1. What was Wilson's 14th Point?
The League Of Nations (a precursor to the United Nations).
2. What terms of the treaty specifically affected Germany?
Well the Treaty in general was directed at Germany. It did not have any positive effects on Germany. It forced the germans to give back land to surrounding (ally) nations. This was part of Wilson's 14 Points that different ethnic groups had a right to form their on country or to join an existing country. The treaty also forced germany to pay millions of dollars in reparations to the ally nations. In short, Germany took sole blame for the war, the ally powers were unwilling to be forgiving. Especially Georges Clemenceau ("The Tiger") who believed that the treaty was too lenient with germany and that it should be shown little mercy.
3. What were the weaknesses of the treaty?
It was to hard on Germany. It asked way too much from its battered economy. It also angered the germans, nearly all of whom believed that the treaty was very unfair.
4. Why did Henry Cabot Lodge object to the treaty?
Well Lodge was a republican and despised Wilson. He also believed that the League of Nations would be the downfall of america, that by involving america in european problems would only be bad for america.
5. How did Wilson help bring about the Senate's rejection of the treaty?
Wilson didn't do a very good job of pleasing the republicans when it came to the Treaty of Versailles and therefore he lost a lot of vote for it.
6. What circumstances at this time would eventually lead many Germans to support Adolf Hitler?
After the war hatred only grew between european nations. Particularly between the ally powers and Germany. Germany soon got sick of taking the blame for the war and paying millions of dollars to countries that they so deeply hated. Eventually Hitler would use the germans hatred and want for revenge to gain power. Not to long after the Great War the great depression came and germany plunged even deeper into debt. Adolf Hilter promised the people of Germany that he would get them out of their great debt and lead them once again as a powerful european nation.
7. Who is Georges Clemenceau?
Georges Clemenceau (often referred to as "the Tiger" was a french Premier who saw Woodrow Wilson as to much of an idealst.
Clemeceau also saw the Treaty of Versailles as being to soft on Germany. Being french his country had suffered much damage at the hands of the germans and he desperately wanted retribution for germany.
8. Who is David Lloyd George?
George was british Prime Minister during the peace conferences in Paris.
9. Describe the participation of Russia at the peace conference.
Russia changed its borders and boundary to accommodate the treaty of versailles and the 14 points.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
1. How did the United States raise an army?
At first Woodrow Wilson had wanted the american forces fighting in the Great War to consist only of volunteers unfortunately by the time the US declared war on the central powers it was clear that the US army did not have enough volunteers to have any chance of winning the war. A draft was put into affect so that there would be enough soldiers.
2. How did U.S. soldiers help win the war?
When the US entered the war morale on the allied side was increased this helped them win the war. In addition to being a morale buster it also was a huge increase in fresh men who had not been fighting for 4 years in trenches.
3. What were the estimated economic costs of the war?
The war cost an approximate $338 billion.
4. What did the war cost in terms of the number of civilian deaths; military deaths?; injuries?; and refugees?
The Great War cost the world 22 million lives (half of which were civilians) and 20 million injuries.
5. Define armistice.
An armistice is an agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting at the same time like a truce. It comes from the latin arms meaning weapons + stitium meaning stoppage.
At first Woodrow Wilson had wanted the american forces fighting in the Great War to consist only of volunteers unfortunately by the time the US declared war on the central powers it was clear that the US army did not have enough volunteers to have any chance of winning the war. A draft was put into affect so that there would be enough soldiers.
2. How did U.S. soldiers help win the war?
When the US entered the war morale on the allied side was increased this helped them win the war. In addition to being a morale buster it also was a huge increase in fresh men who had not been fighting for 4 years in trenches.
3. What were the estimated economic costs of the war?
The war cost an approximate $338 billion.
4. What did the war cost in terms of the number of civilian deaths; military deaths?; injuries?; and refugees?
The Great War cost the world 22 million lives (half of which were civilians) and 20 million injuries.
5. Define armistice.
An armistice is an agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting at the same time like a truce. It comes from the latin arms meaning weapons + stitium meaning stoppage.
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.
-Military growth: European countries were expanding their militaries to match the size of their rival nations.
-Ally system: Many European nations formed alliances with other countries in order to protect themselves from countries they saw as threatening. This is the reason the war escalated to a world war so rapidly. Once a nation had declared war on an other nation its allies were obligated to not only support its desition but to also declare war against their ally's enemy.
-Imperialism lead to emense competition between the European countries for more land and resources.
-Nationalism was taken to the extreme durin the time before WWI each nation and each ethnic group wanted their own indipendent nation and each of them were eager to join the war when it came because they saw it as an opportunity to win their freedom.
2. How did the June 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand become the spark for WWI?
-Franz Ferdinand was the archduke of Austria and when he was killed be a serbian it was a perfect excuse to declare war against serbia and ultimately against Russia, France and Britain. Because many of the powerful European nations had formed alliances with each other they had no choice but to join the war.
3. What happened within the first few months of fighting?
Well Germany had what it believed to be a brilliant plan to capture both France and Russia all with in a few months. It involved crossing over the western border into Belgium then on to France where they were to seize Paris gain supplies and solders then swiftly move east across Germany and invade Russia. Unfortunately for Germany this plan relied to heavily on precise timing on the soldiers' part and had over looked or underestimated the power and speed at which the British army would come to the aid of Belgium. At any rate the Germans never even got as far as France as they were crossing Belgium the British met them and for four years neither side was able to advance much more than a few yards. All in all the plan epically failed for the Germans.
4. Generally, why did the United States want to stay out of the war?
THey didn't want to get involved in a war of that magnitude they would much rather stay out of the batle line and subtly help the side that they liked best.
5. Specifically, Why did the following groups of Americans tend to oppose U.S. participation in the war? Naturalized citizens; socialists; pacifists.
Neutralized citizens wanted nothing to do with the war they had no or mixed feeling on who they believed should win the war and therefore didn't want to get involved. The thought that if the US got invovled it would only make a biger mess in Europe and with in America.
Socialists believed that the war had been brought about by imperialistic competition between the vaarious powers of Europe they believed that America should stay neutral throughout the war.
Pacifists didn't want the US fighting in the war because they oppose to all violence and didn't want people to die.
6. How did Germany respond to the British naval blockade of Germany’s ports? What was the U.S. response?
They used their U -boats which were like submarines and could sneak up and attack a ship with out it ever being able to see it. The Germans inflicted much more damage to the British ships but Britain maintained its control of the water.
7. What forced the United States into the war?
Germany was attacking U.S. civilian ships.
-Military growth: European countries were expanding their militaries to match the size of their rival nations.
-Ally system: Many European nations formed alliances with other countries in order to protect themselves from countries they saw as threatening. This is the reason the war escalated to a world war so rapidly. Once a nation had declared war on an other nation its allies were obligated to not only support its desition but to also declare war against their ally's enemy.
-Imperialism lead to emense competition between the European countries for more land and resources.
-Nationalism was taken to the extreme durin the time before WWI each nation and each ethnic group wanted their own indipendent nation and each of them were eager to join the war when it came because they saw it as an opportunity to win their freedom.
2. How did the June 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand become the spark for WWI?
-Franz Ferdinand was the archduke of Austria and when he was killed be a serbian it was a perfect excuse to declare war against serbia and ultimately against Russia, France and Britain. Because many of the powerful European nations had formed alliances with each other they had no choice but to join the war.
3. What happened within the first few months of fighting?
Well Germany had what it believed to be a brilliant plan to capture both France and Russia all with in a few months. It involved crossing over the western border into Belgium then on to France where they were to seize Paris gain supplies and solders then swiftly move east across Germany and invade Russia. Unfortunately for Germany this plan relied to heavily on precise timing on the soldiers' part and had over looked or underestimated the power and speed at which the British army would come to the aid of Belgium. At any rate the Germans never even got as far as France as they were crossing Belgium the British met them and for four years neither side was able to advance much more than a few yards. All in all the plan epically failed for the Germans.
4. Generally, why did the United States want to stay out of the war?
THey didn't want to get involved in a war of that magnitude they would much rather stay out of the batle line and subtly help the side that they liked best.
5. Specifically, Why did the following groups of Americans tend to oppose U.S. participation in the war? Naturalized citizens; socialists; pacifists.
Neutralized citizens wanted nothing to do with the war they had no or mixed feeling on who they believed should win the war and therefore didn't want to get involved. The thought that if the US got invovled it would only make a biger mess in Europe and with in America.
Socialists believed that the war had been brought about by imperialistic competition between the vaarious powers of Europe they believed that America should stay neutral throughout the war.
Pacifists didn't want the US fighting in the war because they oppose to all violence and didn't want people to die.
6. How did Germany respond to the British naval blockade of Germany’s ports? What was the U.S. response?
They used their U -boats which were like submarines and could sneak up and attack a ship with out it ever being able to see it. The Germans inflicted much more damage to the British ships but Britain maintained its control of the water.
7. What forced the United States into the war?
Germany was attacking U.S. civilian ships.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
1. a. After the Spanish were forced out of the Philippines, why did fighting break out between American and Filipino forces?
-The Filipinos expected that once america had defeated Spain in the Spanish-American war they would be as good as free (national independence) indeed many of the Filipinos helped the American army fight against the Spanish because the believed so strongly that America, who had once been a colony itself and fought for its freedom, would surely grant them freedom. Soon after the Spanish-AMerican war the Filipinos realized that they had been gravely mistaken. America had no intention of freeing the Philippines. This angered the Filipinos and many of them fought against the americans.
b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
-Filipinos did not recognize "civilized" battle etiquette or the "rules of war that generally prevailed in battles involving Western nations" They used "quick-striking gorilla movement[s]".
2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
-They were against the racist view that many americans had about the Filipinos. Even the black soldiers in fighting for America were discriminated against by other white soldiers. They were banned from many of the places on the islands, such as barber shops.
3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.
a. America had a very racist and harsh view of the Filipinos (and any other ethnic group that wasn't angelo saxon) this lost a lot of the enthusiasm of the black americans.
b. American literature and media was criticizing imperialism.
4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
-more trading
-more naval bases
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. Cuba had to lease or sell certain land to the United States.
b. Cuba could not get into so much debt that it would not be able to pay back.
c. Cuba Coudn't get into a war with out consulting the United States.
d.
Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.
- Well I guess that America was kind of justified in the these demands. They had, after all just fought a war against spain and they kind of deserved at least some of the benefits of the prosperous land of Cuba. But with all these limitations on the Cuban government its hardly what I would really consider independence.
-The Filipinos expected that once america had defeated Spain in the Spanish-American war they would be as good as free (national independence) indeed many of the Filipinos helped the American army fight against the Spanish because the believed so strongly that America, who had once been a colony itself and fought for its freedom, would surely grant them freedom. Soon after the Spanish-AMerican war the Filipinos realized that they had been gravely mistaken. America had no intention of freeing the Philippines. This angered the Filipinos and many of them fought against the americans.
b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
-Filipinos did not recognize "civilized" battle etiquette or the "rules of war that generally prevailed in battles involving Western nations" They used "quick-striking gorilla movement[s]".
2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
-They were against the racist view that many americans had about the Filipinos. Even the black soldiers in fighting for America were discriminated against by other white soldiers. They were banned from many of the places on the islands, such as barber shops.
3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.
a. America had a very racist and harsh view of the Filipinos (and any other ethnic group that wasn't angelo saxon) this lost a lot of the enthusiasm of the black americans.
b. American literature and media was criticizing imperialism.
4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
-more trading
-more naval bases
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. Cuba had to lease or sell certain land to the United States.
b. Cuba could not get into so much debt that it would not be able to pay back.
c. Cuba Coudn't get into a war with out consulting the United States.
d.
Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.
- Well I guess that America was kind of justified in the these demands. They had, after all just fought a war against spain and they kind of deserved at least some of the benefits of the prosperous land of Cuba. But with all these limitations on the Cuban government its hardly what I would really consider independence.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Spanish American War
1. What connections did the U.S. have to Cuba in the late 1800s? List at least two.
-Thoughout the late 19th century America had been slowly gaining control of Cuba. So by 1890 there were many plantations owned by american citizens, growing crops such as sugar and coffee. By the late 1890s the United States had a huge interest in Cuba but could not fully control it because it was a Spanish Colony. Fortunatly Spain was a dying empire and was no match far the U.S. in the Spanish-American war. At the end of which (1898) the U.S. gained not total control but highly restricted the independence of the new free nation of Cuba.
2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
-In 1896 Spain sends over a military general named Valeriano Weyler. His job is to keep the people of Cuba under (Spanish) control. He does this by rounding up thousands of native Cubans and forcing them into reconcentration camps. The intention is to separate the Cuban rebels from the rest of the population, therefore making it harder for the rebels to get supplies. Not only do they separate them but the conditions within the concentrations camps are so bad that thousands of cubans die of starvation or desease because the living conditions are so poor.
3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. The explosion of the U.S.S. Maine. This was an excuse and an incentive more than an actual actack against the U.S. by Spain.
b. Americans were eager to own Cuba and other Spanish colonies and by defeating Spain in a war they would surely gain much more control of them.
c. The De Lome letter was a huge incentive to go to war with Spain. This letter angered americans and anti-spanish sentiment grew.
4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
One of the more important reasons was that americans were so eager to gain control of spanish colonies. It was the end of the western frontier in america and many americans felt that with the death of the frontier they would lose values they asosiated with the wild west and the frontier. Bravery, ingenuity and patriotism were seen as key american values and if america lost those values or foriegn countries ceased to see america as having those values then americans would lose there true americaness. So the wild west was no longer wild, America stretched from coast to coast. But americans weren't satisfied with coast to coast any more and wanted to go further. This is when imperialism came about. The belief that America was to expand its boundry to the pacific and Latin America. This was a key factor in starting a war against Spain because America was so eager to gain Cuba and other spanish colonies that it didn't really need a real reason to attack. So they egsagerated the De Lome letter and acused the Spanish of attacking the Maine and that was good enough for americans to go to war with Spain.
5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
-Named after the U.S. senetor Henry Teller the Teller Amendment was a bill that said america had no interest in gaining control of the Cuban government. That Cuba was a free nation. However shortly after this the Platt Amendment was signed which greatly limitted the Cuban government without actualy defying* the Teller Amendment.
6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
- The first american attack in the Spanish-American war was in the Philippines, a Spanish colony with relitivly few spanish troops actually inhabiting it. This was a surprise for the spanish, who had not been expecting america to attack there.
7. Dewey’s victory in the Philippines sparked an outpouring of american pride in the United States.
8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
After Dewey's victory in Manilla boosted American pride and caused a serge in volunteers for the war. Among these volunteers was future president Theodore Roosevelt who had resigned from his previous job in the Mckinley administration to form a cavalry regiment called the rough riders.saadddd
9.
a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
Many African-Americans saw the opportunity to fight in the Spanish-American war as a chance to "elevate their status" in the U.S. There was a lot of discrimination against blacks in America and they were hoping to change that by fighting for their country.
b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
-Only one of the black volunteer regiments was allowed to participate in the war in the Caribbean.
-At first only three states let black volunteers into the army.
-
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. Well America's attitude toward these countries in general was a very racist one. Americans saw the people of these lands as barbaric and primitive compared to themselves, unfit to dress or act properly therefore unfit to govern themselves. None of these islands resieved pure indipendence. America either completly controled them or granted a very limitted independence. The Platt Amendment is one example of Americas belief that Cubans were unable to fully govern themselves. It limitted their government so that Cuba was practically but not aficially part of the United States.
b. An other example is the fact that we bought the Philippines for $20,000 from Spain. Without letting the Filipinos have any say in their own countries future. We took over and if any of them rebelled the U.S. army would soon quell any efforts to overthrow american power in the Philippines.
-Thoughout the late 19th century America had been slowly gaining control of Cuba. So by 1890 there were many plantations owned by american citizens, growing crops such as sugar and coffee. By the late 1890s the United States had a huge interest in Cuba but could not fully control it because it was a Spanish Colony. Fortunatly Spain was a dying empire and was no match far the U.S. in the Spanish-American war. At the end of which (1898) the U.S. gained not total control but highly restricted the independence of the new free nation of Cuba.
2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
-In 1896 Spain sends over a military general named Valeriano Weyler. His job is to keep the people of Cuba under (Spanish) control. He does this by rounding up thousands of native Cubans and forcing them into reconcentration camps. The intention is to separate the Cuban rebels from the rest of the population, therefore making it harder for the rebels to get supplies. Not only do they separate them but the conditions within the concentrations camps are so bad that thousands of cubans die of starvation or desease because the living conditions are so poor.
3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. The explosion of the U.S.S. Maine. This was an excuse and an incentive more than an actual actack against the U.S. by Spain.
b. Americans were eager to own Cuba and other Spanish colonies and by defeating Spain in a war they would surely gain much more control of them.
c. The De Lome letter was a huge incentive to go to war with Spain. This letter angered americans and anti-spanish sentiment grew.
4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
One of the more important reasons was that americans were so eager to gain control of spanish colonies. It was the end of the western frontier in america and many americans felt that with the death of the frontier they would lose values they asosiated with the wild west and the frontier. Bravery, ingenuity and patriotism were seen as key american values and if america lost those values or foriegn countries ceased to see america as having those values then americans would lose there true americaness. So the wild west was no longer wild, America stretched from coast to coast. But americans weren't satisfied with coast to coast any more and wanted to go further. This is when imperialism came about. The belief that America was to expand its boundry to the pacific and Latin America. This was a key factor in starting a war against Spain because America was so eager to gain Cuba and other spanish colonies that it didn't really need a real reason to attack. So they egsagerated the De Lome letter and acused the Spanish of attacking the Maine and that was good enough for americans to go to war with Spain.
5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
-Named after the U.S. senetor Henry Teller the Teller Amendment was a bill that said america had no interest in gaining control of the Cuban government. That Cuba was a free nation. However shortly after this the Platt Amendment was signed which greatly limitted the Cuban government without actualy defying* the Teller Amendment.
6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
- The first american attack in the Spanish-American war was in the Philippines, a Spanish colony with relitivly few spanish troops actually inhabiting it. This was a surprise for the spanish, who had not been expecting america to attack there.
7. Dewey’s victory in the Philippines sparked an outpouring of american pride in the United States.
8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
After Dewey's victory in Manilla boosted American pride and caused a serge in volunteers for the war. Among these volunteers was future president Theodore Roosevelt who had resigned from his previous job in the Mckinley administration to form a cavalry regiment called the rough riders.saadddd
9.
a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
Many African-Americans saw the opportunity to fight in the Spanish-American war as a chance to "elevate their status" in the U.S. There was a lot of discrimination against blacks in America and they were hoping to change that by fighting for their country.
b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
-Only one of the black volunteer regiments was allowed to participate in the war in the Caribbean.
-At first only three states let black volunteers into the army.
-
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. Well America's attitude toward these countries in general was a very racist one. Americans saw the people of these lands as barbaric and primitive compared to themselves, unfit to dress or act properly therefore unfit to govern themselves. None of these islands resieved pure indipendence. America either completly controled them or granted a very limitted independence. The Platt Amendment is one example of Americas belief that Cubans were unable to fully govern themselves. It limitted their government so that Cuba was practically but not aficially part of the United States.
b. An other example is the fact that we bought the Philippines for $20,000 from Spain. Without letting the Filipinos have any say in their own countries future. We took over and if any of them rebelled the U.S. army would soon quell any efforts to overthrow american power in the Philippines.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
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?
-U.S. Plantation owners (with the help of the U.S. Marines) took over the Hawaiian government because they wanted to put Hawaii under American power.
-Hawaii was half way between the U.S. and Asia therefore a perfect place for american ships to stop and refuel. It also had rich soil and was excelant for planting coffee, pineapple and sugar.
-The new government of Hawaii (the one that had reccently just took over) offered a peace treaty with the United State and president Clevland refused to sign the treaty because he believed it "would corrupt traditional american values" and that Hawaii had been unjustly robbed of its queen.
-I agree with Cleveland.
2. Identify five important changes that transformed American in the nineteenth century. How did these five changes affect Americans?
- Increase in urban population: became crowded and had poor transportation, sanitation, and crime.
-Increase in immigration: the american population became composed of many different ethnic groups this cause a lot of discrimination but also help to influence a lot of what american culture is today (the melting pot)
-1893 Economic Depression: many americans realized how "vulnerable they were in an economy based on industry and manufacturing.
-The end of westward expantion: american longed for new territory to explore and colonize.
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 1893 depression deepened the division in american society because it affected a specific group of people, businessmen and laborers whereas farmers were relatively unaffected.
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 asosiated the frontier with several values: resourcefulness, bravery, pragmatism, ingenuity, individualism, egalitarianism, and patriotism.
Americans felt that if they lost the frontier they would also loose these vallues and the world would also see the U.S. as lacking all these virtues.
5. Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?
Some americans wanted greater involvement overseas because the pacific island were perfect for planting curtain crops that would not grow in america. Others wanted it because America would gain military power (by having naval bases all over the world).
6. What policy did expansionists say would ensure the economic success of the United States? What did imperialists say?
The Monroe Doctrine.
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 racist excuses to take over countries such as Hawaii, Cuba and the Philippines. They said that it was americas obligation to control these countries because the native people were not civilized enough to do so themselves.
8. What did many Protestant churches say was America’s role in the world?
To spread christianity to the rest of 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.
Because it was relitively easy to do so, most of these nations were under the Spanish Empire, which at this time in history was dying, and the islands themselves had no military of there own. Also many of these nations thought that if america liberated them from Spain that they would be given independence.
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?
Olney was worried that if any European nation took over Venizuela that america would loose control over south america which had great amounts of gold and other useful resources.
-U.S. Plantation owners (with the help of the U.S. Marines) took over the Hawaiian government because they wanted to put Hawaii under American power.
-Hawaii was half way between the U.S. and Asia therefore a perfect place for american ships to stop and refuel. It also had rich soil and was excelant for planting coffee, pineapple and sugar.
-The new government of Hawaii (the one that had reccently just took over) offered a peace treaty with the United State and president Clevland refused to sign the treaty because he believed it "would corrupt traditional american values" and that Hawaii had been unjustly robbed of its queen.
-I agree with Cleveland.
2. Identify five important changes that transformed American in the nineteenth century. How did these five changes affect Americans?
- Increase in urban population: became crowded and had poor transportation, sanitation, and crime.
-Increase in immigration: the american population became composed of many different ethnic groups this cause a lot of discrimination but also help to influence a lot of what american culture is today (the melting pot)
-1893 Economic Depression: many americans realized how "vulnerable they were in an economy based on industry and manufacturing.
-The end of westward expantion: american longed for new territory to explore and colonize.
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 1893 depression deepened the division in american society because it affected a specific group of people, businessmen and laborers whereas farmers were relatively unaffected.
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 asosiated the frontier with several values: resourcefulness, bravery, pragmatism, ingenuity, individualism, egalitarianism, and patriotism.
Americans felt that if they lost the frontier they would also loose these vallues and the world would also see the U.S. as lacking all these virtues.
5. Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?
Some americans wanted greater involvement overseas because the pacific island were perfect for planting curtain crops that would not grow in america. Others wanted it because America would gain military power (by having naval bases all over the world).
6. What policy did expansionists say would ensure the economic success of the United States? What did imperialists say?
The Monroe Doctrine.
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 racist excuses to take over countries such as Hawaii, Cuba and the Philippines. They said that it was americas obligation to control these countries because the native people were not civilized enough to do so themselves.
8. What did many Protestant churches say was America’s role in the world?
To spread christianity to the rest of 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.
Because it was relitively easy to do so, most of these nations were under the Spanish Empire, which at this time in history was dying, and the islands themselves had no military of there own. Also many of these nations thought that if america liberated them from Spain that they would be given independence.
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?
Olney was worried that if any European nation took over Venizuela that america would loose control over south america which had great amounts of gold and other useful resources.
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
2. José Martí
Born in Cuba and help spread awareness and support for Cuban indipendence. Died at age 42.
3. Valeriano Weyler
Born in spain. At age 16 he went to military school and soon be came a lieutenant in the spanish army. When he was promoted to captain he asked to help spain fight in Cuba. Here he helped round up thousands of cuban farmers into reconcentrados.
4. Yellow journalism
Yellow Journalism is when the press egsagerates the trueth in order to get a headline that will grab the readers atention. There fore making them want to buy the paper more.
5. De Lôme letter
A letter from a spanish diplomat that insulted the american president William McKinley and caused a great surge in american approval of Cuban independence.
6. U.S.S. Maine
A U.S. ship that exploded in Havana, Cuba and caused a lot of commotion in America. This is where the saying remember the Maine comes from.
Effects: What happened to each of the following territories as a result of the Spanish-American War?
7. Cuba
Becomes an independent country.
8. Puerto Rico
9. Guam
10. Philippine Islands
1. American business owners
2. José Martí
Born in Cuba and help spread awareness and support for Cuban indipendence. Died at age 42.
3. Valeriano Weyler
Born in spain. At age 16 he went to military school and soon be came a lieutenant in the spanish army. When he was promoted to captain he asked to help spain fight in Cuba. Here he helped round up thousands of cuban farmers into reconcentrados.
4. Yellow journalism
Yellow Journalism is when the press egsagerates the trueth in order to get a headline that will grab the readers atention. There fore making them want to buy the paper more.
5. De Lôme letter
A letter from a spanish diplomat that insulted the american president William McKinley and caused a great surge in american approval of Cuban independence.
6. U.S.S. Maine
A U.S. ship that exploded in Havana, Cuba and caused a lot of commotion in America. This is where the saying remember the Maine comes from.
Effects: What happened to each of the following territories as a result of the Spanish-American War?
7. Cuba
Becomes an independent country.
8. Puerto Rico
9. Guam
10. Philippine Islands
Thursday, October 15, 2009
1. How did William Howard Taft get selected to run for president?
He was secretary of war for Roosevelt and was picked to run against William Jennings Bryan for presidency.
2. How did Teddy Roosevelt come to oppose Taft for the presidency in 1912?
Taft made some dicisions that went against what Roosevelt had believed:
-Attempted to break up U.S. Steel (a trust that Roosevelt had sponsored during his presidency.
-Forced Roosevelt's Forestry Chief to resign (threatening Roosevelt's progress in preserving the west)
-Roosevelt saw Taft and his administration as abandoning progressivism.
3. What events helped Woodrow Wilson win the election in 1912?
4. What legislation did Wilson use to attack trusts and monopolies?
Wilson's path to presidency was marked by many pilitical and educational positions each one having more power than that of the one before:
In 1900 he taught political science at Princeton (the college)
In 1902 he became the president of Princeton
In 1910 many conservative Democrats saw Wilson's potential political talent and urged him to become governor of New Jersey, which he soon did that same year.
In 1912 he was nominated for U.S. President by the Democratic convention.
5. What was the Nineteenth Amendment?
Ratified in August of 1920 the 19th amendment allowed woman suffrage.
6. How did America's entry into World War I affect the reform movement?
He was secretary of war for Roosevelt and was picked to run against William Jennings Bryan for presidency.
2. How did Teddy Roosevelt come to oppose Taft for the presidency in 1912?
Taft made some dicisions that went against what Roosevelt had believed:
-Attempted to break up U.S. Steel (a trust that Roosevelt had sponsored during his presidency.
-Forced Roosevelt's Forestry Chief to resign (threatening Roosevelt's progress in preserving the west)
-Roosevelt saw Taft and his administration as abandoning progressivism.
3. What events helped Woodrow Wilson win the election in 1912?
4. What legislation did Wilson use to attack trusts and monopolies?
Wilson's path to presidency was marked by many pilitical and educational positions each one having more power than that of the one before:
In 1900 he taught political science at Princeton (the college)
In 1902 he became the president of Princeton
In 1910 many conservative Democrats saw Wilson's potential political talent and urged him to become governor of New Jersey, which he soon did that same year.
In 1912 he was nominated for U.S. President by the Democratic convention.
5. What was the Nineteenth Amendment?
Ratified in August of 1920 the 19th amendment allowed woman suffrage.
6. How did America's entry into World War I affect the reform movement?
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:
A young girl (like 10 ish) at a whitnel cotton mill
-clothing is ragged and dirty
-earns 48 cents a day
-has workd there for a year
Photograph B
Five girls (about 13) standing in work clothing
-dirty clothing
-looked tired (possessed)
Photograph C
A very young girl (about 6 or 7) standing in a cotton mill/weaving factory
-tattered clothes
-Hine's notes: The overseer said apologetically, "She just happened in." She was working steadily. The mills seem full of youngsters who "just happened in" or "are helping sister." Newberry, S.C
Photograph D
Young newsie (about 10/11) selling papers on a Saturday afternoon. St. Louis, Mo
-weather seems cold (judging by peoples clothes)
-does not look like he is enjoying himself
-looks distraut
Photograph E
a large group of boys siting in front of troughs filled with what apears to be coal (possibly sorting through it)
-the air is very smoky
-boys are very dirty and sooty
Photograph F
A bunch of boys (of various ages) working in a Glass Works
-pipes?
-one boy's shirt is very torn
-late at night to be working (9pm)
Photograph G
Many people of all ages shucking orsters that are whealed in on a bunch of carts
-little baby girl with her mother (not working)
Photograph H
Children on the night shift going to work at 6 p.m. on a cold, dark December day. They do not come out again until 6 a.m. When they went home the next morning they were all drenched by a heavy, cold rain and had few or no wraps. Two of the smaller girls with three other sisters work on the night shift and support a big, lazy father who complains he is not well enough to work. He loafs around the country store. The oldest three of these sisters have been in the mill for 7 years, and the two youngest, two years. The latter earns 84 cents a night. Whitnel, N.C.
- what he said
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:
A young girl (like 10 ish) at a whitnel cotton mill
-clothing is ragged and dirty
-earns 48 cents a day
-has workd there for a year
Photograph B
Five girls (about 13) standing in work clothing
-dirty clothing
-looked tired (possessed)
Photograph C
A very young girl (about 6 or 7) standing in a cotton mill/weaving factory
-tattered clothes
-Hine's notes: The overseer said apologetically, "She just happened in." She was working steadily. The mills seem full of youngsters who "just happened in" or "are helping sister." Newberry, S.C
Photograph D
Young newsie (about 10/11) selling papers on a Saturday afternoon. St. Louis, Mo
-weather seems cold (judging by peoples clothes)
-does not look like he is enjoying himself
-looks distraut
Photograph E
a large group of boys siting in front of troughs filled with what apears to be coal (possibly sorting through it)
-the air is very smoky
-boys are very dirty and sooty
Photograph F
A bunch of boys (of various ages) working in a Glass Works
-pipes?
-one boy's shirt is very torn
-late at night to be working (9pm)
Photograph G
Many people of all ages shucking orsters that are whealed in on a bunch of carts
-little baby girl with her mother (not working)
Photograph H
Children on the night shift going to work at 6 p.m. on a cold, dark December day. They do not come out again until 6 a.m. When they went home the next morning they were all drenched by a heavy, cold rain and had few or no wraps. Two of the smaller girls with three other sisters work on the night shift and support a big, lazy father who complains he is not well enough to work. He loafs around the country store. The oldest three of these sisters have been in the mill for 7 years, and the two youngest, two years. The latter earns 84 cents a night. Whitnel, N.C.
- what he said
Thursday, October 8, 2009
1. How did Roosevelt create the modern presidency?
2. How did Roosevelt's intervention in a coal strike set a precedent for federal arbitration?
4. What legislation passed during Roosevelt's presidency protected citizens?
2. How did Roosevelt's intervention in a coal strike set a precedent for federal arbitration?
TR threatened the coal company owners that if they didn't compromise with the striker that he would send in the military and they would lose control over the company.
3. What did Roosevelt do to the trusts and railroads?
3. What did Roosevelt do to the trusts and railroads?
4. What legislation passed during Roosevelt's presidency protected citizens?
The Meat Inspection Act. This protected the american citizens by making their meals safer and the employees of the meat packing companies by making their working conditions safer and more sanitary.
5. What did Roosevelt do to protect the environment?
5. What did Roosevelt do to protect the environment?
Roosevelt was a conservationist. He set aside thousands of acres of land in the west for public monuments or parks. Any money the parks made would go to building infrastructure like dams and water for houses.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
1. What is Urbanization?
Urbanization is the population in urban areas/cities increases.
2. For what reasons did a number of Americans move from the country to the cities?
There were more job opportunities and immigration was bringing more and more people with very little money who could not afford to buy a farm or anything more than a small apartment.
3. What were the housing problems that many poor city dwellers faced?
Well many of the immigrant were ever very poor and couldn't afford large houses so they were very crowded.
Also there was a lot of discrimination and violence because of so many different ethnic groups so close together and competing.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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.
- Many of the immigrants coming to America came here for several different reasons. One is that they were trying to escape problems back in their homelands, such as famine, disease, land shortages, religious or political prosecution. Another reason is that the (somewhat false) information that America was a prospering nation full of opportunities and wealth had spread all over the globe. And at a time when many European nations had begun to reach their limits America had just begun its expansion into a vast , relatively uninhabited land. And the resources in America were no where near a shortage. Many immigrants saw this opportunity and decided to either move permanently to the states or to move there temporarily, earn some money then return to their homeland.
2. Describe the journey immigrants endured and their experiences at United States immigration stations.
- Immigrants were discriminated against. It was tough times in america and in places like New England where there were dense populations and a large percentage of immigrants, the surge of new inhabitants was not welcome. One reason for this was that it made it hard for existing laborers to go on strike, for as soon as they showed any hint of unionizing or striking the factory would fire them and simply replace them with immigrants, who were probably willing to work for even less. Another reason is that most immigrants came to America with hardly anything. They were seen as poor and dirty, which in most cases wasn't entirely untrue. They were also from an entirely different culture in many cases. For instance the Chinese in the west had come from a culture that, for the most part, not only didn't speak English but wasn't even Christian. Americans found it hard not to discriminate against a people who had so little in common with them.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Big Business and Labor Quiz
In the late 1800s rich companies would treat their employees with very little respect, giving them very low wages , long working hours and dangerous working conditions. Social Darwinism justified their maltreatment. Social Darwinism was an idea that came from Darwin's theory of evolution, that competition between individuals and businesses helps the society to change and grow. That the rich could take advantage of the poor because they were strong and the weak deserved to suffer at their expense. The government refused to get involved in company affairs such as employee treatment partially because of an ideology called Laissez Faire a belief that the government should have as little to do with businesses Because the government believed that the monopolists were helping the economy grow.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Labour Union and Industrial People and Things
Andrew Carnegie: A man who came to this country with next to nothing but by the time he was 40 he owned most of the steel industry. He became famous for that story. It soon became the classic american story that if you have motivation and are hard working you can work your way to become anything you want.
Social Darwinism: The belief that competition in many forms (between nations, companies, and individuals) helps society grow and become stronger.
John D. Rockefeller: Established the Standard Oil Company and by using trust agreements, eventually gained control of nearly the entire oil industry.
Sherman Antitrust Act: it banned the use of trust agreements because the government believed that the millionaires were interfering with free trade between other states and countries.
Samuel Gompers: Founded the American Federation of Labour.
American Federation of Labor (AFL): Was for over 50 years the largest group of labour unions in the United States. Founded by Samuel Gompers.
Industrial Workers of the World: Another group of labour unions.
Mary Harris Jones: Often refered to as "Mother" Jones. Died at age 100.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Railroad Developement
QUESTION:
The federal government gave land and made loans to the railroad companies. Why was the government so eager to promote the growth of railroads?
ANSWER:
The United States during the late 19th century was eager to expand westward and to populate the new land with american citizens. The road to the west was not an easy one and it was difficult to transport people's lives to the new states. The government saw the railroad as a huge incentive to move to the west. It made traveling westward much more comfortable and manageable.
The railroad also connected western communities to the east. Making it easier to transport livestock and other goods to big cities in the east. Before the railroads were built in the southwest, many cattle ranches had to drive there cattle to the nearest railroad which was for many of the southern most ranchers and cowboys was a very very long way. Americans were becoming very fond of beef therefore the demand was high and there was a lot of money to be found in the cattle herding and raising business. The government supported this hole heartedly. It brought wealth to the west.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Expansion of Industry
What were the three major factors that contributed to the immense technological boom that took place in the United States
America's great technological advancements in the late 19th century are due to four main things; the discovery of new uses for iron and steel, the discovery of oil in places like Texas, and the settlement of the west/Great Plains.
Steel contributed to the vast majority of new inventions in the 1800's and early 1900's. The type writer, the telephone and the automobile are just a few of the things the contained and relied on steel.
The country's expansion west was also a motivation to create new technology because people now had to communicate much farther distances.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Western Expansion
1. What are the main reasons that the federal government policy of assimilation failed?
One main reason that the government failed to assimilate indians is that not very many indians were willing to give up there culture and become what the americans called "civilized".
Another reason is that not many americans were willing to educate indians on how to be an american. Many of them believed that indians were truly inferior and were not worth the bother.
2. How successful were the U.S. government's efforts to promote the settlement of the Great Plains? Give examples to support your answer.
They were very successful. They almost didn't even have to promote it at all, there were so many natural reasons to move westward, such as gold and buffalo. One example of a successful government promotion of the settlement o the great plains was the Dawes Act. This act divided the indian land into individual property for the indians then gave the remainder of land to the american settlers. Another example is the government's attempt to assimilate the indians into the american culture. Although this was not totally a success it did reduce the number of indians that were so often hunting on the private property of many of the settlers.
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:
2. How successful were government efforts to promote settlement of the Great Plains? Give examples to support your answer.
Think about:
Think About:
- Native Americans' way of life
- Cultural differences
- Attitude of whites toward Native Americans
- Government promises
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
Friday, September 4, 2009
Conflict in Iraq
Short Response
1. Where do most Kurds, Shi'a, and Sunnis live in Iraq?
Kurds: Shi'a: Sunnis:
2. Which ethnic group(s) hold(s) power over the majority of oil reserves in Iraq?
3. What is the main reason Britain become involved in Iraq?
4. What did pan-Arabists advocate after World War II?
5. How was Saddam Hussein able to gain power and popularity in the 1970s?
6. Why did the United States become involved in the Iran-Iraq War?
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.
b.
Extended Response:
8. What are the different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq? Why is it important to understand these differences?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
b.
10. What were the U.S. government's declared goals in sending troops to Iraq?
a.
b.
11. List two reasons violence continues in Iraq.
a.
b.
Extended Response:
12. Describe the different groups involved in the ongoing conflict in Iraq. What are their goals? (Reasons for fighting)
Shi'a:
Sunni:
Kurd:
al Qaeda:
1. Where do most Kurds, Shi'a, and Sunnis live in Iraq?
Kurds: Shi'a: Sunnis:
2. Which ethnic group(s) hold(s) power over the majority of oil reserves in Iraq?
3. What is the main reason Britain become involved in Iraq?
4. What did pan-Arabists advocate after World War II?
5. How was Saddam Hussein able to gain power and popularity in the 1970s?
6. Why did the United States become involved in the Iran-Iraq War?
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.
b.
Extended Response:
8. What are the different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq? Why is it important to understand these differences?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
b.
10. What were the U.S. government's declared goals in sending troops to Iraq?
a.
b.
11. List two reasons violence continues in Iraq.
a.
b.
Extended Response:
12. Describe the different groups involved in the ongoing conflict in Iraq. What are their goals? (Reasons for fighting)
Shi'a:
Sunni:
Kurd:
al Qaeda:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)