Imperialism (Blog #26)

In the late 1800's the United States emerged as the world's leading industrial producer and agricultural exporter. This economic success encouraged the nation to establish overseas colonies, just as the European powers were doing. The United States hoped colonization would provide new markets for its goods and new sources of raw materials. U.S. involvement in Samoa and a short war with Spain in 1898 increased the American role in the Pacific and the Caribbean.

Your Assignment:

1.) Define Imperialism
2.) Come up with a detailed lengthy list of reasons the U.S. wanted to become an imperial power at the turn of the century.

Due: Sunday 3/1/09 by 11:59p.m.

President's Day (Blog #25)

Presidents Day is a good chance to learn more about American History, civic responsibility and even U.S. Geography.

Your Assignment:

1.) Research President's Day, its origins, why it is celebrated, etc.

Due: Sunday 2/22/09 by 11:59p.m.

Tariff and Banking Reform (Blog #24)

During the 1912 campaign, Woodrow Wilson pledged to restore opportunity in American life. Once in office, Wilson moved to lower tariffs, reform banking, regulate corporations, and aid farmers and wage earners. As Wilson began his second term in office, progressives could claim some success in their efforts to improve American life. Yet much remained to be done. Progressives had barely begun to clean up government and regulate business, women still did not have the right to vote, and the pledge of equal opportunity for all Americans remained unfulfilled.

Your Assignment:

1.) Imagine you are a public relations adviser to President Wilson. Your task is to develop a media campaign to "sell" to the American public Wilson's reforms for tariff and banking.

Due: Sunday 2/15/09 by 11:59p.m.

Economic Stimulus Theories (Blog #23)

Theodore Roosevelts "square deal" promised to give every laborer and farmer a square deal, no more, no less. T.R.'s theory, with regard to helping the economy, dealt with protecting the consumer through reforms and trustbusting. After T.R.'s Presidency, Taft continued on with this theory of protecting the consumer through progressive reforms. Later on in the 1930's Franklin D. Roosevelt institutes an economic stimulus plan his administration calls the "New Deal". This plan calls for tax money to be spent on infrasturcture similar to that of President Obama's plan today.

Your Assignment:

1.) Discuss President Obama's plan to stimulate the economy. (Research the theory behind this plan)
2.) Discuss the other side of the aisle (Repbulicans) and their theory of the best way to stimulate the economy. (Again, research will be necessary)
3.) Which of these do you believe would better suit stimulating the economy.

Due: Sunday 2/8/09 by 11:59p.m.