History_1302_Pt_1

18 June 2011 Part I Essay Chapter 19 #1. Describe the problems that settlers faced on the frontier. Be sure also to focus on the conditions that women faced as they settled west. Problems that the settlers faced while settling and trying to stay settled on the vast new frontier were many and dangerous to say the least. Problems came from many and all angles and unfortunately, it seems, there was more often than not, several problems to deal with at a time. The hardships that settlers face were everywhere, from the Indians in the area attacking in times of unrest. The gangs and outlaws roaming around always posed a serious threat, bugs decimating crops, wind and sand storms, droughts that could last a month or a decade, disease, both human and animal, lack of building materials, lack of law enforcement and in some cases lack of law period. All of these considered, and then you have the more “subtle” issues at hand such as political issues, corruption, Land disputes, between the government, the rail companies, and the individual landowners. The continual and ongoing territorial disputes between Indians, the government and individual landowners, and likely the rail companies in some instances. The corruption in what limited political influence there was around and the influence it had both locally and back east in regards to taxation, voting rights, property ownership rights, and dispute resolution. Then all other things considered the hardships and difficulties that Women specifically had to face. I like to say that my Dad’s generation is some of the toughest people ever put on the planet. I am not trying to discount anyone’s generational intestinal fortitude here, for about every single generation of Americans has faced down several hardships of their own. However, when trying to imagine what it must have been like been then, these clearly were some of the toughest and most determined people, Women especially, ever. The thought of burying more of your children than you raise is disturbing enough. The thought of having to take control of the family farm or business after losing a husband, or father with little or no outside help would have been terrifying to say the least, especially considering the lack of respect women received in general, and even worse, the resistance they often faced just because they were women. It must have been as truly amazing to live in those times and discover one’s own determination and ability to flourish in the face of severe hardship and difficulty. Although being a person of above average height and some back issues, I will just enjoy reading and pondering about it, and thankful I am here now versus then. #2 What were the experiences of farmers, miners, and cowboys in the West' As for the experiences of farmers of the time, I imaging pulling your own teeth out of your own face would have been a more pleasant experience than trying to make a living off the land, in often extremely harsh conditions offered by the unsettled west. The hard to bust soil and grassy rooted pampas, the lack of plow integrity and materials to make repairs with would have discouraged many a current day farmer from making an attempt at a life in the unsettled wilderness. Then you have the concerns of not knowing the weather or rainfall patterns in a new territory, water would become an extremely valuable commodity, especially in the times of extended drought that settlers often faced. The constant threat of massive, uncontrolled insect populations ravaging entire farms, counties, and sometimes states. Trying to build a house and or barn with the limited building materials would have tough to swallow. I can’t help but think about people like myself who would have died shortly after building my sod house, because we are allergy sufferers and those conditions would have surely inflicted pneumonia or bronchitis, and the “dirty” living conditions would have been impossibly difficult to facilitate recovery. The conditions the miners face was almost certainly worse than the conditions many faced above ground. Lack of fresh air, light and clean water would have to top the list. Then the concerns of mine collapse due to poor planning and research, deplorable to say the least working conditions. Rocks falling form above, the general filth involved with mining in general. The likely lack of medical care and constant threat of severe injury and even death just goes to demonstrate the lengths some people were willing to go for a chance at a better way of life. This just goes to reinforce my thought of the overall toughness and determination anyone who decided to venture out into uncharted territory to possibly eke out a living or die trying must have possessed. Last and probably least, we have the good ol’ cowboys. As sure as I am that it sucked looking at the north end of a southbound cow for twelve or fourteen hours a day, I manage little sympathy for these fellas simply because most of them chose this way of life. I just cannot compare a saddle sore to the far worse sufferings of most other people of the day, like black lung, burning off an appendage, or having it pinched off and any of the other horrible ways of injury and death many faced every single day. Anyone who has read much about cowboys knows three things, It was way overly romanticized in books both fiction and non. Most of them chose and loved their line of work. In addition, it was a far better living in most instances than was afforded many others of the time. I know living in Texas this sounds like blasphemy, But I have had the good fortune to listen to many a tale and see many a “modern day cowboy” as well as a few thousand hours around the industry and just know, It wasn’t that bad comparatively speaking. Chapter 20 #1 Compare and contrast the major industrial leaders of the late nineteenth century. John D. Rockefeller was a man known for his obsession with precision, order, and tidiness. This man had the vision to see the ever-increasing demand for oil and fuel that would be necessary to continue the growth trends of the times as well as the necessity for these products well into the future. This man’s motto was “pay nobody a profit.” Because of that philosophy, he was one of the very first to employ vertical integration. Meaning to avoid paying another company for anything, he used his resources to be “self-sufficient.” His company manufactured its own barrels, staves, cans, and whatever else became necessary in the production processes. This is but one way he stayed on top of the heap. By having control over his own facilities and production and transportation, He used this power to convince the local railroads to stop servicing competitors back east. This allowed him the ability to “control” local markets and I assume even price points. Another major contribution was the invention of the “holding company.” This business marvel is still in use widely in the world economy today. This is the practice of a company “holding” another company through majority or complete ownership of the stock. Also a very giving man, to the tune of over 500 million dollars in his lifetime, and when you think about that in the terms of today’s dollars, That is truly a wonderful thing, not often found in the world of big business anymore, or at least where it is given out amongst our country and people. Andrew Carnegie, another rag to riches story of intelligence and determination rising to the top. Starting out as a bobbin boy for $1.20 a week, to retiring at the age of 65 for the purpose of giving his fortune to the “public good.” This man had a hand in several different lively hoods including telegraphy, to railroading, to bridge building before settling into steel production and investing. He continuously promoted a philosophy of “continual innovation” to reduce operating costs in industry. Mr. Carnegie also saw himself and other leaders of industry as overall “public benefactors.” He argued that the “distance between the millionaire and the laborer measures the distance that society has come.” J. Pierpont Morgan, A man born into a wealthy family, unlike many others of the time. This man went to boarding school in Switzerland and University in Germany. Me being of my suspicious nature, cannot help but think here, that men like this are the reason for the financial disasters the American economy and world economy faces every generation or two. I say this because people who had little part in the “hand on work” almost always seem to have less conscience about how they made their profits, and even less conscience about how people and laborers are treated. Again, this is just my opinion. His crowning achievement is the consolidation of the steel industry. Through concise maneuvering and foresight, he was able to combine his holdings with those of other large financiers and eventually “hold” the majority of steel interests including shipping and transportation. To Mr. Morgan his methods and the stability created by his operations helped the economy and the public. I believe this to be true on some levels, and horribly false on many others. #2 What led to the rise of large labor unions' Simply put, Horrible, even deadly working conditions and those on the side of the workers lobbying for better and conditions, fewer hours, reduction of child labor and the need for some form of workman’s compensation or insurance in the event of an injury, disability, or even death. On the side of the owners and investors, the right to dictate conditions, hours, and remain firmly opposed to any sort of reasonable gains by the laborers what so ever. In addition, they wanted the right to exploit the land, people, or anything else that got in the way of profit potential. This portion of business and labor relations truly disgusts me to my very core. I do not find it difficult to comprehend, no labor= no production= no chance for profit. Perhaps if some of these men had the ability to consider anything else, this country, possibly the world could be a very different place indeed. As I read in history, psychology, and sociology, this seems to ring directly on the side of an entirely different human existence altogether. However, as they say, hindsight and all… Chapter 21 #1. How did immigration affect the growth of the modern city' In the beginning all the new labor was a welcome, even encouraged thing. The country had opportunities all over the place but finding cheap labor was a continual problem and thereby holding back the potential economic booms. As time progressed and the immigrants kept coming in and seeking new lives and opportunities the problem took another unforeseen direction at the time. As work became more difficult to find and masses continued to pour into the large cities, housing and space needs were at a critical point. This overcrowding lead to new structures called tenements. As there was simply not room to have everyone on the ground floor, the cities began to build the only way left, up. These tenements were cracker box type apartments crammed on top of each other with horrible air circulation, little or no heating, public style bathrooms, or outhouses and eventually, as overcrowding continued and disease ran rampant, very dangerous places to live. When a single city block, in the times before giant skyscraper apartment buildings, was estimated to house around 4,000 people, which is a very serious overcrowding problem to say the least. #2. What led to rise of powerful reform movements' The majority of reform movements were a direct result of the problems people were facing every day in the new urban sprawls of metropolitan areas. While the population increases in the cities were good for production and labor demands, the problems that were being created are many and complicated ones to say the least. Just trying to imagine finding a place for your child to play would have been extremely difficult and probably even somewhat dangerous amongst the crammed masses of frustrated, dirty, and probably quite hostile individuals. As many people of the day witnessed and few chose to act on, there were problems to be dealt with on more levels than many were capable of imagining. From trying to keep a safe, fresh water supply readily available, to managing sewage and wastewater. From keeping food supplies available and safe to providing safe and economic heating. I am sure, just trying to keep the peace between immigrants of various nations and languages, and those from other neighborhoods was a full time affair for police and local “ward boss’ or captains”. The need for public education for children as well as English and basic education for foreign speaking immigrants and workers. The list goes on and on, I have to say without the help and persistence of some of those wonderful souls who dedicated their lives to improving life for everyone, and fighting the fights to rattle the cages of the government both state and federal. Without out these people and their sheer determination for improvement, I am afraid to think about where we may all be today without out their efforts. #3. Discuss the rise of a popular culture in America. Focus on the patterns of recreation and leisure. What activities were available to Americans' Early on there was little in the way of “entertainment” available for people of meager means outside of the local saloon. The saloons for a long time provided a place to meet new people and discuss local issues over a nickel beer or a shot of whiskey for those with a few extra cents. Perhaps hear a tune on the piano or maybe on occasion a live band. Although perhaps not “entertaining” these saloons and bars were vital components to society in terms of social networking and from a political standpoint. As the working regulations were slowly changed and people began to experience more “free time,” there was a pressure created to find other things to do than visit a saloon. This lead to a market for leisure time activities and as Americans, once the potential for a profit was located, we set about finding ways to capitalize them. This lead to the borrowing of Vaudeville style shows from France making its appearance on the American stage. As saloon owners sought new ways to bring in people they would arrange a stage area and have various shows and acts perform, sometimes for a small fee, sometimes just to bolster regular attendance and sales. Again, as time marched on and technology improved, a new style of entertainment emerged, the picture show. I found it interesting the sort advertising that was used to attract patrons, talking about “forget your worries, come to the picture show.” Again, as time pressed on and technology improved, places like Coney Island in New York sprang up. With places to eat or get a snack and a beer and catch a sideshow, freak show, or a picture show. Just having a place to walk around, socialize, and get away from the everyday worries of life became of great importance to people, and likely created the pressure relief valve society needed in city life, before it began to collapse on itself. Chapter 23 1. Describe the controversy surrounding the building of the Panama Canal. Explain how the obstacles in the canal controversy overcome. Two of the original obstacles were actually put in place years before the construction efforts began. The first being the Bidlack treaty from 1878 which stated the sovereignty by Colombia for control and the Clayton-Bulwer treaty of 1850 in which the British agreed to acquire no more Central American territory and the U.S. followed suit and added that the only way we would agree to the canal if consent was mutual by all parties involved. After a treaty to ratify was shot down by congress for failing to provide for the neutrality of the canal even in times of war, a second version be drafted which simply chose to omit the mention of former agreements completely. Another problem was the French company who had engineered the Suez Canal, wanted some $109 million dollars for the company’s holdings. This was not what the commission had in mind and held out. After a report was issued covering how much cheaper an alternative route thru Nicaragua would be, The House of representatives jumped at the idea of significant savings and passed an act quickly. In response to this and fearing that their entire investment would be lost, the French company lowered its price to $40 million and the focus was again on completing the Panama Canal. Yet another problem arose when an agreement was made to pay $10 million plus $250,000 a year, the Columbian senate being ever so wise, held out for %^25 million in cash. This angered the president to the point of name-calling and fit throwing. After and attempted revolt failed before it began, another treaty was delivered to the president, for another $10 million and $250,000 a year, widening the original agreement from 6 miles to 10 miles and allowed for “ in perpetuity the use, occupation, and control” of the canal and surrounding area. President Roosevelt not being aware at the time had committed such offenses against the Latin people, started the construction while leaving congress to debate the issue. While the debate continued so did the construction of the canal. It was not until some years later that Colombia got its $25 million dollars, but only as the need for oil from the area was increased. Had the oil not been there at the time when it was discovered, this could have had far worse effects on foreign policy and likely resulted in more fighting or was in the region. 2. What were the causes of the Spanish-American War' Well, like most of struggles of the day, this was a direct result of political subterfuge in order to obtain another opportunity to acquire a new source of revenue and wealth creation. Investments in Cuba were on the increase to the point that the U.S. was trading more with Cuba than their governing country of Spain. When Spain decided to take sugar off of the duty free list, this was the final straw in the eyes of the native workers. After the duty status was altered, the price of sugar plummeted, putting many out of work and refueling the Cubans desire to revolt against Spain whom seemed to have little interest except what it could tax or claim for itself. The Cubans began making attacks against the Spanish troops in efforts to damage the local economic interests and hopefully gain the attention and concern of all the American investors who now had a much larger stake in the affairs of the island nation. This worked, but only on a limited basis. As the battles and attacks carried on, It became the Spaniard’s strategy to keep the Cubans behind their lines, to avoid fighting the cause at night and seeming peaceful and innocent by day. This did help to slow the attacks eventually, but American newspapers were soaking up the damage and thereby creating more tensions at home on the part of all the investments that had been dispersed throughout. As political posturing and rhetoric was passed back and forth between Spain, the U.S. and the Cubans seeking recognition and some form of control over their own affairs, the pressure kept building. As is the case in some many international incidents, an accident occurred in the coal bunker of the Maine. A U.S. battleship that had docked in Havana harbor just days before the incident. Being in a position to take advantage and with the support of public opinion after the papers lashed Spain and without hesitation and blamed the explosion squarely on Spain, The war was on. Even though the true blame for the war lied with the U.S., it’s business, and the overwhelming frenzy the people allowed themselves to be whipped into with little in the way of evidence or proof. If only we had known how easily newspapers and rumors could affect the general consensus, perhaps we could have gone in an entirely different direction a long time ago. Chapter 25 1. What were the causes of the Great War in Europe' The primary overall cause seems related to discontent from America overstepping its boundaries and continuing to want to be the international police force for any nation, we had a stake in, while trying to demonstrate a hands off approach to foreign affairs. All the while sending aid and making large sometimes gross investments to places we were supposed to be helping or avoiding due to alliances or interference from other countries. The initial cause for the war outbreak in Europe, besides numerous minor grievances, was when an Austrian citizen of Serbian decent, assassinated the archduke Franz Ferdinand. Austria-Hungary’s motive to punish Serbia lead to the involvement of Russian forces to protect the interests and fellow Slavs’. This had the direct effect of a network of European alliances to be formed. The triple alliance or Central Powers alliance comprised of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The other major powers alliance called the Triple Entente, or Allied powers consisted of France, Great Britain, and Russia. As requests were made for Russia to stop its actions were continuously ignored, Germany declared war on Russia August 1, 1914. Just two days after that, Germany declared war on France as well. As Germany invaded Belgium to gain access to France, the Japanese seized the opportunity to take control of German assets along the Pacific, and declared war on Germany on August 23, 1914. 2. Why did America enter the Great War, and what was its role' On January 22, 1917 the President made a speech talking about the “right of the United States to share in laying the foundation for a lasting peace.” He went on to state that “ lasting peace would have to be a peace without victory, for only peace among equals could endure.” Unbeknownst at the time, it was already too late. Two weeks earlier the Germans had made the decision to engage in unrestricted submarine warfare. On Feb 3, 1917, Wilson relayed that diplomatic relations with Germany were broken. Some three weeks later He asked congress for the power to “arm merchant ships, and to “employ any other instrumentalities or methods necessary.” The request was agreed upon to arm the merchant ships, however there was much concern about how the request was worded and therefore tied up in congress for too long. There was a long forgotten law reopened which allowed for the armament of merchant ships regardless of congressional action. In March of 1917, German U-boats fired upon and sank 5 U.S. merchant ships. On March 20 the cabinet unanimously adopted the declaration of war on Germany. The measure was passed on April 6,1917. 3. How important was the issue of propaganda during World War I' I believe they were more important than anyone of the time could have for-seen. Not only did propaganda have massive impact on general popular opinion on the war efforts at home, It served many other purpose’s as well, some not so good for those at home. For the first time in history the war was being “sold” to the public on both sides of the issues. Thru journalists and photographers, artist’s and other, deemed useful, entertainer’s. Film production crews set about making the first movies of their kind covering the war efforts and attrition Wilson stated he for-saw the problem of stirring the public up so much, and his thoughts seemed to be correct. All of this information and “propaganda” was having the direct effect of creating a foaming at the mouth mob, eager to dispense their own view’s and opinions, regardless of where their loyalties should be. Here is where it starts to hurt America as much as the rest of the world. As opinions change and waver in the face of war and all that goes with it, people began to conclude that maybe we were not always right about everything we decide. As time pressed on and more and more opinions were made public, the government decided it could have little resistance from people at home at set about making or changing laws to protect itself from public scrutiny. This lead to the Espionage and Sedition acts. I see these as direct violations of the first amendment, but I am not the president. These acts made it punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both to say or publish anything against the U.S, the President, the Military, the Constitution or the war effort in general. This was supposedly aimed at the “radicals and socialists” over 1,000 convictions resulted from these two acts alone. Chapter 26 1. What were the social and cultural conflicts in America during the 1920s' The 20’s must have been almost as exciting a time to live in as the mid to late 1800’s. After the war efforts had calmed down, American society was in a frenzied state to say the least. Women began to demonstrate more civil liberties formerly only allowed by men to enjoy. Things like drinking beer and smoking cigarettes and attending the speakeasy’s and dance halls of the day. This was causing the more “traditional” members of society and government a great deal of concern. While some viewed the more liberal attitude to be a positive sign of societal development, many others viewed this progressive attitude as a huge warning that possibly the very thread of civilized society had begun to unravel. Birth control made its debut in these times of uproar and uncertainty. Again, some viewed this as women taking control over their own bodies and lives, many others, including religious and various other factions as the inevitable signs that society it was known, was in the face of imminent collapse. Other areas still popular today also stemmed from the post-war times. Women worked outside the home more than any other time, because they wanted to, not because the dictated the need for them to. The KKK made a large although rather short lived return to society’s stage. Literature became a more liberal stage, writers no longer felt as compelled to “serve the public good” as be honest and forth coming in their own opinions and musings, public opinion be damned. Jazz had made its humungous appearance on the stage, possibly forever altering society as a whole and certainly American society at the time. New dance steps came to the attention of the “old stock” Americans and continued the thoughts of society being on the wrong track or losing the structure that had taken so long to establish and maintain. While social changes no more than 20 or 30 years earlier were still being debated over and decided upon, a whole new revolution in the mindset of Americans was forming. After being involved in the war and all of the political warfare of the teen’s, many Americans began to embrace their constitutional freedoms in a whole new light. The days of being “socially acceptable” were squarely in the sights of a new found desire to have real “freedom” without fear of persecution or reprisal from other members of society and as far reaching as the government and even other cultures. There would be much more turmoil to follow in the coming years and next decade, but the basis for the majority of all that conflict, to me, clearly began in the good ol’ “roaring twenties.:” 2. How did modernism influence American culture' Much to the dismay of the older and wiser generations, modernism grabbed American culture by the shorts and had zero intentions of releasing its grasp no matter what anyone thought. The changes that were coming to the forefront by the younger people were disturbing to say the least for many, but absolutely were not going to be silenced or pushed aside for any reason. Change was moving almost as fast as cities were being built or expanded and government found reasons to intervene more and more in the daily lives’ of the people. Prohibition is a prime example of this. As people found the time and money to enjoy themselves, the government was trying to stop it. It did not matter if you went out responsibly for a drink or two with friends or your spouse. If you were a public drunken menace, some stuffed shirts decided it was not for the people to decide if they could handle the “drink” of the day, and set about creating laws and punishments for said supposed infractions against modern civilized society. Americans being Americans responded to this by circumventing the laws and creating an entire underground network to provide the drink and places to drink at known as a speakeasy, and the runners of the shine, whiskey, or whatever liquor created the largest spectator sport in the country, possibly the world, in stock car auto racing or known today as NASCAR. The people of the time could not possibly have known the ripple effect that they created would last into the next century, continuing to spark debate over the misuse of power and perhaps how different society could be today if things were done differently then. But me being me, I say God Bless all the free thinkers and non-conformists, drinkers, shine runners, liberal and free thinking writers for creating this beautiful mess we get to exist in today. Cause as messed up as life and American society is perceived by many to be, I shudder in fear at the thought of where it would all be without these free spirited individuals scattered throughout history to keep the checkers checking, and the balancers balancing. Hell, we could all be wearing gray uniforms and saluting a communist flag without them! Chapter 28 1. What were the social effects of the Great Depression' 2. How did the New Deal expand the federal government’s authority and responsibilities' 3. What were the major cultural changes of the 1930s'