1. Summarize the basic argument for and the basic argument against nuclear weapons.
The basic argument for nuclear weapons is that deference keeps the world safer. Because of nuclear weapons countries are less willing to risk attacking another country for fear of being wiped out of existence. The basic argument against nuclear weapons is that humans are imperfect and so deference is not a fool-proof system; The system of deference could be shattered through accidents, false alarms, unauthorized use, and the danger of political instability.
2. What is the difference between a strategic and a tactical nuclear weapon?
Strategic nuclear weapons have longer ranges, and tactical nuclear weapons have shorter ranges. Also, tactical weapons tend to be smaller.
3. What is nuclear proliferation?
Nuclear proliferation is the the spread of nuclear weapons.
4. What role has the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty played in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons?
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty played a part in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons by binding nearly every country to the terms that, no country may give a nuclear weapon to a country that doesn't already have nuclear weapons, and the non-nuclear countries are not allowed to produce nuclear weapons.
5. Explain Secretary of State Rice's high level of concern about the Russian nuclear arsenal. (See her quote on page 16 of your reading.)
Secretary of State Rice's high level of concern about the Russian nuclear arsenal was due to the fact that Russia's recent economic problems had resulted in a loosened grip on Moscow's nuclear weapons program. And so, The Secretary of State was highly concerned that someone could steal raw materials from the Russian nuclear arsenal and make a bomb and, this bomb could have the potential of killing thousands of people.
6. How as the threat of terrorism changed thinking about nuclear weapons?
The threat of terrorism changed the thinking about nuclear weapons in that if a terrorist group obtains a nuclear bomb, deference will no longer be an option. And so, protecting nuclear weapons has become a higher international concern.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Nuclear Arms Race Since 1945
1. Explain how Dragonfire's report on October 11, 2001 highlighted a new threat from nuclear weapons.
Dragonfire's report on October 11, 2001 highlighted a new threat from nuclear weapons by demonstrating the possible damage that a nuclear weapon could cause and. The bomb could have ( if it had existed ) killed a half a million instantly, completely flatten buildings within a 1/3 mile radius causing hundreds of thousands more people to die, and initially cause radiation within a 1 1/2 mile radius.
2. Why is proliferation such a strong concern for the United States?
Proliferation is such a strong concern for the United States because nuclear weapons are so powerful and so destructive. The more countries that have nuclear weapons, the more likely a nuclear war would be fought. Such a war has the potential to destroy humanity.
3. What is deterrence?
Deterrence is if one side were to attack the other side with nuclear weapons, the other side would retaliate by using nuclear weapons on the original attacker. And so, neither side would never attack in the first place because they both know that attacking the other side with nuclear weapons would mean certain destruction.
4. Explain the importance of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Cuban Missile Crisis was important because the crisis show the dangers of making nuclear threats and, shows the dangers of how much tension was building between the United States and the U.S.S.R. Both countries recognized how close they had come to beginning a nuclear war, and both countries embarked on a new path to prevent nuclear war.
5. President John F. Kennedy worried that twenty-five nations would have nuclear weapons by the 1970s. Why do you think his worry did not come to pass?
President John F. Kennedy's worry did not come to pass because The United States relations with the Soviet Union improved and so the threat of a nuclear war diminished. And so, countries no longer needed to depende upon deterrence to prevent and defend against nuclear war.
6. What was the Cold War? How long did it last?
The Cold War was a war fought by the United States and the Soviet Union in which neither side never physically attacked. The Cold War lasted from 1945 to 1991.
Dragonfire's report on October 11, 2001 highlighted a new threat from nuclear weapons by demonstrating the possible damage that a nuclear weapon could cause and. The bomb could have ( if it had existed ) killed a half a million instantly, completely flatten buildings within a 1/3 mile radius causing hundreds of thousands more people to die, and initially cause radiation within a 1 1/2 mile radius.
2. Why is proliferation such a strong concern for the United States?
Proliferation is such a strong concern for the United States because nuclear weapons are so powerful and so destructive. The more countries that have nuclear weapons, the more likely a nuclear war would be fought. Such a war has the potential to destroy humanity.
3. What is deterrence?
Deterrence is if one side were to attack the other side with nuclear weapons, the other side would retaliate by using nuclear weapons on the original attacker. And so, neither side would never attack in the first place because they both know that attacking the other side with nuclear weapons would mean certain destruction.
4. Explain the importance of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Cuban Missile Crisis was important because the crisis show the dangers of making nuclear threats and, shows the dangers of how much tension was building between the United States and the U.S.S.R. Both countries recognized how close they had come to beginning a nuclear war, and both countries embarked on a new path to prevent nuclear war.
5. President John F. Kennedy worried that twenty-five nations would have nuclear weapons by the 1970s. Why do you think his worry did not come to pass?
President John F. Kennedy's worry did not come to pass because The United States relations with the Soviet Union improved and so the threat of a nuclear war diminished. And so, countries no longer needed to depende upon deterrence to prevent and defend against nuclear war.
6. What was the Cold War? How long did it last?
The Cold War was a war fought by the United States and the Soviet Union in which neither side never physically attacked. The Cold War lasted from 1945 to 1991.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Works Cited
Wadeley, Alison, Ann Birch and Tony Malim. Perspectives in Psychology.New York: Palgrave Macmillan,1997
Crystal,David.The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press,2003
Mitsch,William J. and James G. Gosselink. Wetlands. New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc.,2000
Duetsch, Babette. Poetry Handbook A Dictionary of Terms. New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1969
Millar,David,Ian Miller, John Miller, Margaret Miller.The Cambridge Dictionary of Scientists. Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University Press, 2002
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Mobilizing for Defense
1. How did the American response to the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor differ from Japanese expectations?
The American response to the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor differed from Japanese expectations in that Japan expected Americans to be intimidated by the attack on Pearl Harbor and shrink from further contact. Instead of shrinking back enraged Americans rose up against Japan. 5 million Americans volunteered to fight, thousands of woman joined the WAAC, a program that included nearly every war duty except for direct combat.
2. What difficulties did women and minorities face in the wartime work force?
In the wartime work force woman and minorities faced prejudice and discrimination. Traditionally there were mostly white men working, but in the absence of white men, factories were forced to hire woman and minorities, and because woman and minorities were not traditionally hired, at first they faced prejudice and discrimination from their employers.
3. Why did President Roosevelt create the OSRD, and what did it do?
President Roosevelt created the OSRD to bring scientists into the war effort. The OSRD made new or improved technology and developed new medicines. The OSRD made improvements on radar and sonar, and created a new weapon, the atomic bomb. The OSRD also encouraged the use of DDT which allowed Soldiers to be free of lice. Also, the OSRD developed new medicine such as penicillin which saved many lives.
4. What basic problems were the OPA and WPB created to solve?
The OPA and WPB were created to solve basic problems such as controlling inflation and providing sufficient supplies for the armed forces and war industries. The OPA controlled inflation by freezing prices on goods. The WPB decided which companies should change from peacetime to wartime production, allotted raw materials to certain industries, and collected and recycled materials such as paper, rags, and cooking oil for the war effort.
5. What type of items were rationed and why were they limited?
Goods such as meat, shoes, sugar, coffee, and gasoline were rationed during World War II. These goods were rationed because American soldiers needed these goods and so because American soldiers were using a large quantity of them, it made the goods scarce. Thus there was a limited supply of the goods available to Americans not fighting, and so the U.S government rationed the goods.
6. What is the message of the World War II poster on this assignment's blog posting? Why was this message important?
The message of the World War II poster is that by lavishly using rationed goods you are not doing your duty in helping defeat Hitler. I know that this is the message because of the words on the poster that say " when you ride alone you ride with Hitler" , meaning that when you do not carpool you hurt your country by wasting the important good,gas; ( your country that is fighting against Hitler) and by hurting your country you help Hitler. This message is important because the message shows to the far extent the American people were willing to go in order to defeat the Axis powers.
The American response to the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor differed from Japanese expectations in that Japan expected Americans to be intimidated by the attack on Pearl Harbor and shrink from further contact. Instead of shrinking back enraged Americans rose up against Japan. 5 million Americans volunteered to fight, thousands of woman joined the WAAC, a program that included nearly every war duty except for direct combat.
2. What difficulties did women and minorities face in the wartime work force?
In the wartime work force woman and minorities faced prejudice and discrimination. Traditionally there were mostly white men working, but in the absence of white men, factories were forced to hire woman and minorities, and because woman and minorities were not traditionally hired, at first they faced prejudice and discrimination from their employers.
3. Why did President Roosevelt create the OSRD, and what did it do?
President Roosevelt created the OSRD to bring scientists into the war effort. The OSRD made new or improved technology and developed new medicines. The OSRD made improvements on radar and sonar, and created a new weapon, the atomic bomb. The OSRD also encouraged the use of DDT which allowed Soldiers to be free of lice. Also, the OSRD developed new medicine such as penicillin which saved many lives.
4. What basic problems were the OPA and WPB created to solve?
The OPA and WPB were created to solve basic problems such as controlling inflation and providing sufficient supplies for the armed forces and war industries. The OPA controlled inflation by freezing prices on goods. The WPB decided which companies should change from peacetime to wartime production, allotted raw materials to certain industries, and collected and recycled materials such as paper, rags, and cooking oil for the war effort.
5. What type of items were rationed and why were they limited?
Goods such as meat, shoes, sugar, coffee, and gasoline were rationed during World War II. These goods were rationed because American soldiers needed these goods and so because American soldiers were using a large quantity of them, it made the goods scarce. Thus there was a limited supply of the goods available to Americans not fighting, and so the U.S government rationed the goods.
6. What is the message of the World War II poster on this assignment's blog posting? Why was this message important?
The message of the World War II poster is that by lavishly using rationed goods you are not doing your duty in helping defeat Hitler. I know that this is the message because of the words on the poster that say " when you ride alone you ride with Hitler" , meaning that when you do not carpool you hurt your country by wasting the important good,gas; ( your country that is fighting against Hitler) and by hurting your country you help Hitler. This message is important because the message shows to the far extent the American people were willing to go in order to defeat the Axis powers.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
War in the Pacific
1. In what ways were the American victory at Midway and the Japanese triumph at Pearl Harbor alike?
The American Victory at Midway and the Japanese triumph at Pearl Harbor were alike in that, both ended with one clear victor, both attacks were made on islands, and both attacks ended in the same way. Both in the Battle of Midway and the attack on Pearl Harbor ended with one clear victor In the Battle of Midway the U.S was the clear winner, having destroyed four aircraft carriers, a cruiser, and 250 planes. In the attack on Pearl Harbor the Japanese were the clear winner, having destroyed nearly the entire U.S fleet, and damaged or destroyed 300 airplanes. Both attacks were made on islands. The Battle of Midway was fought on Midway Island and Pearl Harbor was fought on Oahu, Hawaii. Finally both countries used the same strategy. Japan sent a multitude of airplanes to destroy American ships at Pearl Harbor and the U.S also sent airplanes to destroy Japan's ships during the Battle at Midway.
2. Why was the Battle of Leyte Gulf so crucial to the Allies?
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was so crucial to the Allies because in this battle nearly all of Japan's navy was destroyed and many other arms. The Allies destroyed three battleships, four aircraft carriers, 13 cruisers and almost 500 planes of the Japanese. The Allies also accomplished this without suffering heavy losses themselves.
3. Why was Okinawa a significant island in the war in the Pacific?
Okinawa was a significant island in the war in the Pacific because the Island of Okinawa was the the final obstacle between the Allies and their final assault on Japan. If the Allies could claim the island of Okinawa, then the Allies could finally make an attack on Japan, which would probably lead to Japan surrendering.
4. What was the Manhattan Project? And who was J. Robert Oppenheimer?
The Manhattan Project was a project dedicated to making a new, much more destructive kind of bomb, the atomic bomb. J. Robert Oppenheimer was the American who lead the experiments. On August 6,1945 the U.S dropped the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Japan.
5. Why was Roosevelt anxious to make concessions to Stalin concerning the fate of postwar Germany?
Roosevelt was anxious to make concessions to Stalin concerning the fate of postwar Germany because Roosevelt hoped that the Soviet Union would help the Allies in the fight for the Pacific and Roosevelt want Stalin's support for the new world peacekeeping organization, the United Nations.
6. What decisions did Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin make at the Yalta Conference?
Roosevelt,Churchill, and Stalin made the decisions, at the Yalta Conference. Stalin decided to join the war against Japan, to participate in the United Nations, and Stalin agreed to let the U.S.S.R occupied countries to have "free and unfetter elections. Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt also decided to split up Germany into four parts, with the U.S, Great Britain, France, and the U.S.S.R each caring for one part.
7. At the trials, many Nazis defended themselves by saying they were only following orders. What does this rationale tell you about the German military? Why was it important to negate this justification?
This rationale tells me that the German Military did not question or think about the brutality that they were administrating; The German Military followed their orders, not their morals. It is important to negate this justification because the people who have committed such inhuman crimes,even if they were "only following orders", must be punished to establish the important idea that people are reasponisble for their own actions.
The American Victory at Midway and the Japanese triumph at Pearl Harbor were alike in that, both ended with one clear victor, both attacks were made on islands, and both attacks ended in the same way. Both in the Battle of Midway and the attack on Pearl Harbor ended with one clear victor In the Battle of Midway the U.S was the clear winner, having destroyed four aircraft carriers, a cruiser, and 250 planes. In the attack on Pearl Harbor the Japanese were the clear winner, having destroyed nearly the entire U.S fleet, and damaged or destroyed 300 airplanes. Both attacks were made on islands. The Battle of Midway was fought on Midway Island and Pearl Harbor was fought on Oahu, Hawaii. Finally both countries used the same strategy. Japan sent a multitude of airplanes to destroy American ships at Pearl Harbor and the U.S also sent airplanes to destroy Japan's ships during the Battle at Midway.
2. Why was the Battle of Leyte Gulf so crucial to the Allies?
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was so crucial to the Allies because in this battle nearly all of Japan's navy was destroyed and many other arms. The Allies destroyed three battleships, four aircraft carriers, 13 cruisers and almost 500 planes of the Japanese. The Allies also accomplished this without suffering heavy losses themselves.
3. Why was Okinawa a significant island in the war in the Pacific?
Okinawa was a significant island in the war in the Pacific because the Island of Okinawa was the the final obstacle between the Allies and their final assault on Japan. If the Allies could claim the island of Okinawa, then the Allies could finally make an attack on Japan, which would probably lead to Japan surrendering.
4. What was the Manhattan Project? And who was J. Robert Oppenheimer?
The Manhattan Project was a project dedicated to making a new, much more destructive kind of bomb, the atomic bomb. J. Robert Oppenheimer was the American who lead the experiments. On August 6,1945 the U.S dropped the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Japan.
5. Why was Roosevelt anxious to make concessions to Stalin concerning the fate of postwar Germany?
Roosevelt was anxious to make concessions to Stalin concerning the fate of postwar Germany because Roosevelt hoped that the Soviet Union would help the Allies in the fight for the Pacific and Roosevelt want Stalin's support for the new world peacekeeping organization, the United Nations.
6. What decisions did Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin make at the Yalta Conference?
Roosevelt,Churchill, and Stalin made the decisions, at the Yalta Conference. Stalin decided to join the war against Japan, to participate in the United Nations, and Stalin agreed to let the U.S.S.R occupied countries to have "free and unfetter elections. Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt also decided to split up Germany into four parts, with the U.S, Great Britain, France, and the U.S.S.R each caring for one part.
7. At the trials, many Nazis defended themselves by saying they were only following orders. What does this rationale tell you about the German military? Why was it important to negate this justification?
This rationale tells me that the German Military did not question or think about the brutality that they were administrating; The German Military followed their orders, not their morals. It is important to negate this justification because the people who have committed such inhuman crimes,even if they were "only following orders", must be punished to establish the important idea that people are reasponisble for their own actions.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
War for Europe and North Africa
1. Why had the tide turned in the Battle of the Atlantic by mid-1943?
The tide turned in the Battle of the Atlantic by mid-1943 because the Americans began to organize their cargo ships into convoys, send destroyers along with the convoys, new technology , and a crash shipbuilding program. By organizing American cargo ships into convoys the Americans were able to better protect their cargo ships by having the ships travel together, ensuring mutual protection. Also by sending destroyers along with the convoys, Americans were able to use the newly developed sonar to detect German U-boats and the arms on the destroyer to destroy the U-boats. The crash shipbuilding program also turned the tide in the Battle of the Atlantic because this program was able to produce 140 ships a month; replacing sunk or damaged ships and increasing the Americans supply of ships.
2. What two key decisions determined the final outcome at Stalingrad?
Two key decisions that determined the final outcome at Stalingrad were Stalin ordering the Soviet troops to continue defending Stalingrad, and Hitler telling the Germans troops to "stay and fight" giving the German troops no hope of relief. Because Stalin order the Soviet troops to continue fighting the Germans, the Soviet troops were able to wait for the advantage that winter would give the Soviets. The Germans, who were unaccustomed to the bitter cold, knew that there was no hope for relief from the terrible cold. And so the Germans eventually surrendered.
3. What was the outcome of the North African campaign?
The outcome of the North African campaign was that the Axis completely surrendered the North African territory to the Allies. Also the fight only lasted for only seven months.
4. What were the results of the Italian campaign?
The results of the Italian campaign were that Mussolini was stripped of his power and arrested, one of the hardest battles of World War II was fought in which 25,000 Allies' soldiers and 30,000 Axis' soldiers died and finally in 1945 the Allies freed Italy.
5. Was the Allied invasion of Europe successful? Explain your answer.
The Allied invasion of Europe was successful. The Allies were able to free France, Belgium, and Luxembourg from German soldiers after only four months. This success gave the Allies more moral and demoralized the Axis.
6. Why was the Battle of the Bulge important?
The Battle of the Bulge was important because the Germans lost so much of their army and arms and the Germans were not about to replace what had been lost. The Germans lost 120,000 troops, 600 tanks and assault guns and 1,600 planes. Without these troops and arms the Germans could do little else but retreat.
7. What the significance of V-E day?
The significance of V-E day was that Germany accepted the unconditional terms of the Allies treaty. The battle for Europe was finally over.
8. Who was Dwight D. Eisenhower?
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the Supreme Commander of the U.S forces. Eisenhower lead two successful attacks; D-Day as well as Operation Torch.
9. Do you agree with the decision made by Roosevelt and Churchill to require unconditional surrender by the Axis powers? Why or why not?
I do not agree with the decision made by Roosevelt and Churchill to require unconditional surrender by the Axis powers. World War II began because of the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, and Roosevelt and Churchill seem to make the same mistake by making the treaty for World War II too harsh. Also, if the treaty had been more lenient World War II may have ended sooner; saving many lives.
Think About:
• the advantages of defeating a foe decisively
• the advantages of ending a war quickly
• how other conflicts, such as the Civil War and World War I, ended
The tide turned in the Battle of the Atlantic by mid-1943 because the Americans began to organize their cargo ships into convoys, send destroyers along with the convoys, new technology , and a crash shipbuilding program. By organizing American cargo ships into convoys the Americans were able to better protect their cargo ships by having the ships travel together, ensuring mutual protection. Also by sending destroyers along with the convoys, Americans were able to use the newly developed sonar to detect German U-boats and the arms on the destroyer to destroy the U-boats. The crash shipbuilding program also turned the tide in the Battle of the Atlantic because this program was able to produce 140 ships a month; replacing sunk or damaged ships and increasing the Americans supply of ships.
2. What two key decisions determined the final outcome at Stalingrad?
Two key decisions that determined the final outcome at Stalingrad were Stalin ordering the Soviet troops to continue defending Stalingrad, and Hitler telling the Germans troops to "stay and fight" giving the German troops no hope of relief. Because Stalin order the Soviet troops to continue fighting the Germans, the Soviet troops were able to wait for the advantage that winter would give the Soviets. The Germans, who were unaccustomed to the bitter cold, knew that there was no hope for relief from the terrible cold. And so the Germans eventually surrendered.
3. What was the outcome of the North African campaign?
The outcome of the North African campaign was that the Axis completely surrendered the North African territory to the Allies. Also the fight only lasted for only seven months.
4. What were the results of the Italian campaign?
The results of the Italian campaign were that Mussolini was stripped of his power and arrested, one of the hardest battles of World War II was fought in which 25,000 Allies' soldiers and 30,000 Axis' soldiers died and finally in 1945 the Allies freed Italy.
5. Was the Allied invasion of Europe successful? Explain your answer.
The Allied invasion of Europe was successful. The Allies were able to free France, Belgium, and Luxembourg from German soldiers after only four months. This success gave the Allies more moral and demoralized the Axis.
6. Why was the Battle of the Bulge important?
The Battle of the Bulge was important because the Germans lost so much of their army and arms and the Germans were not about to replace what had been lost. The Germans lost 120,000 troops, 600 tanks and assault guns and 1,600 planes. Without these troops and arms the Germans could do little else but retreat.
7. What the significance of V-E day?
The significance of V-E day was that Germany accepted the unconditional terms of the Allies treaty. The battle for Europe was finally over.
8. Who was Dwight D. Eisenhower?
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the Supreme Commander of the U.S forces. Eisenhower lead two successful attacks; D-Day as well as Operation Torch.
9. Do you agree with the decision made by Roosevelt and Churchill to require unconditional surrender by the Axis powers? Why or why not?
I do not agree with the decision made by Roosevelt and Churchill to require unconditional surrender by the Axis powers. World War II began because of the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, and Roosevelt and Churchill seem to make the same mistake by making the treaty for World War II too harsh. Also, if the treaty had been more lenient World War II may have ended sooner; saving many lives.
Think About:
• the advantages of defeating a foe decisively
• the advantages of ending a war quickly
• how other conflicts, such as the Civil War and World War I, ended
Monday, October 29, 2012
The Great Depression Widens
From Great Depression 22-2 Reading
1. How did the Great Depression affect minorities?
The Great Depression was particularly hard for the minorities. The minority's unemployment rates were higher, and they received the lowest pay. Minorities also faced racial hate due to the competition against whites to get jobs. Twenty-four African Americans were killed by hanging in 1933. In the southwest whites were urging the government to deport people of Mexican descent.
2. Why did so many men leave their homes during the Depression?
Many men left their homes during the Depression because they were discouraged due to their inability to get a job, and ashamed because they could no longer support their family. These men could no longer support their family, a duty that they were use to. After years of trying to get a job, these men became discouraged and simply gave up, and left their homes out of shame.
3. How did the Great Depression affect women and children?
The Great Depression was trial for both woman and children. The woman, who didn't work, struggled to conserve money for their families. They sewed cloths and canned food. The woman who did work were generally paid less than men. Also, the working woman was seen in increasing resentment as the Depression wore on because, people believed that woman shouldn't have a job when there were so many unemployed men. Often parents didn't have enough money to give their children proper diets and healthcare. Due to this there was a rise in diet-related diseases. Also, due to tax cuts, many schools shut down and others shortened their school year. Many children left their homes on freight trains, looking for a better life.
From Great Depression 22-3 Reading
4. What were some of Hoover’s key convictions about government?
Hoover believed that the government should not, play a big role in rebuilding the United States' economy. Hoover believed that the government should, make peace between competing businesses and the interests of society, and that families should support themselves through their own efforts.
5. Why do you think people blamed Hoover for the nation’s difficulties?
People blamed Hoover for the nation's difficulties because Hoover's policies were not improving the nation's economy. A year after the Great Depression started the economy had not improved. Also, families were angry, and they were ready to blame anyone. Hoover,refusing to provide direct support, was the perfect target for all of the anger and blame the american people.
6. What were some of the projects proposed by Hoover, and how effective were they?
Hoover proposed the Boulder Dam project, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, and the National Credit Corporation. The Boulder Dam project was the perhaps the greatest success of Hoover. The dam provide electricity, flood control, and a regular water supply. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation would give money to failing businesses; by doing so Hoover hoped that the money would cause higher wages and job growth. However, businesses continued to fail even after $805 million had been given to small businesses. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation was a failure. The National Credit Corporation would loan money to smaller banks. This corporation was a success; it helped small banks avoid bankrupcy.
7. What did the Bonus Army want?
The Bonus Army wanted The Patman Bill to be authorized. The Patman Bill would give World War I veterans $500 of a promised bonus immediately, instead of giving the soldiers their bonus in 1945.
1. How did the Great Depression affect minorities?
The Great Depression was particularly hard for the minorities. The minority's unemployment rates were higher, and they received the lowest pay. Minorities also faced racial hate due to the competition against whites to get jobs. Twenty-four African Americans were killed by hanging in 1933. In the southwest whites were urging the government to deport people of Mexican descent.
2. Why did so many men leave their homes during the Depression?
Many men left their homes during the Depression because they were discouraged due to their inability to get a job, and ashamed because they could no longer support their family. These men could no longer support their family, a duty that they were use to. After years of trying to get a job, these men became discouraged and simply gave up, and left their homes out of shame.
3. How did the Great Depression affect women and children?
The Great Depression was trial for both woman and children. The woman, who didn't work, struggled to conserve money for their families. They sewed cloths and canned food. The woman who did work were generally paid less than men. Also, the working woman was seen in increasing resentment as the Depression wore on because, people believed that woman shouldn't have a job when there were so many unemployed men. Often parents didn't have enough money to give their children proper diets and healthcare. Due to this there was a rise in diet-related diseases. Also, due to tax cuts, many schools shut down and others shortened their school year. Many children left their homes on freight trains, looking for a better life.
From Great Depression 22-3 Reading
4. What were some of Hoover’s key convictions about government?
Hoover believed that the government should not, play a big role in rebuilding the United States' economy. Hoover believed that the government should, make peace between competing businesses and the interests of society, and that families should support themselves through their own efforts.
5. Why do you think people blamed Hoover for the nation’s difficulties?
People blamed Hoover for the nation's difficulties because Hoover's policies were not improving the nation's economy. A year after the Great Depression started the economy had not improved. Also, families were angry, and they were ready to blame anyone. Hoover,refusing to provide direct support, was the perfect target for all of the anger and blame the american people.
6. What were some of the projects proposed by Hoover, and how effective were they?
Hoover proposed the Boulder Dam project, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, and the National Credit Corporation. The Boulder Dam project was the perhaps the greatest success of Hoover. The dam provide electricity, flood control, and a regular water supply. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation would give money to failing businesses; by doing so Hoover hoped that the money would cause higher wages and job growth. However, businesses continued to fail even after $805 million had been given to small businesses. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation was a failure. The National Credit Corporation would loan money to smaller banks. This corporation was a success; it helped small banks avoid bankrupcy.
7. What did the Bonus Army want?
The Bonus Army wanted The Patman Bill to be authorized. The Patman Bill would give World War I veterans $500 of a promised bonus immediately, instead of giving the soldiers their bonus in 1945.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The Crash Occurs and the Great Depression Begins
1. What industrial weakness signaled a declining economy in the 1920s?
The 1920s are said to have been an age of prosperity for the United States, but underlying the age of prosperity were serious industrial problems. Industries such as steel, textiles, and railroads were hardly making any profits, the mining and lumber industries were no longer in high demand because World War I had ended, agriculture prices dramatically dropped, and fewer houses were being built. All of these industries were major parts of the United States' economy.Their decline pointed to economic trouble for the United States.
2. What did the experience of farmers and consumers at this time suggest about the health of the economy?
The demand that World War I created for agricultural goods quickly declined after the war was over. From 1919-1921 the yearly income for farmers declined by 40%. Because the farmer's incomes were falling, the farmers weren't buying as many goods and services. In fact, most people weren't buying as many goods and services. There was a surplus of goods and services and not enough people to buy them. The falling prices of a staple industry such as agriculture and the surplus of products suggested that an economic crisis was looming in the future for the American people.
3. How did speculation and margin buying cause stock prices to rise?
In the 1920s the stock prices were artificially rising because of speculation and buying on margin. People were hurrying to buy shares without thinking through all of the risks involved. This caused the stock prices to rise because there was a higher demand. Also, people were borrowing money to invest in the stock market. Speculation and margin buying caused the stocks to not be backed with real money, and caused a high demand for the stocks.
4. What happened to ordinary workers during the Great Depression?
Ordinary workers were hit hard by the Great Depression. The unemployment rate went from 3% to 25%. The workers who still had jobs were confronted with pay cuts, and reduced hours. Many workers had lost their saving, either from stock market investments, or failed banks.
5. How did the Great Depression affect the world economy?
Not only did the Great Depression affect the Untied States' economy, but the depression also affected the world economy. Countries already paying off war debts were earning less on the products exported to the United States. Also, the Hawley-Smoot Tarrfif Act inhibited other countries from earning American currency. In return other countries also made high tarrifs. As a result world trade fell by 40%.
The 1920s are said to have been an age of prosperity for the United States, but underlying the age of prosperity were serious industrial problems. Industries such as steel, textiles, and railroads were hardly making any profits, the mining and lumber industries were no longer in high demand because World War I had ended, agriculture prices dramatically dropped, and fewer houses were being built. All of these industries were major parts of the United States' economy.Their decline pointed to economic trouble for the United States.
The demand that World War I created for agricultural goods quickly declined after the war was over. From 1919-1921 the yearly income for farmers declined by 40%. Because the farmer's incomes were falling, the farmers weren't buying as many goods and services. In fact, most people weren't buying as many goods and services. There was a surplus of goods and services and not enough people to buy them. The falling prices of a staple industry such as agriculture and the surplus of products suggested that an economic crisis was looming in the future for the American people.
3. How did speculation and margin buying cause stock prices to rise?
In the 1920s the stock prices were artificially rising because of speculation and buying on margin. People were hurrying to buy shares without thinking through all of the risks involved. This caused the stock prices to rise because there was a higher demand. Also, people were borrowing money to invest in the stock market. Speculation and margin buying caused the stocks to not be backed with real money, and caused a high demand for the stocks.
4. What happened to ordinary workers during the Great Depression?
Ordinary workers were hit hard by the Great Depression. The unemployment rate went from 3% to 25%. The workers who still had jobs were confronted with pay cuts, and reduced hours. Many workers had lost their saving, either from stock market investments, or failed banks.
5. How did the Great Depression affect the world economy?
Not only did the Great Depression affect the Untied States' economy, but the depression also affected the world economy. Countries already paying off war debts were earning less on the products exported to the United States. Also, the Hawley-Smoot Tarrfif Act inhibited other countries from earning American currency. In return other countries also made high tarrifs. As a result world trade fell by 40%.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Prohibition Homework
1. How did small-town life and city life differ?
Small-town life and city life differed in the 1920's. Both city life and small-town life had different views on drinking, causal dating, and gambling. In the city people were tolerant of such behaviors, while in small towns people thought such behaviors were sinful. Also, in small town people would have intimate relationships with their neighbors; in small towns there were few strangers. In the city however, the streets were full of strangers. Finally, unlike the slow unchanging small towns, the city was all about competition and change. While in a small town people's background would be discussed; in a city the new scientific and social theories would be discussed.
2. Why do you think the Eighteenth Amendment failed to eliminate alcohol consumption?
The Eighteenth Amendment failed to eliminate alcohol consumption because, the government failed to sufficiently fund an enforcing agency, after World War I people were tired of giving up luxuries and the many immigrants did not believe that drinking was a sin. The government made the Prohibition Bureau in the Treasury Department in 1919. Unfortunately the agency did not have enough workers, and the agency was underfunded- a recipe for disaster. Also, after World War I people were not longer willing to give up alcohol, they wanted "to enjoy life". Finally immigrants didn't believe drinking to be a sin. The immigrants believe that drinking was a part of socializing, and so they influenced the U.S culture to be more tolerant of drinking.
3. How did criminals take advantage of Prohibition?
Criminals took advantage of Prohibition through selling illegal alcohol. Criminals could make fortunes off of illegal alcohol. Al Capone was said to have made $100 million off of illegal whiskey! The public was willing to pay a higher price for alcohol because of prohibition, and so criminals made fortunes.
4. What was the conflict between fundamentalists and those who accepted evolution?
Fundamentalists and those who accepted evolution differed on their believes of how all life forms were created. Fundamentalists believed that God created all life forms in six days. Those who accepted evolution believed that all life forms have changed and evolved into what they are today over the course of millions of years.
5. How might the overall atmosphere of the 1920s have contributed to the failure of Prohibition?
In the 1920's people were becoming more tolerant of drinking, and people were not longer willing to give up their luxuries. Life was good why not enjoy it? All of these factors contributed to the failure of Prohibition. People were more tolerant of drinking in the cities, and because most of the U.S's population lived in cities it became more socially acceptable to drink. Also, After World War I people were not willing to give up their alcohol. People were tired of giving up their luxury food, in World War I there was a food ration, and now even when the war was over they were stilled forced to give up food. The atmosphere of the 1920's was sure to make the Prohibition fail.
Small-town life and city life differed in the 1920's. Both city life and small-town life had different views on drinking, causal dating, and gambling. In the city people were tolerant of such behaviors, while in small towns people thought such behaviors were sinful. Also, in small town people would have intimate relationships with their neighbors; in small towns there were few strangers. In the city however, the streets were full of strangers. Finally, unlike the slow unchanging small towns, the city was all about competition and change. While in a small town people's background would be discussed; in a city the new scientific and social theories would be discussed.
2. Why do you think the Eighteenth Amendment failed to eliminate alcohol consumption?
The Eighteenth Amendment failed to eliminate alcohol consumption because, the government failed to sufficiently fund an enforcing agency, after World War I people were tired of giving up luxuries and the many immigrants did not believe that drinking was a sin. The government made the Prohibition Bureau in the Treasury Department in 1919. Unfortunately the agency did not have enough workers, and the agency was underfunded- a recipe for disaster. Also, after World War I people were not longer willing to give up alcohol, they wanted "to enjoy life". Finally immigrants didn't believe drinking to be a sin. The immigrants believe that drinking was a part of socializing, and so they influenced the U.S culture to be more tolerant of drinking.
3. How did criminals take advantage of Prohibition?
Criminals took advantage of Prohibition through selling illegal alcohol. Criminals could make fortunes off of illegal alcohol. Al Capone was said to have made $100 million off of illegal whiskey! The public was willing to pay a higher price for alcohol because of prohibition, and so criminals made fortunes.
4. What was the conflict between fundamentalists and those who accepted evolution?
Fundamentalists and those who accepted evolution differed on their believes of how all life forms were created. Fundamentalists believed that God created all life forms in six days. Those who accepted evolution believed that all life forms have changed and evolved into what they are today over the course of millions of years.
5. How might the overall atmosphere of the 1920s have contributed to the failure of Prohibition?
In the 1920's people were becoming more tolerant of drinking, and people were not longer willing to give up their luxuries. Life was good why not enjoy it? All of these factors contributed to the failure of Prohibition. People were more tolerant of drinking in the cities, and because most of the U.S's population lived in cities it became more socially acceptable to drink. Also, After World War I people were not willing to give up their alcohol. People were tired of giving up their luxury food, in World War I there was a food ration, and now even when the war was over they were stilled forced to give up food. The atmosphere of the 1920's was sure to make the Prohibition fail.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Presidential Debate News Story Analysis
Source Information
Date: October 4,2012
What news organization (or individual) produced this?: MSNBC
What is the type of news source?: Online News Report
Content
What is the main headline?: "Policy Differences Take Center Stage in First Presidential Debate"
What facts (statistics, important events, etc.) are included?:
- President Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee debated Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee.
- The subjects Romney and Obama debated over
- Romney and Obama will have their next debate on October 16,2012
-
Is anyone quoted? If so, who? What did they say?: Romney was quoted for saying," My number one principle is there will be no tax cut that adds to the deficit," and for saying “I like the way we did it in Massachusetts. I like the fact that in my state, we had Republicans and Democrats come together and work together..... What you did instead was to push through a plan without a single Republican vote.” Obama was quoted for saying,"The fact is that if you are lowering the rates the way you described, governor, then it is not possible to come up with enough deductions and loopholes that only affect high-income individuals to avoid either raising the deficit or burdening the middle class it's math. It's arithmetic." and for saying “At some point, I think the American people have to ask themselves, is the reason that Gov. Romney is keeping all these plans to replace secret because they're too good?” Jim Messina was quoted for saying “This is a race to 270 electoral votes in states like Ohio and Virginia and Florida, Romney’s positions on tax cuts and Medicare are going to be real problems for him. And he doubled down on those all night.”
What information or ideas might have been left out?:
-The audience's' perspective was left out
-
Message
Who is the intended audience?:
Eligible voters
Does the author seem to have an opinion? If so, what is it?:
The author did not have an opinion
What is the tone of the source?: Informative if a bit cynical; the author wanted to inform the reader about the debate on October 3,2012, but seemed to feel frustred that there was no clear winner.
What words or phrases create the tone?:
" In a time-honored debate tradition, both campaigns’ surrogates declared victory for their candidate of choice. "
"Obama didn’t score a knockout punch against Romney......"
Is any one person or group discussed positively? Negatively?:
Both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama were not discussed negatively or positively.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wilson and the League of Nations' Legacy
1. In what ways was the League successful after World War I? Unsuccessful?
The League of Nations had its share of success and failure. The League was successful in peacefully resolving a conflict between Sweden and Finland over a group of islands, helping Turkey when Turkey experienced a humanitarian crisis, and settling a border dispute between Greece and Bulgaria. The League also helped with social issues such as child slave labor, smuggling, and drug addiction. Organizations such as the Untied Nations High Commission for Refugees and the International Labor Association stemmed from the League of Nations. Although the League had many successes, the League also had a number of failures.For example when Italy seized a Yogusalvian port, the League was unable to stop war from breaking out. Most of the wars failures were due to the fact that the League had no military of it's own, and because the League was virtually powerless the League's members often broke the terms of the League.
2. Many historians suggest that the terms of the Versailles Treaty were a major cause of World War II. Support that argument.
World War II started as a result of the terms of the Versailles Treaty. The terms of the Versailles Treaty was particular harsh on Germans. The Germans were forced to pay $33 million of war reparations, only allowed to keep a small military, some of their land was taken away, and Germans were forced to take all of the blame for starting World War I. As a result the Germans were embittered, starving, and eager to regain their lost land, and respect. The German's dangerous combination of emotions combined with their need of a leader provided a perfect opportunity for Hitler to take control and Begin World War II.
3. Some historians characterize U.S. policy during the interwar period as isolationist. What actions, described in the reading, could be called isolationist?
The U.S policy during the interwar period could be called isolationist. The U.S refused to become a member of the League of Nations, an organization that may have dragged the U.S into European conflicts. Also, the U.S made it's own treaty with the central powers instead of simply signing the Treaty of Versailles. The U.S purposely stood apart from European countries during the interwar period.
4. How was U.S. foreign policy different in the Cold War from the interwar period?
The U.s foreign policy changed from the interwar period to the Cold War. In the interwar period the U.S preferred to be isolationist, for example the U.S refused to be a member of an international organization committed to peacefully resolving conflicts between countries. However in the Cold War the U.S demonstrated that it's old policies had changed to be more multilateral and joined an international organization committed to peacefully resolving conflicts between countries.
5. What is "Wilsonian" thought? Why do some support it and some oppose it?
"Wilsonian" thought consists of the concepts of multilateralism and collective security. Some support these thoughts because they think that new technology has made the policy of isolation no longer an option for countries. Others oppose "Wilsonian" thought because they believe that conflicts between countries cannot be solved peacefully and that "Wilsonian" thought endangers U.S security by preventing the U.S from acting on it's own to protect it's citizens.
The League of Nations had its share of success and failure. The League was successful in peacefully resolving a conflict between Sweden and Finland over a group of islands, helping Turkey when Turkey experienced a humanitarian crisis, and settling a border dispute between Greece and Bulgaria. The League also helped with social issues such as child slave labor, smuggling, and drug addiction. Organizations such as the Untied Nations High Commission for Refugees and the International Labor Association stemmed from the League of Nations. Although the League had many successes, the League also had a number of failures.For example when Italy seized a Yogusalvian port, the League was unable to stop war from breaking out. Most of the wars failures were due to the fact that the League had no military of it's own, and because the League was virtually powerless the League's members often broke the terms of the League.
2. Many historians suggest that the terms of the Versailles Treaty were a major cause of World War II. Support that argument.
World War II started as a result of the terms of the Versailles Treaty. The terms of the Versailles Treaty was particular harsh on Germans. The Germans were forced to pay $33 million of war reparations, only allowed to keep a small military, some of their land was taken away, and Germans were forced to take all of the blame for starting World War I. As a result the Germans were embittered, starving, and eager to regain their lost land, and respect. The German's dangerous combination of emotions combined with their need of a leader provided a perfect opportunity for Hitler to take control and Begin World War II.
3. Some historians characterize U.S. policy during the interwar period as isolationist. What actions, described in the reading, could be called isolationist?
The U.S policy during the interwar period could be called isolationist. The U.S refused to become a member of the League of Nations, an organization that may have dragged the U.S into European conflicts. Also, the U.S made it's own treaty with the central powers instead of simply signing the Treaty of Versailles. The U.S purposely stood apart from European countries during the interwar period.
4. How was U.S. foreign policy different in the Cold War from the interwar period?
The U.s foreign policy changed from the interwar period to the Cold War. In the interwar period the U.S preferred to be isolationist, for example the U.S refused to be a member of an international organization committed to peacefully resolving conflicts between countries. However in the Cold War the U.S demonstrated that it's old policies had changed to be more multilateral and joined an international organization committed to peacefully resolving conflicts between countries.
5. What is "Wilsonian" thought? Why do some support it and some oppose it?
"Wilsonian" thought consists of the concepts of multilateralism and collective security. Some support these thoughts because they think that new technology has made the policy of isolation no longer an option for countries. Others oppose "Wilsonian" thought because they believe that conflicts between countries cannot be solved peacefully and that "Wilsonian" thought endangers U.S security by preventing the U.S from acting on it's own to protect it's citizens.
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