1. Identify five important changes that transformed America in the nineteenth century.
A. One of the first changes that transformed America in the 19th century was annexing Hawaii, Cuba, Guam, etc. This transformed America, not only physically because of new land mass, but also because it could've easily made us stronger as a nation. More land generally means more power, so these different lands being annexed could indirectly mean more power for America as a nation.
B. Another change that helped transform America in the 19th century was expanding in the westward region. These western lands held many natural resources that therefore provided great wealth to America. As the reading states, "and as a result the United States built up significant economic and political power" due to the resources we now had in the west.
C. A third change that helped transform America in the 19th century was immigration. Immigration obviously contributed to the large ethnic diversity that American began to develop as well as increasing the population of America.
D. A fourth chanfe that helped transform America in the 19th century was urban growth. Urban growth changed a lot of things in America. America was orginally populated by mostly farmers, and now, all of a sudden, it had tons of people living in cities and working in factories. This changed the lifestyles of the people of America because almost everyone had an occupation in a city and had given up agriculture.
E. Lastly, trade helped transform America in the 19th century. Trade helped America economically; with all the new advancements in manufacturing, farming became less and less necessary because products could be produced in new factories, more efficiently and most likely more cost efficient. So, not only did America exporting so many goods bring in money, but by producing goods through factories instead of old fashioned farming, it was also more cost efficient.
2. How did the economic depression that began in 1893 deepen the divisions in American society? Which groups suffered the most during the depression?
The economic depression that began in 1893 deepened the divisions in American society because it put many people who all had similar jobs, out of work. All of these people hada worked in manufactioning and facotries, and suddenly they were out of work because of the depression. This made people very worried and scared and "many saw labor strikes as one of the few ways they could gain recognition and control in their working lives" which generally only made things worse. All of these workers that once had a common job had to revert back to basics, to what they had before industilization. Most of all, the ones who were back to farming, or who had stayed in the occupation of farming, suffered so much during this depression. The farming market was already going downhill because so many people were depending on industry and factories, but when the depression hit, it became even worse then it already was.
3. 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?
The values many Americans attached to the frontier were "resourcefullness, bravery, pragmatism, ingenuity, individualism, egalitrianism, and patriotism" according to the reading, were very closely realted values attached to the frontier. The closing of the frontier was a major concern, mostly to those from "old" families. Many people thought that without more land to explore, and without more resources to find that America would become a completely different place. Many thought that we would not be able to sustain our economic level without finding new resources in new lands, others thought that the values attached to the frontier would pretty much die out. They thought that values such as "resourcefulness" couldn't be kept alive if there were no new places with new resources.
4. Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?
Some Americans suggested greater involvement overseas, specifically in Chinese markets because of the large population and amount of consumers there. As the reading says, " Some buisnessmen and politicians believed that overseas expansion especially into Chinese markets would fuel economic growth" Simply, the amount of people overseas, could possibly be willing to buy American products and would obviously help the American economy. Also, Japan and Europe were starting to try to impose laws on China's trade, and Americans feared that if they didn't do the same then suddenly they would not be able to have any buissness in the Chinese markets which would not help the American economy at all.
5. How did the theories of social Darwinism and scientific racism lend support to the cause of American imperialism?
The theories of social Darwinism and scientific racism lended support to the cause of American imperialism because social Darwinism and scientific racism introduced the theory "survival of the fittest" This theory in supprt to the cause of social Darwinism was helpful because it simply stated that some people may have been born to rule and to be in control, while tohers who were inferior would die off. The theory of natural selection was involved in this, in the way that those who were meant to lead and had everything they needed to lead, would, while those whou didn't have the tools and advantages that others had, would not lead due to their lack of necessities. This is similar to natural selection because scientifically, natural selection states that those who are more suited to live will grow and reproduce with one who is also more suited to survive; therefore the population would easily become more "fit" while the less fit died off because they didn't have the advantages that some others had, just like social Darwinism.
6. Summarize why the United States became involved in Samoa, Hawaii, and several Latin American nations.
The united states became involved in Samoa, Hawaii, and several Latin American countries for a variety of reasons. These reasons were beneficial to the United States, take Hawaii for example. Hawaii was mainly occupied by the Japanese, and if we hadn't annexed it into the United States, we were worried that they would start demanding rights and perhaps take away our port at Pearl Harbor. Therefore, in order to avoid these inconvienences, the United States annexed Hawaii. Another reason why the United States became involved with many islands in the Pacific is because they were great pitstops. If Americans were on their way to Asia or Australlia, they had a place to stop if necessary. Also, these islands provided good resources to be sold by America to help increase American income and help our economy.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Teddy Roosevelt's Square Deal
1. 1902 COAL STRIKE
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
In order for Roosevelt to solve this problem he found a way to peacefully settle the issue. He "called both sides to the White House to talk" The dispute ended up being settled and the miners received a 10% "pay-hike" compared to the 15% they were asking for, along with a shorter work day then 9 hours, which is even better than what they asked for.
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
As the book said, Roosevelt called upon both sides of the White House to figure out what they could do to solve this problem. It started with Roosevelt, but the other but the other sides of the White House also had a role in the solving of the dispute.
2. TRUSTS
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
In order for Roosevelt to solve this problem he first realised that the Sherman Antitrust act was so vague that it was hard to use against companies her were practically robbing the public. He also thought that not all trusts were bad, but that some of them should be regulated so that it is at least somewhat fair to the public. In 1902 he ordered the justice department to see to the Northern Securities Company, which had made a monopoly out of some northwestern railroads. By 1904, this company's monopoly had practically been destroyed.
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
Seeing as Roosevelt called upon "the justice department" this would have to do with the judicial branch of government, things like the Supreme Court.
3. UNREGULATED BIG BUSINESS
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
In order for Roosevelt to solve this problem Roosevelt set up the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) which was used to help enforce the dividing of business in a given area, so that wealthy people couldn't fix high prices for the public. The ICC didn't have much power though. Thus, Roosevelt urged congress to pass the Elkins Act in 1903 which "made it illegal for railroad officials to give, and shippers to receive, rebates for using particular railroads. The act also specified that railroads could not change set rates without notifying the public"
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
4. DANGEROUS FOODS AND MEDICINES
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
In order for Roosevelt to solve this problem is that he first read "The Jungle" which although it is only a story, had true facts behind it. He had inspectors set out to the Meat Packing Factories and in 1906, he wanted the Meat Inspection Act packed, which "dictated strict cleanliness requirements for meat packers and created the program of federal meat inspection"
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
Again, Roosevelt started everything, basically. He sent out inspectors, but then he needed congress's help to pass the Meat Inspection Act. So this relied on the legislative and executive branch.
5. SHRINKING WILDERNESS AND NATURAL RESOURCES
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
In order for Roosevelt to solve this problem he set aside 148 acres of forest conservation, 1.5 million acres of water-power sites, and 80 million acres of land for geological survey and lastly 50 wildlife sanctuaries and many national parks. In addition, he named Gifford Pinchot, a professional conservationist, head of the U.S. forest service.
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
The only legislation that seemed to be involved in this is the executive branch of government because Roosevelt is the one who basically did everything to help conserve the natural resources.
6. RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
Roosevelt didn't do very much to solve this problem, but he did appoint an African American as the head of the custom house in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition, he invited Booker T. Washington to dinner at the White House.
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
What was done about racial discrimination was pretty much only done by the executive branch of government because it was only Roosevelt doing the little things that were done.
Explain the importance of each of the following:
7. Square Deal:
A term used to describe the various progressive reforms sponsored by the Roosevelt administration
8. The Jungle:
A book written by Sinclair to show what conditions were like in the meat packing industries, causing the passing of the Meat Inspection Act.
9. Upton Sinclair:
A journalist who researched things about the human conditions in the stock yard of Chicago. This research was done for his book "The Jungle" but people mostly focused on the conditions in the meat packing workplaces rather then the human conditions in the stock yard.
10. NAACP:
The National Association for the Advancement of Couloured People, which was an organization that was formed because many presidents didn't do much to contribute to the advancement in treatment of people who are discriminated against.
11. Meat Inspection Act:
The act passed by congress in 1906 that dictated strict cleanliness requirements for meat packers and created the program of federal meat inspection
12. Pure Food & Drug Act:
The act passed by congress in 1906 that halted the sale of contaminated foods and medicines as well as truth in the labeling of foods.
13. Significance of the 1902 Coal Miners’ Strike:
The actions Roosevelt took during this time proved that disputes could be settled in a peaceful manner, and basically set an example for the nation.
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
In order for Roosevelt to solve this problem he found a way to peacefully settle the issue. He "called both sides to the White House to talk" The dispute ended up being settled and the miners received a 10% "pay-hike" compared to the 15% they were asking for, along with a shorter work day then 9 hours, which is even better than what they asked for.
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
As the book said, Roosevelt called upon both sides of the White House to figure out what they could do to solve this problem. It started with Roosevelt, but the other but the other sides of the White House also had a role in the solving of the dispute.
2. TRUSTS
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
In order for Roosevelt to solve this problem he first realised that the Sherman Antitrust act was so vague that it was hard to use against companies her were practically robbing the public. He also thought that not all trusts were bad, but that some of them should be regulated so that it is at least somewhat fair to the public. In 1902 he ordered the justice department to see to the Northern Securities Company, which had made a monopoly out of some northwestern railroads. By 1904, this company's monopoly had practically been destroyed.
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
Seeing as Roosevelt called upon "the justice department" this would have to do with the judicial branch of government, things like the Supreme Court.
3. UNREGULATED BIG BUSINESS
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
In order for Roosevelt to solve this problem Roosevelt set up the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) which was used to help enforce the dividing of business in a given area, so that wealthy people couldn't fix high prices for the public. The ICC didn't have much power though. Thus, Roosevelt urged congress to pass the Elkins Act in 1903 which "made it illegal for railroad officials to give, and shippers to receive, rebates for using particular railroads. The act also specified that railroads could not change set rates without notifying the public"
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
The legislation that helped solve this problem is the legislative branch along with the executive because Roosevelt wanted to regulate big business, but he needed congress to pass the Elkins Act.
4. DANGEROUS FOODS AND MEDICINES
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
In order for Roosevelt to solve this problem is that he first read "The Jungle" which although it is only a story, had true facts behind it. He had inspectors set out to the Meat Packing Factories and in 1906, he wanted the Meat Inspection Act packed, which "dictated strict cleanliness requirements for meat packers and created the program of federal meat inspection"
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
Again, Roosevelt started everything, basically. He sent out inspectors, but then he needed congress's help to pass the Meat Inspection Act. So this relied on the legislative and executive branch.
5. SHRINKING WILDERNESS AND NATURAL RESOURCES
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
In order for Roosevelt to solve this problem he set aside 148 acres of forest conservation, 1.5 million acres of water-power sites, and 80 million acres of land for geological survey and lastly 50 wildlife sanctuaries and many national parks. In addition, he named Gifford Pinchot, a professional conservationist, head of the U.S. forest service.
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
The only legislation that seemed to be involved in this is the executive branch of government because Roosevelt is the one who basically did everything to help conserve the natural resources.
6. RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
a. What steps did Roosevelt take to solve the problem?
Roosevelt didn't do very much to solve this problem, but he did appoint an African American as the head of the custom house in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition, he invited Booker T. Washington to dinner at the White House.
b. Which legislation helped solve the problem?
What was done about racial discrimination was pretty much only done by the executive branch of government because it was only Roosevelt doing the little things that were done.
Explain the importance of each of the following:
7. Square Deal:
A term used to describe the various progressive reforms sponsored by the Roosevelt administration
8. The Jungle:
A book written by Sinclair to show what conditions were like in the meat packing industries, causing the passing of the Meat Inspection Act.
9. Upton Sinclair:
A journalist who researched things about the human conditions in the stock yard of Chicago. This research was done for his book "The Jungle" but people mostly focused on the conditions in the meat packing workplaces rather then the human conditions in the stock yard.
10. NAACP:
The National Association for the Advancement of Couloured People, which was an organization that was formed because many presidents didn't do much to contribute to the advancement in treatment of people who are discriminated against.
11. Meat Inspection Act:
The act passed by congress in 1906 that dictated strict cleanliness requirements for meat packers and created the program of federal meat inspection
12. Pure Food & Drug Act:
The act passed by congress in 1906 that halted the sale of contaminated foods and medicines as well as truth in the labeling of foods.
13. Significance of the 1902 Coal Miners’ Strike:
The actions Roosevelt took during this time proved that disputes could be settled in a peaceful manner, and basically set an example for the nation.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Jungle - Exposing the Meatpacking Industry
1. In your opinion, which specific details in this excerpt most convincingly highlight problems in the meatpacking industry in the early 1900s? Why? Use specific passages and quote. Analyze at least five details.
A. One problem in the meatpacking industry was how poorly they treated the animals about to be killed for their meat. For example, "There were high squeals and low squeals, grunts, and wails of agony" This quote obviously shows how scared the pigs were as they were hanging from only one of their legs. This is such a convincing quote because of the image it can put in your head, very persuasive.
B. Another example of the animals being treated poorly was, "until there was a double line of them, each dangling by a foot and kicking in frenzy" which clearly shows how awful these pigs were treated. Mind you, they were still alive while this was happening, it's one thing to kill them for meat, it's another thing to torture them. Yet again, this is such convincing evidence because of the image it can put in your mind of the pigs being dangled by their feet, helplessly squealing.
C. An obvious problem the meat packing industry had was the health department. There was a government inspector that was supposed to check each pig for tuberculosis. This seems like such a great thing because no one would want people getting sick from eating diseased pork, but it didn't work out that way. This inspector was easily distracted, as shown by, "while he was talking with you you could hardly be so ungrateful as to notice that a dozen carcasses were passing him untouched." meaning that the inspector wouldn't check the pigs if he was too busy having a conversation. This is convincing because it shows how much the people really cared about their customers if they didn't even have the common courtesy to check to see if the pigs were ridden with disease.
D. Another problem the meat packing industry had was sanitation. The workers there seemed as though they had no idea what cleanliness was, as proven by, "There was no place for the men to wash their hands before they ate their dinner, and so they made a practice of washing them in the water that was to be ladled into the sausage" This is absolutely repulsive. This water would be mixed in with the sausage, the water that dirty mens' hands had been washed in. This is a convincing problem because people actually ended up eating what was on some workers hands, that is disgusting.
E.Lastly, the meat packing industry had a problem with rats. There was always rats in their work place spoiling their "good" meat. "There would be meat stored in great piles in rooms; and the water from leaky roofs would drip over it, and thousands of rats would race about on it. It was too dark in these storage places to see well, but a man could run his hand over these piles of meat and sweep off handfuls of the dried dung of rats." This quote is a good indication of how many rats this place really did have. This also falls under the category of sanitation, which is really bad as i previously mentioned. This is convincing because, yet again, people were eating this meat, that had had rat poop on it, and little rat feet stomp all over it, which is really gross to even imagine.
2. What is the overall tone of the story?
The overall tone of the story seems to be "Anti-meat packaging industry" because of all of the problems being mentioned in the story. Also, using imagery and guilt is a persuasive technique this author used to seem to get people to feel bad about eating meat. Perhaps she was a vegetarian trying to get everyone to stop buying meat because of a ll of the problems this place had.
3. Based on your reading of this excerpt, why do you think Sinclair titled his novel The Jungle?
There are plenty of good reasons why this excerpt could've been named "The Jungle" One reason could be for how unsanitary this place was. The jungle is not necessarily the cleanest place, so it could be a comparison between a jungle and the work place. Also, implying that the workplace is disgusting. Another reason why it could've been called "The Jungle" is because of the attitudes within the workplace. The workers had no problem with the torture that the animals were going through, which could be compared to the attitude of a lion. A lion is "The King of the Jungle" and it doesn't matter to him what he eats because he has no guilt. Again, this is very similar to the attitude of the worker's in this place.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Challenges of Urbanization
The People: why were the three groups below drawn to cities in the Northeast and Midwest?
1. Immigrants: The immigrants were drawn to cities in the Northeast and Midwest because cities were considered convenient and the cheapest, according to them. In addition, "Cities also offered unskilled laborers steady jobs in mills and factories"
2. Farmers: The farmers were drawn to cities in the Northeast and Midwest because there was "rapid improvements in farming technology in the second half of the 19th century" Improvements such as the McCormick reaper and the steel plow were only available in the city, it seemed, therefore sending the farmers into cities.
3. African-Americans: The African Americans were drawn to cities in the Northeast and Midwest because they were trying to "escape racial violence, economic hardship and political oppression. Along with the fact that many African Americans were losing their jobs and there was more oppurtunity in Northeastern and Midwestern cities.
The Problems: What was done in response to the following five problems?
4. Lack of safe and efficient transportation
In response to this problem there were innovations in the mass transit system, which were designed to help get workers to their job more safely and efficeintly. The carts could hold large numbers of people as well, so it was easy to get a bunch of people to the place in which they were going. Also, cable cars were introduced to the San Fransisco area in 1873. The only problem with these new inovations is that it was hard to keep up with the maintenence of the cars when they would become broken down, or something else went wrong.
5. Unsafe drinking water
In response to this problem some cities such as New York built public waterworks to keep up with the increasing number of people in the city and their need for water. In 1908's, chlorination was introduced to help rid disease and bacteria from water; and prior to that in the 1870's water filtration was introduced for the same reason as chlorination.
6. Lack of sanitation
In response to problems, such as manure pilling up on the streets, by the 1900's a lot of cities had created sanitation departments as well as sewer lines. Although this was a good response to the bad sanitation in most cities, it was difficult to maintain.
7. Fire Hazards
In response to this problem, Cincinatti was first to take action by creating the first paid fire department in 1853. Others followed this leadership. In 1874, the first automatic sprinklers were introduced, wich were obviously a great innovation to ease the worry of fire hazards. Lastly, by the 1900's almost every city had a full time professional fire department. In addition, most wooden settlements were replaced with brick or stone, also to help reduce the risk of fires breaking out.
8. Crime
In response to this problem, New York City was the first to take real action against it. In 1844, New York City created the first full time police force (paid of course) which did indeed help reduce the crime risk in the city. However, since the forces in other cities were not as large as the one in New York City, they didn't work as well.
1. Immigrants: The immigrants were drawn to cities in the Northeast and Midwest because cities were considered convenient and the cheapest, according to them. In addition, "Cities also offered unskilled laborers steady jobs in mills and factories"
2. Farmers: The farmers were drawn to cities in the Northeast and Midwest because there was "rapid improvements in farming technology in the second half of the 19th century" Improvements such as the McCormick reaper and the steel plow were only available in the city, it seemed, therefore sending the farmers into cities.
3. African-Americans: The African Americans were drawn to cities in the Northeast and Midwest because they were trying to "escape racial violence, economic hardship and political oppression. Along with the fact that many African Americans were losing their jobs and there was more oppurtunity in Northeastern and Midwestern cities.
The Problems: What was done in response to the following five problems?
4. Lack of safe and efficient transportation
In response to this problem there were innovations in the mass transit system, which were designed to help get workers to their job more safely and efficeintly. The carts could hold large numbers of people as well, so it was easy to get a bunch of people to the place in which they were going. Also, cable cars were introduced to the San Fransisco area in 1873. The only problem with these new inovations is that it was hard to keep up with the maintenence of the cars when they would become broken down, or something else went wrong.
5. Unsafe drinking water
In response to this problem some cities such as New York built public waterworks to keep up with the increasing number of people in the city and their need for water. In 1908's, chlorination was introduced to help rid disease and bacteria from water; and prior to that in the 1870's water filtration was introduced for the same reason as chlorination.
6. Lack of sanitation
In response to problems, such as manure pilling up on the streets, by the 1900's a lot of cities had created sanitation departments as well as sewer lines. Although this was a good response to the bad sanitation in most cities, it was difficult to maintain.
7. Fire Hazards
In response to this problem, Cincinatti was first to take action by creating the first paid fire department in 1853. Others followed this leadership. In 1874, the first automatic sprinklers were introduced, wich were obviously a great innovation to ease the worry of fire hazards. Lastly, by the 1900's almost every city had a full time professional fire department. In addition, most wooden settlements were replaced with brick or stone, also to help reduce the risk of fires breaking out.
8. Crime
In response to this problem, New York City was the first to take real action against it. In 1844, New York City created the first full time police force (paid of course) which did indeed help reduce the crime risk in the city. However, since the forces in other cities were not as large as the one in New York City, they didn't work as well.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Immigration
1. What major areas or countries of the world were immigrants coming from?
The major areas/ countries of the world that immigrants were coming from were mainly Europe, China and the West Indies and Japan. Some other countries were Russia, and Mexico. There was a large range from where immigrants came from.
2. What were the two major immigration processing stations in the United States?
Two major immigration processing stations in the United States were Ellis Island, in the New York harbor and Angel island, which is in the San Fransisco Bay.
3. Define Melting Pot.
The term Melting Pot is defined as "a mixture of people of different cultures and races who blended together by abandoning their native languages and customs."
4. Define Nativism.
The term Nativism is defined as "overt favoritism toward native born Americans." ( A nativist believed Anglo-Saxons were superior to all other ethnic groups)
5. According to the Immigration Restriction League, list the desirable immigrants.
The more desirable immigrants, according to the IRL were "British, German, and Scandinavian stock, historically free, energetic, progressive"
6. According to the Immigration Restriction League, list the “wrong” immigrants.
The least desirable immigrants, according to the IRL were, "Slave, Latin and Asiatic races, historically down- trodden... and stagnant"
7. Why did nativists’ sometimes object to an immigrant’s religious background?
Nativists sometimes objected to an immigrant's religious background rather then ethnicity because they felt as though Roman-Catholic and Jewish people "would undermine the democratic institutions established by the country's Protestant founders"
8. Why was the Chinese Exclusion Act passed?
The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed because many were in fear of the Chinese taking jobs away from citizens because they were willing to work for lower wages. At the time, labor groups were putting pressure on the government so that they would pass the act for this very reason.
The major areas/ countries of the world that immigrants were coming from were mainly Europe, China and the West Indies and Japan. Some other countries were Russia, and Mexico. There was a large range from where immigrants came from.
2. What were the two major immigration processing stations in the United States?
Two major immigration processing stations in the United States were Ellis Island, in the New York harbor and Angel island, which is in the San Fransisco Bay.
3. Define Melting Pot.
The term Melting Pot is defined as "a mixture of people of different cultures and races who blended together by abandoning their native languages and customs."
4. Define Nativism.
The term Nativism is defined as "overt favoritism toward native born Americans." ( A nativist believed Anglo-Saxons were superior to all other ethnic groups)
5. According to the Immigration Restriction League, list the desirable immigrants.
The more desirable immigrants, according to the IRL were "British, German, and Scandinavian stock, historically free, energetic, progressive"
6. According to the Immigration Restriction League, list the “wrong” immigrants.
The least desirable immigrants, according to the IRL were, "Slave, Latin and Asiatic races, historically down- trodden... and stagnant"
7. Why did nativists’ sometimes object to an immigrant’s religious background?
Nativists sometimes objected to an immigrant's religious background rather then ethnicity because they felt as though Roman-Catholic and Jewish people "would undermine the democratic institutions established by the country's Protestant founders"
8. Why was the Chinese Exclusion Act passed?
The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed because many were in fear of the Chinese taking jobs away from citizens because they were willing to work for lower wages. At the time, labor groups were putting pressure on the government so that they would pass the act for this very reason.
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