Economic Stimulus Theories (Blog #17)

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.

**Square Deal, TR**

**New Deal, FDR**


Your Assignment:

1.) Discuss the way President Obama and his plan have attempted to stimulate the economy. (Research)
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 2/1/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Reform under Taft (Blog #16)

Although a financial panic and sharp depression hit the nation in 1907, President Roosevelt remained popular. The Republican nomination was his for the asking, but having served almost two full terms, he chose not to run again. The Republicans then turned to William Howard Taft, who easily won the 1908 election. In some ways, Taft carried on Roosevelt's reform program. But as his term wore on, progressives became more and more unhappy with his actions.


Taft Administration Video


Your Assignment:

1.) Describe the reforms carried out by President Taft.
2.) Explain why Taft lost the progressives' support.
3.) What were the results of the 1912 election.

Due: Sunday 12/12/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Roosevelt and the Square Deal (Blog #15)

Theodore Roosevelt was the first progressive president of the United States. Taking office after the assassination of President William McKinley, Roosevelt was elected in his own right in 1904. During his two terms as president, he promoted the regulation of big business and helped preserve natural resources for future generations.

Your Assignment:

1.) What was the Square Deal?
2.) How did Theodore Roosevelt fight corruption in business?
3.) Make a parallel connection to the then and now.

Due: Sunday 12/5/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving (Blog #14)

In the spirit of giving thanks, I thought we could have a blog assignment all about being thankful! In this post I would like for you to add a couple of comments on things you are thankful for. Then comment on at least 2 of your classmates posts.

I hope all of your thanksgiving breaks go well!

Check out this link for fun and exciting historical facts about thanksgiving:

http://www.history.com/minisites/thanksgiving/

Due: Sunday 11/28/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

The Progressive Presidents (Blog #13)

From the years 1900-1920 the progressive movement was in full swing. Progressives did not limit their reform to social ills. They also tackled the task of curbing the political power of the privileged few and removing the corrupt political machines that served them.

Your Assignment:

1.) What forms did government corruption take?
2.) What election reforms did progressives support to make government more democratic?
3.) What reforms were enacted in city and state governments during the Progressive Era?

Due: Sunday 11/21/10 by no later than 11:59pm

Civil Service Reform (Blog #12)

The abuses of power that seemed to characterize the late 19th century political scene left many Americans deeply troubled. Some people called for political reform. Others-such as industrial workers and farmers-took matters into their own hands, organizing to protect their interests and to win their share of prosperity.


Your Assignment:

1) Write a letter, as Americans living in the Gilded Age, to your senator or representative. Letters should express their views of conditions in government and why civil service reform is needed. Use examples from the text to support your arguments.


Due: Sunday 11/14/10 by no later than 11:59pm

Reaction to the 2010 mid term Elections (Blog #11)

With the 2010 election upon us, many will have strong feelings as to the results and the subsequent direction of our country.

Your Assignment:

React to the campaigns, the election itself, and the results. Also, do not forget about the other positions of office up for grabs, as well as the different measures that voters will be deciding upon. Make sure and comment on others comments and posts.

**Please be respectful and do not violate the posting rules. Those who violate these rules will not be published and will receive a 0/3.


Due: Sunday 11/7/10 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Farmers Plight (Blog #10)

During the late 19th century, farmers' faced hard times. Falling prices and rising costs led many farmers to join the Grange and Farmer's Alliance movements, which sought economic and political change.

Your Assignment:

Imagine you are selected to speak before a Senate committee on the plight of debt-ridden farmers in the Midwest. Write a compelling description of the problems farmers face. Be as specific as possible.

Due: Sunday 10/31/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Immigration and Urban Life (Blog #9)

Spurred by industrialization, American cities grew dramatically during the second half of the century. With this growth came other changes, and a distinct urban culture developed.

Your Assignment:

1). How did immigration change in the late 1800's?
2). How did some native-born Americans respond to the new immigrants?
3). Relate the immigration issues of the late 1800's to present day in the U.S.

Due: By Sunday 10/24/10 no later than 11:59p.m.

Industry's Golden Age (Blog #8)

From 1865 to 1910 the U.S. experienced a surge of industrial growth. With this many advances and progress, as well as problems, followed.
(*Read 6.1 for supplemental information*)


Your assignment:

1) Compare and contrast vertical and horizontal integration and then relate laissez-faire capitalism to our current economic situation.


Due: Sunday 10/17/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Vietnam Traveling Memorial (Blog #7)

Your Assignment:

1). Express your thoughts and feelings on the trip to see the Vietnam Traveling Memorial.
2). Comment on two of your classmates posts.


Due: Sunday 10/10/10 by no later than 11:59pm

The Blue and the Gray (Blog #6)

After Watching part of the Blue and the Gray state your opinion of the movie. Is it an accurate portrayal of the Civil War? What could be changed to make it more realistic/accurate? What are some key moments/issues that are dealt with that make it a good depiction of the Civil War?

*Once you have completed your opinion, you are to reply to 2 of your classmates and comment on their thoughts of the movie.


Due: Sunday 10/3/10 by no later than 11:59pm

Debate (Blog #5)

Your Assignment:

1). Pick any topic of your choice and state your opinion on that issue/topic. It needs to be a topic with which some historical context can be brought forth.

2). Read the posts of two (2) classmates and reply to their post. You can reply to more than two (2) if you would like. State whether you agree or disagree with their post.


Due: Sunday 9/26/10 by no later than 11:59pm

Lasting Legacy of the Civil War (Blog #4)

As we wrap up discussing the Civil War, one needs only to look at our current age to fully understand how our society has come full circle. The fact is there are still flaws stemming from the Civil War.


Your Assignment:

1). Watch the following video. The Effects of the War on the South

2). Discuss ramification the Civil War had on later events in American History citing specific examples and the correlation between the two.

*You may have to do a little research on events that happened after the Civil War. (Ex. Civil rights movement, etc.)


Due: Sunday 9/19/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

The New South (Blog #3)

After the Civil War was over, many African Americans had a number of different issues they had to over come.


Your Assignment:

1.) Watch the video and explain what black codes were.
**Black Codes**

2). Name three ways African Americans responded to segregation and to the loss of civil and political rights. (Ch. 4, section 3 in your book)


Due: Sunday 9/12/10 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Reconstruction (Blog #2)

Your Assignment:


1). Watch this video and then give a brief summary.
*Reconstruction begins*


2). Explain what exactly the Reconstruction actually was and then explain how the reconstruction affected the North and the South.


Due: Sunday 9/5/10 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Final Blog of the Year (Blog #37)

Finally, the last blog of the year!! With this last blog I would like for you to tell everyone what your plans are for the summer. Also, you may add jabs at Mr. Hinman, positive comments for Mr. Hinman, how much you liked the blogs and his class, and anything else that comes to mind.

**(Remember the blog posting rules still apply, so do not be rude and also remember this is worth points so get it done!)

Japanese Internment (Blog #36)

By and large, World War II did not produce the kind of home-front intolerance that occurred during World War I. One tragic exception was the forced relocation and imprisonment, or internment, of Japanese Americans living on the Pacific coast.


*Japanese Internment*


Your Assignment:

1.) Research the internet to find primary and secondary sources on the Japanese internment. After reading and skimming through, tell briefly what the sources you found were about.
2.) State you thoughts and opinions on the internment of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor.

Due: Sunday 5/16/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

WWII, The Home Front (Blog #35)

Although World War II was fought on the battlefields of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, American farms and factories also helped win the war. As the United States mobilized its resources for combat, the entertainment industry helped sustain morale. For Japanese Americans the war resulted in confinement in remote camps. For African Americans, Mexican Americans, and women, the conflict brought both new opportunities and reminders that discrimination and inequality still existed in American society. (p. 407, 16.2)


*Military and Economic Mobilization*


Your Assignment:

1.) How did the United States mobilize for war?
2.) Why were Japanese Americans interned during the war?
3.) What gains did African Americans and Mexican Americans make during the war?

Due: Sunday 5/9/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

World War II (Blog #34)

The German invasion of Poland in 1939 launched World War II. By 1940, much of Western Europe had fallen to Germany, while Japan expanded its hold on Asia. For a time, the United States maintained its neutrality. Lend-lease aid to the Allies, beginning in 1941, however, marked an important step in U.S. involvement in the conflict. (p.400, 16.1)


*Outbreak of World War II*

*United States Enters the War*


Your Assignment:

1.) What obstacles did the United States face when it first entered the war?
2.) In which three battles did the Allies halt Japan's advance in the pacific?
3.) What were two major turning points in the western theater of operations?

Due: Sunday 5/2/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

The League of Nations (Blog #33)

President Wilson developed a program for a just peace even before the war ended. This program served as the focus of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. Wilson had to compromise on many of the points, but the final treaty included the heart of his peace program - the League of Nations. The U.S. Senate, however, rejected the treaty. Without American membership, the League of Nations proved inadequate to solve the world's postwar problems.



*Wilson's Fourteen Points*

*Versailles Treaty*



Your Assignment:

1) What were Wilson's Fourteen points all about?
2) What was the overall outcome of the Paris Peace Conference?
3) What organization today is similar to that of the League of Nations? Research what this organizations mission is today.


Due: Sunday 4/25/10 by no later than 11:59pm

Mobilizing the Economy (Blog #32)

Once the United States entered the war, President Wilson quickly moved to mobilize the nation. The government set up programs to finance the war, to conserve scarce resources, and to redirect industry and labor toward wartime production. Wilson also launched a huge propaganda campaign to mobilize support for the war effort. But as the government whipped up enthusiasm for the war, intolerance of antiwar opinion spread across the land.


*Mobilizing the Nation for War*


Your Assignment:

*You are a part of President Wilson's economic advisory panel, which has been charged with drawing up a plan to prepare the nation's economy for wartime.

1) You are to come up with a plan. Divide your plan into three parts. Raising money, organizing resources, and organizing industry/labor. Explain your plan adding details.


Due: Sunday 4/18/10 by no later than 11:59pm

The Draft (Blog #31)

Watch the following video, then answer the questions below.


*Mobilizing the Nation for War*



Your Assignment:

1) What was the selective service act?
2) Make 3 statements supporting the draft.
3) Make 3 statements in opposition to the draft.
4) State your opinion on whether the draft should ever be instituted in the future.

Due: Sunday 4/11/10 by no later than 11:59pm

New Technologies of World War I (Blog #30)

With the advance in Technology during the early 1900's, World War I became known as the war to end all wars.

Your Assignment:

1) Research at least 3 new weapon's technology developed during this time period. Also, explain each of these new advances in some detail.

Due: Sunday 4/4/10 by no later than 11:59pm

Health Care History (Blog #29)

Whether you agree or disagree with the Health Care Bill, one can not deny the historical significance of Sunday's Health Care vote. With the nation divided on the future effectivness of this Health Care legislation, one can only gather information and form their own opinion. This assignment will ask you to look at three different new organization representing the political spectrum from left to right, and decide for yourself. (Click on each link below)


*MSNBC*

*CNN*

*FOX NEWS*


Your Assignment:

1) What are some beneficial components of the Health Care Bill. (Be as specific as possible bringing up at least 3 benefits)

2) What are some negative components of the Health Care Bill. (Be as specific as possible bringing up at least 3 problems)

3) Form your own opinion about the passage of the Health Care Bill. Then comment on two of your classmates posts and reply. (**Remember posting rules apply and will be enforced**)


Due: Sunday 2/28/10 by no later than 11:59pm

World War I (Blog #28)

When war enveloped Europe, the United States tried to remain neutral. In 1917, however, the U.S. joined the Allied cause. The government quickly moved to mobilize the economy and to build public support for the war. (Watch the following video links below)


*U.S. Neutrality*

*Mobilizing the Nation for War*


Your Assignment:

1) According to the first link, why did the U.S. try to remain neutral, and why did we join the war?
2) According to the second link and your suggestions, what are some things that a government might do to mobilize a nation's economy to meet a national emergency.
3) How might a government also mobilize public support. Why is this important?

Due: Sunday 3/21/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Conflict with Mexico (Blog #27)

Dollar diplomacy played a significant role in another Latin American Country: Mexico. Though many Mexicans uneasily referred to the United States as "the Colossus of the North," economic ties between the two countries increased in the late 19th century. But the Mexican Revolution of 1910 threatened these ties, bringing the two countries to the brink of war. (Click on the link to watch the video)


*The Mexican Revolution*


Your Assignment:

1) Who was Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata?
2) What was the main conflict between President Wilson and U.S. Ambassador Wilson?
3) Who was Venustiano Carranza?


Due: Sunday 3/7/10 by no later than 11:59pm

McKinley sets up Military Government (Blog #26)

After the Spanish-American war, President McKinley has to figure out how to deal with Cuba and Puerto Rico. He does this by setting up a military government.


Your Assignment:

1) What was the Platt Amendment?
2) What were some of the provisions present in this Amendment?
3) How can the Platt Amendment be tied into to present day dealings with Cuba and U.S. policy?


Due: Sunday 2/28/10 by no later than 11:59pm

Imperialism (Blog #25)

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. (Check out video below)


*Imperialism, Spanish-American War*


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 2/21/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

President's Day (Blog #24)

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 2/14/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Tarriff and Banking Reform (Blog #23)

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 2/7/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Economic Stimulus Theories (Blog #22)

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.

**Square Deal, TR**

**New Deal, FDR**


Your Assignment:

1.) Discuss the way President Obama and his plan has attempted 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 2/1/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Reform Under Taft (Blog #21)

Although a financial panic and sharp depression hit the nation in 1907, President Roosevelt remained popular. The Republican nomination was his for the asking, but having served almost two full terms, he chose not to run again. The Republicans then turned to William Howard Taft, who easily won the 1908 election. In some ways, Taft carried on Roosevelt's reform program. But as his term wore on, progressives became more and more unhappy with his actions.


Taft Administration Video


Your Assignment:

1.) Describe the reforms carried out by President Taft.
2.) Explain why Taft lost the progressives' support.
3.) What were the results of the 1912 election.

Due: Sunday 1/24/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Roosevelt and the Square Deal (Blog #20)

Theodore Roosevelt was the first progressive president of the United States. Taking office after the assassination of President William McKinley, Roosevelt was elected in his own right in 1904. During his two terms as president, he promoted the regulation of big business and helped preserve natural resources for future generations.

Your Assignment:

1.) What was the Square Deal?
2.) How did Theodore Roosevelt fight corruption in business?
3.) Make a parallel connection to the Theodore Roosevelt of old and our new president, Barack Obama.

Due: Sunday 1/17/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

The Progessive Presidents (Blog #19)

From the years 1900-1920 the progressive movement was in full swing. Progressives did not limit their reform to social ills. They also tackled the task of curbing the political power of the privileged few and removing the corrupt political machines that served them.

Your Assignment:

1.) What forms did government corruption take?
2.) What election reforms did progressives support to make government more democratic?
3.) What reforms were enacted in city and state governments during the Progressive Era?

Due: Sunday 1/10/10 by no later than 11:59pm