I hope you have enjoyed our lecture and discussion concerning World War I. It is, to me, one of the most important turning points in history (which you will see, I hope, as we move on to discuss its aftermath). Unfortunately, many people do not know much about it, and we seem dangerously close to re-learning some of the war's lessons the hard way. Maybe some day there will be a memorial on the mall in Washington, D.C., or a national museum to educate students about US contributions to the war efforts. Unfortunately, none of this will be accomplished in time for a World War I veteran to see it, for the last US veteran of the war recently died. (You can read an interesting article about him at http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/feb/06/frank-buckles-americas-last-living-world-war-i-vet/ published in 2008).
But there was a great deal of other things going on in the US during those days and the years following, leading to the "hay days" that were known as the "Roaring 20s". For example, in an attempt to clean up New Orleans, the state of Louisianna banned the playing of jazz music (because so much of it was played in places where great sin was being committed), and thereby instigated America's first wave of popular music. All of those tremendous black musicians and singers moved to New York and Chicago, and their music came to American homes via new technology that was all the rage: radio and the phonograph. The "jazz age" - where European harmony melded with African rhythm to create a new American sound - would lead to the creation or modification of just about every style of music we listen to today.
Follow the link http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/jazz/jb_jazz_subj.html and choose two topics to report. You might do some additional research to find examples of some of the music or radio shows that were popular at the time (if you choose to read about those topics) and include links for others to follow. Your essay must be at least 200 words and is due by midnight, Friday, January 15. At least two responses, totalling 150 words, are due by Sunday January 17. Best of luck in your research, and enjoy learning about an exciting time in US history!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Q3 Homework 1, Due January 11
Welcome back! It's been several weeks since the last homework assignment, so this one will serve to get you back in the swing of things. Some of you failed to keep up with your homework in the previous quarter which caused serious damage to grades. Just a friendly note to warn you that I will not be accepting late homework from this point on. Homework posted no more than three days after the due date will receive a maximum of 50% credit. After three days the work will not be accepted for credit. By now most of you are in the habit of keeping up with your work and this will not be a problem for you.
Our focus this week is on World War I. Prior to the Second World War, WWI was simply referred to as "The Great War". Imagine - it involved more people, caused more deaths and destruction, and had a greater cost than all the previous wars of the world in human history combined! (Foreshadowing...World War II was more than twice the size of World War I!). It was a war of previously unimaginable proportions. Thanks to the advances in transportation and technology it became possible for the first time for the US to participate on a large scale in a war in Europe. The fighting was changed, as well. Previously soldiers had marched or rode horses onto the field of battle and killed each other with swords and small, inaccurate guns. World War I would introduce tanks, airplanes, poisonous gases, and greatly improved artillery and small arms.
Although we are studying US History, from this point on it will become increasingly evident that the story of America is inextricably tied to that of the entire world. The US, which had practiced isolationism since the days of Washington, would become a world power for the first time - and has been ever since. America discovered that we had grown to become a powerful force in the arena of foreign affairs. Take a minute to think about it - our ancestors, who immigrated here because they were poor, deprived of liberty, and promised nothing but opportunity, built a nation that would turn around and determine the future of freedom in the "old world". That, to me, is the amazing part of the American story.
Out of World War I would come the League of Nations - predecessor to the United Nations. While the UN is hobbled by politics today and has become increasingly unpopular in the US, your assignment this week is to answer the following question: Does the world need the United Nations? If so, identify three things that the UN can accomplish better than individual nations working independently. If not, why not? Identify three reasons why you believe an organization of nations is actually a bad thing. Your essay must be at least 200 words. Comment at least twice (a minimum of 150 words) on the opinions of others. Cite your sources.
I hope your Christmas break was wonderful - here's hoping for a great new year! God bless!
Ps: don't forget to visit www.akers-scs.blogspot.com for lesson plans!
Our focus this week is on World War I. Prior to the Second World War, WWI was simply referred to as "The Great War". Imagine - it involved more people, caused more deaths and destruction, and had a greater cost than all the previous wars of the world in human history combined! (Foreshadowing...World War II was more than twice the size of World War I!). It was a war of previously unimaginable proportions. Thanks to the advances in transportation and technology it became possible for the first time for the US to participate on a large scale in a war in Europe. The fighting was changed, as well. Previously soldiers had marched or rode horses onto the field of battle and killed each other with swords and small, inaccurate guns. World War I would introduce tanks, airplanes, poisonous gases, and greatly improved artillery and small arms.
Although we are studying US History, from this point on it will become increasingly evident that the story of America is inextricably tied to that of the entire world. The US, which had practiced isolationism since the days of Washington, would become a world power for the first time - and has been ever since. America discovered that we had grown to become a powerful force in the arena of foreign affairs. Take a minute to think about it - our ancestors, who immigrated here because they were poor, deprived of liberty, and promised nothing but opportunity, built a nation that would turn around and determine the future of freedom in the "old world". That, to me, is the amazing part of the American story.
Out of World War I would come the League of Nations - predecessor to the United Nations. While the UN is hobbled by politics today and has become increasingly unpopular in the US, your assignment this week is to answer the following question: Does the world need the United Nations? If so, identify three things that the UN can accomplish better than individual nations working independently. If not, why not? Identify three reasons why you believe an organization of nations is actually a bad thing. Your essay must be at least 200 words. Comment at least twice (a minimum of 150 words) on the opinions of others. Cite your sources.
I hope your Christmas break was wonderful - here's hoping for a great new year! God bless!
Ps: don't forget to visit www.akers-scs.blogspot.com for lesson plans!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Homework 9, Due December 11, 2009
The last homework assignment of the semester! You are half-way done! Don't forget to cruise over to my other blog www.akers-scs.blogspot.com for lesson plans and a preview of the exams.
I really enjoyed reading your posts on last week's assignment. Good job guys! So far most of you have done an excellent job of keeping up with your assignments and giving your best effort. It's appreciated!
Now here's this week's assignment: Having covered the formative years of the United States (exploration through pre-World War I twentieth century) I would like you to A) nominate and exlain your choice for "Most Important American not named Washington, Jefferson, or Lincoln". Looking back through your notes, who stands out to you as having the greatest impact on our nation? Do some research to back up your assertion (and, of course, cite your sources). I would also like you to B) identify an event in US history (the part we've studied) that you would be most interested in participating in, if that were possible. Why does it interest you? How would you have worked to influence its outcome?
Remember, 200 word minimum with at least two responses to the posts of others (responses must total 150 words). There will be no assignment during exam week, so this is the last until January. Make it your best!
I really enjoyed reading your posts on last week's assignment. Good job guys! So far most of you have done an excellent job of keeping up with your assignments and giving your best effort. It's appreciated!
Now here's this week's assignment: Having covered the formative years of the United States (exploration through pre-World War I twentieth century) I would like you to A) nominate and exlain your choice for "Most Important American not named Washington, Jefferson, or Lincoln". Looking back through your notes, who stands out to you as having the greatest impact on our nation? Do some research to back up your assertion (and, of course, cite your sources). I would also like you to B) identify an event in US history (the part we've studied) that you would be most interested in participating in, if that were possible. Why does it interest you? How would you have worked to influence its outcome?
Remember, 200 word minimum with at least two responses to the posts of others (responses must total 150 words). There will be no assignment during exam week, so this is the last until January. Make it your best!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Homework, Due December 4, 2009
Welcome back everyone! I hope you've had a good Thanksgiving break. It's a short run from here to Christmas, but we've got a great deal of material to cover and the semester exam to prepare for, so now's not the time to get distracted. As you know, we'll have a test on Tuesday covering the administrations of Presidents Teddy Roosevelt through Woodrow Wilson. Following the test we are going to look in more depth at the election of 1912, which, as you've already seen, was one of the most pivotal in our nation's history.
I mention that because the issues addressed in 1912 are still important to us today. One issue was suffrage, or the right to vote. Although women in the United States would not receive the franchise until the passage of the nineteenth amendment in 1920 (American Indians, you'll remember, didn't vote until 1924), the movement to include women in the making of public policy was well under way. Interestingly, even though women didn't vote in 1912, each candidate felt that it was necessary to include the topic in his campaign, though to varying degrees. So I ask you to respond to the following questions:
1) How did the US justify withholding the right to vote from women so far into the twentieth century? (Remember, many of them were educated, and although few opportunities existed in business, some were financially independent).
2) Just who should have the right to vote? Should education level matter? (Is it possible to be too uneducated to deserve to vote? Who should decide, and what would be on a voting test?) Should we return to the standard of land ownership? (Or some other method to ensure that the people who pay the bulk of the taxes are the ones being heard in elections). What about age? Explain why you take your stand.
3) There is a powerful movement today to restore the franchise to non-violent felons who have paid the price of their crimes (see the story in the Sunday, Nov 29, 2009 Lexington Herald-Leader). Currently convicted felons lose their vote for the rest of their lives, even after they are released from jail. Fundamentally, is this right or wrong?
Minimum 200 words, respond to at least two others with a total of 150 words of response. Responses due Sunday evening, December 6. Cite any sources you reference! God bless!
I mention that because the issues addressed in 1912 are still important to us today. One issue was suffrage, or the right to vote. Although women in the United States would not receive the franchise until the passage of the nineteenth amendment in 1920 (American Indians, you'll remember, didn't vote until 1924), the movement to include women in the making of public policy was well under way. Interestingly, even though women didn't vote in 1912, each candidate felt that it was necessary to include the topic in his campaign, though to varying degrees. So I ask you to respond to the following questions:
1) How did the US justify withholding the right to vote from women so far into the twentieth century? (Remember, many of them were educated, and although few opportunities existed in business, some were financially independent).
2) Just who should have the right to vote? Should education level matter? (Is it possible to be too uneducated to deserve to vote? Who should decide, and what would be on a voting test?) Should we return to the standard of land ownership? (Or some other method to ensure that the people who pay the bulk of the taxes are the ones being heard in elections). What about age? Explain why you take your stand.
3) There is a powerful movement today to restore the franchise to non-violent felons who have paid the price of their crimes (see the story in the Sunday, Nov 29, 2009 Lexington Herald-Leader). Currently convicted felons lose their vote for the rest of their lives, even after they are released from jail. Fundamentally, is this right or wrong?
Minimum 200 words, respond to at least two others with a total of 150 words of response. Responses due Sunday evening, December 6. Cite any sources you reference! God bless!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Homework 6, Due Nov 20, 2009
The Infamous Boss Tweed
Go to the following link:
http://www.hippocampus.org/hippocampus.php/course_locator.php?course=US History II&lesson=46&topic=1&width=800&height=684&topicTitle=The%20Tweed%20Ring%20and%20Machine%20Politics&skinPath=http://www.hippocampus.org/hippocampus.skins/default
Watch the video presentation (there's a text version as well if you are having trouble getting the video to play) and respond to the following questions:
1) What are the similarities and differences between the political practices of the Gilded Age and today? (mention at least two of each)
2) Choose one of the three "explore" topics listed on the left side of the lesson (you have to start the lesson before they are available) and answer the question asked.
3) How did the rise of political "machines" cause the local, state, and federal governments to become involved in social welfare? Can you imagine a better solution?
This assignment will doubtless take you some time and effort - but as a reward there will be no homework the next week so that you can more fully enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday. Your essay should be at least 200 words long, with responses totalling 150 words. Last week's assignment was supurb - keep up the good work!
Go to the following link:
http://www.hippocampus.org/hippocampus.php/course_locator.php?course=US History II&lesson=46&topic=1&width=800&height=684&topicTitle=The%20Tweed%20Ring%20and%20Machine%20Politics&skinPath=http://www.hippocampus.org/hippocampus.skins/default
Watch the video presentation (there's a text version as well if you are having trouble getting the video to play) and respond to the following questions:
1) What are the similarities and differences between the political practices of the Gilded Age and today? (mention at least two of each)
2) Choose one of the three "explore" topics listed on the left side of the lesson (you have to start the lesson before they are available) and answer the question asked.
3) How did the rise of political "machines" cause the local, state, and federal governments to become involved in social welfare? Can you imagine a better solution?
This assignment will doubtless take you some time and effort - but as a reward there will be no homework the next week so that you can more fully enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday. Your essay should be at least 200 words long, with responses totalling 150 words. Last week's assignment was supurb - keep up the good work!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Homework 5, Due Nov 13, 2009
Last week's assignment focused on the changes in America's economy and social structure at the dawn of the twentieth century. In lecture we also discussed the change in America's standing in the international community (Age of Empire) and the acquisition of new territories through war and annexation. This week's assignment is something of a geography exercise. You are to research an American territory and report back on your findings. Here's what I want to see:
1) A brief summary of the territory's history;
2) An explanation of the current governmental structure;
3) and details about the people and culture.
Answer the question, "What do you see as being the future of U.S. territories?"
Your essay schould be at least 200 words long and include reference citations. Respond to at least two other posts with at total of at least 150 words. Thanks and God bless!
1) A brief summary of the territory's history;
2) An explanation of the current governmental structure;
3) and details about the people and culture.
Answer the question, "What do you see as being the future of U.S. territories?"
Your essay schould be at least 200 words long and include reference citations. Respond to at least two other posts with at total of at least 150 words. Thanks and God bless!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Homework #3, Due November 6, 2009
The Gilded Age
Much of our class discussion last week hinged on one of the most important topics in any society: the fair distribution of wealth (and since, in every modern society wealth equals power, we can truly say the basis of all class structure in the modern era). In the last century all of the previous social structures were swept away by changes in technology which changed the way that people worked and related to each other. In the confusion that accompanies such changes all the relationships had be re-imagined, based on the question "What is fair?"
Consider this: in every business transaction, there are usually three participants. There is the entrepreneur, the worker, and the customer. All three desire to get the best deal they can; the entrepreneur claims that he or she deserves the profits because of the creativity and risk that went into providing the good or service. The worker wants part of the profits as well because he or she is doing the work, and of course the customer wants a good deal (ie, doesn't want to pay enough to make both the entrepreneur and worker happy). Let's get specific: we are currently enjoying the New York Yankees' trouncing of the hapless Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series. Who deserves to benefit from the spectacle the most? Mr. Steinbrenner (Yankees owner)? Alex Rodriguez (Yankees star baseball player)? And what about the fan sitting in the bleachers?
For years arguments have been made the the "Steibrenners" are either the most important part of the equation, or the least important part of the equation. Now, obviously, this homework assignment isn't about baseball, but about the struggle between big businesses and the working people at the end of the nineteenth century. What do you think? Who deserves the biggest part of the profits - the owners or the workers? And don't make the argument that both of them make enough, because I could have just as easily used an example of a fastfood restaurant owner, worker, and customer. Here are the questions I want you to address:
1) In the context of this discussion, what is fair?
2) How can that fairness be established without unconstitutional government intervention in the workplace? In other words, what kind of agreement must be reached between owners and workers and how can it be maintained for the long-term?
3) What would happen if either side of the equation (owners/workers) were to be too weak to effectively bargain with the other?
In addition, go to the link http://www.hippocampus.org/US%20History%20II and choose two of the following lessons under the "Gilded Age" heading to review and use as evidence in your essays:
Corruption in Business and Government
Entrepreneurs
The Government Steps In
Workers in America
Union Organizations
Major Strikes
As always, 200 words, 150 words of response, due on Friday and Sunday, respectively. Don't put this off to the last minute!
Much of our class discussion last week hinged on one of the most important topics in any society: the fair distribution of wealth (and since, in every modern society wealth equals power, we can truly say the basis of all class structure in the modern era). In the last century all of the previous social structures were swept away by changes in technology which changed the way that people worked and related to each other. In the confusion that accompanies such changes all the relationships had be re-imagined, based on the question "What is fair?"
Consider this: in every business transaction, there are usually three participants. There is the entrepreneur, the worker, and the customer. All three desire to get the best deal they can; the entrepreneur claims that he or she deserves the profits because of the creativity and risk that went into providing the good or service. The worker wants part of the profits as well because he or she is doing the work, and of course the customer wants a good deal (ie, doesn't want to pay enough to make both the entrepreneur and worker happy). Let's get specific: we are currently enjoying the New York Yankees' trouncing of the hapless Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series. Who deserves to benefit from the spectacle the most? Mr. Steinbrenner (Yankees owner)? Alex Rodriguez (Yankees star baseball player)? And what about the fan sitting in the bleachers?
For years arguments have been made the the "Steibrenners" are either the most important part of the equation, or the least important part of the equation. Now, obviously, this homework assignment isn't about baseball, but about the struggle between big businesses and the working people at the end of the nineteenth century. What do you think? Who deserves the biggest part of the profits - the owners or the workers? And don't make the argument that both of them make enough, because I could have just as easily used an example of a fastfood restaurant owner, worker, and customer. Here are the questions I want you to address:
1) In the context of this discussion, what is fair?
2) How can that fairness be established without unconstitutional government intervention in the workplace? In other words, what kind of agreement must be reached between owners and workers and how can it be maintained for the long-term?
3) What would happen if either side of the equation (owners/workers) were to be too weak to effectively bargain with the other?
In addition, go to the link http://www.hippocampus.org/US%20History%20II and choose two of the following lessons under the "Gilded Age" heading to review and use as evidence in your essays:
Corruption in Business and Government
Entrepreneurs
The Government Steps In
Workers in America
Union Organizations
Major Strikes
As always, 200 words, 150 words of response, due on Friday and Sunday, respectively. Don't put this off to the last minute!
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