Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Teacher Appreciation Day!!

For teacher appreciation day, I would like to thank you, Mr. Hyer, for being an excellent teacher and helping me be prepared for the IB. Have a cake

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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Woodrow Wilson Fights for Peace

1. What was Wilson's 14th Point?
Called for the creation of a League of Nations, which would be a way for nations to settle disputes without having to resort to war.

2. What terms of the treaty specifically affected Germany?
Germany was told by the treaty to drastically reduce its military, return land to France, and to pay $33 million in reparations.

3. What were the weaknesses of the treaty?
The treaty's weaknesses were that it didn't guarantee peace for long, because it placed all of the blame on Germany, and made them pay for it, and assumed no responsibility. This will leave Germany very bitter and angry. It also took land from Russia, who fought with the Allies and suffered the most casualties, and they were determined to regain that land.

4. Why did Henry Cabot Lodge object to the treaty?
Henry Cabot Lodge objected to the treaty because he was suspicious of the joined effort of the different nations, and wanted the right of Congress to declare war.

5. How did Wilson help bring about the Senate's rejection of the treaty?
He ignored the Rupublican majority in the Senate, and was stubborn and refused to compromise.

6. What circumstances at this time would eventually lead many Germans to support Adolf Hitler?
They were angry about their unfair treatment, and their social, political, and economic systems suffered massive losses. Also, there were many unresolved issues, and many Europeans longed to continue fighting.

7. Who is George Clemenceau?
George Clemenceau was the French premier. He had seen two invasions on France and was determined to prevent another.

8. Who is David Lloyd George?
David Lloyd George was the British prime minister. He had just been reelected with a campaign slogan "Make Germany Pay."

9. Describe the participation of Russia at the peace conference.
Russia, then under communist rule, did not participate in the peace conference. Although, the treaty took more land from Russia than from Germany.

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- they strongly encouraged companies to mass produce and standardize their products, and the efficiency of the economy increased by 20 percent under these ideas. Retail prices increased, though.

2. Railroad Administration- controlled the railroads

3. Fuel Administration- monitored coal supplies and regulated distribution of gasoline. Also introduced daylight savings time, first proposed by Benjamin Franklin, to take advantage of longer summer days.

4. National War Labor Board- regulated workers, and removed their exempt from the draft if they violated orders; they had to "work or fight." Also fought to get better working conditions for the laborers. Fought for an 8 hour work day, promoted safety inspections, and enforced the child labor ban.

5. Food Administration- made one day "meatless," one day "sweetless," two days "wheatless," and two days "porkless." Raised wheat prices, so farmers in turn added 40 million acres. Income increased 30 percent.

6. Committee on Public Information- Printed large amounts of Government run propaganda to support the war. Promoted patriotism, but enraged some others that opposed the war.

7. Espionage and Sedition Acts- Prevented people from speaking out against the Government and the war, and therefore stifled those opposed to the war

Briefly explain why Bernard M. Baruch and George Creel are significant historical figures.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

The U.S. Enters World War I

1. How did the United States raise an army?
The United States raised an army by passing the Selective Service Act, which required all men to register with the government to be randomly drafted for war. Of the 24 million that registered, 3 million were chosen. Then the soldiers were trained during the 8 month training period. Finally, to transport all the soldiers and supplies, they got workers and began mass producing ships, and the government took some commercial ships for transatlantic use.

2. How did U.S. soldiers help win the war?
The U.S. helped win the war by increasing the numbers and moral of the allies. This gave them newfound spirits to keep fighting, while Germany was still losing its strength.

3. What were the estimated economic costs of the war?
The estimated economic costs of the war were $338 billion.

4. What did the war cost in terms of the number of civilian deaths; military deaths?; injuries?; and refugees?
Civilian deaths: more than 11 million
Military deaths: around or almost 11 million
Injuries: 20 million
Refugees: 10 million

5. Define armistice.
An armistice is a truce, when both sides agree to stop fighting.

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.
Militarism- the nations of Europe were all rushing to create more weapons and build a bigger army so they'll have more military power if they need it
Alliances- nations were making lots of alliances, so when one country goes into war, its allies are forced to go with it, and so are its allies, and its enemies allies. This drags multiple countries into the war
Imperialism- the rush for colonies and a dwindling supply of resources created a fierce competition between the European countries for colonies.
Nationalism- ethnic groups were joining together and becoming more nationalistic. Each group was demanding their independence.

2. How did the June 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand become the spark for WWI?
The Austria-Hungarian Empire had wanted to move into Serbia and take it over for a while, and when a Serbian assassinated the Archduke of the Austria-Hungarian Empire, Franz Ferdinand, that was there perfect excuse to declare war and attack Serbia.

3. What happened within the first few months of fighting?
Within the first few months of fighting, Germany, Russia, France, and Britain were pulled into the war by their alliances, and the "Great War," or WWI. had begun. Germany took Belgium, and the fighting countries began to use trench warfare.

4. Generally, why did the United States want to stay out of the war?
Generally, the United States wanted to stay out of the war because it didn't threaten American lives or property, and they didn't want their sons and families to experience the horrors of war.

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: Closely followed the war because of the ties they may have had with their background nationality. Citizens with German decent sympathized with the Germans, and those with Irish background saw the war as a chance for Irish independence. So some didn't want the allies to win.
Socialists: They criticized the war as a capitalist and imperialist struggle between European nations to control colonies and markets in other countries.
Pacifists: They believed that war was evil and that the U.S. should set an example of remaining neutral and promoting peace in the world.
Parents: They didn't want their sons to go and experience the horrors and dangers of war. They didn't want to lost their children in the war.

6. How did Germany respond to the British naval blockade of Germany’s ports? What was the U.S. response?
The U.S. got angry about the blockade, because it threatened the freedom of the seas and stopped American goods from reaching Germany, therefore the U.S. could not trade with Germany for profit. Germany's reaction was to sink the British liner Lusitania, and of the 1,198 people killed in that disaster, 128 were Americans. The Germans argued that the ship contained ammunition to defend their case, but the U.S. public opinion turned against Germany and the Central Powers.

7. What forced the United States into the war?
The United States was forced into the war because Germany was threatening to sink every ship in British waters, and it was sinking many ships with American passengers. Germany continued this unrestricted submarine warfare as much as it pleased. It also tried propose an alliance with Mexico, and promised that if war broke out with the U.S., Germany would assist Mexico in recovering land they lost to the U.S. Fortunately, Britain intercepted this telegram. Then, four unarmed American ships were sunk, and 36 lives were lost. Finally, the Russian monarchy was replaced by a representative government. Now American war supporters could say that it was a war of democracies against monarchies, and they supported joining the allies.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

America As A World Power

1. What role did President Roosevelt play in ending the Russo-Japanese War?
President Roosevelt assisted Japan in negotiating a peace treaty, the Treaty of Portsmouth, with Russia, and was a huge benefactor in ending the war. He negotiated the peace treaty to end that war.

2. What events led to the building of the Panama Canal? What happened regarding Columbia? (Be specific)
The U.S. believed it was the time to build a canal through Central America, and the 2 possible routes were through either Nicaragua or Panama. In the past, a French company had attempted to build a canal through Panama, but gave up, so they sold the land they planned to use to the U.S. for $40 million. But Panama was still under the control of Columbia, and they refused to negotiate with the U.S. So the U.S. stood by with about a dozen battleships while Panama declared its independence. Then the U.S. signed a treaty with Panama that it will give Panama $10 million and $250,000 each year for the land starting in 191

3. What did the Roosevelt Corollary state?
The Roosevelt Corollary stated that America would, if needed, use force to protect its economic interests in central America.

4. How did Taft use Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua? (Be specfic)
Taft lent money out to Nicaragua when it went bankrupt, and used the debt from that loan to take taxes, railroads, and the national bank in Nicaragua.

5. Why did Woodrow Wilson invade Mexico?
Woodrow Wilson invaded Mexico because he strongly detested their leader, Victoriano Huerta, and when Mexico arrested a group of American sailors off the coast of Tampico, Wilson seized that opportunity to act and invaded Mexico by occupying Veracruz, an important Mexican port.

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.
Three major foreign policy goals achieved by the U.S. were the Roosevelt Corollary, Dollar Diplomacy, and the missionary diplomacy. The Roosevelt Corollary was put into action when Villa was retaliating and attacking American's, so Wilson sent men into Mexico to hunt him down. Also, the dollar diplomacy was used by Taft to assume economic power over Nicaragua.

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.

In the late 1800s, The U.S.'s connections with Cuba included their attempt to buy it and their assistance in its second revolution. In 1848, President Polk offered to purchase Cuba from Spain, to which they responded "we will see it sink first." Then, in Cuba's second attempt at a revolution, America assisted then later went to war with Spain.

2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?

The Spanish "reconcentration camps" were places where the Spanish army herded Cuban people to prevent them from supplying the rebels with food or shelter.

3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.

a. Newspapers were using "Yellow Journalism" to report and exaggerate the acts of the Spanish in Cuba, and called for the U.S. to intervene and help the Cubans.

b. The Spanish ambassador insulted President McKinley in the de Lome letter, which was found and published as a huge insult to America.

c. The U.S.S. Maine exploded, and the U.S., now looking for reasons to go to war with Spain, blamed them, and then declared war.


4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?

I believe that the U.S.S. Maine was the most important reason. Even though it was an internal explosion, the country was so convinced that it was Spanish activity that McKinley was preparing for war before the cause was confirmed. They believed that Spain blew it up, which was grounds for war.

5. What did the Teller Amendment say?


The Teller Amendment said that the U.S. had no intentions to take power over Cuba, and did not want to assert "sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control." They also promised to "leave the government and control of the island to its people."

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

7. Dewey’s victory in the _Philippines_ sparked an outpouring of _pride_ in the United States.


8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?


Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders wanted to fight in Cuba because

9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?

Many African-Americans were eager to serve in the Spanish-American War because many hoped that black participation in the war would boost the image of African-Americans and earn them respect.

b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?


They encountered discrimination that did not allow them to be promoted to officers, and most states did not allow them to volunteer. Those that did allow them to volunteer didn't let them fight in the Caribbean, except for one regiment from Massachusetts.

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. The U.S. viewed the Cubans as inferior, and incapable of governing themselves. Therefore, Congress decided that they should remain in control of Cuba until it was able to form a stable government. So American businesses came and took over the economy of Cuba.

b. Filipinos were often portrayed similar to African-Americans, and therefore looked down upon. So no one took them into consideration when deciding on a final treaty, and 4 of 5 of the U.S.'s negotiators favored taking control, so the U.S. gained control of the Philippines.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Imperialism: The Origins of a Global Power

Questions for Introduction and Part I - 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?

American plantation owners and the U.S. marines toppled Hawaii's queen in 1893 because they supported full U.S. control over the islands. This was because Hawaii was so valuable due to its resources and location. It was an important stopping point for American ships on their way to Asia, and its volcanic soil was very fertile for profitable crops like sugar, pineapples, and coffee. Grover Cleveland detested this act of overthrowing the queen because they unjustly took her place at the throne. Therefore, he denied the treaty that the new Hawaiian government had approved for the U.S. to annex Hawaii.
I completely agree with Grover Cleveland's quote on page 1. I agree that it was unfair to overthrow the Hawaiian government when the belief of the Americans was freedom and equality. That did not fit in with freedom or equality.

2. Identify five important changes that transformed American in the nineteenth century. How did these five changes affect Americans?

Five important changes that transformed America in the nineteenth century are: a rapid increase of immigration, urbanization, industrialization, and a dramatic increase in trade. In the mid-1890s, more than 45 percent of the U.S.'s population was made up of immigrants and their children. Most of the immigrants settled in the cities, which led to the urbanization of the U.S. In the time of George Washington, less than five percent of the nation's population lived in cities. By the end of the nineteenth century, that number increased to a bout one-third. The overpopulated cities brought about problems such as overcrowded public transportation, insufficient sanitation, increase in crime, poor housing, and political corruption. Also spurned by the immigration was the industrialization. In 1776, ninety percent of the American population made their profit from agriculture. By the end of the nineteenth century, manufacturing was the primary source of income. During the 1890s, iron and steel became the largest industries in the nation. New inventions and discoveries in electricity, oil, and chemicals brought about other industries. Farmers relied on machinery to do work that men and animals once did and railroads to transport their products. With the increasing economy, trade became a large source of income to America. During the 1890s, the annual income of exported goods went above $1 billion. The exports changed from cotton, grain, beef, tobacco, and dairy to mostly manufactured goods. The rising power of U.S. trade frightened other countries, and to protect their own factories by placing high tariffs on U.S. goods, so the U.S. traded with less developed countries. China was especially popluar.

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 led many workers to realize how vulnerable they were with an economy based on manufacturing and industry. Workers went on strike in a attempt to gain recognition and control in their work; 500,000 workers went on strike and 600,000 more were fired to to strike-related activity. The depression and following strikes struck fear and instability into everyone. The groups that suffered most in the depression were the city dwellers, laborers, and farmers.

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?

Many Americans attached to the frontier valued resourcefulness, bravery, pragmatism, ingenuity, individualism, egalitarianism, and patriotism. Many Americans feared that closing the frontier would harm America's national character because that national character was based on exploration and discovering new land and resources. Without any frontier, they had no new land or untapped resources.

5. Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?

Some Americans suggested greater involvement overseas because some, led by the fear of the changing American character and the belief of American power, believed that an aggressive approach to dealing with other countries would perpetuate the American success. Some businessmen believes that overseas expansion would fuel economic growth.

6. What policy did expansionists say would ensure the economic success of the United States? What did imperialists say?

The expansionists said that acquiring strategic ports in the seas that would service trade and assist foreign trade would ensure the economic success of the U.S. Imperialists believed in building an overseas empire with which America could conquer and rule strategic territories and nations.

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?

Imperialists used social Darwinism and scientific racism to argue that the people they believe in conquering were intellectually, socially, and generally inferior to the white Americans, and that the U.S., being superior, had the right to take the weaker nations. "Survival of the fittest," the idea of the stronger surviving and the weaker dying out, was used to support this idea. Their success reflected their superiority. "Scientific racism" were stereotypes that were supposedly "proven" scientifically with methods that were in no way accurate, but people believed them to be at the time. This made people truly believe that other races were inferior. These ideas were used to justify imperialism. People said that they were the "fittest," and that their domination of the "inferior" races was just a natural process in the advancement of civilization. These ideas are not used today.

8. What did many Protestant churches say was America’s role in the world?

Many Protestant chirches said that America's role in the world was to "lift up" the "downtrodden" of other nations.

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.

The U.S. became involved with several Latin American nations in the nineteenth century because they made a deal with Samoa: to gain free access of its harbors in return for protection. Then Germany and Britain tried to take parts of Samoa and for eight years the U.S. was involved in protecting it. Then the secretary of state, Richard Olney, was concerned that Britain was bullying Venezuela, and did not want other nations to pick apart Latin American territories because that would prevent American connection with them. Hawaii was annexed because, after the U.S. attempted to restrict Japanese immigration, Japan warned them not to do so. So to prevent the Japanese from overthrowing and taking power in Hawaii, McKinley annexed the islands, and it passed with a large margin in Congress. The U.S. also assisted revolutions in Chile and Brazil, and negotiated with Nicaragua to ensure that the canal-building company would stay there.

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 U.S. was concerned about British involvement in Venezuela because if Britain and other European nations picked apart Latin American territories and gained power, then America would not be able to extend their commercial ties into Latin America. In response, U.S. Secretary of State Richard Olney invoked the Monroe Doctrine to try to stop Britain in its tracks.

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
American business owners and industries had an interest in Cuba for a long time, but when they tried to buy it, Spain responded that they'd see it sink before they sold it to the U.S

2. José Martí
Launched a Cuban resistance against Spain, in which he destroyed American property to provoke the U.S. to intervene.

3. Valeriano Weyler
Spanish response to revolt. He treated the Cubans brutally. He put them in concentration camps where many died, and this angered the U.S.

4. Yellow journalism
Over exaggerated the treatment of the Cubans, which got a lot of attention and got the U.S. very angry at Spain.

5. De Lôme letter
The Spanish minister insulted the President in the De Lôme letter, and it was stolen and released into the U.S. media, which greatly fueled the U.S.'s anger towards Spain.

6. U.S.S. Maine
The U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor on Cuba exploded due to an internal explosion, but the U.S. claimed that they believed it was a hostile act of Spain, but was likely just their perfect excuse to go to war with Spain.

Effects: What happened to each of the following territories as a result of the Spanish-American War?

7. Cuba


8. Puerto Rico
U.S. gained possession

9. Guam
U.S. gained possession

10. Philippine Islands
U.S. gained possession

Friday, October 23, 2009

U.S. Imperialism begins

1. Name at least five factors that fueled American Imperialism.
The industrial revolution had made travel across the ocean possible
The Americans wanted to spread Christianity
They wanted new economic markets and resources
They wanted military ports to control the Pacific Ocean
Other countries wanted colonies so the U.S. had to compete to get there first

2. Choose two of the above five factors and describe them in your own words.
Because Hawaii and many other islands filled up the Pacific Ocean, the country that possessed Hawaii, which was directly in the center of the ocean, would have power over the entire Pacific. Also, the islands could serve as many naval ports and as coaling stations for more coal to fuel steamships.
With the economy and industry booming, the businesses had a thirst for more markets. Hawaii and the other islands had the resources for new industries like, for example, pineapples and sugar plantations.

3. What was known as “Seward’s Folly” and why?
Alaska was known as "Seward's Folly" because William Seward strongly supported it's purchase because he believed that it's resources were plentiful. People called it "Seward's Folly" because they thought it was a useless "ice box" and ridiculed him for insisting on buying it. They believed it wasn't worth the price.

4. What plantation-based product accounted for three-quarters of Hawaii’s wealth in the
mid-19th century and who controlled this product?
The plantation-based product that accounted for three quarters of Hawaii's wealth was the sugar plantations. This product was controlled by the United States.

5. 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?
The U.S. was interested in Hawaii because it could benefit them in many ways. First of all, it was located directly in the center of the Pacific Ocean, and therefore control of Hawaii meant control of the Pacific. It had a great potential naval port, Pearl Harbor. It also had good resources for new markets. On the island, pineapples and sugar could be produced. Also, Hawaii was one of the many islands that could be used as a coaling station, where ships would stop for more coal for fuel. Furthermore, there was a competition between countries to settle in colonies, and Hawaii was a potential place.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Child Labor Reform Photographs

Objective Assessment


As you view each photograph take note about what you see. (note people, background, objects) Pretend you were describing the image to someone who could not see it. Try to avoid making judgments.

Where are these children? List any clues relating to their surroundings.
Describe any tools or objects you see.
Describe their clothing. What do their clothes reveal about their work?

Subjective Assessment


What questions do you have about each of these photographs?
Based on your observations, list three things you might infer about the lives of these children. (Be sure to consider Hine's notes about the photographs when considering this.


Photograph A
Objective
There is a very small, young girl standing in a narrow lane between the wall and all of the spinning equipment in a textile mill. She seems very sad and rather frightened. Her clothes look rather plain and simple and in all likelihood are probably poor quality clothes. She is alone i this narrow alley way.
Subjective
The girl does not even know her own age, she only knows that she is too young to work, but still does. It seems that she has little family or social life, because she doesn't know her own age. Her facial expression shows that she does not receive good treatment. She looks sad and frightened so clearly is subject to harsh conditions even at her young age. She seems almost mature for such a young girl, so one can assume that she endures hard work and has been forced to "grow up early."

Photograph B


Photograph C

Photograph D

Photograph E

Photograph F

Photograph G

Photograph H

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Progressism Under Taft and Wilson's New Freedom

1. How did William Howard Taft get selected to run for president?
Theodore Roosevelt handpicked his secretary of war, William Howard Taft, to run for presidency.

2. How did Teddy Roosevelt come to oppose Taft for the presidency in 1912?
Taft's overly cautious nature as president caused Roosevelt to oppose his presidency in 1912, and he competed with Taft for presidency.

3. What events helped Woodrow Wilson win the election in 1912?
Woodrow Wilson won the election in 1912 because he stayed out of the dirty competition between Roosevelt and Taft, and because he thought monopolies were evil and had good intentions for the country.

4. What legislation did Wilson use to attack trusts and monopolies?
To attack trusts and monopolies, Wilson used the Federal Trade Commission.

5. What was the Nineteenth Amendment?
The Nineteenth Amendment granted women the right to vote in 1919.

6. How did America's entry into World War II affect the reform movement?
America's entry into World War I ended the progressive era and reform movement.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Urbanization

1. What is Urbanization?
Urbanization is the growth of cities

2. For what reasons did a number of Americans move from the country to the cities?
A number of Americans moved to cities because they were the cheapest, most convenient places to live. The cities also offered steady, reliable jobs in the mills and factories.

3. What were the housing problems that many poor city dwellers faced?
Many poor city-dwellers had to choose from housing in the outskirts of the city which created transportation problems, or rent out very crowded rooms in boarding houses. The development of tenements made things better, housing many families in one block, but after a while they went to waste and became even worse living environments.

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.
There were many reasons that Southern and Eastern Europeans, Chinese, and Koreans immigrated into the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many left their homes in order to escape religious persecution. Another cause was rising population, which meant scarce land for farming. The U.S. was believed to have plentiful jobs. Also, Europe was experiencing a time of revolt and reform, which led people to pursue an independent life and come to America for that reason. Many Chinese came for work, and many came when Hawaii began to hire Chinese. Some came just to make money then return home after they were successful.

2. Describe the journey immigrants endured and their experiences at United States immigration stations.
Immigrants often traveled in cargo holds, packed together. They had to sleep in beds infested with lice, and share toilets with other passengers. This caused disease to spread and some people died before they reached land. Then they had to endure the anxiety of whether or not they will be admitted into the country. They had to pass an inspection that took up to 4 or 5 hours in order to be allowed in the U.S. Angels Island for the Chinese was a miserable place of inspection. Those admitted into the nation were faced with the challenges of finding a home, a job, and adjusting to the American lifestyle and culture while learning and practicing the language. They used each other for support and assistance. All immigrants suffered racism and abuse from Americans.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Labor Unions & Big Business

  • Identify each of the following events or people. Give an explanation or description of the item. Answer the questions who, what, where, and when.
  • Explain the historical significance of each item in the space provided. Establish the historical context in which the item exists. Establish the item as the result of or as the cause of other factors existing in the society under study. Answer this question: What were the political, social, economic, and/or cultural consequences of this item?
the Knights of Labor

a. Identification- The Knights of Labor were founded in 1860 by Philidelphia garment cutters, and accepted other workers in the 1870s. They were the only broad-based union to survive the depression of rising and falling unions. Terence V Powderly was elected grand master.

b. Significance- The Knights Of Labor's goal was to "eventually make every man his own master - every man his own employer. . . There is no good reason why labor cannot, through cooperation, own and operate mines, factories, and railroads." Fell apart when Powderly persistantly refused to act with violence and strikes, and the people decided they'd achieve more themselves.

the Haymarket riot

a. Identification- At Haymarket Square, near downtown Chicago, Illinois, on May 2nd, 1886, labor groups rallied to protest the brutality of police the day before in apprehending a massive union strike. A bomb went off, killing 7 and hurting 67. Many arrests followed, and 8 anarchists were tried for the bombing. 4 were executed. One committed suicide in jail, and the remaining three were pardoned in 1893 by governor John P. Altgeld.

b. Significance- It drew attention to the increasing hatred towards labor and brought back the fear of radicalism in the middle-class. The nation increased security and awareness againts strikes and riots in fear of their destructiveness.

the American Federation of Labor

a. Identification- The AFL formed from the upheavals as the major workers' organization. It was made up of national craft unions, and had about 140,ooo members, who were mostly skilled, native-born workers. It was led by Samuel Gompers, who also headed the Cigar Makers' union. Instead of pursuing concrete goals like other union groups, they went for multiple immediate goals to improve working conditions.

b. Significance- by1901 their numbers reached 1 million, and 2.5 million by 1917. They accepted industrialism and looked for ways to improve the wage-and-hour system instead of fighting for the long-term cause. They also avoided party politics. They worked together, despite opinions on political parties.

Samuel Gompers

a. Identification- Samuel Gompers was the leader of the AFL. He was an optimistic, practical immigrant who also ran the Cigar Makers' union. He avoided the unlikely hopes of achieving perfect working conditions in concrete goals of higher wages, less hours, and the right to bargain collectively.

b. Significance- He led the AFL to expanding into a huge union with 2.5 million members by 1917. Helped the AFL pursue much more realistic immediate goals to improve the wages and hours for the workers in the unions.

the Homestead strike

a. Identification- In July, 1892, the AFL affiliated Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steelworkers refused to allow their wages to be cut so they went on strike in Homestead, Pennsylvania. Henry C. Frick, the president of Carnegie Steel, closed the plant, then later tried to protect it by hiring 300 Pinkerton guards and sneaking them in by the river in the darkness. The strikers attacked them, and militiamen were called in. After 5 months, the strike was subdued.

b. Significance- The Homestead strike turned people against strikers when an anarchist that wasn't even part of the strike tried to take Hery Frick's life.

the Pullman strike

a. Identification- The workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company began to protest in 1894 due to the outrageous policies in the company town near Chicago. George Pullman provided and controlled everything in the so-called "model town" that was made for his workers. The company owned everything and controlled the whole town almost like tyranny.

b. Significance- Pullman would not negotiate. He'd cut wages while keeping the prices of rent and bills in the town. He'd respond to complaints by firing workers, so Eugene V. Debs led a strike against it. Pullman closed the factories and the strikers threatned to block the railroads. So president Grover Cleveland sent in troops to stop the strike.

Eugene V. Debs

a. Identification- Eugene V. Debs led the Pullman strike. He was a young, charismatic organizer. He was given six months in jail for his "attack" on the railroads

b. Significance- Debs led one of the many unsuccessful strikes. He took on a big enemy and tried something very daring which only provoked a higher force to step in and stop it quickly, and he was placed in jail for the attempt, which no benefit or victory.

the Industrial Workers of the World

a. Identification- The Industrial Workers of the World, a.k.a the "Wobblies," wanted to unite all laborers, skilled and unskilled, like the Knights of Labor did. But they surpassed the Knights tacticsand used violence and sabotaged to achieve their goals. Its goal was "One Big Union," and its motto was "An injury to one is an injury to all."

b. Significance- The "Wobblies" tried to take over industries with planned strikes and violence, but the group died out when many of its members, which were already few, were getting convicted of crimes.

Section 14-3 Terms and Names

Read Chapter 14-3 and then identify the significance of each of the following terms / names: (Post your answers in your blog before the beginning of class.)

Andrew Carnegie- owned a steel business which became the largest in the U.S. and produced more steel by 1899 than all of the factories in Great Britain

Social Darwinism- The philosophy based on Darwin's theory of evolution. It was believed that the strong survive while the weak suffer and only the strong are favored and live on.

John D. Rockefeller- established the Standard Oil Company, who instead of buying out other companies, joined them in friendly contracts.

Sherman Antitrust Act- made it illegal to form trusts that interfere with free trade between states or with other countries.

Samuel Gompers- led the Cigar Makers' International Union to join with other craft unions in 1886

American Federation of Labor (AFL)- focused on collective bargaining, and used strikes as a main tactic, to come to written agreements on wages and hours that were more suitable to workers

Eugene V. Debs- attempted to form a union that included workers of all skill levels in a specific industry

Industrial Workers of the World- included miners, lumberers, and cannery and dock workers. Welcomed African Americans. Was not very successful but gave dignity to unskilled workers

Mary Harris Jones- perhaps the most prominent organizer in the women's labor movement

Railroad Development

The federal government gave land and made loans to the railroad companies. Why was the government so eager to promote the growth of railroads?

The government was so eager to promote the growth of railroads because they were extremely helpful to the country. The railroads made everything better for the U.S. Settlement in the west was made possible, and they made it possible to make a living in the west, as well. They revolutionized trasportation. Traveling long distances was hugely faciliated and local transit was more reliable and organized. The railroads allowed the shipment of goods from all over the U.S. and helped expand the markets. As more markets came about and expanded there would be higher demand for railroads to send their merchandise. The railroads also linked the cities and states of the U.S. together and made it even mor united. The government also controled the railroads so if they spread more through the country it would expand government power. The government was very eager to assist the railroads' growth.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Expansion of Industry

Question:

What were the three major factors that contributed to the immense technological boom that took place in theUnited States after the Civil War? Explain how two of these factors helped to bring about this technological boom.

The three major factors that contributed to the immense technological boom that took place in the United States after the Civil war were the plentiful natural resources, support of the government for business, and growing urban population, which supplied labor and business for new markets. The natural resources were important, especially oil. Oil was a hugely popular industry and it still is today. Companies rushed to drill for oil wherever it could be found, and the byproduct, gasoline, became the most inportant factor once cars came into use. Also, iron and coal became huge industries as well. The iron was used to form steel by the technique discovered by Henry Bessemer, called the Bessemer process, during which air is injected into the molten iron to remove the carbon and any other impurities. The new steel was used for many things, and railroads was an important use for steel. It could also be used to build stronger structures.
The expanding popluation was very helpful to the booming industry as well. The greater the population, the more people there are looking for work, and also more people to purchase the products created by the industries. Also more people meant more potential investors and more inventors. The growing population greatly facilitated the industrial boom.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Westward Expansion Questions

1. What are some of the main reasons that the federal government's policy of assimilation failed?

Think About:
  • Native Americans' way of life
  • Cultural differences
  • Attitude of whites toward Native Americans
  • Government promises
Assimilation failed because the Americans, who treated the Native Americans terribly since they arrived, were asking them to forget all of their current lifestyle, traditions, and culture, and adopt lives just like those Americans that have always mistreated them. The Native Americans had completely different lives and the Americans tried to make them throw away all of their customs and beliefs and act as Americans do. Also, even if the Native Americans obliged, the Americans would probably betray them before long anyways. The government hadn't had a history of keeping their promises to the Native Americans. There was no chance assimilation would be successful.

2. How successful were government efforts to promote settlement of the Great Plains? Give examples to support your answer.

Think about:
  • The growth in population on the Great Plains
  • The role of railroads in the economy
  • The Homestead Act
Government efforts to promote settlement of the Great Plains was very successful. It took only 30 years to settle into the western half of the country, while it took over 250 to settle the first half. Railroads were quickly built for transportation of people and merchandise. With the railroads goods could be shipped from anywhere in the U.S. Water was no longer needed to transport goods now that railroads could be used, so people could ship goods and profit from the middle and west of the country. Also, the homestead act offered free land to settlers, so of course people rushed to settle and get their free land. The settlement of the west didn't take long at all.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Conflict in Iraq Q&A

Part I Questions:

Short Response

1. Where do most Kurds, Shi'a, and Sunnis live in Iraq?

Kurds: Mountainous regions Shi'a: southern region Sunnis: central area

2. Which ethnic group(s) hold(s) power over the majority of oil reserves in Iraq?
Shi'a and Kurds

3. What is the main reason Britain become involved in Iraq?
To gain control of the oil fields

4. What did pan-Arabists advocate after World War II?
Iraqi unity and a unique Iraqi national

5. How was Saddam Hussein able to gain power and popularity in the 1970
He used the money from rising oil prices to fund free education, develop a good public health care system, and reform the agricultural system.

6. Why did the United States become involved in the Iran-Iraq War?
To prevent Iran from winning after it began to step up its attacks.

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. To eliminate Sadam Hussein's control of the Kuwaiti oil fields

b.

Extended Response:

8. What are the different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq? Why is it important to understand these differences?
The ethnic groups in Iraq are Kurds and Arabs, and the religious groups are Shi'i and Sunni Muslims.
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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. Dangerous weapons

b. Terrorism

10. What were the U.S. government's declared goals in sending troops to Iraq?

a. End Saddam Hussein's regime

b. Find weapons of mass destruction

11. List two reasons violence continues in Iraq.

a. Many Iraqis are angry that the U.S. remain in the country

b. Iraqis do not trust the 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:
There are 70-80,000 Shi'a involved. This group contains the Mahdi army and the Bard Brigade. Their goal is to resist the dominance of the U.S. and Sunnis, and they also want to increase their power in Iraq.

Sunni:
Consists of the Islamic army in Iraq, the Islamic Front for Iraqi Resistance, and the 1920 Revolution Brigades. Their numbers are over 20,000. Their goal goal is to prevent U.S. and Shi'i dominance. Some joined U.S. in fighting Al-Qaeda

Kurd:
There are 100,000 Kurds, which is made up of the Kurdistan Democratic party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Their goal is Kurdish self-determination.

al Qaeda:
Al Qaeda is 10,000 sunni including 800-3,000 non-Iraqis. Their goal is to incite a civil war in Iraq and to drive the U.S. out of the country.