8.02 The 1980s
"1980 election: This was a political event because it caused a change in the government. Americans wanted a firm, patriotic leader who had a plan to fix the economic problems carrying over from the 1970s. Jimmy Carter was running for reelection, and Americans overall were very unhappy with his leadership. Ronald Reagan emerged as his challenger, a former actor with great public skills and a plan. They elected Ronald Reagan in 1980 who had a controversial plan for fixing the U.S. economy, later dubbed “Reaganomics.”"
Reagan and Nicaragua: Political. When Nicaragua went through a revolution to take down their government because it was corrupt, the Sandinistas took power. The Sandinistas preferred to postpone elections and emulated the Soviet Union. Reagan decided to help fund the Contras, who wished to take down the Sandinistas. Americans were afraid that Reagan's involvement would make it somewhat similar to the Vietnam War. His consequence was an investigation of the Iran-Contra Affair.
Reagan's Plan: Economic. Former President Reagan proposed to decrease the government's taxes, influence over business, and relaxed rules in banking and savings. Job training, mass transportation development (underground metros, buses...), and student loans were reduced as well, since the government needed a balance. He increased defense spending, and in consequence, people thought that he wasn't caring for the poor.
1980s Deregulation: Economics. Since people thought that the poor was less cared for by Reagan, he made changes to his plans. People started to buy more(consumerism) in 1983 and initiated or returned to investing in the stock market. Consequence: The stock market crashed 3 years after his reelection and American found low-paying jobs under Reagan, thus causing a controversial debate of Reaganomics.
Sun Belt: People were leaving the Rust Belt, where industrial and manufacturing was in the Northeast and Midwest, for the Sun Belt, the South and West. Globalization caused plenty of unemployment in the prior booming corporations. Many workers were displaced as businesses extended overseas. Since the 1950s, there had been a demographic shift.
The Cold War Ends: Social/political. Mikhail Gorbachev founded reforms in the Soviet Union——Perestroika and Glasnost. His people had more rights. This caused Reagan to challenge the sincerity of his reforms. Reagan addressed Gorbachev at the Brandenburg Gate, saying that the Germans were separated from each other and that there was doubt of mankind's freedom. Reagan demanded Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall. When the wall came down, Germany reunified in 1990.
First Lady's impact: Social. Cocaine ravaged many cities. First Lady Nancy Reagan visited many schools to warn schoolchildren of drug use. Although many students listened and avoided teenage drugs, others went down the wrong path. As of today, far from the "War on Drugs," there are stoners and people who are non-addicts. Her impact couldn't help everyone, as everyone made their choices, but inspired people then to stay away.
Punk/Glam Rock: Social. Both were the music of the 1980s. Its popularity brought the Live Aid concert. The concert was watched all over the world, and with support, millions were raised to relieve famine in Africa. The Live Aid concert, which helped Ethiopia especially, took place in Mid-Atlantic America and England. A consequence was famine relief, and soon music was reached outer space; it was method of waking up astronauts.
1. Ronald Reagan's policies had a negative effect overall, in my opinion. I respect the fact that his plans kind of parallel with Calvin Coolidge's. He also was definitely anti-Communist and preferred the Berlin Wall to be torn down, which I would support, were I in his place. But for this country, for America, his improvement was a temporary mark that faded. I believe that countless low-paying jobs would affect people's happiness (referring to the history of minimum wages and strikes), and the our happiness would be what will bring our economy up, or crush it down. If the urban poor do not improve, it will leave the majority with the doubt of how much change there was.
2. I would think that it's the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Wall has been there for so long and I agree with Ronald Reagan when he addresses Mikhail Gorbachev. The Berlin Wall reminds me too much of the Union and the Confederacy and the sad segregation in the early 1900s.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
U.S. History module 7
7.02 Peace or Power?
Montgomery Bus Boycott
Rosa Parks was told to get up from her seat on the bus, but she was tired and so refused to give up her seat for white passengers. She was arrested. The NAACP fought charges, saying it was unconstitutional, and organized the bus boycott. So Rosa Parks initiated the situation, and the NAACP led the boycott. This event was non-violent because African Americans didn't react aggressively, but rather passively for 381 days by taking other ways of transportation, thus having a significant impact. It was a success, for in the end, the Supreme Court eliminated the Montgomery bus law.
Freedom Rides
The first Freedom Ride left Washington, D.C. with thirteen riders on the Greyhound heading to New Orleans. They sat in outlawed positions, defying unenforced laws. Most participants were members of CORE and SNCC. Arrest and violence were aimed at Freedom Riders. JFK sent federal Marshalls to restore order in Alabama and because of the violence, requested a cooling off period. The Greyhound bus drivers almost stopped for good, but the Kennedy Administration told them to resume since the Freedom Riders would like to finish what they started. In Alabama and Mississippi, the riders were supposed to be safe during their travels, so they were arrested. After they were arrested, they weren't safe because they were abused in captivity. Despite this, 450 Freedom Riders participated throughout the summer since the first riders in May and while jailed, sang songs of freedom. This event is non-violent because the Freedom Riders were determined in taking part of this protest and accepted their arrests, including lifting up their hopes in prison. The Freedom Ride was a success because President John F. Kennedy enforced laws ending segregation, and segregation signs were gone.
March on Washington
On August 28, 1963, 200,000 people marched to the capital of America singing songs of freedom, with one of the most famous songs being "We Shall Overcome", and carried signs. The March ended at the Lincoln Memorial. Leaders of the March on Washington were Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, A. Philip Randolph, and Whitney M. Young. MLK gave the most famous speech of the March, the "I Had a Dream" speech. This event was non-violent because the March was not an attack; it was an exercise of their freedom of speech. The March on Washington was a success because President Kennedy gave hope towards it, and after MLK's assassination, his dream came true.
I think that non-violent protests were more effective, and more well-known than violent protests. Schools teach the non-violent side more, and it is exemplary in schools because school authorities prefer reporting bullying instead of reacting physically. I think that non-violent protests were effective because violence in response to violence would bring more violence and the rejection of white Americans and African Americans' peaceful coexistence would be indifferent to segregation. I think, though, that both kinds of protests were enough to initiate change, whether peaceful or threatening, if persistent.
7.03 Minority Rights
Betty Friedan wanted to understand why many women her age were discontent despite material comfort and family. But the mainstream did not acknowledge that women in the 1950s had any reason to be unhappy, unless they had ambitions outside the home, so... Friedan surveyed many young wives and mothers and wrote The Feminine Mystique, which helped bring attention to the issue of women's lack of opportunity and rights.
Women wanted to be equal to men in almost all areas of life, but back in those days, women were thought to be inferior to men in talent and pay, so there was a 1963 act established for women to earn an equal pay to men for performing the same tasks, Title IX for all genders to take opportunity of government-funded sports activities, employment despite gender differences, and Billie Jean won the tennis tournament.
Native Americans wanted to have better living conditions, but the U.S. government throughout history took their lands, broke their treaties, forced them to travel to reservations, and tried to Americanize them, so NCAI fished at an abandoned prison island since Abe Lincoln signed a treaty that any government abandoned places may be reclaimed by Native Americans and AIM had armed Native Americans gathering at Sioux, where there was a massacre in 1890.
Hispanic Americans wanted better salaries and percentages of employment since their arrival to the American Southwest, but since there were many illegal immigrants integrating with the legal immigrants despite efforts of the government to prevent it, both kinds of immigrants were treated similarly, so Cesar Chavez, along with other Hispanic Americans, boycotted grapes in the region, and other citizens throughout Americans also boycotted grapes to support the cause.
Women established the National Organization for Women and as of 2012, has about half a million members. Betty Friedan wrote The Feminine Mystique since she couldn't publish her article on the research and surveys of her former peers, alumni from Smith College, regarding their happiness as homemakers. The Women's Rights Movement were similar to the other groups that demanded change in that there are usually two kinds of groups with different perspectives. Think Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. versus Malcolm X and the Black Panther Party. ERA versus STOP ERA. NCAI versus AIM. Non-violent protests were mutual in all of these groups: African Americans, women, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
Montgomery Bus Boycott
Rosa Parks was told to get up from her seat on the bus, but she was tired and so refused to give up her seat for white passengers. She was arrested. The NAACP fought charges, saying it was unconstitutional, and organized the bus boycott. So Rosa Parks initiated the situation, and the NAACP led the boycott. This event was non-violent because African Americans didn't react aggressively, but rather passively for 381 days by taking other ways of transportation, thus having a significant impact. It was a success, for in the end, the Supreme Court eliminated the Montgomery bus law.
Freedom Rides
The first Freedom Ride left Washington, D.C. with thirteen riders on the Greyhound heading to New Orleans. They sat in outlawed positions, defying unenforced laws. Most participants were members of CORE and SNCC. Arrest and violence were aimed at Freedom Riders. JFK sent federal Marshalls to restore order in Alabama and because of the violence, requested a cooling off period. The Greyhound bus drivers almost stopped for good, but the Kennedy Administration told them to resume since the Freedom Riders would like to finish what they started. In Alabama and Mississippi, the riders were supposed to be safe during their travels, so they were arrested. After they were arrested, they weren't safe because they were abused in captivity. Despite this, 450 Freedom Riders participated throughout the summer since the first riders in May and while jailed, sang songs of freedom. This event is non-violent because the Freedom Riders were determined in taking part of this protest and accepted their arrests, including lifting up their hopes in prison. The Freedom Ride was a success because President John F. Kennedy enforced laws ending segregation, and segregation signs were gone.
March on Washington
On August 28, 1963, 200,000 people marched to the capital of America singing songs of freedom, with one of the most famous songs being "We Shall Overcome", and carried signs. The March ended at the Lincoln Memorial. Leaders of the March on Washington were Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, A. Philip Randolph, and Whitney M. Young. MLK gave the most famous speech of the March, the "I Had a Dream" speech. This event was non-violent because the March was not an attack; it was an exercise of their freedom of speech. The March on Washington was a success because President Kennedy gave hope towards it, and after MLK's assassination, his dream came true.
I think that non-violent protests were more effective, and more well-known than violent protests. Schools teach the non-violent side more, and it is exemplary in schools because school authorities prefer reporting bullying instead of reacting physically. I think that non-violent protests were effective because violence in response to violence would bring more violence and the rejection of white Americans and African Americans' peaceful coexistence would be indifferent to segregation. I think, though, that both kinds of protests were enough to initiate change, whether peaceful or threatening, if persistent.
7.03 Minority Rights
Betty Friedan wanted to understand why many women her age were discontent despite material comfort and family. But the mainstream did not acknowledge that women in the 1950s had any reason to be unhappy, unless they had ambitions outside the home, so... Friedan surveyed many young wives and mothers and wrote The Feminine Mystique, which helped bring attention to the issue of women's lack of opportunity and rights.
Women wanted to be equal to men in almost all areas of life, but back in those days, women were thought to be inferior to men in talent and pay, so there was a 1963 act established for women to earn an equal pay to men for performing the same tasks, Title IX for all genders to take opportunity of government-funded sports activities, employment despite gender differences, and Billie Jean won the tennis tournament.
Native Americans wanted to have better living conditions, but the U.S. government throughout history took their lands, broke their treaties, forced them to travel to reservations, and tried to Americanize them, so NCAI fished at an abandoned prison island since Abe Lincoln signed a treaty that any government abandoned places may be reclaimed by Native Americans and AIM had armed Native Americans gathering at Sioux, where there was a massacre in 1890.
Hispanic Americans wanted better salaries and percentages of employment since their arrival to the American Southwest, but since there were many illegal immigrants integrating with the legal immigrants despite efforts of the government to prevent it, both kinds of immigrants were treated similarly, so Cesar Chavez, along with other Hispanic Americans, boycotted grapes in the region, and other citizens throughout Americans also boycotted grapes to support the cause.
Women established the National Organization for Women and as of 2012, has about half a million members. Betty Friedan wrote The Feminine Mystique since she couldn't publish her article on the research and surveys of her former peers, alumni from Smith College, regarding their happiness as homemakers. The Women's Rights Movement were similar to the other groups that demanded change in that there are usually two kinds of groups with different perspectives. Think Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. versus Malcolm X and the Black Panther Party. ERA versus STOP ERA. NCAI versus AIM. Non-violent protests were mutual in all of these groups: African Americans, women, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
U.S. History module 6
6.01 The Fifties and Sixties
Veterans/What did they gain in World War II?
They gained the loss of unemployment. They gained the opportunity to travel overseas to fight, and to country untouched by destruction. Veterans came back to America with benefits of the GI Bill.
Veterans/what challenges did they face at the end of the war?
Returning veterans came back to take their former jobs, and along the war, they had to set society's homemaking standards as the women were unwilling to give up their World War II occupations. Veterans who lived far from major cities has no channel or one channel to watch on televisions in 1951. Not many could afford televisions immediately after the war. They also needed homes for their new families, and the cities were too crowded.
Veterans/What progress did they make for their postwar period?
Veterans were educated and thanks to the GI Bill, could start businesses or buy homes with low-interest rates. Most settled in the new suburban Levittowns. Returning veterans made families, thus causing the baby boom, which lasted from 1946-1964.
Veterans/What struggles might this group have in the decades to come?
There will be war again in the following decades for the veterans and their children. Some veterans will be traumatized by the experiences during WWII and the wars after that.
Women/What did they gain in World War II?
Women gained the right to exercise their knowledge. Some who went to college found use of it as they take men's occupations temporarily, such as mending aircraft or running businesses.
Women/What challenges did they face at the end of the war?
Women faced unemployment again as returning veterans take their jobs back. The posters recruiting women to help during World War II had no purpose in the following decade. Their ambitions are clouded by society's expectations.
Women/What progress did they make in the postwar period?
Women decided to speak out how they felt about society's standards. Betty, a homemaker, mother, and article writer, interviewed Smith College's alumni, who reported dissatisfaction with their roles. Betty found no one to publish her article because it went against the ideal belief of women, so she published her novel, The Feminine Mystique.
Women/What struggles might this group have in the decades to come?
Women will probably fight, or protest, to alter their public image. They will speak to revert back to those days when they could take occupations of men. As more women become educated and determined, society will soon have to cross out the idealistic homemaker.
African Americans/What did they gain in World War II?
African Americans gained the equal privilege to fight. They also had jobs during World War II.
African Americans/What challenges did they face at the end of the war?
They knew that they would be returning home to face discrimination.
African Americans/What progress did they make in the postwar period?
African Americans founded a kind of music, known as rhythm and blues. This soon became Rock-and-Roll. African Americans' music were broadcasted on radios. Jackie Robinson was a baseball champion. African Americans changed history through the integration of sports and music.
African Americans/What struggles might this group have in decades to come?
Although the baby boomers enjoyed rhythm and blues as well as Rock and Roll, their parents are concerned of the music roots. As another decade arrives, there will be tension as the schools integrate races. The discrimination will decrease in the following decades, and the 1980s will have influential African Americans like in the 1950s and the Jazz Age.
6.04 The Korean War
North Korea wanted to stay with its communist government and spread communism throughout the peninsula, but the United States feared communism aggression and the domino theory, so the United States and the United Nation sent troops to South Korea, thus creating a seesaw war.
General MacArthur wanted to attack North Korea troops from the west coast, which was a success widely praised, but his confidence led to a disrespectful encounter with President Truman and commanding the soldiers as he saw fit, so he was relieved from his duty.
President Truman wanted General MacArthur to follow his orders since the president is the commander-in-chief, but MacArthur wanted to eliminate Chinese communism, which led to Republicans smearing Truman's reputation, so Truman decided to fire General MacArthur and nor run for reelection.
China wanted to keep American troops off their border assist North Korea, but their help only made the Korean War a seesaw conflict, so the Chinese drove the UN force south of the 38th parallel before the cease-fire and armistice.
The United Nations wanted to help South Korea, but the war was ongoing and both sides had advantages at different times, so North and South Korea signed an armistice in 1953 and there is a demilitarized zone with United States troops in South Korea.
1.How did General Douglas MacArthur react to the events in Korea? What was his stance on the Korean War?
General Douglas MacArthur made a counterattack towards North Korean troops. Whatever his moves were, it was to support his belief to eliminate communism. He underestimated China's army, but meant to prevent the domino theory. He is anti-communism.
2.How did President Truman respond to the events in Korea? What was his stance on the Korean War?
President Truman sent troops to the Korean peninsula to keep Korean communism from spreading all over Korea and maybe Asia. He was anti-communism as well, but knew his limits and didn't want to create a greater threat to Asia's communism and provoke China. He also knew that he was failing his popularity, and blamed for "losing China." All this explained where he stood and the lengths that he went.
3.Which leader's actions were the most justifiable—General McArthur's or President Truman's? Support your claim with evidence from the lesson.
I think that General MacArthur's actions were the most justifiable. Although I don't agree with his rising confidence that would soon doom his intentions, he had creativity and knew where he wanted his troops to go, which faded when he was relieved. President Truman relieving him was like the sudden death of President Roosevelt. I believe that if he was temporarily relieved and his confidence died down, then granted a second chance, he would have seen things differently and win the cause America has hoped for.
4.Would the outcome of the Korean War have been different had General MacArthur not been fired? Why or why not? Support your claim with evidence from the lesson.
Yes and no. I think that at some point, every general will have their strengths and weaknesses. Victory at one time does not predict another. I think that China's advances were underestimated and General MacArthur should have been prepared for that. His confidence led to his downfall. So letting him stay would not make the ending different. But if he was temporarily relieved, that is to hope that he doesn't come back with a grudge, or better yet, have a month-long return-to-America vacation to think things thoroughly, he might return to the war clear-minded and with advantageous plans towards victory.
6.07 Disillusionment
Question: Explain how events such as the Vietnam War and Watergate affected the American public’s opinion of the U.S government.
The majority of the American public before the 1960s trusted their government. They believed that with the rights they have, it is sensible to believe that there's much truth to what their government say or does. In other words, they have no reason to doubt their government. In an attempt to contain communism, however, the U.S. government sent young soldiers across the ocean. People began to resent that, but only some. Mostly college students, whose education were interrupted or blocked. They thought that the Vietnam War was going to be short-term, but although years of the executive power heightening, they saw otherwise. The living room war was televised, and the people saw what happened to the American troops that were sent there. They wanted an end; the war dragged on. Distrust of the president arose. Pentagon papers were published. The court overruled Nixon and his administration when they wanted an end to these Pentagon Papers. The Supreme Court decided that freedom of the press will assure the people that their government is not deceiving them. These publications shocked the public and the early 70s were a time of disillusionment. The Watergate scandal was the next upcoming thing that shattered American trust. The burglars that tried to break into the Watergate headquarters had ties to the executive branch. The president tried to soften FBI investigation. The Washington Post undermined his denial of involvement with the Watergate event. He refused to show his video tapes. However, he eventually had to give up these tapes. Americans realized that he was a crook. People in the executive branch have done wrong deeds and the so during the 70s, American believed that their government was run by criminals. Distrust of authority led to reformed opinions of the government.
Veterans/What did they gain in World War II?
They gained the loss of unemployment. They gained the opportunity to travel overseas to fight, and to country untouched by destruction. Veterans came back to America with benefits of the GI Bill.
Veterans/what challenges did they face at the end of the war?
Returning veterans came back to take their former jobs, and along the war, they had to set society's homemaking standards as the women were unwilling to give up their World War II occupations. Veterans who lived far from major cities has no channel or one channel to watch on televisions in 1951. Not many could afford televisions immediately after the war. They also needed homes for their new families, and the cities were too crowded.
Veterans/What progress did they make for their postwar period?
Veterans were educated and thanks to the GI Bill, could start businesses or buy homes with low-interest rates. Most settled in the new suburban Levittowns. Returning veterans made families, thus causing the baby boom, which lasted from 1946-1964.
Veterans/What struggles might this group have in the decades to come?
There will be war again in the following decades for the veterans and their children. Some veterans will be traumatized by the experiences during WWII and the wars after that.
Women/What did they gain in World War II?
Women gained the right to exercise their knowledge. Some who went to college found use of it as they take men's occupations temporarily, such as mending aircraft or running businesses.
Women/What challenges did they face at the end of the war?
Women faced unemployment again as returning veterans take their jobs back. The posters recruiting women to help during World War II had no purpose in the following decade. Their ambitions are clouded by society's expectations.
Women/What progress did they make in the postwar period?
Women decided to speak out how they felt about society's standards. Betty, a homemaker, mother, and article writer, interviewed Smith College's alumni, who reported dissatisfaction with their roles. Betty found no one to publish her article because it went against the ideal belief of women, so she published her novel, The Feminine Mystique.
Women/What struggles might this group have in the decades to come?
Women will probably fight, or protest, to alter their public image. They will speak to revert back to those days when they could take occupations of men. As more women become educated and determined, society will soon have to cross out the idealistic homemaker.
African Americans/What did they gain in World War II?
African Americans gained the equal privilege to fight. They also had jobs during World War II.
African Americans/What challenges did they face at the end of the war?
They knew that they would be returning home to face discrimination.
African Americans/What progress did they make in the postwar period?
African Americans founded a kind of music, known as rhythm and blues. This soon became Rock-and-Roll. African Americans' music were broadcasted on radios. Jackie Robinson was a baseball champion. African Americans changed history through the integration of sports and music.
African Americans/What struggles might this group have in decades to come?
Although the baby boomers enjoyed rhythm and blues as well as Rock and Roll, their parents are concerned of the music roots. As another decade arrives, there will be tension as the schools integrate races. The discrimination will decrease in the following decades, and the 1980s will have influential African Americans like in the 1950s and the Jazz Age.
6.04 The Korean War
North Korea wanted to stay with its communist government and spread communism throughout the peninsula, but the United States feared communism aggression and the domino theory, so the United States and the United Nation sent troops to South Korea, thus creating a seesaw war.
General MacArthur wanted to attack North Korea troops from the west coast, which was a success widely praised, but his confidence led to a disrespectful encounter with President Truman and commanding the soldiers as he saw fit, so he was relieved from his duty.
President Truman wanted General MacArthur to follow his orders since the president is the commander-in-chief, but MacArthur wanted to eliminate Chinese communism, which led to Republicans smearing Truman's reputation, so Truman decided to fire General MacArthur and nor run for reelection.
China wanted to keep American troops off their border assist North Korea, but their help only made the Korean War a seesaw conflict, so the Chinese drove the UN force south of the 38th parallel before the cease-fire and armistice.
The United Nations wanted to help South Korea, but the war was ongoing and both sides had advantages at different times, so North and South Korea signed an armistice in 1953 and there is a demilitarized zone with United States troops in South Korea.
1.How did General Douglas MacArthur react to the events in Korea? What was his stance on the Korean War?
General Douglas MacArthur made a counterattack towards North Korean troops. Whatever his moves were, it was to support his belief to eliminate communism. He underestimated China's army, but meant to prevent the domino theory. He is anti-communism.
2.How did President Truman respond to the events in Korea? What was his stance on the Korean War?
President Truman sent troops to the Korean peninsula to keep Korean communism from spreading all over Korea and maybe Asia. He was anti-communism as well, but knew his limits and didn't want to create a greater threat to Asia's communism and provoke China. He also knew that he was failing his popularity, and blamed for "losing China." All this explained where he stood and the lengths that he went.
3.Which leader's actions were the most justifiable—General McArthur's or President Truman's? Support your claim with evidence from the lesson.
I think that General MacArthur's actions were the most justifiable. Although I don't agree with his rising confidence that would soon doom his intentions, he had creativity and knew where he wanted his troops to go, which faded when he was relieved. President Truman relieving him was like the sudden death of President Roosevelt. I believe that if he was temporarily relieved and his confidence died down, then granted a second chance, he would have seen things differently and win the cause America has hoped for.
4.Would the outcome of the Korean War have been different had General MacArthur not been fired? Why or why not? Support your claim with evidence from the lesson.
Yes and no. I think that at some point, every general will have their strengths and weaknesses. Victory at one time does not predict another. I think that China's advances were underestimated and General MacArthur should have been prepared for that. His confidence led to his downfall. So letting him stay would not make the ending different. But if he was temporarily relieved, that is to hope that he doesn't come back with a grudge, or better yet, have a month-long return-to-America vacation to think things thoroughly, he might return to the war clear-minded and with advantageous plans towards victory.
6.07 Disillusionment
Question: Explain how events such as the Vietnam War and Watergate affected the American public’s opinion of the U.S government.
The majority of the American public before the 1960s trusted their government. They believed that with the rights they have, it is sensible to believe that there's much truth to what their government say or does. In other words, they have no reason to doubt their government. In an attempt to contain communism, however, the U.S. government sent young soldiers across the ocean. People began to resent that, but only some. Mostly college students, whose education were interrupted or blocked. They thought that the Vietnam War was going to be short-term, but although years of the executive power heightening, they saw otherwise. The living room war was televised, and the people saw what happened to the American troops that were sent there. They wanted an end; the war dragged on. Distrust of the president arose. Pentagon papers were published. The court overruled Nixon and his administration when they wanted an end to these Pentagon Papers. The Supreme Court decided that freedom of the press will assure the people that their government is not deceiving them. These publications shocked the public and the early 70s were a time of disillusionment. The Watergate scandal was the next upcoming thing that shattered American trust. The burglars that tried to break into the Watergate headquarters had ties to the executive branch. The president tried to soften FBI investigation. The Washington Post undermined his denial of involvement with the Watergate event. He refused to show his video tapes. However, he eventually had to give up these tapes. Americans realized that he was a crook. People in the executive branch have done wrong deeds and the so during the 70s, American believed that their government was run by criminals. Distrust of authority led to reformed opinions of the government.
U.S. History module 5
5.01 World War Again
1. The U.S. favored neutrality even before World War I. It wanted to have nothing to do with war, but things happen. Ideas about neutrality changed with three-fourths of the population expected war, and Roosevelt initiated intervention with foreign warring countries. As Roosevelt began supporting democratic countries and he mistrust peace from totalitarian countries, neutrality acts altered, thus convincing Americans to reconsider normalcy as they foresee the inevitable spiral of incidents.
2. The point where U.S. turned down its isolationist nation and defied normalcy was when the neutrality act was passed by Congress. Although the First Neutrality Act with its Cash and Carry policy (hinting the beginning of a series of conflicting interferences) was subtle, it was undeniable that the slightest involvement pushed the U.S. off its edge of neutrality. U.S. was no longer neutral was Roosevelt and Churchill made agreements in Newfoundland. Evidence of the States' fading neutrality revealed through isolationists' preferences to help Allied nations, even when it means having a war.
3. First Neutrality Act- This act opposes the idea of the nation's wish to return to normalcy. It disrupts normalcy, and the Nye Committee had every right to investigate whether or not America was pushed into World War I in favor of profits. The First Neutrality Act was proof that although Americans wanted to keep themselves apart from warring nations, they sure sought after profits. Egotism therefore drifted the states from its prior aim----- isolationism.
Cash and Carry- cash and carry policy shattered the very meaning of isolationism. Even if the warring nations had to support themselves to and fro to gain supplies, and America was being paid in cash, it would only be the first chapter of America's impulse to intensify its actions with international intervention. The only exception for the cash and carry policy is that it supports the U.S. economy as it dived into the Great Depression.
U.S. aid to China- Yes, this is also defying the concept of isolationism, but since China is halfway across the world, and two countries alone in its imperialist conflict doesn't have much to intertwine with Europe and its pre-World War II tangling tummbleweed. It is more tolerable for the U.S. to sympathize with China. U.S. just wanted to help and in 1937 until today, China hasn't forgotten that. U.S. and China has always been good partners, aiding in imports, presumably since defending China and isolating it from Japan. It might anger Japan, who is tied to Germany and Italy, but one of Europe's treaties were weak without the United States, so these countries know and have learned during World War I that the U.S. is strong.
Lend-Lease Act- The Lend-Lease Act is so biased, it almost eliminates the idea of isolationism. First, the cash and carry policy is intervening with foreign nations, but the lend-lease act suggests that the U.S. could aid any nations involved in a war, casting the notion that the hopes for normalcy is lost as U.S. interests in warring nations surpass the former.
5.04 Holocaust
My name is Hannah Kaplan. My world, my life, and the very ground I stood on was almost flawless. If there were mistakes, it was only to drive perfection into my destiny. I was born in Poland to an extended family of affluent Jews. I myself am also one, as the cliche goes, "the apple does not fall far fro the tree." My family owned a business selling apparel of every kind and elegant sheets of fabric. Several friends of mine were loyal, as they saw my mother as their benefactress. Even the neighbors who disliked us would not dare to oppose us. But that was then; a long while back I was a seven-teen year old girl who was often lost in her books, skilled in strings, and enjoyed finding herself in a catch. What were others' grandeur delusion was my reality. Then that evening came. I was in the boutique founded by my grand parent, and while painting a gown that I intended to sew out of intrinsic motivation, I was aware ere the glass windows shattered. I ran to the corner of the room as my arms were scraped, to a corner where I cowered behind a line of coats. A chill ran through my spine and fear penetrated my mind. It was the moment when I felt as though my dignity had evaporated. Alas, I was soon discovered as my concealment served to be only temporary. One of what I recognized to be a Nazi took me by my arm and threw me in to the back of a truck covered in mud and dried blood. The attack came so harshly that I convinced myself that wherever I was being sent to, it wasn't going to be pleasant. It was then that I was told that I was going to be sent to a labor camp, which didn't sound anywhere near destinations I would otherwise eagerly look forward to, and not being fond of the Nazis, much less the truck I was thrown in, I found it difficult to believe that it was a labor camp that I was heading to. My mother, father, and other relatives were also in the truck. They all acted like they tolerate this acrid situation. I couldn't. I won't. As much as I wanted to speak my thoughts, none of my people did, so neither did I, lest we would get shot by the armed Nazis. After a while, I was led to a concentration camp. I think their discrimination has gone too far. My family members were separated into different groups. My life was spiraling down. The whole scenario was is amiss. I was thrown into a place where people surrounding me appeared half-dead and I wondered what will become of me. Indeed, escape was not an option because barbed wire encircled us. I haven't heard of my family ever since we were separated. I knew that I wanted to be idealistically slim, but being starved wasn't part of the plan. I counted the nights since arrival and after the fourteenth night, which turned to daylight, my camp was liberated. The Nazis were out of sight, and unfortunately, so was my family. Having studied English in school, I understood what the armed men were saying. We were given some bread and water, then told to go anywhere we could find refuge. Unquestionably, my imprisoned peers were frightened to leave the area, holding with them the possibility that the Nazis would find them again and they will be shot. I couldn't bear the stench of dead corpses right around my imprisonment about a mile away, so I occasionally inhaled when necessary and dashed across the field, looking to the sky, to avoid what remained of their untimely deaths. While hiding in a forest and surviving with berries, I thanked God for my liberation. I was soon founded by Eisenhower, and sent on a ship. Many months later, land come into sight. It was America. The War Industries Board initiated aiding me. I will strive to regain the social standing that I once lost. My world has changed in that I will never take the belongings I have for granted. I ought to patronize others no longer as i faced worse consequences following Hitler's theory.
5.06 War Ends
The United States and Allied forces had to use the bombs on Japan because they believed that it was the only way to end the war quickly. Many military leaders knew that fighting the Japanese would cost multiple lives, as evidenced by the 82-day battle of Okinawa when approximately 50,000 Allied troops were deceased or injured. Despite the fact that more than twice the Allied troops were Japanese and killed, they weren't prepared to surrender. Not even when Tokyo was attacked and engulfed in flames. The obvious way to victory was to further bomb Japan, thus saving effort and lives of Americans. This way meant that the Japanese weren't prepared to die nor fight, but unexpectedly lost their lives.
These bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was an absolute tragedy of the 1940s. Americans decided to save their own lives and the lives of their people, but destroying humanity on the other side of the world would contradict what they attempt. If the scenario was seen from the Pacific side, the Japanese would like to save their people, too. Even thought they were ready to fight to their deaths, they were ready to fight and die, not just die or suffer all of a sudden. Like General Dwight Eisenhower said, Japan was close to defeat, so it unnecessary. Admiral William Leahy, an adviser to both Roosevelt and Truman during World War II, said that bombing Japan with mass murder weapons would make Americans like the barbarians of the Dark Ages. Bombs should have not been dropped on these cities because in a way, it was like cheating; having your people saved and others die when some aren't even in battle. Even if the Americans fought the Japanese, which would be the alternative, the Japanese would have outnumbered in deaths.
The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was not as necessary as President Truman thought. Americans should have believed the rumors of the Holocaust and rescued all the Jews, then gather all the Nazis that have tortured and still intend to, and have them bombed. The root of evil, once gone, shall prevent more sinister deeds to come. If that seems unjust, consider what America has done to Japan. We have done something of similar equivalency to what Hitler had done. Eisenhower was right in thinking about what the world would think of us. What would they think? To have innocent lives killed and many survivors dying from the radiation, their businesses destroyed like during Kristallnacht. This terror could have been prevented, if isolationism returned and some treaty was made to divide the Allied regions from Japan.
1. The U.S. favored neutrality even before World War I. It wanted to have nothing to do with war, but things happen. Ideas about neutrality changed with three-fourths of the population expected war, and Roosevelt initiated intervention with foreign warring countries. As Roosevelt began supporting democratic countries and he mistrust peace from totalitarian countries, neutrality acts altered, thus convincing Americans to reconsider normalcy as they foresee the inevitable spiral of incidents.
2. The point where U.S. turned down its isolationist nation and defied normalcy was when the neutrality act was passed by Congress. Although the First Neutrality Act with its Cash and Carry policy (hinting the beginning of a series of conflicting interferences) was subtle, it was undeniable that the slightest involvement pushed the U.S. off its edge of neutrality. U.S. was no longer neutral was Roosevelt and Churchill made agreements in Newfoundland. Evidence of the States' fading neutrality revealed through isolationists' preferences to help Allied nations, even when it means having a war.
3. First Neutrality Act- This act opposes the idea of the nation's wish to return to normalcy. It disrupts normalcy, and the Nye Committee had every right to investigate whether or not America was pushed into World War I in favor of profits. The First Neutrality Act was proof that although Americans wanted to keep themselves apart from warring nations, they sure sought after profits. Egotism therefore drifted the states from its prior aim----- isolationism.
Cash and Carry- cash and carry policy shattered the very meaning of isolationism. Even if the warring nations had to support themselves to and fro to gain supplies, and America was being paid in cash, it would only be the first chapter of America's impulse to intensify its actions with international intervention. The only exception for the cash and carry policy is that it supports the U.S. economy as it dived into the Great Depression.
U.S. aid to China- Yes, this is also defying the concept of isolationism, but since China is halfway across the world, and two countries alone in its imperialist conflict doesn't have much to intertwine with Europe and its pre-World War II tangling tummbleweed. It is more tolerable for the U.S. to sympathize with China. U.S. just wanted to help and in 1937 until today, China hasn't forgotten that. U.S. and China has always been good partners, aiding in imports, presumably since defending China and isolating it from Japan. It might anger Japan, who is tied to Germany and Italy, but one of Europe's treaties were weak without the United States, so these countries know and have learned during World War I that the U.S. is strong.
Lend-Lease Act- The Lend-Lease Act is so biased, it almost eliminates the idea of isolationism. First, the cash and carry policy is intervening with foreign nations, but the lend-lease act suggests that the U.S. could aid any nations involved in a war, casting the notion that the hopes for normalcy is lost as U.S. interests in warring nations surpass the former.
5.04 Holocaust
My name is Hannah Kaplan. My world, my life, and the very ground I stood on was almost flawless. If there were mistakes, it was only to drive perfection into my destiny. I was born in Poland to an extended family of affluent Jews. I myself am also one, as the cliche goes, "the apple does not fall far fro the tree." My family owned a business selling apparel of every kind and elegant sheets of fabric. Several friends of mine were loyal, as they saw my mother as their benefactress. Even the neighbors who disliked us would not dare to oppose us. But that was then; a long while back I was a seven-teen year old girl who was often lost in her books, skilled in strings, and enjoyed finding herself in a catch. What were others' grandeur delusion was my reality. Then that evening came. I was in the boutique founded by my grand parent, and while painting a gown that I intended to sew out of intrinsic motivation, I was aware ere the glass windows shattered. I ran to the corner of the room as my arms were scraped, to a corner where I cowered behind a line of coats. A chill ran through my spine and fear penetrated my mind. It was the moment when I felt as though my dignity had evaporated. Alas, I was soon discovered as my concealment served to be only temporary. One of what I recognized to be a Nazi took me by my arm and threw me in to the back of a truck covered in mud and dried blood. The attack came so harshly that I convinced myself that wherever I was being sent to, it wasn't going to be pleasant. It was then that I was told that I was going to be sent to a labor camp, which didn't sound anywhere near destinations I would otherwise eagerly look forward to, and not being fond of the Nazis, much less the truck I was thrown in, I found it difficult to believe that it was a labor camp that I was heading to. My mother, father, and other relatives were also in the truck. They all acted like they tolerate this acrid situation. I couldn't. I won't. As much as I wanted to speak my thoughts, none of my people did, so neither did I, lest we would get shot by the armed Nazis. After a while, I was led to a concentration camp. I think their discrimination has gone too far. My family members were separated into different groups. My life was spiraling down. The whole scenario was is amiss. I was thrown into a place where people surrounding me appeared half-dead and I wondered what will become of me. Indeed, escape was not an option because barbed wire encircled us. I haven't heard of my family ever since we were separated. I knew that I wanted to be idealistically slim, but being starved wasn't part of the plan. I counted the nights since arrival and after the fourteenth night, which turned to daylight, my camp was liberated. The Nazis were out of sight, and unfortunately, so was my family. Having studied English in school, I understood what the armed men were saying. We were given some bread and water, then told to go anywhere we could find refuge. Unquestionably, my imprisoned peers were frightened to leave the area, holding with them the possibility that the Nazis would find them again and they will be shot. I couldn't bear the stench of dead corpses right around my imprisonment about a mile away, so I occasionally inhaled when necessary and dashed across the field, looking to the sky, to avoid what remained of their untimely deaths. While hiding in a forest and surviving with berries, I thanked God for my liberation. I was soon founded by Eisenhower, and sent on a ship. Many months later, land come into sight. It was America. The War Industries Board initiated aiding me. I will strive to regain the social standing that I once lost. My world has changed in that I will never take the belongings I have for granted. I ought to patronize others no longer as i faced worse consequences following Hitler's theory.
5.06 War Ends
The United States and Allied forces had to use the bombs on Japan because they believed that it was the only way to end the war quickly. Many military leaders knew that fighting the Japanese would cost multiple lives, as evidenced by the 82-day battle of Okinawa when approximately 50,000 Allied troops were deceased or injured. Despite the fact that more than twice the Allied troops were Japanese and killed, they weren't prepared to surrender. Not even when Tokyo was attacked and engulfed in flames. The obvious way to victory was to further bomb Japan, thus saving effort and lives of Americans. This way meant that the Japanese weren't prepared to die nor fight, but unexpectedly lost their lives.
These bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was an absolute tragedy of the 1940s. Americans decided to save their own lives and the lives of their people, but destroying humanity on the other side of the world would contradict what they attempt. If the scenario was seen from the Pacific side, the Japanese would like to save their people, too. Even thought they were ready to fight to their deaths, they were ready to fight and die, not just die or suffer all of a sudden. Like General Dwight Eisenhower said, Japan was close to defeat, so it unnecessary. Admiral William Leahy, an adviser to both Roosevelt and Truman during World War II, said that bombing Japan with mass murder weapons would make Americans like the barbarians of the Dark Ages. Bombs should have not been dropped on these cities because in a way, it was like cheating; having your people saved and others die when some aren't even in battle. Even if the Americans fought the Japanese, which would be the alternative, the Japanese would have outnumbered in deaths.
The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was not as necessary as President Truman thought. Americans should have believed the rumors of the Holocaust and rescued all the Jews, then gather all the Nazis that have tortured and still intend to, and have them bombed. The root of evil, once gone, shall prevent more sinister deeds to come. If that seems unjust, consider what America has done to Japan. We have done something of similar equivalency to what Hitler had done. Eisenhower was right in thinking about what the world would think of us. What would they think? To have innocent lives killed and many survivors dying from the radiation, their businesses destroyed like during Kristallnacht. This terror could have been prevented, if isolationism returned and some treaty was made to divide the Allied regions from Japan.
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