing high prices in a certain area. This became prohibited when Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act. Meeting Roosevelt's needs the Elkins Act was passed, which prohibited the railroads from giving, and people from accepting, rebates given to use one certain railroad. It also prohibited them from changing rates without public notification. The the Hepburn Act was passed limiting the the distribution of free railroad passes. Roosevelt took these actions to stop the trust and railroads.
4. What legislation passed during Roosevelt's presidency protected citizens?
Meat Inspection Act
5. What did Roosevelt do to protect the environment?
He set aside 148 million acres of forest reserves, 1.8 million acres for water-power sites, and 80 million acres for mineral and water resource exploration. With the National Reclamation Act money from public land funded irrigation projects.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Urbanzation.
1. What is Urbanization?
Urbanization was the rapid growth of cities caused by the promise of industrial jobs. It resulted in a new lower standard of urban poor.
2. For what reasons did a number of Americans move from the country to the cities?
Inventions in the farming industry made it more efficient resulting in need for fewer laborers. Farms began to merge causing people to relocate to the cities in search of any type of work.
3. What were the housing problems that many poor city dwellers faced?
City dwellers usually lived in overcrowded and unsanitary tenements. Laws for the minimum standards of plumbing and ventilation were passed, all with good intentions but resulted in worse conditions when people placed garbage in air shafts. Until water was finally filtered in the 1870s it was not sanitary and even though a piping system was laid, water could not be easily accessed at home. People had to fill up buckets from public waterworks and heat them for baths.
Urbanization was the rapid growth of cities caused by the promise of industrial jobs. It resulted in a new lower standard of urban poor.
2. For what reasons did a number of Americans move from the country to the cities?
Inventions in the farming industry made it more efficient resulting in need for fewer laborers. Farms began to merge causing people to relocate to the cities in search of any type of work.
3. What were the housing problems that many poor city dwellers faced?
City dwellers usually lived in overcrowded and unsanitary tenements. Laws for the minimum standards of plumbing and ventilation were passed, all with good intentions but resulted in worse conditions when people placed garbage in air shafts. Until water was finally filtered in the 1870s it was not sanitary and even though a piping system was laid, water could not be easily accessed at home. People had to fill up buckets from public waterworks and heat them for baths.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Immigration
1. Describe the causes of the immigration of Southern and Eastern Europeans, Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Southern and Eastern Europeans-Many immigrants left to avoid religious persecution. Others came to America to escape the rapidly increasing European population. Within a century the population doubled causing their to be a land shortage for farming. This left the farmers and laborers to fight for the already few industrial jobs. To these people jobs seemed to be plentiful in America.
- Chinese- Many came to the country in hopes of striking gold after they heard of the California gold rush. After they were done working on many of the nation's railroads, the Chinese turned to farming, mining, and domestic service. Some even became businessmen.
- Koreans- The book does not mention anything about Korea but there are numerous possible reasons for people to emigrate. Some reasons might be because there was political turmoil or jobs were scarce.
- Japanese-Once Hawaii joined the United States, Japanese immigration greatly increased. Before the Japanese were being recruited by Hawaiian planters. Many voyaged to America when they heard the wages were quite high there.
2. Describe the journey immigrants endured and their experiences at United States immigration stations.
The most common way to reach America was by steamship. depending on where your departing location was, a journey could last from approximately one to three weeks. This wouldn't be so bad if most of the immigrants didn't not have to travel in the cheapest accommodation, the steerage. Very little often were they allowed to go on the ship's deck. This left them in their quarters for most of the time without fresh air or exercise. Often were the bunks louse-infested and the toilets were to be shared by many. Disease was easily and quickly spreadable. Some passengers died before they arrived to America.
All were filled with excitement at the sight of America but it was soon silenced by the anxiety of being unsure if they would be admitted or not into the country. They first had to pass the inspection at the immigration stations. About 20 percent of immigrants were detained for a day or more before being inspected but only 2 percent were denied entry into the country. The processing of immigrants was not a quick process. Immigrants were first required to pass a physical examination by doctors. This made sure no diseases were brought along with passengers into the country. Those who passed then were sent to be inquired by a government inspector. He also checked documents making sure they met the legal requirements to enter. This process occurred in Ellis Island, New York.
For immigrants entering the United Stated through the west coast it was similar story. They were inspected in Angel Island. Although, there was a major difference in how the immigrants were processed. They were faced with harsh questioning and detained for many hours in dirty, old buildings until they heard of whether they were accepted or rejected.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Big Business and Labor Quiz
The ideas of Laissez Faire and Social Darwinism allowed people to believe that if they were rich or poor it was because they deserved this. Laissez Faire stated the ideas of power to the individual, individuals competing freely in the marketplace, and the marketplace not being man-made. Like we have no control over gravity the government has no control over the marketplace and who becomes rich and who remains poor. The main concept of Social Darwinism was "survival of the fittest". Like in breeding, if all the weak became extinct or had to adapt the breed or race would become stronger. They related this to the people by showing that if all the poor became "extinct" the economic system would become stronger as a whole. In my perspective one of the strongest reasons as to why the people accepted these beliefs was because the Protestant church related it to god. They said god made people rich or poor according to what they deserved and judging by how much work they did. Poor people were believed to be lazy even though they did do more work than the rich. Business owners used these ideologies to their advantage. Without any laws stopping them, they gave their workers very little pay, long shifts, and they had to work with dangerous conditions such as open machinery. One business owner who did exactly this was John D. Rockafellar.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Labor Unions & Big Business
the Knights of Labor
a. Identification-A labor union founded by garment cutters in 1860 but opened to others in the 1870's. Its grandmaster was Terrence V. Powderly.
b. Significance-It was the only labor union to survive the depression. They welcomed everyone from different races and of different craftsmenships. They opposed strikes because they were believed to be a loss more often than a win and they divereted attention from the long time goal of a cooperative society. Although they did participate in a few strikes. In the early 1880's they joined in the campaign for 8 hour a day shifts. The first day went by smoothly but there was a riot two days later that required police to break up. This resulted in the death of two unionists. This led to the Haymarket Riot which caused people, especially employers, to turn against workers' strikes.
the Haymarket riot
a. Identification- It was a result of the evening before at the McCormick plant in Chicago, in which two unionists were killed and more others wouned, by police because of a riot. At the Haymarket Riot they were rioting against police brutality. Ironically this also ended in violence when a bomb exploded killing seven and injuring sixty-seven. This led to many arrests of anarchists and unionists.
b. Significance- After this event people strongly disliked workers' strikes. They did everything in their power to prevent them. This included buying strike insurance and agreeing to resist strike. These strikes also revived the fear of radicalism within the middle-class.
the American Federation of Labor
a. Identification- It was a major workers' organization, which emerged in 1886. It was an allliance between national craft unions made up of mostly American-born skilled workers. Samuel Gompers, an immigrant, ran it. Some goals were to recieve higher wages, shorter hours, and the right to bargain collectively.
b. Significance- In July 1892 workers and members of the AFL and Amalgated Association of Iron and Steelworkers refused to accept cuts to their already low wages. This resulted in a strike in Homestead, Pennsylvania. The plant was closed due to the strike. Later gaurds were positoned but attacked by the strikers. After five months of continuous striking they gave up and quit. By now people were very upset and greatly disliked strikers.
Samuel Gompers
a. Identification- He was a pragmatic and oppurtunistic immigrant who headed the Cigar Makers' Union. He also led the AFL. Under his leadership the AFL grew to 1 million members by 1901 and 2.5 million by 1917.
b. Significance- The AFL grew quickly under his rule. They tried to recruit unskilled laborers so their group could grow. This would allow their ideas to be spread throughout a larger group of people.
the Homestead strike
a. Identification-In July 1892 workers and members of the AFL and Amalgated Association of Iron and Steelworkers refused to accept cuts to their already low wages. This resulted in a strike in Homestead, Pennsylvania. The plant was closed due to the strike. Later gaurds were positoned but attacked by the strikers. After five months of continuous striking they quit.
b. Significance- The public became disgusted with strikers. They did not like them at all especially because Henry C. Frick's life was at danger. (Frick was the president of Carnegie Steel Company that needed to be closed because of the strikers.)
the Pullman strike
a. Identification- The year of 1894 at the Pullman company town near Chicago, people protested against its policies. The whole town was run by Pullman. This meant they were not allowed to argue their rights and had to live a Pullman life by shopping at Pullman shops, living in Pullman homees, atttending Pullman schools, and etc. The town paid its' people the wages, had fixed rents, anf even spied on them.
b. Significance- Because workers were not allowed to argue their rights, they were outraged when he cut wages by 25 to 40 percent. This was the cause to the strike. When President Cleveland sent troops to disassemble the strike it showed how these workers were vital in everyday life. Without them the railway and mail systen would become backed up.
Eugene V. Debs
a. Identification- A leader in organizing the union strike on the Pullman wage cuts. He aided strikers by refusing to handle all Pullman cars but Pullman stood his ground and gave in. Only months after Cleveland's troops arrived the strike ended. Debbs was jailed for not following the order to stop striking.
b. Significance- Even though the strike was unsuccessful there was some light on the subject. Now the government had the attention of the laborers. They saw how important these workers were to the foundation of America. Without them supporting the big businesses and companies that helped America run, the country would be in chaos with backups such as the railway system and mail did.
the Industrial Workers of the World
a. Identification- A labor organization formed in 1905 by Colorado miners. They believed in violent strikes but they also tried to include all those of different levels of skills unlike the AFL.
b. Significance- The Knights of Labor and AFL greatly influenced unions like the IWW. With modernization of these unions they became more and more violent, which inevitably resulted in more deaths, throughout this century.
a. Identification-A labor union founded by garment cutters in 1860 but opened to others in the 1870's. Its grandmaster was Terrence V. Powderly.
b. Significance-It was the only labor union to survive the depression. They welcomed everyone from different races and of different craftsmenships. They opposed strikes because they were believed to be a loss more often than a win and they divereted attention from the long time goal of a cooperative society. Although they did participate in a few strikes. In the early 1880's they joined in the campaign for 8 hour a day shifts. The first day went by smoothly but there was a riot two days later that required police to break up. This resulted in the death of two unionists. This led to the Haymarket Riot which caused people, especially employers, to turn against workers' strikes.
the Haymarket riot
a. Identification- It was a result of the evening before at the McCormick plant in Chicago, in which two unionists were killed and more others wouned, by police because of a riot. At the Haymarket Riot they were rioting against police brutality. Ironically this also ended in violence when a bomb exploded killing seven and injuring sixty-seven. This led to many arrests of anarchists and unionists.
b. Significance- After this event people strongly disliked workers' strikes. They did everything in their power to prevent them. This included buying strike insurance and agreeing to resist strike. These strikes also revived the fear of radicalism within the middle-class.
the American Federation of Labor
a. Identification- It was a major workers' organization, which emerged in 1886. It was an allliance between national craft unions made up of mostly American-born skilled workers. Samuel Gompers, an immigrant, ran it. Some goals were to recieve higher wages, shorter hours, and the right to bargain collectively.
b. Significance- In July 1892 workers and members of the AFL and Amalgated Association of Iron and Steelworkers refused to accept cuts to their already low wages. This resulted in a strike in Homestead, Pennsylvania. The plant was closed due to the strike. Later gaurds were positoned but attacked by the strikers. After five months of continuous striking they gave up and quit. By now people were very upset and greatly disliked strikers.
Samuel Gompers
a. Identification- He was a pragmatic and oppurtunistic immigrant who headed the Cigar Makers' Union. He also led the AFL. Under his leadership the AFL grew to 1 million members by 1901 and 2.5 million by 1917.
b. Significance- The AFL grew quickly under his rule. They tried to recruit unskilled laborers so their group could grow. This would allow their ideas to be spread throughout a larger group of people.
the Homestead strike
a. Identification-In July 1892 workers and members of the AFL and Amalgated Association of Iron and Steelworkers refused to accept cuts to their already low wages. This resulted in a strike in Homestead, Pennsylvania. The plant was closed due to the strike. Later gaurds were positoned but attacked by the strikers. After five months of continuous striking they quit.
b. Significance- The public became disgusted with strikers. They did not like them at all especially because Henry C. Frick's life was at danger. (Frick was the president of Carnegie Steel Company that needed to be closed because of the strikers.)
the Pullman strike
a. Identification- The year of 1894 at the Pullman company town near Chicago, people protested against its policies. The whole town was run by Pullman. This meant they were not allowed to argue their rights and had to live a Pullman life by shopping at Pullman shops, living in Pullman homees, atttending Pullman schools, and etc. The town paid its' people the wages, had fixed rents, anf even spied on them.
b. Significance- Because workers were not allowed to argue their rights, they were outraged when he cut wages by 25 to 40 percent. This was the cause to the strike. When President Cleveland sent troops to disassemble the strike it showed how these workers were vital in everyday life. Without them the railway and mail systen would become backed up.
Eugene V. Debs
a. Identification- A leader in organizing the union strike on the Pullman wage cuts. He aided strikers by refusing to handle all Pullman cars but Pullman stood his ground and gave in. Only months after Cleveland's troops arrived the strike ended. Debbs was jailed for not following the order to stop striking.
b. Significance- Even though the strike was unsuccessful there was some light on the subject. Now the government had the attention of the laborers. They saw how important these workers were to the foundation of America. Without them supporting the big businesses and companies that helped America run, the country would be in chaos with backups such as the railway system and mail did.
the Industrial Workers of the World
a. Identification- A labor organization formed in 1905 by Colorado miners. They believed in violent strikes but they also tried to include all those of different levels of skills unlike the AFL.
b. Significance- The Knights of Labor and AFL greatly influenced unions like the IWW. With modernization of these unions they became more and more violent, which inevitably resulted in more deaths, throughout this century.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Significance of the Terms
- Andrew Carnegie went from rags to riches by working at the Pennsylvania Railroad. He began his own steel company which became into a major producer. Credit for his success should be given to his management practices which quickly were put into use by others.
- Social Darwinism is a scientific explanation of Carnegie's success. It stated that business was governed by natural law and no one could control it but many entrepenuers did all they could to make their business empire prosper.
- John D. Rockefeller had a different approach on mergers. He used trusts to gain control of the oil industry. At first he underpaid his workers and priced the oil very low to run his competitors out of business. After he had total control of the market he overpriced his oil. This led to the Sherman Antitrust Act being put into place for a while.
- Sherman Antitrust Act tried to make it illegal for trusts to interfere with free trade. As a result the trusts split up into single businesses but this act was difficult to enforced so after a while things went back to the way they were before.
- Samuel Gompers was president of the American Federation of Labor who liked to use negotiating. Their main tactic was to use strikes. This was very effective because workers' wages rose and hours declined.
- American Federation of Labor (AFL) this union was different from the Knights of Labor. They instead used strikes which helped them to reach their goal of higher weekly wages and lower weekly hours.
- Eugene V. Debs formed the American Railway Union which won a strike for higher wages. Although they had more than 150,000 members the group never recovered after failing a major strikes. On the bright side it did add momentum to union organizing. She later turned to socialism.
- Industrial Workers of the World waas another laborere union that was ope to African Americans although it did not gain more than about 100,000 supporters. This was mainly an unskilled workers union. It gave the members a sense of pride and dignity.
- Mary Harris Jones supported the Great Strike of 1877 and helped to organize the United Mine Workers of America. She inluenced the passing of child labor laws.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Railroad Development
The government was so eager to promote the growth of railroads because they made local transit reliable and westward expansion possible for business and people. Many of the working conditions the laborers faced were difficult bu the end result was revolutionizing. Railroads helped to transform diverse regions of the country into a united nation. This promoted trade and interdependence. Railroads also had an influence on the American nation. Different industries grew as they tried to meet the railroad's demands for materials and parts. Not only did railroads connect diverse regions but it fostered the growth of towns and helped them branch. They also helped establish new markets and offered rich opportunities for both visionaries and profiteers.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Expansion of Industry
The three major factors that contributed to the immense technological boom that took place in the United States after the Civil War were a wealth in natural resources, government support of business, and a growing urban population that provided both cheap labor and markets for new products. When oil was first discovered it was not very important except for its use as kerosene. Not until after automobiles became widely used, because of the population that provided markets for new products, was it found to be vital. There were more natural resources other than oil. After the Bessemer process was found iron became very important in the manufacturing industry. Railroads became one of the major customers for steel. After the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, steel paved the road for innovative construction. Without the government's support and open market many of the inventions we have today might not have been made possible.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Westward Expansion Questions
1. What are some of the main reasons that the federal government's policy of assimilation failed?
A) The Native Americans had a very different style of life from the American settlers. They were taught to hunt and live off of it; it was reasonable for the Natives to need the space. Everyone had a role. The men became hunters and warriors. Meanwhile the women took care of the buffalo meat and made clothing. There wasn't a specific person who dominated the group. Lastly they believed everyone shared the land.
B) Secondly there were major cultural differences. The Americans wore clothes, farmed, lived in a house, owned private property, and sent their children to school. The Natives did not have much clothing, hunted, lived together, believed everyone shared the land, and did not send their children to school. Also the Native americans did not believe in God.
C)Another reason was the attitude of the Americans towards the Natives. They were hated and looked down upon. It seemed as if the Natives were treated like dirt. The Americans also claimed the Natives' land with the belief that the Natives had forfeited their rights to the land because they didnt settle down to "improve" it.
D) Finally the government did a really bad job of keeping its promises. An example is in the Dawes Act the Natives were promised land and any land that was not occupied would be sold to the Americans and the profit would be returned to them in order to buy farming equipment. In the end only one-third of the land set aside for the Natives was given to them and the rest was sold to American settlers. Also the profits from the sales was never returned to the Natives.
Also no one wants to be forced by foreigners to change all their ways and customs.
2. How successful were government efforts to promote settlement of the Great Plains? Give examples to support your answer.
The government was greatly successful in promoting settlement of the Great Plains. Examples:
A) The Native Americans had a very different style of life from the American settlers. They were taught to hunt and live off of it; it was reasonable for the Natives to need the space. Everyone had a role. The men became hunters and warriors. Meanwhile the women took care of the buffalo meat and made clothing. There wasn't a specific person who dominated the group. Lastly they believed everyone shared the land.
B) Secondly there were major cultural differences. The Americans wore clothes, farmed, lived in a house, owned private property, and sent their children to school. The Natives did not have much clothing, hunted, lived together, believed everyone shared the land, and did not send their children to school. Also the Native americans did not believe in God.
C)Another reason was the attitude of the Americans towards the Natives. They were hated and looked down upon. It seemed as if the Natives were treated like dirt. The Americans also claimed the Natives' land with the belief that the Natives had forfeited their rights to the land because they didnt settle down to "improve" it.
D) Finally the government did a really bad job of keeping its promises. An example is in the Dawes Act the Natives were promised land and any land that was not occupied would be sold to the Americans and the profit would be returned to them in order to buy farming equipment. In the end only one-third of the land set aside for the Natives was given to them and the rest was sold to American settlers. Also the profits from the sales was never returned to the Natives.
Also no one wants to be forced by foreigners to change all their ways and customs.
2. How successful were government efforts to promote settlement of the Great Plains? Give examples to support your answer.
The government was greatly successful in promoting settlement of the Great Plains. Examples:
- Homestead Act -From 1862 to 1900 it gained 600,000 families
- Number of people living west of the Mississippi grew from 1% of the nation's population to 30% within 50 years
- Railroads connected both sides of the United Staes, the west coast and the east coast. This made doing business with each other possible and even easier.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Iraq War Q & A
Short Response
1. Where do most Kurds, Shi'a, and Sunnis live in Iraq?
Kurds: In the northern mountainous region of Iraq and Kurdistan
Shi'a: In the south mostly near the oil reserves
Sunnis: Primarily where there are less oil reserves
2. Which ethnic group(s) hold(s) power over the majority of oil reserves in Iraq?
Shi'a
3. What is the main reason Britain become involved in Iraq?
Iraq was rich in oil.
4. What did pan-Arabists advocate after World War II?
They sought independence for the entire Midle East and encouraged Iraq to sever ties to Britain.
5. How was Saddam Hussein able to gain power and popularity in the 1970s?
The rapid increase in the price of oil provided him money to fund different programs causing his power and popularity to increase.
6. Why did the United States become involved in the Iran-Iraq War?
The Reagan asministration didn't want Iran's Islamist government to be victorious.
7. Why did President George H.W. Bush (1989-93) bring the ground portion of the First Persian Gulf War to a halt? List two reasons.
a. The president and his advisors worried about the consequences of controlling a completely destabilized Iraq.
b. Iraq's military presented few obstacles to the advance of the coalition forces.
Extended Response:
8. What are the different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq? Why is it important to understand these differences?
The different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq are the Shi'a, Kurds, and Sunni. These religious differences are a major part in the making of iraq's history. To understand these divisions gives us the knowledge to understand the reasoning behind the violence. It is also important to understand these differences so the U.S. can make good decisions on the difficulties it's facing in Iraq.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part II Questions:
Short Response
9. What dangers did President George W. Bush (2001-09) say Iraq posed to the region and the world? Name two.
a. sponsorship of terrorism
b. Iraq's allleged weapons program
10. What were the U.S. government's declared goals in sending troops to Iraq?
a. end Saddam Hussein's regime
b. uncover weapons of mass destruction
11. List two reasons violence continues in Iraq.
a. the people are angry at the U.S. for being in Iraq
b. they are also distrustful of their new government
Extended Response:
12. Describe the different groups involved in the ongoing conflict in Iraq. What are their goals? (Reasons for fighting)
Shi'a: Political and military group whose goal is to resist the U.S. and Sunni dominance to increase power within Iraq.
Sunni: Military group whose goal is to resist U.S. and Shi'i dominance. Some have recently joined U.S. forces fighting al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Kurd: Political and military group whose goal is Kurdish self-determination.
al Qaeda: Military group whose goal is to instigate a civil war in Iraq and drive the U.S. out of Iraq.
1. Where do most Kurds, Shi'a, and Sunnis live in Iraq?
Kurds: In the northern mountainous region of Iraq and Kurdistan
Shi'a: In the south mostly near the oil reserves
Sunnis: Primarily where there are less oil reserves
2. Which ethnic group(s) hold(s) power over the majority of oil reserves in Iraq?
Shi'a
3. What is the main reason Britain become involved in Iraq?
Iraq was rich in oil.
4. What did pan-Arabists advocate after World War II?
They sought independence for the entire Midle East and encouraged Iraq to sever ties to Britain.
5. How was Saddam Hussein able to gain power and popularity in the 1970s?
The rapid increase in the price of oil provided him money to fund different programs causing his power and popularity to increase.
6. Why did the United States become involved in the Iran-Iraq War?
The Reagan asministration didn't want Iran's Islamist government to be victorious.
7. Why did President George H.W. Bush (1989-93) bring the ground portion of the First Persian Gulf War to a halt? List two reasons.
a. The president and his advisors worried about the consequences of controlling a completely destabilized Iraq.
b. Iraq's military presented few obstacles to the advance of the coalition forces.
Extended Response:
8. What are the different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq? Why is it important to understand these differences?
The different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq are the Shi'a, Kurds, and Sunni. These religious differences are a major part in the making of iraq's history. To understand these divisions gives us the knowledge to understand the reasoning behind the violence. It is also important to understand these differences so the U.S. can make good decisions on the difficulties it's facing in Iraq.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part II Questions:
Short Response
9. What dangers did President George W. Bush (2001-09) say Iraq posed to the region and the world? Name two.
a. sponsorship of terrorism
b. Iraq's allleged weapons program
10. What were the U.S. government's declared goals in sending troops to Iraq?
a. end Saddam Hussein's regime
b. uncover weapons of mass destruction
11. List two reasons violence continues in Iraq.
a. the people are angry at the U.S. for being in Iraq
b. they are also distrustful of their new government
Extended Response:
12. Describe the different groups involved in the ongoing conflict in Iraq. What are their goals? (Reasons for fighting)
Shi'a: Political and military group whose goal is to resist the U.S. and Sunni dominance to increase power within Iraq.
Sunni: Military group whose goal is to resist U.S. and Shi'i dominance. Some have recently joined U.S. forces fighting al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Kurd: Political and military group whose goal is Kurdish self-determination.
al Qaeda: Military group whose goal is to instigate a civil war in Iraq and drive the U.S. out of Iraq.
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