Progressive Presidents (Blog #10)

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 by no later than 11:59pm

Civil Service Reform (Blog #9)

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 by no later than 11:59pm

Farmers' Plight (Blog #8)

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 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Immigration and Urban Life (Blog #7)

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 no later than 11:59p.m.

Constitution Day, September 17th (Blog #6)

With constitution day being on September 17th, we pause to reflect on the vast importance of this document. Written over 200 years ago, this document has changed and been added to in order to bring about positive progress. Through the rights of freedom of press, speech, assembly, petition and religion as well as the right to vote, all are important principles contained within the constitution.


Your assignment:

1.)  Explain in your own word the importance of the constitution.
2.)  Click on the link below and find two different areas of your choice in the constitution, and explain what you found and how both are important.

 http://72.32.50.200/constitution/index_no_flash.php

3.)  Comment on 2 of you classmates posts with specific insight and detail.


Due:  By Sunday no later than 11:59pm

Industries Golden Age (Blog #5)

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: By Sunday no later than 11:59pm

The Lasting Legacy of the 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: By Sunday no later than 11:59pm