1. Summarize the basic argument for and the basic argument against nuclear weapons.
People who argue for Nuclear weapons argue that they are essential in order to protect the united States from aggression and countries wouldn't want to go to war so much knowing how badly things could end.
People who argue against nuclear weapons argue that they are simply too dangerous and destructive to exist, and that they could end all of humanity. They also argue that human error can cause some really bad accidents.
2. What is the difference between a strategic and a tactical nuclear weapon?
Strategic nuclear weapons are long ranged and can hit a target six thousand miles away. Tactical nuclear weapons are short ranged and can fit inside a backpack, but actually have smaller explosions than some non-nuclear weapons.
3. What is nuclear proliferation?
Nuclear proliferation is the spread of nuclear weapons
4. What role has the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty played in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons?
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is designed to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. It prevents countries that have had nuclear weapons before 1967 from giving away nuclear weapons or technology to states that don't have it, and to reduce their weapon stockpiles. It also made non-nuclear nations agree not to acquire or produce nuclear weapons, but they have the right to obtain knowledge, materials and equipment for peaceful purposes.
5. Explain Secretary of State Rice's high level of concern about the Russian nuclear arsenal. (See her quote on page 16 of your reading.)
Secretary of State Rice was very concerned about the Russian nuclear arsenal. She worried that Russia's economic troubles weakened Moscow's control over it's nuclear program. Russia had tons of nuclear weapons and it was dangerous to have them all.
6. How as the threat of terrorism changed thinking about nuclear weapons?
Dealing with terrorists is much more difficult than dealing with a country, since terrorist organizations are hard to identify and can be mobile. Countries a=have to be careful not to allow terrorists to acquire nuclear weapons, because 9/11 would like like nothing compared to a nuclear attack. Also, deterrence wouldnt apply to terrorists because they dont have to worry about retaliation from who they attack.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Nuclear Arms Race Since 1945
1. Explain how Dragonfire's report on October 11, 2001 highlighted a new threat from nuclear weapons.
Dragonfire's report on October 11, 2001 highlighted a new threat for nuclear weapons. A nuclear weapon hadnt been used since World War II, but when dragonfire reported that a nuclear weapon was smuggled into New York, people realized just how dangerous these were and how destructive it could be and how many lives could be lost.
2. Why is proliferation such a strong concern for the United States?
Proliferation was such a strong concern for the United States because they didn't want atomic bombs to spread because the more countries that had them, the more countries that could use them and potentially end humanity.
3. What is deterrence?
Deterrence is a plan to prevent nuclear war. If one side attacked another, they would respond with an even bigger attack. Them=n both sides would realize that they face certain destruction and will stop attacking.
4. Explain the importance of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
During the Cuban missile crisis, when America learned the soviets had nuclear missiles in Cuba, a nuclear war almost broke out. It ultimately didn't happen, but it showed how close things came and a deal was made to prevent it from happening again. After this, the tension between America and the Soviet Union lessened.
5. President John F. Kennedy worried that twenty-five nations would have nuclear weapons by the 1970s. Why do you think his worry did not come to pass?
Because negotiations were held and an international agreement was made to prevent countries from acquiring nuclear weapons (other than the five that already had them).
6. What was the Cold War? How long did it last?
The Cold War was the stand-off between the United States and the Soviet Union in which both nations attempted to acquire more nuclear weapons than the other to feel secure. Ultimately, there was no actual war or battles. The Cold War came to an end on December 25, 1991 after more than 40 years. (46 years, 1945-1991)
Dragonfire's report on October 11, 2001 highlighted a new threat for nuclear weapons. A nuclear weapon hadnt been used since World War II, but when dragonfire reported that a nuclear weapon was smuggled into New York, people realized just how dangerous these were and how destructive it could be and how many lives could be lost.
2. Why is proliferation such a strong concern for the United States?
Proliferation was such a strong concern for the United States because they didn't want atomic bombs to spread because the more countries that had them, the more countries that could use them and potentially end humanity.
3. What is deterrence?
Deterrence is a plan to prevent nuclear war. If one side attacked another, they would respond with an even bigger attack. Them=n both sides would realize that they face certain destruction and will stop attacking.
4. Explain the importance of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
During the Cuban missile crisis, when America learned the soviets had nuclear missiles in Cuba, a nuclear war almost broke out. It ultimately didn't happen, but it showed how close things came and a deal was made to prevent it from happening again. After this, the tension between America and the Soviet Union lessened.
5. President John F. Kennedy worried that twenty-five nations would have nuclear weapons by the 1970s. Why do you think his worry did not come to pass?
Because negotiations were held and an international agreement was made to prevent countries from acquiring nuclear weapons (other than the five that already had them).
6. What was the Cold War? How long did it last?
The Cold War was the stand-off between the United States and the Soviet Union in which both nations attempted to acquire more nuclear weapons than the other to feel secure. Ultimately, there was no actual war or battles. The Cold War came to an end on December 25, 1991 after more than 40 years. (46 years, 1945-1991)
Friday, December 7, 2012
Works Cited
Haugen, David M., Susan Musser and Kacy Lovelace, eds. The Middle East. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009
Truman, Margaret Harry S. Truman. New York: William Morrow & Company, Inc., 1973
Bailyn, Bernard The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press, 1967
Truman, Margaret Harry S. Truman. New York: William Morrow & Company, Inc., 1973
Bailyn, Bernard The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press, 1967
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Mobilizing for Defense
1. How did the American response to the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor differ from Japanese expectations?
The Japanese expected that their raid on Pearl Harbor would terrify the Americans and they would avoid furthre conflict after getting a preview of Japan's power. But the Americans had the opposite reaction; Americans were angry and used Pearl Harbor as motivation to get involved.
2. What difficulties did women and minorities face in the wartime work force?
During war-time, women and minorities were hired, but they faced difficulties. Women only earned 60% of what men made for doing the exact same things. 75% of companies refused to hire any minorities at all and the ones who were hired were only hired as janitors and other menial jobs.
3. Why did President Roosevelt create the OSRD, and what did it do?
President Roosevelt created the OSRD in order to bring scientists into the war effort, which brough improvements in sonar and radar, as well as pesticides to fight insects and penicillin which saved many lives. Their biggest achievement was creating the atomic bomb.
4. What basic problems were the OPA and WPB created to solve?
The OPA and WPB were created to solve the problems of inflation during the war and making sure that the war industries and armed forces would receive the goods that they needed in order to win the war, which involved collecting raw materials that would be needed.
5. What type of items were rationed and why were they limited?
Meat, sugar, shoes, coffee and gasoline were rationed. These were chosen to be rationed because they were essential items for the military.
6. What is the message of the World War II poster on this assignment's blog posting? Why was this message important?
The message of the World War II poster is that if you are riding alone (without a carpool), you are riding with Hitler, meaning that you are helping out Hitler and the Germans instead of America because by not having a carpool, you are using too much gas, which is an essential item needed for the military to defeat Hitler.
The Japanese expected that their raid on Pearl Harbor would terrify the Americans and they would avoid furthre conflict after getting a preview of Japan's power. But the Americans had the opposite reaction; Americans were angry and used Pearl Harbor as motivation to get involved.
2. What difficulties did women and minorities face in the wartime work force?
During war-time, women and minorities were hired, but they faced difficulties. Women only earned 60% of what men made for doing the exact same things. 75% of companies refused to hire any minorities at all and the ones who were hired were only hired as janitors and other menial jobs.
3. Why did President Roosevelt create the OSRD, and what did it do?
President Roosevelt created the OSRD in order to bring scientists into the war effort, which brough improvements in sonar and radar, as well as pesticides to fight insects and penicillin which saved many lives. Their biggest achievement was creating the atomic bomb.
4. What basic problems were the OPA and WPB created to solve?
The OPA and WPB were created to solve the problems of inflation during the war and making sure that the war industries and armed forces would receive the goods that they needed in order to win the war, which involved collecting raw materials that would be needed.
5. What type of items were rationed and why were they limited?
Meat, sugar, shoes, coffee and gasoline were rationed. These were chosen to be rationed because they were essential items for the military.
6. What is the message of the World War II poster on this assignment's blog posting? Why was this message important?
The message of the World War II poster is that if you are riding alone (without a carpool), you are riding with Hitler, meaning that you are helping out Hitler and the Germans instead of America because by not having a carpool, you are using too much gas, which is an essential item needed for the military to defeat Hitler.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
War in the Pacific
1. In what ways were the American victory at Midway and the Japanese triumph at Pearl Harbor alike?
At Pearl Harbor, the Japanese bombed many American weapons and the Americans were defenseless. The same battle at Midway was very similar, but this time the Americans were attacking the Japanese. The Japanese were devastated, which made up for how devastated the Americans were after Pearl Harbor.
2. Why was the Battle of Leyte Gulf so crucial to the Allies?
Japan had disastrous results and lost 3 battleships, 4 aircraft carriers, 13 cruisers and nearly 500 -lanes. From this point on, the Imperial Navy wasn't too important to Japan's defense.
3. Why was Okinawa a significant island in the war in the Pacific?
After they took Iwo Jima, It was the only island that stood between the Allies and a final assault on Japan.
4. What was the Manhattan Project? And who was J. Robert Oppenheimer?
The Manhattan project was the development of the atomic bomb. J. Robert Oppenheimer was the lead research developer of this.
5. Why was Roosevelt anxious to make concessions to Stalin concerning the fate of postwar Germany?
Because he wanted the USSR to help America against Japan in the pacific and he wanted Stalin's support for the United Nations- a world peace-keeping organization.
6. What decisions did Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin make at the Yalta Conference?
Germany would be divided into 4 zones; America, Britain, France and the USSR each would control one. These zones would eventually combine together for a reunited Germany. Stalin promised "free and unfettered elections" in Poland and other Eastern-European countries that the USSR occupied. Stalin also agreed to join in the war against Japan, and to participate in an international conference, where Roosevelt's dream of the United Nations would come true.
7. At the trials, many Nazis defended themselves by saying they were only following orders. What does this rationale tell you about the German military? Why was it important to negate this justification?
This tells us how the German military would follow any order that they were given and were very loyal. It was important to negate these Nazis' justifications because despite the orders they were given, they still followed them and committed these horrible acts. This established the concept of individual responsibility even in times of war.
At Pearl Harbor, the Japanese bombed many American weapons and the Americans were defenseless. The same battle at Midway was very similar, but this time the Americans were attacking the Japanese. The Japanese were devastated, which made up for how devastated the Americans were after Pearl Harbor.
2. Why was the Battle of Leyte Gulf so crucial to the Allies?
Japan had disastrous results and lost 3 battleships, 4 aircraft carriers, 13 cruisers and nearly 500 -lanes. From this point on, the Imperial Navy wasn't too important to Japan's defense.
3. Why was Okinawa a significant island in the war in the Pacific?
After they took Iwo Jima, It was the only island that stood between the Allies and a final assault on Japan.
4. What was the Manhattan Project? And who was J. Robert Oppenheimer?
The Manhattan project was the development of the atomic bomb. J. Robert Oppenheimer was the lead research developer of this.
5. Why was Roosevelt anxious to make concessions to Stalin concerning the fate of postwar Germany?
Because he wanted the USSR to help America against Japan in the pacific and he wanted Stalin's support for the United Nations- a world peace-keeping organization.
6. What decisions did Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin make at the Yalta Conference?
Germany would be divided into 4 zones; America, Britain, France and the USSR each would control one. These zones would eventually combine together for a reunited Germany. Stalin promised "free and unfettered elections" in Poland and other Eastern-European countries that the USSR occupied. Stalin also agreed to join in the war against Japan, and to participate in an international conference, where Roosevelt's dream of the United Nations would come true.
7. At the trials, many Nazis defended themselves by saying they were only following orders. What does this rationale tell you about the German military? Why was it important to negate this justification?
This tells us how the German military would follow any order that they were given and were very loyal. It was important to negate these Nazis' justifications because despite the orders they were given, they still followed them and committed these horrible acts. This established the concept of individual responsibility even in times of war.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
War for Europe and North Africa
1. Why had the tide turned in the Battle of the Atlantic by mid-1943?
Germans were using U-Boats to sink American cargo ships so that Britain wouldn't get supplies. This was proving very successful, but America responded by having convoys escorted by destroyer ships with sonar and plans cross together so that they would be able to find and destroy U-Boats. This proved very successful and the Americans were sinking the U-Boats faster than Germany could make them.
2. What two key decisions determined the final outcome at Stalingrad?
The two key decisions that determined the final outcome at Stalingrad were Hitler not letting his troops leave and the USSR using the winter as a time to stage a massive counter-attack.
3. What was the outcome of the North African campaign?
Allied troops landed in Africa and chased the Afrika Korps eastwards until they surrendered in May 1943
4. What were the results of the Italian campaign?
The Allies attacked in Sicily and the Italian army collapsed. The Italian government was shocked and forced dictator Benito Mussolini to resign. He was arrested and called "the most hated man in Italy". Italians celebrated teh end of the war, but Hitler wanted to fight in Italy rather than Germany, so he sent troops there and the battle "Bloody Anzio" was 4 months long resulting in 25,000 ally deaths and 30,000 axis deaths.
5. Was the Allied invasion of Europe successful? Explain your answer.
The allied invasion of Europe was successful. Despite losing lots of people, this was what was necessary to successfully invade Europe. And in the end, they were able to free France, Luxembourg and Belgium.
6. Why was the Battle of the Bulge important?
It was a last-chance effort by the Germans and they lost too many soldiers and weapons to replace so they couldn't do much after that.
7. What the significance of V-E day?
It signified that the war was finally over
8. Who was Dwight D. Eisenhower?
An American General who commanded the D-Day attack
9. Do you agree with the decision made by Roosevelt and Churchill to require unconditional surrender by the Axis powers? Why or why not?
I agree with the decision made by Roosevelt and Churchill to require unconditional surrender by the Axis powers because it would show that the Allies really won the war by a lot and that the Axis knows that they have been defeated and a statement has been made to show that they would lose again. They wont think "we almost won, maybe we can if we try again".
Germans were using U-Boats to sink American cargo ships so that Britain wouldn't get supplies. This was proving very successful, but America responded by having convoys escorted by destroyer ships with sonar and plans cross together so that they would be able to find and destroy U-Boats. This proved very successful and the Americans were sinking the U-Boats faster than Germany could make them.
2. What two key decisions determined the final outcome at Stalingrad?
The two key decisions that determined the final outcome at Stalingrad were Hitler not letting his troops leave and the USSR using the winter as a time to stage a massive counter-attack.
3. What was the outcome of the North African campaign?
Allied troops landed in Africa and chased the Afrika Korps eastwards until they surrendered in May 1943
4. What were the results of the Italian campaign?
The Allies attacked in Sicily and the Italian army collapsed. The Italian government was shocked and forced dictator Benito Mussolini to resign. He was arrested and called "the most hated man in Italy". Italians celebrated teh end of the war, but Hitler wanted to fight in Italy rather than Germany, so he sent troops there and the battle "Bloody Anzio" was 4 months long resulting in 25,000 ally deaths and 30,000 axis deaths.
5. Was the Allied invasion of Europe successful? Explain your answer.
The allied invasion of Europe was successful. Despite losing lots of people, this was what was necessary to successfully invade Europe. And in the end, they were able to free France, Luxembourg and Belgium.
6. Why was the Battle of the Bulge important?
It was a last-chance effort by the Germans and they lost too many soldiers and weapons to replace so they couldn't do much after that.
7. What the significance of V-E day?
It signified that the war was finally over
8. Who was Dwight D. Eisenhower?
An American General who commanded the D-Day attack
9. Do you agree with the decision made by Roosevelt and Churchill to require unconditional surrender by the Axis powers? Why or why not?
I agree with the decision made by Roosevelt and Churchill to require unconditional surrender by the Axis powers because it would show that the Allies really won the war by a lot and that the Axis knows that they have been defeated and a statement has been made to show that they would lose again. They wont think "we almost won, maybe we can if we try again".
Saturday, October 27, 2012
The Great Depression Widens
From Great Depression 22-2 Reading
1. How did the Great Depression affect minorities?
Minorities, such as Mexicans and Mexican Americans, had an especially hard time during the great depression. They had higher unemployment rates and lower-paying jobs. They had to deal with racial violence from whites that were competing for jobs. Many whites demanded that they be deported. Hundreds of thousands of people of Mexican descent left the country; some voluntarily and some were deported.
2. Why did so many men leave their homes during the Depression?
Men were accustomed to working and supporting their families. When they lost their jobs, it became part of their daily routine to search the streets for employment. But it was very hard to find work. Many people stopped trying because they were so discouraged and even left their families.
3. How did the Great Depression affect women and children?
Woman had to work hard during the Great Depression. Many of them canned food and sewed clothing. They learned how to be extremely frugal and save every penny. Those who worked outside the home earned much less than men. They became the targets of much hatred. People felt that woman weren't struggling as much as men (especially married women) and felt woman didn't deserve jobs if men were unemployed.
From Great Depression 22-3 Reading
4. What were some of Hoover’s key convictions about government?
Hoover believed that one of the government's most import jobs was to find solutions that would benefit both sides of a dispute. He opposed any type of federal welfare or direct relief to the needy, believing that people should support themselves, which was known as rugged individualism. People found him to be cold and heartless, but he didn't change his beliefs despite public criticism.
5. Why do you think people blamed Hoover for the nation’s difficulties?
People did not feel like Hoover was helping them at all. Hoover didn't want to hurt anyone's "moral fiber" helping them, but the people couldn't care less about their moral fiber- they were starving. Hoover was taking a hands-off approach and waiting for the economy to fix itself, but things were only getting worse.
6. What were some of the projects proposed by Hoover, and how effective were they?
He urged key leaders of business, banking and labor to find solutions to the country's economic problems after the crash happened. He asked employers not to cut wagers or fire workers, and for labor leaders to not go on strike. Hoover also made an organization that helped charities help the poor. None of these things were very helpful, and the economy was still worsening after a year. Hoover also organized the Boulder Dam, which created jobs, provided flood control and electricity and enabled growth of California's agricultural economy.
7. What did the Bonus Army want?
The Bonus Army was made up of World War I veterans and their families. They were supporting the Patman Bill, which authorized the government to pay a bonus to veterans who had not been fairly compensated for their service during the war. They felt that the money ($500) should be payed immediately.
1. How did the Great Depression affect minorities?
Minorities, such as Mexicans and Mexican Americans, had an especially hard time during the great depression. They had higher unemployment rates and lower-paying jobs. They had to deal with racial violence from whites that were competing for jobs. Many whites demanded that they be deported. Hundreds of thousands of people of Mexican descent left the country; some voluntarily and some were deported.
2. Why did so many men leave their homes during the Depression?
Men were accustomed to working and supporting their families. When they lost their jobs, it became part of their daily routine to search the streets for employment. But it was very hard to find work. Many people stopped trying because they were so discouraged and even left their families.
3. How did the Great Depression affect women and children?
Woman had to work hard during the Great Depression. Many of them canned food and sewed clothing. They learned how to be extremely frugal and save every penny. Those who worked outside the home earned much less than men. They became the targets of much hatred. People felt that woman weren't struggling as much as men (especially married women) and felt woman didn't deserve jobs if men were unemployed.
From Great Depression 22-3 Reading
4. What were some of Hoover’s key convictions about government?
Hoover believed that one of the government's most import jobs was to find solutions that would benefit both sides of a dispute. He opposed any type of federal welfare or direct relief to the needy, believing that people should support themselves, which was known as rugged individualism. People found him to be cold and heartless, but he didn't change his beliefs despite public criticism.
5. Why do you think people blamed Hoover for the nation’s difficulties?
People did not feel like Hoover was helping them at all. Hoover didn't want to hurt anyone's "moral fiber" helping them, but the people couldn't care less about their moral fiber- they were starving. Hoover was taking a hands-off approach and waiting for the economy to fix itself, but things were only getting worse.
6. What were some of the projects proposed by Hoover, and how effective were they?
He urged key leaders of business, banking and labor to find solutions to the country's economic problems after the crash happened. He asked employers not to cut wagers or fire workers, and for labor leaders to not go on strike. Hoover also made an organization that helped charities help the poor. None of these things were very helpful, and the economy was still worsening after a year. Hoover also organized the Boulder Dam, which created jobs, provided flood control and electricity and enabled growth of California's agricultural economy.
7. What did the Bonus Army want?
The Bonus Army was made up of World War I veterans and their families. They were supporting the Patman Bill, which authorized the government to pay a bonus to veterans who had not been fairly compensated for their service during the war. They felt that the money ($500) should be payed immediately.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The Crash Occurs and the Great Depression Begins
1. What industrial weakness signaled a declining economy in the 1920s?
Key basic industries (railroads, textiles, steel) only made a small profit. Railroads lost business due to competition from trucks, buses and personal automobiles. Mining and lumbering were no longer in high demand. Coal mining lost business from new forms of energy and the boo, industries of the 1920s (automobiles, construction and consumer goods) weakened.
2. What did the experience of farmers and consumers at this time suggest about the health of the economy?
Agriculture was hit hard. Demand for crops fell after the war ended and prices fell by 40%. They increased production but were unable to sell everything they made, further lowering the prices. Farmers' income plummeted and many could pay off their debts.
3. How did speculation and margin buying cause stock prices to rise?
People would just by something in hopes of making some quick cash and they would ignore all the risks (this was speculation). Buying on a margin was making a down payment and then borrowing the rest of the money. Easy money was available and trade was unrestrained. Rising prices didn't reflect the worth of their company.
4. What happened to ordinary workers during the Great Depression?
Many banks had to close down because they didn't have any money and people lost their entire savings. Millions of workers lost their jobs. Unemployment was at 25% and those who did have jobs had reduced pay and reduced hours.
5. How did the Great Depression affect the world economy?
Key basic industries (railroads, textiles, steel) only made a small profit. Railroads lost business due to competition from trucks, buses and personal automobiles. Mining and lumbering were no longer in high demand. Coal mining lost business from new forms of energy and the boo, industries of the 1920s (automobiles, construction and consumer goods) weakened.
Agriculture was hit hard. Demand for crops fell after the war ended and prices fell by 40%. They increased production but were unable to sell everything they made, further lowering the prices. Farmers' income plummeted and many could pay off their debts.
3. How did speculation and margin buying cause stock prices to rise?
People would just by something in hopes of making some quick cash and they would ignore all the risks (this was speculation). Buying on a margin was making a down payment and then borrowing the rest of the money. Easy money was available and trade was unrestrained. Rising prices didn't reflect the worth of their company.
4. What happened to ordinary workers during the Great Depression?
Many banks had to close down because they didn't have any money and people lost their entire savings. Millions of workers lost their jobs. Unemployment was at 25% and those who did have jobs had reduced pay and reduced hours.
5. How did the Great Depression affect the world economy?
The Great Depression not only affected American economy, but also the world economy. Many countries had to deal with war debt, and Germany had to pay war reparations. The Great Depression worsened these things by limiting America's ability to import European goods, which made it difficult to sell American products to other countries.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Prohibition
1. How did small-town life and city life differ?
Small town life and city life were very different. In the 1920's, the city was "the place to be". People were leaving farms and towns to move to the city. Small towns had lots of close friendships and you knew the people around you and the people had conservative moral values. The city had a lot of competition and change, and people were judged by accomplishments, not background. They also tolerated behaviors that weren't tolerated in small town life (drinking, gambling).
2. Why do you think the Eighteenth Amendment failed to eliminate alcohol consumption?
The Eighteenth Amendment failed to eliminate alcohol consumption for several reasons. A main reason was that people honestly didn't believe in the Amendment- only a tiny 19% supported it. Also, it was too easy to get to alcohol- people made it themselves, went to speakeasies, bought from bootleggers, and more. Lastly, the government wasn't really able to enforce the law. Only 1,500 federal agents and police were in charge of it and there was no way that they could do it.
3. How did criminals take advantage of Prohibition?
Prohibition created general disrespect for the law, due to many people not supporting it. It also contributed to organized crime. Gangsters had bootlegging empires (Al Capone killed his competition). Al Capone's empire was worth $60 million per year.
4. What was the conflict between fundamentalists and those who accepted evolution?
Fundamentalists were skeptical of scientific knowledge. They believed in the Bible and felt that God created everything. People who accepted evolution believed in the scientific evidence that was found and the work done by scientists and felt that that was the truth- humans evolving- as opposed to the fundamentalists who believed God made the world and everything in it, including humans, in 6 days.
5. How might the overall atmosphere of the 1920s have contributed to the failure of Prohibition?
The overall atmosphere of the 1920's contributed to the failure of Prohibition. People had just gotten out of the war, so they were kind of stressed and wanted to celebrate- alcohol is good for both of those things. Also, people had to cut back and make sacrifices during the war. Now that the war has ended, people don't want to cut back anymore, but the Prohibition is making them cut back. With the increase in city life, people were being more social and trying new things, so alcohol was something that went with socializing and trying new things.
Small town life and city life were very different. In the 1920's, the city was "the place to be". People were leaving farms and towns to move to the city. Small towns had lots of close friendships and you knew the people around you and the people had conservative moral values. The city had a lot of competition and change, and people were judged by accomplishments, not background. They also tolerated behaviors that weren't tolerated in small town life (drinking, gambling).
2. Why do you think the Eighteenth Amendment failed to eliminate alcohol consumption?
The Eighteenth Amendment failed to eliminate alcohol consumption for several reasons. A main reason was that people honestly didn't believe in the Amendment- only a tiny 19% supported it. Also, it was too easy to get to alcohol- people made it themselves, went to speakeasies, bought from bootleggers, and more. Lastly, the government wasn't really able to enforce the law. Only 1,500 federal agents and police were in charge of it and there was no way that they could do it.
3. How did criminals take advantage of Prohibition?
Prohibition created general disrespect for the law, due to many people not supporting it. It also contributed to organized crime. Gangsters had bootlegging empires (Al Capone killed his competition). Al Capone's empire was worth $60 million per year.
4. What was the conflict between fundamentalists and those who accepted evolution?
Fundamentalists were skeptical of scientific knowledge. They believed in the Bible and felt that God created everything. People who accepted evolution believed in the scientific evidence that was found and the work done by scientists and felt that that was the truth- humans evolving- as opposed to the fundamentalists who believed God made the world and everything in it, including humans, in 6 days.
5. How might the overall atmosphere of the 1920s have contributed to the failure of Prohibition?
The overall atmosphere of the 1920's contributed to the failure of Prohibition. People had just gotten out of the war, so they were kind of stressed and wanted to celebrate- alcohol is good for both of those things. Also, people had to cut back and make sacrifices during the war. Now that the war has ended, people don't want to cut back anymore, but the Prohibition is making them cut back. With the increase in city life, people were being more social and trying new things, so alcohol was something that went with socializing and trying new things.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
News Analysis on the First Presidential Debate
Source Information
Date:
October 3, 2012
What news organization (or individual) produced this?:
The New York Times (Jeff Zeleny and Jim Rutenberg)
What is the type of news source?:
Online News Paper
Online News Paper
Content
What is the main headline?:
Obama and Romney, in First Debate, Spar Over Fixing the Economy
What facts (statistics, important events, etc.) are included?:
The topics that were discussed and some facts about the plans that were presented ($1 of tax increases for every $10 in spending cuts.)
Is anyone quoted? If so, who? What did they say?:
Yes, both President Barack Obama and Congressman Mitt Romney were quoted many times on a variety of different subjects that were discussed. (“I like the way we did it in Massachusetts,” Mr. Romney said of his health plan.) (“At some point,” Mr. Obama said, “the American people have to ask themselves: Is the reason Governor Romney is keeping all these plans secret, is it because they’re going to be too good? Because middle-class families benefit too much? No.”)
What information or ideas might have been left out?:
The authors left out their opinions and it mostly showed only one side of most issues.
Message
Who is the intended audience?:
The intended audience is people who missed the debate and wanted an opinion free recap of what was discussed and what happened.
Does the author seem to have an opinion? If so, what is it?:
The authors seemed to try their hardest to not put an opinion into the article, but at parts it seemed as thought thew thought the candidates were generally evenly matched, but Romney had more style and Obama wasnt treating him like a serious competitor.
What is the tone of the source?:
The tone was very factual and informative, and a bit casual and non confrontational.
What words or phrases create the tone?:
"On a basic level it was a clash of two ideologies..."
"The two quarreled aggressively over tax policy, the budget deficit and the role of government, with each man accusing the other of being evasive and misleading voters."
Is any one person or group discussed positively? Negatively?:
No, they were both presented in a neutral, facts-only manner.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Wilson and the League of Nations' Legacy
1. In what ways
was the League successful after World War I? Unsuccessful?
After World
War I, the League had several successes, but also some failures. It did succeed
in its main goal of resolving some disputes in a peaceful way and preventing
violence; such as when it prevented a war between Greece and Bulgaria over a
border conflict and responding to a humanitarian crisis in Turkey. But the
League was unsuccessful in several scenarios as well. One of the League's
greatest flaws was that it lacked troops and didn't have the power to enforce
some of its decisions. This problem was exposed when the League was unable to
force Poland out of a Lithuanian town.
2. Many historians suggest that the terms of the Versailles Treaty were a major cause of World War II. Support that argument.
The terms of the Versailles Treaty were definitely a major cause of World War II. Many people even speculate that if it weren't for the Treaty of Versailles, there may not have even been a second world war. The Treaty singled out Germany for causing the war. To say that Germany was the only country responsible for the world war starting is a complete lie. It is true that they were one of the major players in starting it, but there were many other countries involved with this. This angered Germany and embarrassed them. Germany was already eager to reassert themselves as a world power, and this gave them more reason to do so. Hitler wanted to get the Germans angry and willing to enter another war, and he would always point to the Treaty of Versailles.
3. Some historians characterize U.S. policy during the interwar period as isolationist. What actions, described in the reading, could be called isolationist?
2. Many historians suggest that the terms of the Versailles Treaty were a major cause of World War II. Support that argument.
The terms of the Versailles Treaty were definitely a major cause of World War II. Many people even speculate that if it weren't for the Treaty of Versailles, there may not have even been a second world war. The Treaty singled out Germany for causing the war. To say that Germany was the only country responsible for the world war starting is a complete lie. It is true that they were one of the major players in starting it, but there were many other countries involved with this. This angered Germany and embarrassed them. Germany was already eager to reassert themselves as a world power, and this gave them more reason to do so. Hitler wanted to get the Germans angry and willing to enter another war, and he would always point to the Treaty of Versailles.
3. Some historians characterize U.S. policy during the interwar period as isolationist. What actions, described in the reading, could be called isolationist?
U.S. policy during the interwar
period can be easily classified as isolationist. The U.S. wanted an independent
foreign policy. They didn’t want to be constrained by any permanent alliances.
America would only get involved with international fairs if it was absolutely
necessary, or if it benefitted them. This was very selfish. It showed that they
were only interested in their own good. An example of their isolationistic
behavior was when they refused to forgive Britain and France’s war debts and
wouldn’t even compromise because it wouldn’t be beneficial for them.
4. How was U.S. foreign policy different in the Cold War from the interwar period?
The U.S. foreign policy was very different in the Cold War than it was during the interwar period. During the interwar period, the U.S. was very isolationistic. They tried their hardest to avoid having to deal with other countries in any way. This all changed with the Cold War. The U.S.’s involvement was guiding abroad by the strategy of containing Soviet Communism. Other nations thought of the U.S.’s involvement as a tool to help prevent the spread of communism and the United States sent hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to other countries.
4. How was U.S. foreign policy different in the Cold War from the interwar period?
The U.S. foreign policy was very different in the Cold War than it was during the interwar period. During the interwar period, the U.S. was very isolationistic. They tried their hardest to avoid having to deal with other countries in any way. This all changed with the Cold War. The U.S.’s involvement was guiding abroad by the strategy of containing Soviet Communism. Other nations thought of the U.S.’s involvement as a tool to help prevent the spread of communism and the United States sent hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to other countries.
5. What is "Wilsonian" thought? Why do some support it and some oppose it?
Wilsonian thought has many people who support it and just as
many who oppose it. Wilson believed in
the concepts of multilateral thought and collective security. Wilson thought
that the United States should use its power to help out other countries. The
United States remains involved with foreign affairs in ideals that are similar
to Wilson’s Fourteen Points. Some oppose these types of thoughts because they
point out that it has failed many times. They prefer to be more isolationistic
and focus on the many domestic problems. They also say that multilateralism
threatens U.S. Security by preventing America from helping out its own people.
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