History has offered a variety of presidents to the U.S. Some were known as fighters, others were known as being peaceful, while there were even some who were known for their wisdom. Two such presidents were Theodore Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Although their presidencies were in different eras they both had the same basis for their presidency. Both Roosevelt and Truman were Vice presidents, who intern became presidents after the former president died. Their leadership was bounded by their passion to help the economy. Roosevelt graduated from Harvard University in 1880. He was a member of New York State Assembly. He moved to North Dakota after the death of his wife, where lived on his ranch, then returned to New York City in 1886, where he was appointed by President Benjamin Harrison as a member of the United States Civil Service Commission. Truman’s presidency was very busy, seeing the end of World War II, the beginning of the Cold War, and to the formation of the United Nations, then most of the Korean War. No matter the time era both Roosevelt and Truman differed and compared by their stance on the economy, domestic issues, and way of leadership.
With the assassination of President McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, not quite 43, became the youngest President in the Nation's history. He was born in New York City in 1858 into a wealthy family, but he too struggled against ill health. During the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt was lieutenant colonel of the Rough Rider Regiment, which he led on a charge at the battle of San Juan. As President, Roosevelt held the idea that the Government should be the great judge of the conflicting economic forces in the Nation, especially between capital and labor, guaranteeing justice to each and giving favors to those in time of need.
Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri, in 1884. He grew up in independence, and for 12 years prospered as a Missouri farmer. He went to France during World War I as a captain in the Field Artillery. Returning, he married Elizabeth Wallace, and opened a shop in Kansas City. Active in the Democratic Party, Truman was elected as a judge of the Jackson County Court. During World War II he headed the Senate war investigating committee, checking into waste and corruption and saving as much as 15 billion dollars.
With Roosevelt’s domestic plan he emerged as a trust-buster by forcing the closure of a great railroad company in the Northwest. His anthracite coal strike showed his concern for the people and laborers. Then placed other anti-trust suits under the Sherman Act that followed. Also by placing his Square Deal he brought the Hepburn Act, which strengthened the ICC and the Pure Food& Drug Act. Roosevelt also ensured the construction of the Panama Canal. His effect to the Monroe Doctrine prevented the establishment of foreign bases in the Caribbean and limited the right of the intervention in Latin America to the United States.
Truman became president during the middle of the WWII (due to FDR’s death) thus taking over WWII. As President, Truman made some of the most crucial decisions in history. Soon after V-E Day, the war against Japan had reached it’s final stage. An urgent plea to Japan to surrender was rejected. So Truman ordered atomic bombs to be dropped on cities involved to war work. Including Hiroshima and Nagasaki where the Japanese quickly surrendered. Truman’s presidency was not just based on that one event yet he also had some good deeds included in his presidency. He presented to Congress a 21-point program, proposing the expansion of Social Security, a full-employment program. It became known as the Fair Deal.
Even though Roosevelt and Truman were raised in different time periods they were quite alike and different in many ways. Roosevelt was an energetic young man due from his many illnesses. While Truman was not a country boy, active boy, yet Truman’s presidency was very active. The war against Japan had reached it’s final stage as Truman ordered atomic bombs to be dropped on cities involved to war work. Whereas Roosevelt showed his concern for the people and laborers, by placing anti-trust suits under the Sherman Act. Also by placing his Square Deal he brought the Hepburn Act, which strengthened the ICC and the Pure Food& Drug Act. These two were indeed different in time yet each showed their concern for the nation by placing social security and even trust-busting.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Analyze the ways in which the Great Depression altered the American social fabric in the 1930's.
The Federal Reserve Board was created in 1913, it was to act as the lender of last resort to prevent bank panics. It was supposedly the watchdog over these banks. Throughout the years preceding the Stock Market crash The Federal Reserve Board set market interest rates and low reserve requirements that all favored the big banks. The money supply actual increased during this time. It was in 1929 that the Federal Reserve Board realized that it could not sustain it's current policy to be the watchdog. When it started to raise in interest rates they were allowing people to pay 10% now and the other 90% later. The Federal Reseve Board was not receving enough money to keep these stocks going, to much money was going out and not enough going in. The Stock Market finally crashed and the bank panics began. Bank failure was another cause for the Great Depression. Banks deposits were uninsured and thus as banks failed people simply lost their savings. Then with the stock market crash and the fears of further economic woes, people from all classes stopped purchasing items. This then led to a reduction in the number of items produced and thus a reduction in the employment. Unemployment became so popular during the Depression that it rose up to 25%. Usually a president like Hoover was suspected to do nothing and let the market depression find it's own way out of the depression, instead Hoover intervened. He introduced the Hawley-Smoot Tariff , which could have been the worst idea ever in this situation. This only raised tariffs which was not really wise on his part, yet lowering tariffs would have been the best plan for Hoover. The Great Depression alter the American social fabric in the 1930's with unemployment, use of new technologies (radio) more often, new administrations, and industrialization.
The Great Depression was a time of hysteria and panic. Although there were many economic changes, the Great Depression also greatly altered the American social society. A new way of life was brought about by many of FDR's new administrations, they lessen many burdens faced by Americans. Artistic programs were set up and the use of radio also significantly changed lifestyles, many people began to use these radios to broadcast how they felt about the presidents( one was Father Coughlin). Under Roosevelt, many new administrations were created in order to help the many jobless starving Americans. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was made up of young boys who were sent off to work. These boys worked and parts of their paychecks were often sent home to their parents, this employed millions of young men. The Tennessee Valley Association (TVA) was another agency. The TVA was criticized by many as being built on socialistic lines and as a waste of money towards the economy. A hydro electric plant was set up to produce power and the surrounding areas were employed by the plant. It helped create dams in the Tennessee Valley area, and cleared trees from some forests.
Nationalism and cooperation was seen among many Americans during the Great Depression. The National Industry Recovery Agency was created and many companies joined its works. This did often upset Americans yet, Roosevelt would use his wonderful communication skills to calm and soothe the unhappy public by talking to them through the radio. Roosevelt urged them to help each other and to work together during their time of need. The living condition in America were horrible during the Great Depression. Many people who invested in the stock market were now left without homes and jobs. Businesses were closing rapidly leaving an unemployment rate of about 25%. Many people were starving and working hard just to survive. Many were angered by the actions of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) when they destroyed food and paid farmers not to use land in order to raise farm product prices. Artistic programs were set up under Roosevelt's New Deal during the Great Depression. Artists were hired to paint murals and musicians performed in public places. These programs provided for entertainment for people who were continually faced with unhappiness. During the Great Depression, the conditions of blacks stayed the same or worsened. Many blacks were tenant farmers and sharecroppers so when the AAA (found unconstitutional) paid farmers to take land out of production, they were kicked off of their land and left homeless. There were no significant advancements for blacks during the depression, the social status of blacks was only being poor.
The Great Depression was so broad that it affected all directly and indirectly,the rich,the poor, even the middle class. The change in the social status of America in contrast to the 1920s was totally different. The 1920s were so highly prosperous and wonderful. There were many cultural advancements. Then in the 1930s it left Americans feeling horrible, poor, weak,and unhappy. Many were unemployed and starving. While there were administrations created in order to relieve many problems, many were insufficient and inadequate of relieving the horrible status of American society while others seemed to work during that time period. One was the Public Works Administration (PWA) which was a government administration that FDR and Congress formed in 1933 to create new jobs, improve the nation’s infrastructure, and provide unemployment relief. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) similar to the PWA hired over 10 million American men to construct public works projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. The National Recovery Administration (NRA) was the keystone of the early new deal program launched by Roosevelt. NRA permitted businesses to decide what they wanted to do either, regulate prices, wages, working conditions, and even credit terms.
There were also significant Acts established during the depression that contributed to the American social fabric. The Wagner Act legalized labor unions’ right to organize and bargain collectively. Social Security Act established pensions for the elderly, handicapped, and unemployed. National Industrial Recovery Act brought on by the Public Works Administration (PWA), and was designed to stimulate U.S industrial recovery by putting federal funds into large-scale construction projects. The Fair Labor Standards Act established a federal Minimum Wage and maximum-hours policy. This act was intended to prevent competitive wage cutting by employers during the Depression so wages eventually did go up.
The Great Depression was the worst economic slump ever in U.S. history, and one which spread throughout all of the industrialized part of the world. The depression began in late 1929 and lasted for about a decade. Caused on by numerous of issues the stock market crash, over production, bank failure, and low income into these banks. The social fabric of America was greatly altered by the Great Depression. Many of Roosevelt's administrations and Acts greatly changed American life. There was also nationalism and cooperation within the people. Many artistic programs were created and blacks were treated unfairly. There existed many changes brought forth in the 1930s due to the Great Depression. Social fabric was indeed altered during the great depression unemployment, money cuts, industrialization, and radio began to be used more.
The Great Depression was a time of hysteria and panic. Although there were many economic changes, the Great Depression also greatly altered the American social society. A new way of life was brought about by many of FDR's new administrations, they lessen many burdens faced by Americans. Artistic programs were set up and the use of radio also significantly changed lifestyles, many people began to use these radios to broadcast how they felt about the presidents( one was Father Coughlin). Under Roosevelt, many new administrations were created in order to help the many jobless starving Americans. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was made up of young boys who were sent off to work. These boys worked and parts of their paychecks were often sent home to their parents, this employed millions of young men. The Tennessee Valley Association (TVA) was another agency. The TVA was criticized by many as being built on socialistic lines and as a waste of money towards the economy. A hydro electric plant was set up to produce power and the surrounding areas were employed by the plant. It helped create dams in the Tennessee Valley area, and cleared trees from some forests.
Nationalism and cooperation was seen among many Americans during the Great Depression. The National Industry Recovery Agency was created and many companies joined its works. This did often upset Americans yet, Roosevelt would use his wonderful communication skills to calm and soothe the unhappy public by talking to them through the radio. Roosevelt urged them to help each other and to work together during their time of need. The living condition in America were horrible during the Great Depression. Many people who invested in the stock market were now left without homes and jobs. Businesses were closing rapidly leaving an unemployment rate of about 25%. Many people were starving and working hard just to survive. Many were angered by the actions of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) when they destroyed food and paid farmers not to use land in order to raise farm product prices. Artistic programs were set up under Roosevelt's New Deal during the Great Depression. Artists were hired to paint murals and musicians performed in public places. These programs provided for entertainment for people who were continually faced with unhappiness. During the Great Depression, the conditions of blacks stayed the same or worsened. Many blacks were tenant farmers and sharecroppers so when the AAA (found unconstitutional) paid farmers to take land out of production, they were kicked off of their land and left homeless. There were no significant advancements for blacks during the depression, the social status of blacks was only being poor.
The Great Depression was so broad that it affected all directly and indirectly,the rich,the poor, even the middle class. The change in the social status of America in contrast to the 1920s was totally different. The 1920s were so highly prosperous and wonderful. There were many cultural advancements. Then in the 1930s it left Americans feeling horrible, poor, weak,and unhappy. Many were unemployed and starving. While there were administrations created in order to relieve many problems, many were insufficient and inadequate of relieving the horrible status of American society while others seemed to work during that time period. One was the Public Works Administration (PWA) which was a government administration that FDR and Congress formed in 1933 to create new jobs, improve the nation’s infrastructure, and provide unemployment relief. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) similar to the PWA hired over 10 million American men to construct public works projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. The National Recovery Administration (NRA) was the keystone of the early new deal program launched by Roosevelt. NRA permitted businesses to decide what they wanted to do either, regulate prices, wages, working conditions, and even credit terms.
There were also significant Acts established during the depression that contributed to the American social fabric. The Wagner Act legalized labor unions’ right to organize and bargain collectively. Social Security Act established pensions for the elderly, handicapped, and unemployed. National Industrial Recovery Act brought on by the Public Works Administration (PWA), and was designed to stimulate U.S industrial recovery by putting federal funds into large-scale construction projects. The Fair Labor Standards Act established a federal Minimum Wage and maximum-hours policy. This act was intended to prevent competitive wage cutting by employers during the Depression so wages eventually did go up.
The Great Depression was the worst economic slump ever in U.S. history, and one which spread throughout all of the industrialized part of the world. The depression began in late 1929 and lasted for about a decade. Caused on by numerous of issues the stock market crash, over production, bank failure, and low income into these banks. The social fabric of America was greatly altered by the Great Depression. Many of Roosevelt's administrations and Acts greatly changed American life. There was also nationalism and cooperation within the people. Many artistic programs were created and blacks were treated unfairly. There existed many changes brought forth in the 1930s due to the Great Depression. Social fabric was indeed altered during the great depression unemployment, money cuts, industrialization, and radio began to be used more.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Discuss how the 1920's represented social, economis, and cultural discord among Americans.
The period between the end of World War I and the fall of the nation's economy in the 1920's was spoke of as the "Roaring Twenties". Despite experiencing debt, the 1920's witnessed many cultural transformations that would ultimately affect America civilization. Although contradictions had been made such as the constancy of subordination of women, blacks, and the burst of cultural development. The new decade would be a time of change for everyone even if it was not always meant to be a satisfying one. The close of World War I saw the United States to a horrible stance, President Wilson's efforts, the Senate refuse to ratify the Versailles Peace Treaty that ended World War I, and the U.S. failing to join the League of Nations. Elected president in 1920, Harding promoted a "return to normalcy," which was used as a reassurance of nativism, isolationism, and rejection of the Progressive Era (which became unwanted by the people since all the demands had been fulfilled already ). Harding's policies reflected a conservative attitude, his administration was controlled by scandals, but most of them did not surface or unfold until the following his death of a stroke in office. Coolidge was Harding's vice president. When the presidency fell with Harding's death, he moved swiftly to sew up the nomination and mend the effects of the administration's scandals. Coolidge administration policies included various of ideas such as high tariffs, federal tax cuts which were generally approved of during his four years, and also his do little plan in office. Hoover was elected to the presidency in 1928, his personal popularity suffered, however with his "do nothing" plan. Hoover had been in office just a few years when the Great Depression began to carve into the nation's economy. His early relief efforts were generally viewed to be inadequate. With all the tension going on in the 1920's, it still remained a lively decade full of inventions, new ages, dances, amendments, laws, just a decade full of cultural innovations. The 1920's represented a social, economic and cultural discord among Americans with the different religious and science views, traditions, rural and urban disputes, and the red scare the fear of Communism.
After WWI it seemed to those who lived in rural areas of America, the nation's cities represented vice and sin. Even though the nation was to enter into the decade of sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol drinks (which was outlawed by the eighteenth amendment). The Constitution had prohibited the manufacture, transport and sale of intoxicating liquor. Prohibitionists anticipated that Prohibition would elevate social problems and riots in the economy. However, many people disliked the law and turned to unlawful nightclubs called speakeasies. Gangsters took control of bootlegging (illegal spread of liquor) and violent lawlessness erupted. Lacking public support, the federal government was unable to enforce Prohibition. Rurals viewed the lifestyle as something exceedingly stimulating. Yet the attitude of urban women was represented by their clothing and behavior. Women began smoking, wearing cosmetics, and even having higher hemlines. Youthful "Flapper" were what women were know as who provoked older people with brief skirts and bobbed hair.
The United States was converting from a wartime to peacetime economy. When weapons for World War I were no longer needed, there was a temporary stall in the economy. After a few years, the country did prospered. In this decade, America became the richest nation on Earth and a culture of consumerism was born. It was the time of the $5 workday, good worker pay for those days. People spent money for better roads, tourism, and holiday resorts. Until the unsuspected stock market crash. Consequently causing a huge amount of debt which had not even existed until then. The market was giving to much money and not receiving enough and eventually it crashed, devastating millions leading to the Great Depression.
Though Darwin's ideas on evolution were no longer new in the 1920's, the evolutionary theory was well-established in public schools. Fundamentalists launched campaigns in several states to abolish what they considered to be false and teaching which was whatever was not in harmony with the Bible. Yet in Tennessee a teacher was arrested in1925 for teaching on the subject of Darwin's theory of evolution against the states rule. The case provided the fundamentalist the opportunity to check who ever questioned the theory of creation in the book of Genesis. Then it pitted the ideals and ideas of Urban's against religious fundamentalism of rural protestant America. The teacher dd lose the case yet, the verdict was overturned.
The end of the fighting in Europe did not bring peace and security to the United States. Hatred was quickly replaced by a fear of governmental control, communists and immigrants. Following the triumph of the Bolsheviks in Russia (Russian Revolution) and the establishment of the Soviet Union, efforts were made by communist to promote revolution in Western Europe and the United States. Various events of the1920's were the first of a series of “red scares” in American history. Bombs exploded outside the home of Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, killing 38 people. These attacks were blamed on by communists known as the "red scare".
While some ways a lively decade was portrayed in the 1920's and other included discords among social, economic and cultural Americans it was represented as a era of innovation. Various tensions arose during this decade such as the Scopes Monkey Trial, "red scare", urban gangs, scandals in office and countless more. Rural America continued to represent tradition and stability. While urban areas were culturally different, and rural were not yet they were religiously. The era embodied the beginning of modern America. Numerous Americans felt uplifted following World War I. America had survived a deadly worldwide war and now can come home to a new beginning. The new decade would be a time of change for everyone.
After WWI it seemed to those who lived in rural areas of America, the nation's cities represented vice and sin. Even though the nation was to enter into the decade of sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol drinks (which was outlawed by the eighteenth amendment). The Constitution had prohibited the manufacture, transport and sale of intoxicating liquor. Prohibitionists anticipated that Prohibition would elevate social problems and riots in the economy. However, many people disliked the law and turned to unlawful nightclubs called speakeasies. Gangsters took control of bootlegging (illegal spread of liquor) and violent lawlessness erupted. Lacking public support, the federal government was unable to enforce Prohibition. Rurals viewed the lifestyle as something exceedingly stimulating. Yet the attitude of urban women was represented by their clothing and behavior. Women began smoking, wearing cosmetics, and even having higher hemlines. Youthful "Flapper" were what women were know as who provoked older people with brief skirts and bobbed hair.
The United States was converting from a wartime to peacetime economy. When weapons for World War I were no longer needed, there was a temporary stall in the economy. After a few years, the country did prospered. In this decade, America became the richest nation on Earth and a culture of consumerism was born. It was the time of the $5 workday, good worker pay for those days. People spent money for better roads, tourism, and holiday resorts. Until the unsuspected stock market crash. Consequently causing a huge amount of debt which had not even existed until then. The market was giving to much money and not receiving enough and eventually it crashed, devastating millions leading to the Great Depression.
Though Darwin's ideas on evolution were no longer new in the 1920's, the evolutionary theory was well-established in public schools. Fundamentalists launched campaigns in several states to abolish what they considered to be false and teaching which was whatever was not in harmony with the Bible. Yet in Tennessee a teacher was arrested in1925 for teaching on the subject of Darwin's theory of evolution against the states rule. The case provided the fundamentalist the opportunity to check who ever questioned the theory of creation in the book of Genesis. Then it pitted the ideals and ideas of Urban's against religious fundamentalism of rural protestant America. The teacher dd lose the case yet, the verdict was overturned.
The end of the fighting in Europe did not bring peace and security to the United States. Hatred was quickly replaced by a fear of governmental control, communists and immigrants. Following the triumph of the Bolsheviks in Russia (Russian Revolution) and the establishment of the Soviet Union, efforts were made by communist to promote revolution in Western Europe and the United States. Various events of the1920's were the first of a series of “red scares” in American history. Bombs exploded outside the home of Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, killing 38 people. These attacks were blamed on by communists known as the "red scare".
While some ways a lively decade was portrayed in the 1920's and other included discords among social, economic and cultural Americans it was represented as a era of innovation. Various tensions arose during this decade such as the Scopes Monkey Trial, "red scare", urban gangs, scandals in office and countless more. Rural America continued to represent tradition and stability. While urban areas were culturally different, and rural were not yet they were religiously. The era embodied the beginning of modern America. Numerous Americans felt uplifted following World War I. America had survived a deadly worldwide war and now can come home to a new beginning. The new decade would be a time of change for everyone.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Was the U.S ever neutral in the conflict, and if so, when did it change to a policy favoring Allies?
Three years after War World I began the United States fully enter into the War, yet before entering there existed four major factors that brought the European powers into conflict. These four conflicts were the rise of nationalism, growth of imperialism, formation of secret military alliances, and the increase of militarism. The rise nationalism were the rise of ethnic groups that had been taken in by European power and in turn began to seek their interest and self determination. The growth of imperialism was growth of power every nation wanted land just to be in control which led to tension between nations. The formation of secret military alliances were countries forming together becoming threats to the other countries. Finally the increase of militarism was a chance for countries to gain back revenge such as France against Germany from the Franco-Prussian War. With the rise of each this was the stage to be set for war. The only thing needed to start the war was that one spark which was the assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Francis Ferdinand in June of 1914. On July 28 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia thus beginning WWI. When WWI broke out, the United States declared its policy of neutrality. The United States was neutral in the conflict Wilson declared them neutral when it first began, they were force into the war by the German military power, and they were still trading with the Allies and Central powers.
When war first broke out Wilson was determined to keep the U.S out of the war. He somehow believed that a neutral U.S would mediate the war and end it, which seemed also impossible to set terms of peace between the countries. Wilson felt that the "U.S from many nations" (Doc A.) so he did not want to get into the conflict knowing that those countries now fight were those people apart of the U.S., this would only erupt more conflict in his own nation. The division in the U.S would be fatal to the peace that they had in the nation, so remaining neutral would be the best idea.
During the war the U.S remained trading with both the Allies and Central Powers which they sometimes would tend to interrupt each other's expansion trade relationships including the U.S. The British would blockade Germany in the hope of cutting off supplies to the Central Powers. Then the British would have these ships examined at sea which could be seized by the Royal Navy. "Neutral ships were intercepted" (Doc C.) the British recognized that the U.S was neutral and thus explained to them that the blockading was just for the use of stopping the Germans. The Germans also communicated with the U.S and warned them to what they were up against "voyage liable to destruction" (Doc E.). Being neutral called for the other nations to take notce of them being neutral which was recognized by them.
In return to the British blockading the Germans declared British waters a war zone and that all shipping in the area to be attacked by the Germans. Germans felt this should have been a warning for the the U.S to keep out of the waters yet they had to continue trading and did not expect to be harmed. That same year that the British began to blockade Germans declared waters a war zone and a British passenger line the Lusitania was sunk by Germans including 128 Americas. Wilson threatened to cut off relations if Germany continued to sink ships "neutrals take stand now"(Doc G.).
As Wilson made his declaration to the Germans he lost his Secretary of State William J. Bryan who resigned in protest that Wilson would lead them to war with his declaration to the Germans. Wilson tried to "keep U.S neutral"(Doc H.) Yet with Germany sinking made it more difficult. The sinking of the Sussex where Wilson told Germans this was it if they do continue to do so relations are over. The Germans reailzing the importance the U.S made the Sussex Pledge where promised to stop booming ships.
As the U.S continued to stay out Germany made it once again a challenge to stay out "German military power"(Doc I.) Germany was beginning to take over. Beginning with the Zimmerman Note, Germany proclaim to Mexico could regain lost land that was lost in the Mexican -American War. This made it to difficult for the U.S to stay out of the war or else there land would be lost.Wilson's idea was to stay neutral during the war there just existed to many challenge to keep out without hurt their country.
When World War I broke out the first thought of the U.S was to stay out of the war. To make sure the U.S would not get into the conflict the U.S made sure they trading with each nation, lent 3 million dollars to Britain and France, and even Wilson's League of Nations which was a universal cooperation. The idea to keep the U.S neutral became harder with Germany's decision to renew attacks on neutral shipping, the Zimmerman Note, and the Russian Revolution. The U.S did not chose to to get into the conflict they wanted to remain neutral although they were forced.
When war first broke out Wilson was determined to keep the U.S out of the war. He somehow believed that a neutral U.S would mediate the war and end it, which seemed also impossible to set terms of peace between the countries. Wilson felt that the "U.S from many nations" (Doc A.) so he did not want to get into the conflict knowing that those countries now fight were those people apart of the U.S., this would only erupt more conflict in his own nation. The division in the U.S would be fatal to the peace that they had in the nation, so remaining neutral would be the best idea.
During the war the U.S remained trading with both the Allies and Central Powers which they sometimes would tend to interrupt each other's expansion trade relationships including the U.S. The British would blockade Germany in the hope of cutting off supplies to the Central Powers. Then the British would have these ships examined at sea which could be seized by the Royal Navy. "Neutral ships were intercepted" (Doc C.) the British recognized that the U.S was neutral and thus explained to them that the blockading was just for the use of stopping the Germans. The Germans also communicated with the U.S and warned them to what they were up against "voyage liable to destruction" (Doc E.). Being neutral called for the other nations to take notce of them being neutral which was recognized by them.
In return to the British blockading the Germans declared British waters a war zone and that all shipping in the area to be attacked by the Germans. Germans felt this should have been a warning for the the U.S to keep out of the waters yet they had to continue trading and did not expect to be harmed. That same year that the British began to blockade Germans declared waters a war zone and a British passenger line the Lusitania was sunk by Germans including 128 Americas. Wilson threatened to cut off relations if Germany continued to sink ships "neutrals take stand now"(Doc G.).
As Wilson made his declaration to the Germans he lost his Secretary of State William J. Bryan who resigned in protest that Wilson would lead them to war with his declaration to the Germans. Wilson tried to "keep U.S neutral"(Doc H.) Yet with Germany sinking made it more difficult. The sinking of the Sussex where Wilson told Germans this was it if they do continue to do so relations are over. The Germans reailzing the importance the U.S made the Sussex Pledge where promised to stop booming ships.
As the U.S continued to stay out Germany made it once again a challenge to stay out "German military power"(Doc I.) Germany was beginning to take over. Beginning with the Zimmerman Note, Germany proclaim to Mexico could regain lost land that was lost in the Mexican -American War. This made it to difficult for the U.S to stay out of the war or else there land would be lost.Wilson's idea was to stay neutral during the war there just existed to many challenge to keep out without hurt their country.
When World War I broke out the first thought of the U.S was to stay out of the war. To make sure the U.S would not get into the conflict the U.S made sure they trading with each nation, lent 3 million dollars to Britain and France, and even Wilson's League of Nations which was a universal cooperation. The idea to keep the U.S neutral became harder with Germany's decision to renew attacks on neutral shipping, the Zimmerman Note, and the Russian Revolution. The U.S did not chose to to get into the conflict they wanted to remain neutral although they were forced.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Compare and Contrast the three presidents during the Progressive Era. Which was the best in reforms?
The early 20th century was an era of business expansion and progressive reform in the United States. Know as the Progressive era dominated by the middle class. They worked to clean up corrupt city governments, to improve the working conditions in factories, and to better living conditions for those who lived in dreadful areas. During this time which consists of three progressive presidents Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson. Who each contributed at least one aspect to the U.S. Roosevelt accomplished much especially in the areas of protecting public health, protecting the rights of workers, and even the safeguarding the nation's environmental resources. Wilson proceeded under the New Freedom to pass a program of domestic reform, including the Federal Reserve Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, and the establishment of the Federal Trade Commission. Taft was most notable for trust-busting, in which he broke up large businesses that had too much control over the economy. Taft also expanded civil service, fixed up the United States Postal Service and promoted world peace as well. Yet throughout the Progressive Era the most progressive president was Theodore Roosevelt. He was considered a trust-buster, attacked big business, applied his square, and promoted the conservation movement.
Teddy Roosevelt although he was part of the Republican party he did a lot with relation to industry and capitalism that had turned the United States into a superpower. He was able to gain ground as a trust-buster; going after extremely powerful businessmen. He also helped to pass the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the Meat Inspection Act of 1906. The country had gone to industry and they especially had to be regard to food, safety and quality. Since he passed the clean food act he threatened to take away the property of companies, and he brought some trusts to court and won, and he eventually established a national park system. Theodore Roosevelt was the most important and effective progressive president he conserved land and forest being a conservationist who loved outdoors wanted to conserve wildlife. One of the things that he did was to urge congress to develop the United States Forest Service. He did the Panama Canal, resolved issues in the Russo Japanese war, and made the Open Door Policy.
Roosevelt also introduced his Square Deal which was fair treatment not to just one race or social class but to all, equal treatment. It also ended the Laissez Faire. During his presidency there were many Acts passed, the Sherman Anti trust Act, Elkins Act which made it illegal for the railroads and shippers to offer rebates. The Hepburn Act which gave the ICC the power to set maximum railroad rates, the Pure Food and Drug Act, and Meat Inspection Act.
Woodrow set up FTC or Federal Trade Commission to investigate illegal business practices. The FTC could put a halt to the illegal business practices by issuing different orders. Wilson also had a part in certain Acts and amendments for instance the sixteenth which provided the feral income tax, the eighteenth amendments which helped institute alcohol, and the nineteenth which gave women the right to vote. Wilson also had a strong belief in peace which was ironic since the United States entered World War I, Wilson provided effective wartime leadership, and he put effort in his skill to the postwar peace agreement for a new League of Nations. This even won him a Noble Peace Prize.
Taft was most notable for trust-busting, where he broke up large businesses that had too much control over the economy. Taft also who was the successor of Roosevelt seemed to be a slight disappointment to him. He was the complete opposite of Roosevelt, who wanted low tariffs Taft chose high, which resulted in the Payne-Aldrich tariff. Unlike Roosevelt, Taft never attacked business or businessmen, yet he did launch 80 anti trusts including one against U.S Steel. One thing in common with the presidents was the goal to promote peace.
Theodore Roosevelt although a republican was the most progressive president during the Progressive Era since he applied the square deal in his presidency, turned the U.S into a superpower, attacked big businesses, established different types of Acts, tariffs, and trust. Compared to the other presidents Roosevelt accomplished more than the other two did. Wilson promoted peace then went to war; Taft even went against his own party. Thus Roosevelt proved to be the most progressive.
Teddy Roosevelt although he was part of the Republican party he did a lot with relation to industry and capitalism that had turned the United States into a superpower. He was able to gain ground as a trust-buster; going after extremely powerful businessmen. He also helped to pass the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the Meat Inspection Act of 1906. The country had gone to industry and they especially had to be regard to food, safety and quality. Since he passed the clean food act he threatened to take away the property of companies, and he brought some trusts to court and won, and he eventually established a national park system. Theodore Roosevelt was the most important and effective progressive president he conserved land and forest being a conservationist who loved outdoors wanted to conserve wildlife. One of the things that he did was to urge congress to develop the United States Forest Service. He did the Panama Canal, resolved issues in the Russo Japanese war, and made the Open Door Policy.
Roosevelt also introduced his Square Deal which was fair treatment not to just one race or social class but to all, equal treatment. It also ended the Laissez Faire. During his presidency there were many Acts passed, the Sherman Anti trust Act, Elkins Act which made it illegal for the railroads and shippers to offer rebates. The Hepburn Act which gave the ICC the power to set maximum railroad rates, the Pure Food and Drug Act, and Meat Inspection Act.
Woodrow set up FTC or Federal Trade Commission to investigate illegal business practices. The FTC could put a halt to the illegal business practices by issuing different orders. Wilson also had a part in certain Acts and amendments for instance the sixteenth which provided the feral income tax, the eighteenth amendments which helped institute alcohol, and the nineteenth which gave women the right to vote. Wilson also had a strong belief in peace which was ironic since the United States entered World War I, Wilson provided effective wartime leadership, and he put effort in his skill to the postwar peace agreement for a new League of Nations. This even won him a Noble Peace Prize.
Taft was most notable for trust-busting, where he broke up large businesses that had too much control over the economy. Taft also who was the successor of Roosevelt seemed to be a slight disappointment to him. He was the complete opposite of Roosevelt, who wanted low tariffs Taft chose high, which resulted in the Payne-Aldrich tariff. Unlike Roosevelt, Taft never attacked business or businessmen, yet he did launch 80 anti trusts including one against U.S Steel. One thing in common with the presidents was the goal to promote peace.
Theodore Roosevelt although a republican was the most progressive president during the Progressive Era since he applied the square deal in his presidency, turned the U.S into a superpower, attacked big businesses, established different types of Acts, tariffs, and trust. Compared to the other presidents Roosevelt accomplished more than the other two did. Wilson promoted peace then went to war; Taft even went against his own party. Thus Roosevelt proved to be the most progressive.
Friday, January 18, 2008
To what extent is this statement correct? The primary factor in the United States adopting a policy of imperialism was economic.
The U.S imperialism theory was to extend the rule or authority of their nation over foreign countries, or to acquire more land for the U.S. This would involve some form of economic factors such as expansion across the continent, industry, and immigration.
Which would be of great importance considering that the economic factors is what contributed to the Untied States wealth; it brought in the states money as well as the states commodities and raw materials. Even though the economic factors of imperialism were important there were also other important reasons for it such as the increasing of wages for workers, cultural objectives, and imperatives as well. Other countries for instance Germany, Japan, and Great Britain were extremely advanced at trade while they have not crushed or even stayed in the increase of the United States external trade, their competition made it more and more difficult to full the surplus of U.S manufactures at a profit. There was vast population that lived and was capable of growing economic needs which U.S manufactures and merchants could supply. Just as the U.S were seizing and annexing territories rivals were also doing so for similar purposes, and when they had annexed them they were closed to the U.S trade. Which was a demand for foreign markets and for manufactures and for investments which was responsible for the adoption of Imperialism as a political policy. The primary factor in the United States adopting a policy of imperialism was economic to a certain extent there were sociopolitical and cultural objectives and imperatives even Social Darwinism for expansion, and the desire to develop a hegemonic relationship with other countries.
There has been numerous of theories to why the U.S adopted imperialism and some have included the ideas of those such as John Hobson. Who felt it was adopted due to the under consumption or overproduction which convinced the government to adopt the policy. The colony would become a source of demand for trade that would go unsold in imperialist nations. Then there was V.I. Lenin who believed that from the cause of profits falling in the capitalist class new markets were sought out for and interimperialist rivals were the result. Luxemburg however claimed that once supply exceeded over demand new markets must be found. Schumpeter on the other hand held that under consumption led to imperialism.
With the many sociopolitical, cultural objectives and imperatives out just as Social Darwinism which the advocates of imperialism supported the idea that U.S was superior to any other country. These advocates maintained that the United States was simply biologically supreme to other cultures and people that they dominated. Which it is obvious that imperialism was a reflection of superiority.
Other ideas that existed then were the hegemonic relationship with the other countries. This hegemonic relationship with a country such as Latin American was were the U.S had political, economic, and military control over them. These Latin American’s were in complete subjection to the U.S, where the United States could intervene on any affair Latin America was having.
The United States desire to create a global empire was as strong as to put Spain at expense. Going as far as war with Spain which made the U.S a global empire in possession of overseas empire. From the U.S imperialism policy there were many causes and in turn had many effects which is why the U.S is one of the dominate world powers today.
The primary factor of the United States adopting a policy of imperialism was for numerous of reasons economic, the fall of capitalism, under consumption, overproduction, and also the influence of the many scholars around that time frame. Social Darwinism the justification for expansion, hegemonic relationships the dominance of other countries, and the United States desire to be or create a world/global empire were also reasons for adopting the policy of imperialism along with economic reasons.
Which would be of great importance considering that the economic factors is what contributed to the Untied States wealth; it brought in the states money as well as the states commodities and raw materials. Even though the economic factors of imperialism were important there were also other important reasons for it such as the increasing of wages for workers, cultural objectives, and imperatives as well. Other countries for instance Germany, Japan, and Great Britain were extremely advanced at trade while they have not crushed or even stayed in the increase of the United States external trade, their competition made it more and more difficult to full the surplus of U.S manufactures at a profit. There was vast population that lived and was capable of growing economic needs which U.S manufactures and merchants could supply. Just as the U.S were seizing and annexing territories rivals were also doing so for similar purposes, and when they had annexed them they were closed to the U.S trade. Which was a demand for foreign markets and for manufactures and for investments which was responsible for the adoption of Imperialism as a political policy. The primary factor in the United States adopting a policy of imperialism was economic to a certain extent there were sociopolitical and cultural objectives and imperatives even Social Darwinism for expansion, and the desire to develop a hegemonic relationship with other countries.
There has been numerous of theories to why the U.S adopted imperialism and some have included the ideas of those such as John Hobson. Who felt it was adopted due to the under consumption or overproduction which convinced the government to adopt the policy. The colony would become a source of demand for trade that would go unsold in imperialist nations. Then there was V.I. Lenin who believed that from the cause of profits falling in the capitalist class new markets were sought out for and interimperialist rivals were the result. Luxemburg however claimed that once supply exceeded over demand new markets must be found. Schumpeter on the other hand held that under consumption led to imperialism.
With the many sociopolitical, cultural objectives and imperatives out just as Social Darwinism which the advocates of imperialism supported the idea that U.S was superior to any other country. These advocates maintained that the United States was simply biologically supreme to other cultures and people that they dominated. Which it is obvious that imperialism was a reflection of superiority.
Other ideas that existed then were the hegemonic relationship with the other countries. This hegemonic relationship with a country such as Latin American was were the U.S had political, economic, and military control over them. These Latin American’s were in complete subjection to the U.S, where the United States could intervene on any affair Latin America was having.
The United States desire to create a global empire was as strong as to put Spain at expense. Going as far as war with Spain which made the U.S a global empire in possession of overseas empire. From the U.S imperialism policy there were many causes and in turn had many effects which is why the U.S is one of the dominate world powers today.
The primary factor of the United States adopting a policy of imperialism was for numerous of reasons economic, the fall of capitalism, under consumption, overproduction, and also the influence of the many scholars around that time frame. Social Darwinism the justification for expansion, hegemonic relationships the dominance of other countries, and the United States desire to be or create a world/global empire were also reasons for adopting the policy of imperialism along with economic reasons.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
How effective was The Populist Party?
The Populist Party (also known as the People's Party) was a relatively short-lived political party in the United States in the late 19th century. It flourished particularly among western farmers, based largely on its opposition to the gold standard. The Populist Party grew out of the agrarian revolt that rose to the collapse of agriculture prices following the Panic of 1873. The Farmers' Alliance, formed in 1876, promoted economic action by farmers and achieved widespread popularity in the South and Great Plains. The Populists were in alliance with forms of groups, unions, and political parties like Grangers, Framers’ Alliance, former Greenback party members, Knights of Labor, socialists, Frees Sliver party members, prohibitionists, women ’s rights groups, and anarchists. The Populist Party was over all strong if the party suffered from internal divisiveness, its members were deeply passionate about their organization’s effort to address the problems that undermined their livelihood. The Populist Party was somewhat
Effective considering that they were effective in replacing the fixed income tax, the free unlimited coining of sliver, and the government owner ships.
The Farmers' Alliance was ultimately unable to achieve its wider economic goals of collective economic action against brokers, railroads, and merchants, and many in the movement agitated for changes in national policy. By the late 1880s, the Alliance had developed a political agenda that called for regulation and reform in national politics, most notably an opposition to the gold standard to counter the decrease in agricultural prices. The drive to create a new political party out of the movement arose from the refusal of both Democrats and Republicans to take up and promote the policies advocated by the Alliance, notably in regard to the Populists' call for unlimited coinage of silver. The Populist Party was formed by members of the Alliance with the Knights of Labor.
The party's platform called for the abolition of national banks, a graduated income tax, direct election of Senators, civil service reform, a working day of eight hours and Government control of all railroads, telegraphs, and telephones. In the1892 Presidential election, James B. Weaver received 1million votes. The Populist Party flourished most among farmers in the Southwest and Great Plains, as well as making significant gains in the South, where they faced a battle given by the firmly entrenched monopoly of the Democratic Party. Opposition to the gold standard was especially strong among western farmers, who viewed the inherent scarcity of gold, as an instrument of Eastern banking interests who could force mass bankruptcies among farmers. Many western farmers rallied around the Populist. Free silver platform received widespread support across class lines in the Mountain states, where the economy was heavily dependent upon silver mining.
The Populists were the first political party in the United States to actively include women in their affairs. At a time when cultural attitudes of white supremacy were permeating all aspects of American life, a number of southern Populists including Thomas E. Watson openly talked of the need for poor blacks and poor whites to set aside their racial differences in the name of shared economic self-interest. Regardless however of apparel, racism did not evade the Populist Party. In fact, after the party's disintegration.
By 1896, the Democratic Party took up many of the Populist Party's causes at the national level, and the party began to fade from national prominence. In that year’s presidential election, the Populists nominated Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan; he backed the Populist opposition to the gold. Bryan lost to William McKinley by a number of votes. The effects of fusion with the Democrats were disastrous to the Party in the South. Collaboration with the Democratic establishment effectively ended the Populist/Republican alliance which had governed North Carolina with the support of African Americans. By 1898, the Populists were attempting to out-flank the Democrats with a campaign.
In conclusion The Populist Party was in a way effective in that they had support from many people on some of their political objectives like free and unlimited coining of silver, fixed income tax with a graduated income tax, and government ownership. The Populist Party was indeed unique in the history of the nation’s political evolution. Populist maintained was an obstacle to humanity’s efforts to triumph over it’s own shortcomings
Effective considering that they were effective in replacing the fixed income tax, the free unlimited coining of sliver, and the government owner ships.
The Farmers' Alliance was ultimately unable to achieve its wider economic goals of collective economic action against brokers, railroads, and merchants, and many in the movement agitated for changes in national policy. By the late 1880s, the Alliance had developed a political agenda that called for regulation and reform in national politics, most notably an opposition to the gold standard to counter the decrease in agricultural prices. The drive to create a new political party out of the movement arose from the refusal of both Democrats and Republicans to take up and promote the policies advocated by the Alliance, notably in regard to the Populists' call for unlimited coinage of silver. The Populist Party was formed by members of the Alliance with the Knights of Labor.
The party's platform called for the abolition of national banks, a graduated income tax, direct election of Senators, civil service reform, a working day of eight hours and Government control of all railroads, telegraphs, and telephones. In the1892 Presidential election, James B. Weaver received 1million votes. The Populist Party flourished most among farmers in the Southwest and Great Plains, as well as making significant gains in the South, where they faced a battle given by the firmly entrenched monopoly of the Democratic Party. Opposition to the gold standard was especially strong among western farmers, who viewed the inherent scarcity of gold, as an instrument of Eastern banking interests who could force mass bankruptcies among farmers. Many western farmers rallied around the Populist. Free silver platform received widespread support across class lines in the Mountain states, where the economy was heavily dependent upon silver mining.
The Populists were the first political party in the United States to actively include women in their affairs. At a time when cultural attitudes of white supremacy were permeating all aspects of American life, a number of southern Populists including Thomas E. Watson openly talked of the need for poor blacks and poor whites to set aside their racial differences in the name of shared economic self-interest. Regardless however of apparel, racism did not evade the Populist Party. In fact, after the party's disintegration.
By 1896, the Democratic Party took up many of the Populist Party's causes at the national level, and the party began to fade from national prominence. In that year’s presidential election, the Populists nominated Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan; he backed the Populist opposition to the gold. Bryan lost to William McKinley by a number of votes. The effects of fusion with the Democrats were disastrous to the Party in the South. Collaboration with the Democratic establishment effectively ended the Populist/Republican alliance which had governed North Carolina with the support of African Americans. By 1898, the Populists were attempting to out-flank the Democrats with a campaign.
In conclusion The Populist Party was in a way effective in that they had support from many people on some of their political objectives like free and unlimited coining of silver, fixed income tax with a graduated income tax, and government ownership. The Populist Party was indeed unique in the history of the nation’s political evolution. Populist maintained was an obstacle to humanity’s efforts to triumph over it’s own shortcomings
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