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

Final Blog of the Semester (Blog #18)

With this being the last Blog of the semester, I thought we would do something fun!

Your Assignment:

Write a letter to Santa Clause and tell him if you've been naughty or nice. Also include a list of what you want for Christmas. Finally, tell the rest of your classmates where you will be going to celebrate the Christmas Holiday and what you have been blessed with in 2009. New Year's Resolutions anyone?!

Merry Christmas from Morgan and I. May God bless you and your family.

Have fun, be safe and think before you do!

Due: Sunday 12/27/09 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Civil Service Reform (Blog #17)

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 12/20/09 by no later than 11:59pm

Farmer's Plight (Blog #16)

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 12/13/09 by no later than 11:59p.m.