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.