The Gilded Age
Much of our class discussion this week will hinge 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 recently escaped the spector of a basketball season with no NBA. Fortunately (for the basketball-addicted) a profit sharing scheme was agreed upon between owners and players and the season will get underway on Christmas day. Now, who deserves to benefit from the spectacle of professional basketball the most? The owners? Kobe and LeBron? And what about the fan sitting in the bleachers?
For years arguments have been made the the owners (entrepreneurs) 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 basketball, 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) Most importantly, 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!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Bonus Opportunity - Due November 25, 2011
As this week is going to be a busy one for everyone, I think this would be a great time for an optional assignment. Here's how it works: if you do the assignment I will exchange a zero on a previous assignment with a 100. If you have done late assingments and received a score that is less than 100 (such as a 50 for a REALLY late assignment) I will add up to 100 points for doing this assignment. For example, if you have two previous assignments from this quarter for which you have received 50s I will change both grades to 100s. Pretty cool, huh? Here's what's up:
Next week's assignment will focus on the changes in America's economy and social structure at the dawn of the twentieth century. However, in lecture we will also discuss the change in America's standing in the international community (Age of Empire) and the acquisition of new territories through war and annexation. Your 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!
Next week's assignment will focus on the changes in America's economy and social structure at the dawn of the twentieth century. However, in lecture we will also discuss the change in America's standing in the international community (Age of Empire) and the acquisition of new territories through war and annexation. Your 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!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Homework 5, Due Nov 19, 2011
Changing Landscape in America
As we study an often over-looked period of US history, you will learn that the 35 years between the end of the Civil War and the dawn of the twentieth century were an important era that changed America from an unimportant "new world" country to a major player on the international scene. Our economy transformed from a simple agrarian society to a complex industrial powerhouse, and politically the US went from Washington's isolationism to the US Age of Empire. Literally millions of immigrants poured into the country, changing the way that Americans lived, worked, looked and sounded. As we've noted in lecture, it was also a time to readjust race relations in America post-slavery, especially in the South.
All of these things and more make this period an important one for understanding the true identity of America. Follow the link http://www.hippocampus.org/US%20History%20II and choose any three of the titles under "Changing Landscape" to read and review as your homework assignment. Do the reading and watch the videos then report back what you find. The requirements for this assignment are exactly the same as all of those before. Do your best!
As we study an often over-looked period of US history, you will learn that the 35 years between the end of the Civil War and the dawn of the twentieth century were an important era that changed America from an unimportant "new world" country to a major player on the international scene. Our economy transformed from a simple agrarian society to a complex industrial powerhouse, and politically the US went from Washington's isolationism to the US Age of Empire. Literally millions of immigrants poured into the country, changing the way that Americans lived, worked, looked and sounded. As we've noted in lecture, it was also a time to readjust race relations in America post-slavery, especially in the South.
All of these things and more make this period an important one for understanding the true identity of America. Follow the link http://www.hippocampus.org/US%20History%20II and choose any three of the titles under "Changing Landscape" to read and review as your homework assignment. Do the reading and watch the videos then report back what you find. The requirements for this assignment are exactly the same as all of those before. Do your best!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Homework 4, Due Nov 11, 2011
In class this week we will discuss the role of habeas corpus in Civil War history and, throughout the remainder of the year, will see instances when the government is tempted to suspend (or even in rare cases ignore) the rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. The argument for such an action is usually that it is easier to "get the job done" when the "red tape" has been removed. While we, as Christians, are biblically called upon to obey the laws of the land, it is important for the preservation of liberty that, as citizens, we are aware of our rights and that we hold our leaders accountable to the Constitution.
Decisions that are rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court are extremely important because it is almost impossible to undue the legal restrictions and precedents they establish. In the years following the Civil War, not only were there cities and homes to restore, but also a certain balance of power that needed to be corrected. Actions taken by the Lincoln administration in the time of war were feared to pose a real danger to individual liberty once the war was over. For this reason Congress and the Court, in their separate ways, attempted to reform American government.
In this week's assignment I'd like you to research a Supreme Court case entitled "Ex parte Milligan, 1866" (filed usually under Milligan, ex parte). Lambdin Milligan was undoubtedly a criminal, and something had to be done about his scheme, but the Court ruled (9-0, which is very rare) that the Lincoln administration had made a mistake. It will take some thought to sort out why the Court (led by Lincoln-appointed Salmon P. Chase) disagreed with Lincoln's handling of the situation.
Write an essay (200 word minimum) that explains what the dispute was about, and make a suggestion as to how the need of the government to provide for the safety of society can, in such situations, be balanced with the constitutional guarantees of individual liberty.
As you might have noticed, this is a topic that still matters today. For 10 bonus points on the next test, in addition to the homework assignment, write an essay (turn it in to me in class) that compares and contrasts the Milligan case with the case Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, 2005.
Good luck and God bless! Don't forget to site your sources and to leave 150 words of comments on the work of others.
Decisions that are rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court are extremely important because it is almost impossible to undue the legal restrictions and precedents they establish. In the years following the Civil War, not only were there cities and homes to restore, but also a certain balance of power that needed to be corrected. Actions taken by the Lincoln administration in the time of war were feared to pose a real danger to individual liberty once the war was over. For this reason Congress and the Court, in their separate ways, attempted to reform American government.
In this week's assignment I'd like you to research a Supreme Court case entitled "Ex parte Milligan, 1866" (filed usually under Milligan, ex parte). Lambdin Milligan was undoubtedly a criminal, and something had to be done about his scheme, but the Court ruled (9-0, which is very rare) that the Lincoln administration had made a mistake. It will take some thought to sort out why the Court (led by Lincoln-appointed Salmon P. Chase) disagreed with Lincoln's handling of the situation.
Write an essay (200 word minimum) that explains what the dispute was about, and make a suggestion as to how the need of the government to provide for the safety of society can, in such situations, be balanced with the constitutional guarantees of individual liberty.
As you might have noticed, this is a topic that still matters today. For 10 bonus points on the next test, in addition to the homework assignment, write an essay (turn it in to me in class) that compares and contrasts the Milligan case with the case Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, 2005.
Good luck and God bless! Don't forget to site your sources and to leave 150 words of comments on the work of others.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Homework 3, Due Noveber 4, 2011
This week I have decided to use the assignment I previously gave as a bonus opportunity. Last week's response rate was improved, but still some class members are failing to complete the assignment at all or on time. Remember how important the homework component is to your grade!
This assignment continues our study of the Civil War, focusing on the events of the war and individuals who participated from the state of Kentucky. Several significant battles were fought in the commonwealth, and soldiers from Kentucky fought on both sides of the war.
Although we typically say that Kentucky was a slave state that did not secede, in truth, there was an attempt (unsuccessful) at secession, that would have made Kentucky a member of the Conferedate States of America. Near Somerset the Battle of Mill Springs was important in securing Union control of the Ohio Valley, and the Battle of Perryville was one of the hardest-fought battles of the war. You already know that both Civil War presidents (Lincoln and Davis) were born in Kentucky, and some families had members to fight on opposite sides (such as the Breckinridges - dad and one son were Union generals, another son was a Confederate general).
General Grant first commanded in Kentucky, as did Gen. William T. Sherman (who had a nervous breakdown while overseeing Louisville, and was sent home to recuperate when he imagined that the Confederates were teaming with Native Americans (none of whom lived anywhere near Kentucky) for a massive attack. He was the laughing-stock of the country when he requested 20,000 soldiers to protect Louisville against Indians!
These are just a few of the amazing Civil War stories and individuals related to Kentucky that played a major role in the war. Your assignment this week is to research a Civil War person or event related to our state and post an essay revealing your findings. Unlike previous weeks I am not giving you a specific web site, so please cite your references. Did your family play a role in Kentucky Civil War history? That would be a great story to share!
This assignment continues our study of the Civil War, focusing on the events of the war and individuals who participated from the state of Kentucky. Several significant battles were fought in the commonwealth, and soldiers from Kentucky fought on both sides of the war.
Although we typically say that Kentucky was a slave state that did not secede, in truth, there was an attempt (unsuccessful) at secession, that would have made Kentucky a member of the Conferedate States of America. Near Somerset the Battle of Mill Springs was important in securing Union control of the Ohio Valley, and the Battle of Perryville was one of the hardest-fought battles of the war. You already know that both Civil War presidents (Lincoln and Davis) were born in Kentucky, and some families had members to fight on opposite sides (such as the Breckinridges - dad and one son were Union generals, another son was a Confederate general).
General Grant first commanded in Kentucky, as did Gen. William T. Sherman (who had a nervous breakdown while overseeing Louisville, and was sent home to recuperate when he imagined that the Confederates were teaming with Native Americans (none of whom lived anywhere near Kentucky) for a massive attack. He was the laughing-stock of the country when he requested 20,000 soldiers to protect Louisville against Indians!
These are just a few of the amazing Civil War stories and individuals related to Kentucky that played a major role in the war. Your assignment this week is to research a Civil War person or event related to our state and post an essay revealing your findings. Unlike previous weeks I am not giving you a specific web site, so please cite your references. Did your family play a role in Kentucky Civil War history? That would be a great story to share!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Homework 2, Due October 28, 2011
Congratulations to the Lady Cougars JV Volleyball team for being state runners-up! Your hard work and dedication have paid off with a successful season. This week's assignment is a little different - an opportunity to explore the national political frontier. As we study US history we have spent a great deal of time discussing the men who have served as president and the impact they have had. In just over a year the US will hold the next presidential election and the campaign to win your support and confidence is well under way.
While many people will run for president you are likely to hear of only two names that will be on the ballot - the Democratic and Republican party nominees. Because the Democrats have a candidate that is already president (called an incumbent candidate) they have been raising money and making plans to re-elect President Barack Obama. The Republicans, on the other hand, are preparing for a long set of "primary elections" and "caucuses" (which will begin in January in Iowa and New Hampshire) in which they will chose a candidate to oppose President Obama in November 2012. There are very few differences between "primaries" and "caucuses" - they are basically elections in which only Republicans may participate because the winner becomes the representative of the Republican party. Of course, any Democrat could have chosen to challenge President Obama in Democratic "primaries" but no one has because it is very unlikely that he or she could win.
In the early days of American democracy candidates did not campaign - no tours, speeches, commercials, baby-kissing (a strange political custom), etc. Nowadays running for president is basically a two-year commitment - one that will end in failure for most candidates. They are constantly in front of the cameras and travelling through the states that have early primaries in order to gain support. In recent years the use of the internet by presidential candidates has revolutionized the process. Candidates raise money and share their ideas in order to give voters an opportunity to know them better.
Your research assignment this week focuses on the candidates' websites. I want you to chose two candidates and visit their websites and report back on your findings. Answer these questions: What did you learn about the lives of the candidates? Why do they want to be president? What are their plans for America? You do not have to make any statement about your own sentiments or support/opposition to a candidate but you may do so IF you can do it in a mature and knowledgeable manner. (Failure to communicate respectfully can result in disciplinary action and a loss of credit on this assignment).
While this assignment is meant to encourage you to study candidates in order to make informed decisions it is also an opportunity for you to practice respectful dialogue. It is important to remember how valuable the opinions of others are and to state your own opinions in such a way that people will be inclined to listen to you rather than reject what you have to say. Remember that for full credit you must write 200 words and leave responses totaling at least 150 words regarding the essays of at least two other students.
Follow the link http://2012.presidential-candidates.org/ to a website that lists all the candidates (Republicans, Democrats, other parties and independents) and links to their official websites.
While many people will run for president you are likely to hear of only two names that will be on the ballot - the Democratic and Republican party nominees. Because the Democrats have a candidate that is already president (called an incumbent candidate) they have been raising money and making plans to re-elect President Barack Obama. The Republicans, on the other hand, are preparing for a long set of "primary elections" and "caucuses" (which will begin in January in Iowa and New Hampshire) in which they will chose a candidate to oppose President Obama in November 2012. There are very few differences between "primaries" and "caucuses" - they are basically elections in which only Republicans may participate because the winner becomes the representative of the Republican party. Of course, any Democrat could have chosen to challenge President Obama in Democratic "primaries" but no one has because it is very unlikely that he or she could win.
In the early days of American democracy candidates did not campaign - no tours, speeches, commercials, baby-kissing (a strange political custom), etc. Nowadays running for president is basically a two-year commitment - one that will end in failure for most candidates. They are constantly in front of the cameras and travelling through the states that have early primaries in order to gain support. In recent years the use of the internet by presidential candidates has revolutionized the process. Candidates raise money and share their ideas in order to give voters an opportunity to know them better.
Your research assignment this week focuses on the candidates' websites. I want you to chose two candidates and visit their websites and report back on your findings. Answer these questions: What did you learn about the lives of the candidates? Why do they want to be president? What are their plans for America? You do not have to make any statement about your own sentiments or support/opposition to a candidate but you may do so IF you can do it in a mature and knowledgeable manner. (Failure to communicate respectfully can result in disciplinary action and a loss of credit on this assignment).
While this assignment is meant to encourage you to study candidates in order to make informed decisions it is also an opportunity for you to practice respectful dialogue. It is important to remember how valuable the opinions of others are and to state your own opinions in such a way that people will be inclined to listen to you rather than reject what you have to say. Remember that for full credit you must write 200 words and leave responses totaling at least 150 words regarding the essays of at least two other students.
Follow the link http://2012.presidential-candidates.org/ to a website that lists all the candidates (Republicans, Democrats, other parties and independents) and links to their official websites.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Homework 1, Due October 21, 2011
First, mega-congratulations to the SCS soccer team for the state championship! Now the homework. We've researched the Civil War for several weeks now, and your essays have been excellent. The period of study we're entering now is as essential as any other when it comes to understanding America, yet, being sandwiched between the Civil War and the exciting 20th century, it is often overlooked. Think about it: in a period of 36 years (about as long as your history teacher has been alive) three presidents were assassinated. Can you imagine picking up the pieces after the Civil War? How difficult would it be to put a nation back together after the death and destruction, especially given the untimely death of Lincoln less than a week after the war ended? Still, America, now occupying the land from sea to shining sea, was ready for new challenges.
Blacks were not only set free from slavery, but given citizenship and the right to vote (the men were, anyway). It would take another 100 years before the descendants of the former slaves would be guaranteed their civil rights, however, as hatred, bitterness, and racism gripped the southern culture.
One might think that Americans would be so sick of war that they would have avoided it regardless of the cost, but, of course, that is never the case. No sooner was the Civil War over when Americans turned their attention to the Native Americans who were occupying land in the west that now appeared much more valuable than before. And the US entered the "Age of Imperialism" when we attacked Spain for reasons that now seem a little hard to explain. (When the US Navy defeated the Spanish forces in Manila and seized the Philipines, a surprised President McKinley only had the vaguest notion of where the Philipines are located!).
The first task at hand was Reconstruction. For your assigment this week, please consider the two philosophies concerning the question of the southern states. Presidents Lincoln and Johnson favored restoring rights and property (except slaves, of course) to former Confederates who were willing to take an oath of allegiance to the US. Others (mostly radical northern Republicans who despised Johnson) thought of the southern states as conquored enemies who ought to be used to the North's benefit. Choose one of the following topics and write an essay about it, viewing the issue through both sides of the philosophical divide. Here's the list: The Civil War Amendments (13th-15th), "Carpetbaggers", the founding of Arlington National Cemetery, the Freedman's Bureau, and the Reconstruction Act of 1867. Minimum 200 words, at least 2 responses (total of 150 words). Include your sources.
Here's something for looking ahead. As you know, this class focuses on the history of our country from the Civil War to the present. We should get through the chronological history in plenty of time to focus on some topical history near the end of the school year. I anticipate units on Kentucky history, the Civil Rights movement, and the history of Christianity in America. Good stuff!
Blacks were not only set free from slavery, but given citizenship and the right to vote (the men were, anyway). It would take another 100 years before the descendants of the former slaves would be guaranteed their civil rights, however, as hatred, bitterness, and racism gripped the southern culture.
One might think that Americans would be so sick of war that they would have avoided it regardless of the cost, but, of course, that is never the case. No sooner was the Civil War over when Americans turned their attention to the Native Americans who were occupying land in the west that now appeared much more valuable than before. And the US entered the "Age of Imperialism" when we attacked Spain for reasons that now seem a little hard to explain. (When the US Navy defeated the Spanish forces in Manila and seized the Philipines, a surprised President McKinley only had the vaguest notion of where the Philipines are located!).
The first task at hand was Reconstruction. For your assigment this week, please consider the two philosophies concerning the question of the southern states. Presidents Lincoln and Johnson favored restoring rights and property (except slaves, of course) to former Confederates who were willing to take an oath of allegiance to the US. Others (mostly radical northern Republicans who despised Johnson) thought of the southern states as conquored enemies who ought to be used to the North's benefit. Choose one of the following topics and write an essay about it, viewing the issue through both sides of the philosophical divide. Here's the list: The Civil War Amendments (13th-15th), "Carpetbaggers", the founding of Arlington National Cemetery, the Freedman's Bureau, and the Reconstruction Act of 1867. Minimum 200 words, at least 2 responses (total of 150 words). Include your sources.
Here's something for looking ahead. As you know, this class focuses on the history of our country from the Civil War to the present. We should get through the chronological history in plenty of time to focus on some topical history near the end of the school year. I anticipate units on Kentucky history, the Civil Rights movement, and the history of Christianity in America. Good stuff!
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