In preparation for the Paper 1 test on Nixon and Watergate please read my webpage with more detailed information regarding the topic and answer the following questions using significant details (names, phrases, events, etc.) from the readings and your class notes.
The Cover-up
1. Regardless of the outcome, should the President of the United States have a right to privacy in regards to the Oval Office tapes? Explain.
I think that the President should have some privacy in regards to the Oval Office. I think it would be okay if he kept a journal about his thoughts, but taping conversations is different. Once the Supreme court told Nixon to turn over the tapes and he didn't, this was against the law since it was evidence for the crime at that point.
2. Was President Nixon justified when he fired special prosecutor Archibald Cox? Explain.
No, I do not think that Nixon was justified when he fired special prosecutor Archibald Cox because Cox didn't do anything wrong. When Cox asked for tapes from the White House (to support Dean's testimony that the White house was covering Watergate up), Nixon refused to give up the tapes but offered a summary of the tapes. Cox said this was not good enough. Nixon had no reason to fire Cox except that he was not happy with him as a special prosecutor.
3. Was Nixon creating a Constitutional crisis by refusing to hand-over the tapes? Explain.
Yes, I think Nixon was creating a Constitutional crisis by refusing to hand-over the tapes because he was claiming that he had "executive privilege" and was above the law. This was not right and he had no reason to think that he could get away with it just because he was the President.
Closure
4. Why do you think the American public was so outraged by Watergate?
I think that the American public was so outraged by Watergate because it showed that even the President of our country can be corrupt. It showed that the public doesn't know everything that goes on in the White House and that maybe they shouldn't trust that the president is doing everything so truthfully. The hearings were televised, showing the public all of the details about the Watergate cover-up. The public couldn't believe that they had elected and re-elected a president who thought that they were above the law.
5. Do you think President Nixon should have resigned? Explain.
Yes I do think he should have resigned because if they had to forcibly remove him from office it would have caused a bigger scene that what had already happened. He had already cause so much trouble and such a bad reputation that he should resign knowing that what he did was wrong and was no longer seen as a good president.
6. Do you think President Nixon should have been prosecuted? Explain.
I think that President Nixon should have been prosecuted because even though he was the president, he still committed a crime. If this break in or refusing of handing over tapes happened with anyone else in the country, they would have been prosecuted since it is against the law. Nixon was not above the law and should have been treated under the laws.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Watergate: Nixon's Downfall
Read Chapter 32-2 in your online history textbook, The Americans.
1. How were the "plumbers" connected to President Nixon?
They were hired by Mitchell, the leader of the CRP(committee to reelect the president) to break into somewhere and see the Democrat's campaign ideas.
2. Who was the judge? Why did he hand out maximum sentences?
John Sirica was the judge. He handed out maximum sentences because he wanted to scare them into telling on others that were involved.
3. How were Mitchell and Dean connected to Nixon?
Mitchell was the attorney general and Dean was the presidential counsel. Mitchell ran the CRP-committee to reelect the president, which was the group that broke into the campaign headquarters.
4. How were Haldeman and Erlichman connected to Nixon?
Haldeman was the chief of staff and Ehrlichman was the chief domestic advisor.
5. What did the following men tell the Senate about Nixon?
a. Dean said that Nixon had been deeply involved in the cover-up.
b. Butterfield revealed that Nixon had taped nearly all of his presidential conversations.
6. Who was fired or forced to resign in the "massacre"?
Cox (special prosecutor) was fired, Attorney General Richardson resigned, and the deputy attorney general also was fired.
7. Why weren't investigators satisified with the transcripts?
They wanted unedited copies, but Nixon refused. Unedited transcripts would be more useful in finding evidence than edited ones. Even without the unedited tapes, they had enough evidence to charge Nixon with obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of congress for refusing to obey a congressional subpoena to release the tapes.
8. What did the tapes reveal?
The tapes had many gaps. The most important tape was six days after Watergate. There was a conversation between Nixon and Haldeman that showed that Nixon had known about the role of members of his administration in the burglary, and he had agreed to plan to cover it up.
9. Why did Vice President Spiro Agnew resign?
He was not involved with watergate. He was receiving illegal payments and bribes.
10. What did the House Judiciary Committee charge President Nixon with?
Obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of congress for refusing to obey a congressional subpoena to release the tapes.
11. How did the Watergate scandal create a constitutional crisis?
The whole country looked bad because the president had done something bad enough to have him impeached. Also, the executive branch had too much power and Nixon may have thought he could have gotten away with anything. This goes against the constitution.
1. How were the "plumbers" connected to President Nixon?
They were hired by Mitchell, the leader of the CRP(committee to reelect the president) to break into somewhere and see the Democrat's campaign ideas.
2. Who was the judge? Why did he hand out maximum sentences?
John Sirica was the judge. He handed out maximum sentences because he wanted to scare them into telling on others that were involved.
3. How were Mitchell and Dean connected to Nixon?
Mitchell was the attorney general and Dean was the presidential counsel. Mitchell ran the CRP-committee to reelect the president, which was the group that broke into the campaign headquarters.
4. How were Haldeman and Erlichman connected to Nixon?
Haldeman was the chief of staff and Ehrlichman was the chief domestic advisor.
5. What did the following men tell the Senate about Nixon?
a. Dean said that Nixon had been deeply involved in the cover-up.
b. Butterfield revealed that Nixon had taped nearly all of his presidential conversations.
6. Who was fired or forced to resign in the "massacre"?
Cox (special prosecutor) was fired, Attorney General Richardson resigned, and the deputy attorney general also was fired.
7. Why weren't investigators satisified with the transcripts?
They wanted unedited copies, but Nixon refused. Unedited transcripts would be more useful in finding evidence than edited ones. Even without the unedited tapes, they had enough evidence to charge Nixon with obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of congress for refusing to obey a congressional subpoena to release the tapes.
8. What did the tapes reveal?
The tapes had many gaps. The most important tape was six days after Watergate. There was a conversation between Nixon and Haldeman that showed that Nixon had known about the role of members of his administration in the burglary, and he had agreed to plan to cover it up.
9. Why did Vice President Spiro Agnew resign?
He was not involved with watergate. He was receiving illegal payments and bribes.
10. What did the House Judiciary Committee charge President Nixon with?
Obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of congress for refusing to obey a congressional subpoena to release the tapes.
11. How did the Watergate scandal create a constitutional crisis?
The whole country looked bad because the president had done something bad enough to have him impeached. Also, the executive branch had too much power and Nixon may have thought he could have gotten away with anything. This goes against the constitution.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Women Fight for Equality
Read Chapter 31-2 in your The Americans online textbook. (begins on page 982). As you read about the rise of a new women’s movement, take notes to explain how each of the following helped to create or advance the movement.
1. Experiences in the workplace
Women weren't offered the same job opportunities as men were. President Kennedy appointed the Presidential commission on the status of Women in 1961. They reported that women were paid less than men, even when doing the same jobs. Women weren't promoted to management positions, regardless of their education, experience and ability.
2. Experiences in social activism
When women started supporting equality for races and antiwar campaigns, they realized that there was even inequality between men and women. Women weren't given large roles in these movements.
3. "Consciousness raising"
Some women organized small discussion groups about their concerns. Women shared their lives with each other and discovered that their was sexism, discrimination based on gender.
4. Feminism
"The belief that women should have economic, political, and social equality with men." Women were realizing that they weren't being treated the same way as men.
5. Betty Friedan and The Feminine Mystique
Betty Friedan was not happy with her life despite the fact that she was "living the American dream," with a husband, children and a house in the suburbs. She asked other women if they felt the same way and they were, so she wrote a book called The Feminine Mystique which discussed sexism. This book sparked women's motivation and they started working together all over the country for change.
6. Civil Rights Act of 1964
Prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, national origin and gender. It also created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to handle discrimination claims.
7. National Organization for Women (NOW)-1966
Some women argued that the EEOC didn't adequately address women's grievances. 28 women created the NOW to pursue women's goals. They pushed for the creation of child care to take care of their children while they pursued jobs and education. They wanted to declare sex segregated job ads illegal, and tell employers that they couldn't refuse to hire women for traditionally male jobs.
8. Gloria Steinem and Ms. Magazine
Gloria Steinem, a journalist, political activist, and supporter of the women's liberation movement, showed the world her view on the issue. She created Ms. Magazine, designed to treat contemporary issues from a feminist perspective.
9. Congress
In 1972, congress passed a band on gender discrimination in any education program that got federal financial help, part of the Higher Education Act. Congress also expanded the powers of the EOCC and gave working parents a tax break for child care expenses.
10. Supreme Court
Roe v. Wade 1973-The supreme court ruled that women do have the right to choose an abortion during the first three months of pregnancy.
11. The Equal rights Amendment would have guaranteed equal rights under the law, regardless of gender. Who opposed this amendment? Why?
Some people opposed this amendment because they said that it would lead to drafting of women, the end of laws protecting homemakers, the end of a husband's responsibility to provide for his family, and same-sex marriages.
1. Experiences in the workplace
Women weren't offered the same job opportunities as men were. President Kennedy appointed the Presidential commission on the status of Women in 1961. They reported that women were paid less than men, even when doing the same jobs. Women weren't promoted to management positions, regardless of their education, experience and ability.
2. Experiences in social activism
When women started supporting equality for races and antiwar campaigns, they realized that there was even inequality between men and women. Women weren't given large roles in these movements.
3. "Consciousness raising"
Some women organized small discussion groups about their concerns. Women shared their lives with each other and discovered that their was sexism, discrimination based on gender.
4. Feminism
"The belief that women should have economic, political, and social equality with men." Women were realizing that they weren't being treated the same way as men.
5. Betty Friedan and The Feminine Mystique
Betty Friedan was not happy with her life despite the fact that she was "living the American dream," with a husband, children and a house in the suburbs. She asked other women if they felt the same way and they were, so she wrote a book called The Feminine Mystique which discussed sexism. This book sparked women's motivation and they started working together all over the country for change.
6. Civil Rights Act of 1964
Prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, national origin and gender. It also created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to handle discrimination claims.
7. National Organization for Women (NOW)-1966
Some women argued that the EEOC didn't adequately address women's grievances. 28 women created the NOW to pursue women's goals. They pushed for the creation of child care to take care of their children while they pursued jobs and education. They wanted to declare sex segregated job ads illegal, and tell employers that they couldn't refuse to hire women for traditionally male jobs.
8. Gloria Steinem and Ms. Magazine
Gloria Steinem, a journalist, political activist, and supporter of the women's liberation movement, showed the world her view on the issue. She created Ms. Magazine, designed to treat contemporary issues from a feminist perspective.
9. Congress
In 1972, congress passed a band on gender discrimination in any education program that got federal financial help, part of the Higher Education Act. Congress also expanded the powers of the EOCC and gave working parents a tax break for child care expenses.
10. Supreme Court
Roe v. Wade 1973-The supreme court ruled that women do have the right to choose an abortion during the first three months of pregnancy.
11. The Equal rights Amendment would have guaranteed equal rights under the law, regardless of gender. Who opposed this amendment? Why?
Some people opposed this amendment because they said that it would lead to drafting of women, the end of laws protecting homemakers, the end of a husband's responsibility to provide for his family, and same-sex marriages.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Why did the USA lose the Vietnam War?
Look back at your answers to your homework that was assigned on April 30, The U.S. struggles against the Communist in Vietnam.
Handout: Case Study 3: The Vietnam War
Why did the USA lose the Vietnam War?
The Americans did not lose purely for military reasons. There were other factors as well.
Write an explanation AND cite a source which shows the importance of the following six factors:
1. US military tactics in Vietnam (Source 36-Viet Cong tunnel complex)
The US military couldn't fight against the guerilla warfare style of the Veit Cong. The weren't used to how the Viet Cong didn't wear uniforms and made surprise attack. This was a big challenge for the US military because they usually fought in fields and didn't have to figure out who was a soldier and who was an innocent civilian (which led to many civilian deaths). Also, the US was drafting young, inexperienced soldiers who didn't know how to fight, especially against the Viet Cong.
2. The unpopularity of the South Vietnamese regime (Sources 41, 47)
Many Vietnamese people supported the communist Viet Cong just because they didn't want to support the Southern Vietnamese.
3. The experience of the Viet Cong and the inexperience of the American soldiers (source 37)
The American soldiers were drafted, young and inexperienced. Many of them didn't want to be fighting, and were not motivated at all. Some people in America were supporting the war because they believed in the Domino effect and that if Vietnam fell to communism, many other countries would. But the soldiers didn't necessarily believe this. Once soldiers became experienced (after a year), they were replaced with more inexperienced, drafted soldiers. The Viet Cong were very motivated because the Americans were invading their land and killing their people.
4. Domestic opposition to the war in the U.S. (Source 51)
Since this was the first televised war in the US, and the people were seeing exactly what was happening in Vietnam, they were against it. They saw that the effort to contain communism wasn't working, and they turned against it.
5. Chinese and Soviet support for the Viet Cong (Source 38)
China and the USSR were supplying the Viet Cong with weapons, which was a big advantage for them.
6. 'But did they really lose?' Summarize the argument put forward in Source 57, and your view on it.
Source 57 says that the Americans never really lost because they technically weren't defeated in a battle. The US was not present in Vietnam when the capital of South Vietnam fell to the Viet Cong. This was two years after the US military had left Vietnam. I agree with this source because the US didn't really fight and lose a war in Vietnam, they we're trying to stop the spread of communism and then decided it wasn't working so stopped fighting it.
Handout: Case Study 3: The Vietnam War
Why did the USA lose the Vietnam War?
The Americans did not lose purely for military reasons. There were other factors as well.
Write an explanation AND cite a source which shows the importance of the following six factors:
1. US military tactics in Vietnam (Source 36-Viet Cong tunnel complex)
The US military couldn't fight against the guerilla warfare style of the Veit Cong. The weren't used to how the Viet Cong didn't wear uniforms and made surprise attack. This was a big challenge for the US military because they usually fought in fields and didn't have to figure out who was a soldier and who was an innocent civilian (which led to many civilian deaths). Also, the US was drafting young, inexperienced soldiers who didn't know how to fight, especially against the Viet Cong.
2. The unpopularity of the South Vietnamese regime (Sources 41, 47)
Many Vietnamese people supported the communist Viet Cong just because they didn't want to support the Southern Vietnamese.
3. The experience of the Viet Cong and the inexperience of the American soldiers (source 37)
The American soldiers were drafted, young and inexperienced. Many of them didn't want to be fighting, and were not motivated at all. Some people in America were supporting the war because they believed in the Domino effect and that if Vietnam fell to communism, many other countries would. But the soldiers didn't necessarily believe this. Once soldiers became experienced (after a year), they were replaced with more inexperienced, drafted soldiers. The Viet Cong were very motivated because the Americans were invading their land and killing their people.
4. Domestic opposition to the war in the U.S. (Source 51)
Since this was the first televised war in the US, and the people were seeing exactly what was happening in Vietnam, they were against it. They saw that the effort to contain communism wasn't working, and they turned against it.
5. Chinese and Soviet support for the Viet Cong (Source 38)
China and the USSR were supplying the Viet Cong with weapons, which was a big advantage for them.
6. 'But did they really lose?' Summarize the argument put forward in Source 57, and your view on it.
Source 57 says that the Americans never really lost because they technically weren't defeated in a battle. The US was not present in Vietnam when the capital of South Vietnam fell to the Viet Cong. This was two years after the US military had left Vietnam. I agree with this source because the US didn't really fight and lose a war in Vietnam, they we're trying to stop the spread of communism and then decided it wasn't working so stopped fighting it.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Vietnam War Opposition
Using your knowledge gained from previous readings in the Vietnam War reading, complete the following.
You are an opponent of American involvement in Vietnam. Use the evidence in this chapter to begin formulating ideas to make a poster or a leaflet putting forward your views. You can include stories and images from pages 353-61. However, you must also include an explanation that will convince the supporters of containment that the policy is not working in Vietnam. OPTIONAL: Instead of opposing the war, you can support it. Feel free to make a COUNTER-ARGUMENT that the war is necessary to contain Communism.
1. Note all of the reasons why you feel the war in Vietnam is wrong.
-Drafting young inexperienced American soldiers is not helping the war effort. It is basically drafting them and most of them get killed within the first couple of months. The ones who survive and become experienced are soon replaced with more inexperienced soldiers.
-American soldiers are killing many Vietnamese civilians since they do not know for sure if they are involved with the Viet cong and prefer not to take chances. This is extremely harsh and violent. Evidence of this was the My Lai massacre, where the US soldiers killed a whole town because they were suspected to be working for the Viet cong.
-Obviously the attempt at containing communism is not working. Evidence of this is the Tet Offensive, where even after the US sent money and soldiers to Vietnam, the Viet cong was still able to organize a large offensive against the US embassy.
-The US was spending a lot of money on the war and it wasn't worth it.
-The Americans directly saw what was going on in Vietnam because it was the first televised war. People saw the harsh reality right in their homes.
2. Note what you are trying to achieve with this poster. (e.g. to convince people to write to their Congressmen to get the troops out.)
Pointing out all of the reasons the war is wrong should show readers that this is a war we do not want to be involved with anymore. I want to spread the unpopularity of the war because the more people against it, the more protest and hopefully actions will be made to stop the war.
3. List possible images for your poster. Think about: background (e.g. destroyed villages); the central image (e.g. picture of a young soldier); whether you will need words to explain your image.
I think it would be effective to show scenes of destroyed villages with an explanation of an event such as the My Lai massacre to educate people about the specifics if they didn't already know. Showing an image of a young soldier who has been wounded while fighting would show that they are drafting inexperienced young men who are not ready for this kind of war. I think the fewer words the better because visual posters appeal more to people than blocks of text. Pictures with short captions/explanations/overviews are the most effective.
4. List some possible slogans for your poster.
"Stop Involvement in Vietnam"
"No More Unnecessary Violence"
Headline: We are fighting for containment, not aiming to kill many innocent civilians.
You are an opponent of American involvement in Vietnam. Use the evidence in this chapter to begin formulating ideas to make a poster or a leaflet putting forward your views. You can include stories and images from pages 353-61. However, you must also include an explanation that will convince the supporters of containment that the policy is not working in Vietnam. OPTIONAL: Instead of opposing the war, you can support it. Feel free to make a COUNTER-ARGUMENT that the war is necessary to contain Communism.
1. Note all of the reasons why you feel the war in Vietnam is wrong.
-Drafting young inexperienced American soldiers is not helping the war effort. It is basically drafting them and most of them get killed within the first couple of months. The ones who survive and become experienced are soon replaced with more inexperienced soldiers.
-American soldiers are killing many Vietnamese civilians since they do not know for sure if they are involved with the Viet cong and prefer not to take chances. This is extremely harsh and violent. Evidence of this was the My Lai massacre, where the US soldiers killed a whole town because they were suspected to be working for the Viet cong.
-Obviously the attempt at containing communism is not working. Evidence of this is the Tet Offensive, where even after the US sent money and soldiers to Vietnam, the Viet cong was still able to organize a large offensive against the US embassy.
-The US was spending a lot of money on the war and it wasn't worth it.
-The Americans directly saw what was going on in Vietnam because it was the first televised war. People saw the harsh reality right in their homes.
2. Note what you are trying to achieve with this poster. (e.g. to convince people to write to their Congressmen to get the troops out.)
Pointing out all of the reasons the war is wrong should show readers that this is a war we do not want to be involved with anymore. I want to spread the unpopularity of the war because the more people against it, the more protest and hopefully actions will be made to stop the war.
3. List possible images for your poster. Think about: background (e.g. destroyed villages); the central image (e.g. picture of a young soldier); whether you will need words to explain your image.
I think it would be effective to show scenes of destroyed villages with an explanation of an event such as the My Lai massacre to educate people about the specifics if they didn't already know. Showing an image of a young soldier who has been wounded while fighting would show that they are drafting inexperienced young men who are not ready for this kind of war. I think the fewer words the better because visual posters appeal more to people than blocks of text. Pictures with short captions/explanations/overviews are the most effective.
4. List some possible slogans for your poster.
"Stop Involvement in Vietnam"
"No More Unnecessary Violence"
Headline: We are fighting for containment, not aiming to kill many innocent civilians.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Vietnam War Turning Points
Using your knowledge gained from previous readings in the Vietnam War reading, answer the following questions.
1. Why was the Tet Offensive a turning point? Explain your answer.
The Tet Offensive was a turning point in the war because it put things into perspective for the United States. They started to think about how the Vietcong communists could have been able to launch a major offensive that took them completely by surprise if the US had put so much money and so many soldiers into Vietnam. The war in Vietnam was not that popular to begin with, and this event really turned Americans against it.
2. Are Sources 51 and 52 making the same point about the My Lai Massacre?
I think they are not making the same point.
I think Source 51 is focusing on the side of the issue that deals with moral choices and what is humane. This source is making the point that what the US soldiers did in My Lai was wrong. He compared them to Nazi's since they were just slaughtering whole villages, and obviously the American soldiers didn't go there to to that. They went their to get rid of communism, but this is what they ended up doing.
Source 52 is saying that they weren't there to kill people, they were there to destroy communism. This source implies that to destroy communism, people must be killed and there is nothing wrong with that.
3. Why do you think it took 12 months for anyone to do anything about the massacre?
I think it took 12 months for someone to do something about the massacre because they wanted to let the issue settle for a while. If someone had said something too soon they might not have gotten the response they were looking for- an investigation.
4. Why was the massacre so shocking to the American public?
It was really clear now to the Americans that this was not right. There were so many civilians being killed for no reason other than that they "might" be involved with the Viet Cong. The American troops seemed to be straying from the goal of getting rid of communism, and instead, they were just being really violent.
1. Why was the Tet Offensive a turning point? Explain your answer.
The Tet Offensive was a turning point in the war because it put things into perspective for the United States. They started to think about how the Vietcong communists could have been able to launch a major offensive that took them completely by surprise if the US had put so much money and so many soldiers into Vietnam. The war in Vietnam was not that popular to begin with, and this event really turned Americans against it.
2. Are Sources 51 and 52 making the same point about the My Lai Massacre?
I think they are not making the same point.
I think Source 51 is focusing on the side of the issue that deals with moral choices and what is humane. This source is making the point that what the US soldiers did in My Lai was wrong. He compared them to Nazi's since they were just slaughtering whole villages, and obviously the American soldiers didn't go there to to that. They went their to get rid of communism, but this is what they ended up doing.
Source 52 is saying that they weren't there to kill people, they were there to destroy communism. This source implies that to destroy communism, people must be killed and there is nothing wrong with that.
3. Why do you think it took 12 months for anyone to do anything about the massacre?
I think it took 12 months for someone to do something about the massacre because they wanted to let the issue settle for a while. If someone had said something too soon they might not have gotten the response they were looking for- an investigation.
4. Why was the massacre so shocking to the American public?
It was really clear now to the Americans that this was not right. There were so many civilians being killed for no reason other than that they "might" be involved with the Viet Cong. The American troops seemed to be straying from the goal of getting rid of communism, and instead, they were just being really violent.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The U.S. struggles against the Communist in Vietnam
You are to read pages 356-61 in your Vietnam War reading. Then, using the chart that was given to you in class, complete the following assignment. You are to copy and paste only questions 1 a - 1 b. & 2 a. - 2 h. to your blog.
Why was the US army unable to defeat the Communists in Vietnam?
Step 1: Gathering the evidence-fill out chart
Step 2: Using pages 356-61 in the Vietnam War Reading, make notes in columns 2 (US Army) and 4 (Viet Cong) to record how far each side had each quality.
Step 3: in each row of column 3, draw some scales to show which way the balance falls for this quality. Did the USA or the Viet Cong have the advantage?
1. Now think about the overall picture - how the strengths and weaknesses work together.
a) Were the armies finely balanced or was the balance strongly weighted to one side or the other?
The Viet Cong seemed to have the advantage in these areas: many good, committed soldiers, effective war tactics and support from the Vietnamese. The US had the advantage with technology, and supplies and equipment.
b) Which quality was most important in determining who won the war? Was one feature so important that being ahead in that area meant that other advantages or disadvantages did not matter?
I think that the fact that the Viet Cong had such advanced war tactics meant that they would win. The Guerilla warfare tired the US troops out. The Viet Cong had the advantage of knowing the territory and could use it as a means to get ahead in war.
Stage 3: Explaining your conclusions
The failure of the U.S. army to beat the Communists in Vietnam was the result of its own weaknesses and Viet Cong strengths.
2. Now write up your answer:
a. The U.S. weaknesses were that they weren't popular among the Vietnamese population. The soldiers were drafted, young, inexperienced and not motivated.
b. At the same time, the Communist strengths were that they were fighting Guerilla warfare which was an advantage over the Americans who didn't know the land. They also has many soldiers that could replace casualties. They had Vietnamese support.
c. The U.S. forces did have some successes. For example, they bombed the Ho Chi Minh trail that carried supplies to the Viet Cong. The Operation Rolling Thunder bombing was successful, the US bombed military and industrial targets in North Vietnam. They had chemical weapons that worked well but killed many civilians.
d. However, there were some major US failures as well. Examples of these were search and destroy missions were not effective because they killed many civilians. The US troops got caught in traps frequently, and they lost support from the Vietnamese population.
e. The Viet Cong had some major successes, such as Guerrilla warfare. They had a major advantage over the US inexperienced soldiers.
f. However, the Viet Cong also suffered defeats, for example the Tet offensive. The attacked many south Vietnam cities and the US embassy on the same day and lost many experienced fighters.
g. If I had to identify one major American weakness, it would be that the soldiers were young and inexperienced because this hurt them a lot. They drafted young men who frequently tried to avoid the draft by moving to canada. The Viet Cong had many experienced fighters that were extremely motivated.
h. The key Viet Cong strength was the Guerilla warfare because they were more effective fighters.
Why was the US army unable to defeat the Communists in Vietnam?
Step 1: Gathering the evidence-fill out chart
Step 2: Using pages 356-61 in the Vietnam War Reading, make notes in columns 2 (US Army) and 4 (Viet Cong) to record how far each side had each quality.
Step 3: in each row of column 3, draw some scales to show which way the balance falls for this quality. Did the USA or the Viet Cong have the advantage?
1. Now think about the overall picture - how the strengths and weaknesses work together.
a) Were the armies finely balanced or was the balance strongly weighted to one side or the other?
The Viet Cong seemed to have the advantage in these areas: many good, committed soldiers, effective war tactics and support from the Vietnamese. The US had the advantage with technology, and supplies and equipment.
b) Which quality was most important in determining who won the war? Was one feature so important that being ahead in that area meant that other advantages or disadvantages did not matter?
I think that the fact that the Viet Cong had such advanced war tactics meant that they would win. The Guerilla warfare tired the US troops out. The Viet Cong had the advantage of knowing the territory and could use it as a means to get ahead in war.
Stage 3: Explaining your conclusions
The failure of the U.S. army to beat the Communists in Vietnam was the result of its own weaknesses and Viet Cong strengths.
2. Now write up your answer:
a. The U.S. weaknesses were that they weren't popular among the Vietnamese population. The soldiers were drafted, young, inexperienced and not motivated.
b. At the same time, the Communist strengths were that they were fighting Guerilla warfare which was an advantage over the Americans who didn't know the land. They also has many soldiers that could replace casualties. They had Vietnamese support.
c. The U.S. forces did have some successes. For example, they bombed the Ho Chi Minh trail that carried supplies to the Viet Cong. The Operation Rolling Thunder bombing was successful, the US bombed military and industrial targets in North Vietnam. They had chemical weapons that worked well but killed many civilians.
d. However, there were some major US failures as well. Examples of these were search and destroy missions were not effective because they killed many civilians. The US troops got caught in traps frequently, and they lost support from the Vietnamese population.
e. The Viet Cong had some major successes, such as Guerrilla warfare. They had a major advantage over the US inexperienced soldiers.
f. However, the Viet Cong also suffered defeats, for example the Tet offensive. The attacked many south Vietnam cities and the US embassy on the same day and lost many experienced fighters.
g. If I had to identify one major American weakness, it would be that the soldiers were young and inexperienced because this hurt them a lot. They drafted young men who frequently tried to avoid the draft by moving to canada. The Viet Cong had many experienced fighters that were extremely motivated.
h. The key Viet Cong strength was the Guerilla warfare because they were more effective fighters.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The U.S. Enters the Vietnam War
In your Cold War file folder in your Google Docs account, read pages 353 to 355 of Vietnam War.
1. Many neutral observers in Vietnam were critical of US policy. Explain why.
Since the Americans were afraid of a communist plan to dominate all of South east Asia, they gave $500 million a year into the French war effort and helped the French to set up a non-communist government in the south of the country. This war lasted from 1946 to 1954. After the war, the country was split into North and South Vietnam until elections could be held. The USA made a rule that prevented the elections from taking place because it feared that Communists would win. They viewed Vietnam as the first domino in a long line of countries that would fall to communism, and the US had to prevent this.
The US supported leaders as long as they were anti-communist, even if the governments were corrupt (which they were). This increased support of communist parties.
2. Explain how US politicians would have defended their policies.
The US politicians viewed it as stopping the spread of communism, and they would do anything it would take to do this.
3. The following events are not listed in correct date order. Place them in the correct chronological order.Then note the reason for each U.S. action, and how it brought the U.S. into deeper involvement in Vietnam.
The reasons you can choose from are: No direct involvement; financial support; political involvement; military involvement. Also, note what events triggered the increased involvement.
(1965) U.S. Marines land at Da Nang (military)
(1955) U.S. stops elections in Vietnam (political)
(1954) Formation of South Vietnam (political involvement)
(1960s) Viet Cong attacks on U.S. and South Vietnam bases (military)
(1960) Viet Cong formed (military)
(1962) Number of 'advisers' reaches over 11,500 (military involvement)
(1962) JFK sends military advisers (military involvement)
(1963) Assassination of JFK - Johnson becomes president
(1963) U.S. supports South Vietnam government after army overthrow Diem (financial, political)
(1964) Gulf of Tonkin Incident (military involvement)
4. Choose two events that you think were critical in getting the U.S. involved in a war in Vietnam. Explain
your choice.
Assassinations of JFK-This was really important because in the middle of this situation that the US is in, the president is assassinated and there is a new one, which changes everything. JFK believed in a more peaceful approach to conflicts, and Johnson didn't think this way at all.
I think when JFK sends military "advisers" to fight the Viet Cong is significant because it increased tension between north and south vietnam and American involvement was really large.
1. Many neutral observers in Vietnam were critical of US policy. Explain why.
Since the Americans were afraid of a communist plan to dominate all of South east Asia, they gave $500 million a year into the French war effort and helped the French to set up a non-communist government in the south of the country. This war lasted from 1946 to 1954. After the war, the country was split into North and South Vietnam until elections could be held. The USA made a rule that prevented the elections from taking place because it feared that Communists would win. They viewed Vietnam as the first domino in a long line of countries that would fall to communism, and the US had to prevent this.
The US supported leaders as long as they were anti-communist, even if the governments were corrupt (which they were). This increased support of communist parties.
2. Explain how US politicians would have defended their policies.
The US politicians viewed it as stopping the spread of communism, and they would do anything it would take to do this.
3. The following events are not listed in correct date order. Place them in the correct chronological order.Then note the reason for each U.S. action, and how it brought the U.S. into deeper involvement in Vietnam.
The reasons you can choose from are: No direct involvement; financial support; political involvement; military involvement. Also, note what events triggered the increased involvement.
(1965) U.S. Marines land at Da Nang (military)
(1955) U.S. stops elections in Vietnam (political)
(1954) Formation of South Vietnam (political involvement)
(1960s) Viet Cong attacks on U.S. and South Vietnam bases (military)
(1960) Viet Cong formed (military)
(1962) Number of 'advisers' reaches over 11,500 (military involvement)
(1962) JFK sends military advisers (military involvement)
(1963) Assassination of JFK - Johnson becomes president
(1963) U.S. supports South Vietnam government after army overthrow Diem (financial, political)
(1964) Gulf of Tonkin Incident (military involvement)
4. Choose two events that you think were critical in getting the U.S. involved in a war in Vietnam. Explain
your choice.
Assassinations of JFK-This was really important because in the middle of this situation that the US is in, the president is assassinated and there is a new one, which changes everything. JFK believed in a more peaceful approach to conflicts, and Johnson didn't think this way at all.
I think when JFK sends military "advisers" to fight the Viet Cong is significant because it increased tension between north and south vietnam and American involvement was really large.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Cuban Missile Crisis
In your Cold War file folder in your Google Docs account, read pages 350 to 351 of Cuban Missile Crisis.
1. Kennedy described Wednesday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 27 as the darkest days of the crisis. Use the information on page 350 to explain why.
On Wednesday, October 24, the blockade of Soviets into Cuba begins. This would not directly be an action of war, but also doesn't fix the main problem of missiles in Cuba, since they are already there.
On Saturday, Oct. 27, an American U-2 plane is shot down over Cuba. The pilot is killed. The president is advised to launch immediate attack back on Cuba, but Kennedy decides to delay an attack. Also, Kennedy ignores the second letter Krushchev sent to him, and accepts the first. Kennedy says that if the Soviet Union doesn't withdraw than an attack will follow.
2. Do you think that nuclear war was ever a possibility in this crisis?
Yes I do think that nuclear was was a possibility in this crisis because the missiles were set up already. If someone had done something that angered the other side even a little too much, it could have turned into nuclear war.
3. Is Source 26 a Soviet or an American cartoon? Explain your answer by referring to the details in the cartoon.
Kennedy and Krushchev are arm wrestling. They are both sitting on hydrogen bombs, but Kennedy is about to push a button to detonate the Soviet bomb. I think this is a Soviet cartoon because it is implying that Kennedy's actions will spark a nuclear war, the Soviets will fire their bomb and then the Americans will fight back.
4. Using Source 27 list any evidence you can find for and against each of the explanations.
Why did the Soviet Union place nuclear missiles on Cuba?
To bargain with the USA
-Having missiles on Cuba could be used in a bargain with the US. Krushchev could agree to remove the missiles in return for something from the US.
To test the USA
-The Soviets wanted to see what the US would do if they put missiles in Cuba, whether they would confront the situation or not do anything. Krushchev thought Kennedy was young an inexperienced (compared to Eisenhower), and he wanted to test him and see what he was capable of.
To trap the USA
-The Soviets wanted to start a war with the US, but wanted to start it indirectly. The Soviets could use Cuba to do this.
To get the upper hand in the arms race
-The Soviets and the US were racing to have better arms than each other because in a war this would be extremely important. Each side wanted to be prepared and wanted to know, if they were fighting against the other, that they would win. Since Cuba is a lot closer to the US than the USSR is, this made the Soviets more confident.
To defend Cuba
-The soviets wanted to help Cuba because they might not have had enough power if they were in trouble
5. Choose the explanation(s) that you think best fit what you have found out about the crisis. Explain your choice.
I think that the Soviets put missiles on Cuba to get the upper hand in the arms race. This makes most since because if they ever did have a nuclear war, which was a possibility, it would be important that they had more missiles and that they would be close by and ready to be used if necessary.
1. Kennedy described Wednesday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 27 as the darkest days of the crisis. Use the information on page 350 to explain why.
On Wednesday, October 24, the blockade of Soviets into Cuba begins. This would not directly be an action of war, but also doesn't fix the main problem of missiles in Cuba, since they are already there.
On Saturday, Oct. 27, an American U-2 plane is shot down over Cuba. The pilot is killed. The president is advised to launch immediate attack back on Cuba, but Kennedy decides to delay an attack. Also, Kennedy ignores the second letter Krushchev sent to him, and accepts the first. Kennedy says that if the Soviet Union doesn't withdraw than an attack will follow.
2. Do you think that nuclear war was ever a possibility in this crisis?
Yes I do think that nuclear was was a possibility in this crisis because the missiles were set up already. If someone had done something that angered the other side even a little too much, it could have turned into nuclear war.
3. Is Source 26 a Soviet or an American cartoon? Explain your answer by referring to the details in the cartoon.
Kennedy and Krushchev are arm wrestling. They are both sitting on hydrogen bombs, but Kennedy is about to push a button to detonate the Soviet bomb. I think this is a Soviet cartoon because it is implying that Kennedy's actions will spark a nuclear war, the Soviets will fire their bomb and then the Americans will fight back.
4. Using Source 27 list any evidence you can find for and against each of the explanations.
Why did the Soviet Union place nuclear missiles on Cuba?
To bargain with the USA
-Having missiles on Cuba could be used in a bargain with the US. Krushchev could agree to remove the missiles in return for something from the US.
To test the USA
-The Soviets wanted to see what the US would do if they put missiles in Cuba, whether they would confront the situation or not do anything. Krushchev thought Kennedy was young an inexperienced (compared to Eisenhower), and he wanted to test him and see what he was capable of.
To trap the USA
-The Soviets wanted to start a war with the US, but wanted to start it indirectly. The Soviets could use Cuba to do this.
To get the upper hand in the arms race
-The Soviets and the US were racing to have better arms than each other because in a war this would be extremely important. Each side wanted to be prepared and wanted to know, if they were fighting against the other, that they would win. Since Cuba is a lot closer to the US than the USSR is, this made the Soviets more confident.
To defend Cuba
-The soviets wanted to help Cuba because they might not have had enough power if they were in trouble
5. Choose the explanation(s) that you think best fit what you have found out about the crisis. Explain your choice.
I think that the Soviets put missiles on Cuba to get the upper hand in the arms race. This makes most since because if they ever did have a nuclear war, which was a possibility, it would be important that they had more missiles and that they would be close by and ready to be used if necessary.
Monday, April 26, 2010
The U.S. Attempts to Contain Cuba
In your Cold War file folder in your Google Docs account, read pages 347 to 349 of Cuban Missile Crisis.
1. Why was Cuba so important to the United States?
Cuba had been an American ally for a long time. Americans owned most of the businesses on the island and they had a huge naval bade there.
2. Why do you think the Americans chose to equip Cuban exiles rather than invading themselves?
They didn't want to anger the Soviets so they gave weapons to Cuban exiles so they weren't directly fighting.
3. Why did the invasion fail?
The exiles were met by 20,000 Cuban troops armed with tanks and modern weapons. Castro killed or captured all within days. To Cuba and the USSR, the failed invasion suggested that the US was unwilling to get directly involved in Cuba.
4. Compare Source 17 on page 345 (in the Arms Race.pdf reading) with Source 24 on page 348. Describe how the Soviet Union missiles on Cuba changed the Cold War balance of power.
Before, the US had the power, and their missiles were directed toward the Soviets. Now, the Soviets have missiles on Cuba with a large range of destruction, giving them power.
1. Why was Cuba so important to the United States?
Cuba had been an American ally for a long time. Americans owned most of the businesses on the island and they had a huge naval bade there.
2. Why do you think the Americans chose to equip Cuban exiles rather than invading themselves?
They didn't want to anger the Soviets so they gave weapons to Cuban exiles so they weren't directly fighting.
3. Why did the invasion fail?
The exiles were met by 20,000 Cuban troops armed with tanks and modern weapons. Castro killed or captured all within days. To Cuba and the USSR, the failed invasion suggested that the US was unwilling to get directly involved in Cuba.
4. Compare Source 17 on page 345 (in the Arms Race.pdf reading) with Source 24 on page 348. Describe how the Soviet Union missiles on Cuba changed the Cold War balance of power.
Before, the US had the power, and their missiles were directed toward the Soviets. Now, the Soviets have missiles on Cuba with a large range of destruction, giving them power.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The American Dream in the 1950s
Read Chapter 27, section 2. (pages 847-855)
1. Baby Boom
When soldiers returned from WWII, there was a big population explosion called the baby boom, during the 1940s-1960s, and the birthrate soared. This was the largest generation in the nation's history.
2. Dr. Jonas Salk
He developed a vaccine for polio.
3. Interstate Highway System
Since many people were buying cars and commuted to cities for work, the local and state governments constructed roads linking major cities connecting to schools, shopping centers and workplaces to residential suburbs.
4. Franchise
A company that offers similar products or services in many locations.
5. In a paragraph, describe in detail how Americans spent their leisure time in the 1950s
In the 1950s, Americans had a lot more leisure time than they had before. There were labor saving devices like washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and lawn mowers. Americans spent their leisure time playing sports, attending sports games or watched television. Also, many Americans read and cooked.
1. Baby Boom
When soldiers returned from WWII, there was a big population explosion called the baby boom, during the 1940s-1960s, and the birthrate soared. This was the largest generation in the nation's history.
2. Dr. Jonas Salk
He developed a vaccine for polio.
3. Interstate Highway System
Since many people were buying cars and commuted to cities for work, the local and state governments constructed roads linking major cities connecting to schools, shopping centers and workplaces to residential suburbs.
4. Franchise
A company that offers similar products or services in many locations.
5. In a paragraph, describe in detail how Americans spent their leisure time in the 1950s
In the 1950s, Americans had a lot more leisure time than they had before. There were labor saving devices like washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and lawn mowers. Americans spent their leisure time playing sports, attending sports games or watched television. Also, many Americans read and cooked.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Arms Race
I've shared a new document with you in your Cold War file. It is titled Arms Race. Read this carefully and answer the questions below. (A lot of this material expands upon what you read about in 26-4)
1. Read Source 12. What methods do you think Dulles had in mind to 'liberate captive peoples' without a war?
Maybe Dulles was thinking of nuclear weapons as an "alternative to war" because dropping a nuclear bomb wouldn't injure America's people but would help "liberate captive peoples."
2. Look at Source 13. Would you agree that the Communist world was encircled? Explain your answer.
Yes I would agree that the communist world was encircled because they were surrounded by communist opposers.
3. Carefully examine the verticle timeline on page 343. Then look back at Source 12. Do you think the development of nuclear weapons was what Dulles might have had in mind?
Yes I think that Dulles was thinking of nuclear weapons because he said that quote in 1952 and that was the same year that they successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb.
4. Look at Source 16. What is the Soviet cartoon saying about the U-2 plane?
The Soviet cartoon is commenting on how the U.S. are using the U-2 planes to spy on them. The USSR used people to spy on the U.S. whereas the U.S. used high tech spy planes.
5. Read the Factfile on page 344. Explain why the USSR was so angry about the US spy flights.
The U.S. spy flights violated Soviet air space. When Soviet missiles shot down a U-2 spier, Eisenhower at first denied that the man was on a spying mission, but eventually had to admit it because of the evidence. But President Eisenhower didn't apologize and didn't promise that the flights would stop. This made the USSR extremely angry towards the U.S.
6. How would the USA justify this violation of Soviet territory?
The USA justified the violation of soviet territory because it kept them fully informed about Soviet's advances with their weapons technology. They flew so high up that soviet bombs couldn't hit them (at first).
7. If the USSR had had U-2 planes, do you think it would have used them? Why?
Yes, I think they would have used them because they would have felt like they had the right to do what the U.S. did to them and spy with high tech planes.
8. Look at Source 17. Why do you think the USA had missiles based in Europe?
I think they had missiles based in Europe in case they needed to hit Soviet cities very quickly since the missiles coming from the U.S. might have taken a half an hour.
9. Define the term 'nuclear deterrent' in not more than 20 words.
Since both sides have nuclear weapons, neither side wants to attack first in fear of being destroyed themselves.
1. Read Source 12. What methods do you think Dulles had in mind to 'liberate captive peoples' without a war?
Maybe Dulles was thinking of nuclear weapons as an "alternative to war" because dropping a nuclear bomb wouldn't injure America's people but would help "liberate captive peoples."
2. Look at Source 13. Would you agree that the Communist world was encircled? Explain your answer.
Yes I would agree that the communist world was encircled because they were surrounded by communist opposers.
3. Carefully examine the verticle timeline on page 343. Then look back at Source 12. Do you think the development of nuclear weapons was what Dulles might have had in mind?
Yes I think that Dulles was thinking of nuclear weapons because he said that quote in 1952 and that was the same year that they successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb.
4. Look at Source 16. What is the Soviet cartoon saying about the U-2 plane?
The Soviet cartoon is commenting on how the U.S. are using the U-2 planes to spy on them. The USSR used people to spy on the U.S. whereas the U.S. used high tech spy planes.
5. Read the Factfile on page 344. Explain why the USSR was so angry about the US spy flights.
The U.S. spy flights violated Soviet air space. When Soviet missiles shot down a U-2 spier, Eisenhower at first denied that the man was on a spying mission, but eventually had to admit it because of the evidence. But President Eisenhower didn't apologize and didn't promise that the flights would stop. This made the USSR extremely angry towards the U.S.
6. How would the USA justify this violation of Soviet territory?
The USA justified the violation of soviet territory because it kept them fully informed about Soviet's advances with their weapons technology. They flew so high up that soviet bombs couldn't hit them (at first).
7. If the USSR had had U-2 planes, do you think it would have used them? Why?
Yes, I think they would have used them because they would have felt like they had the right to do what the U.S. did to them and spy with high tech planes.
8. Look at Source 17. Why do you think the USA had missiles based in Europe?
I think they had missiles based in Europe in case they needed to hit Soviet cities very quickly since the missiles coming from the U.S. might have taken a half an hour.
9. Define the term 'nuclear deterrent' in not more than 20 words.
Since both sides have nuclear weapons, neither side wants to attack first in fear of being destroyed themselves.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Eisenhower & The Cold War
Read Chapter 26, section 4, Two Nations Live on Edge, (pages 828-833). This section discusses the Hydrogen Bomb, Brinkmanship, the CIA in the Middle East and Latin America, the Warsaw Pact, the Eisenhower Doctrine, the Space Race, and the U-2 Incident.
How did the United States react to the following 7 events, and why?
1. The Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb in 1949.
Truman had to think about making a better weapon to counter act the Soviet Union's advancement. The U.S. wanted to stay ahead (with respect to weapons) because they would be more prepared for a nuclear war. In November, 1952, the U.S. exploded the first Hydrogen bomb. However, in August 1953 the Soviet Union exploded their own.
2. In 1951, the Iranian prime minister placed the oil industry in Iran under the Iranian government’s control.
The U.S. feared that the Iranian prime minister would turn to the Soviets for help when their government faltered. In 1953, the CIA gave money to the opposers of the prime minister. The CIA wanted the pro american Shah of Iran to return to power. The Shah did return to power and turned over control of Iranian oil fields to western companies.
The U.S. cared so much about Iran asking the Soviets for help because then they probably would become communist, and the policy of containment was trying to prevent this.
3. The Guatemalan head of government gave American-owned land in Guatemala to peasants.
The CIA trained an army that invaded Guatemala. The Guatemalan army refused to defend the president, and he resigned. The army's leader became dictator.
4. In 1956, Britain, France, and Israel invaded Egypt and occupied the Suez Canal.
Egypt tried to get the Soviets and the Americans to compete by improving relations with each on in order to get more aid. The U.S. then withdrew the loan offer. In response to this, the head of Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal. The canal was supposed to be open to all nations, but they didn't let ships pass, so Israel, Great Britain and France sent troops. They seized the canal. The UN stepped in to stop the fighting. They withdrew, but Egypt was allowed to keep control of the canal.
President Eisenhower issued a warning in January 1957 called the Eisenhower Doctrine. This said that the U.S. would defend the Middle East against an attack by any communist country.
5. Soviet tanks invaded Hungary and fired on protesters in 1956.
The Hungarian people, who were under the control of the Soviets, revolted because they wanted a democratic government. A liberal Hungarian communist leader set up a new government in Hungary and demanded that the Soviets leave. The Soviets fired on protesters, they overthrew the new government and replaced it with pro-Soviet leaders. The U.S. did nothing to help Hungary. The american policy of containment didn't extend to driving the Soviets out of the satellite nations.
6. In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik.
Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite, circled around the earth every 96 minutes. Americans were shocked at being beaten and started to collect money for their own space program. The U.S. wanted to catch up. The first attempt was a failure, but the second, on January 31, 1958, the U.S. successfully launched its first satellite.
7. In 1960, the Soviet Union brought down an American U-2 piloted by Francis Gary Powers.
At first, President Eisenhower denied that the U-2 had been spying. He eventually had to admit it because the Soviets had evidence. Eisenhower agreed to stop the U-2 flights. This caused more tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
How did the United States react to the following 7 events, and why?
1. The Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb in 1949.
Truman had to think about making a better weapon to counter act the Soviet Union's advancement. The U.S. wanted to stay ahead (with respect to weapons) because they would be more prepared for a nuclear war. In November, 1952, the U.S. exploded the first Hydrogen bomb. However, in August 1953 the Soviet Union exploded their own.
2. In 1951, the Iranian prime minister placed the oil industry in Iran under the Iranian government’s control.
The U.S. feared that the Iranian prime minister would turn to the Soviets for help when their government faltered. In 1953, the CIA gave money to the opposers of the prime minister. The CIA wanted the pro american Shah of Iran to return to power. The Shah did return to power and turned over control of Iranian oil fields to western companies.
The U.S. cared so much about Iran asking the Soviets for help because then they probably would become communist, and the policy of containment was trying to prevent this.
3. The Guatemalan head of government gave American-owned land in Guatemala to peasants.
The CIA trained an army that invaded Guatemala. The Guatemalan army refused to defend the president, and he resigned. The army's leader became dictator.
4. In 1956, Britain, France, and Israel invaded Egypt and occupied the Suez Canal.
Egypt tried to get the Soviets and the Americans to compete by improving relations with each on in order to get more aid. The U.S. then withdrew the loan offer. In response to this, the head of Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal. The canal was supposed to be open to all nations, but they didn't let ships pass, so Israel, Great Britain and France sent troops. They seized the canal. The UN stepped in to stop the fighting. They withdrew, but Egypt was allowed to keep control of the canal.
President Eisenhower issued a warning in January 1957 called the Eisenhower Doctrine. This said that the U.S. would defend the Middle East against an attack by any communist country.
5. Soviet tanks invaded Hungary and fired on protesters in 1956.
The Hungarian people, who were under the control of the Soviets, revolted because they wanted a democratic government. A liberal Hungarian communist leader set up a new government in Hungary and demanded that the Soviets leave. The Soviets fired on protesters, they overthrew the new government and replaced it with pro-Soviet leaders. The U.S. did nothing to help Hungary. The american policy of containment didn't extend to driving the Soviets out of the satellite nations.
6. In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik.
Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite, circled around the earth every 96 minutes. Americans were shocked at being beaten and started to collect money for their own space program. The U.S. wanted to catch up. The first attempt was a failure, but the second, on January 31, 1958, the U.S. successfully launched its first satellite.
7. In 1960, the Soviet Union brought down an American U-2 piloted by Francis Gary Powers.
At first, President Eisenhower denied that the U-2 had been spying. He eventually had to admit it because the Soviets had evidence. Eisenhower agreed to stop the U-2 flights. This caused more tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Red Scare (1950s)
Chapter 26, section 3 in the textbook (pages 822-827)
1. HUAC
The House UnAmerican Activites committee investigated communist influence in the movie industry.
2. Blacklist
Hollywood executives made a list of people who had a communist background. These actors' careers were ruined because they could no longer work.
3. Alger Hiss
A former state department official, Alger Hiss, was accused of spying for the Soviet Union. He was arrested for lying about a document that someone claimed to have been on his typewriter.
4. Ethel and Julius Rosenberg
Spies connected with a suspicion of communist americans who were thought to have leaked atomic bomb information. The pleaded the fith amendment and claimed they were being persecuted for being jewish and having radical beliefs. They were found guilty and sentenced to death.
5. Joseph McCarthy
He was an Anti-communist activist, republican and senator.
6. McCarthyism
McCarthy accused many people of being communists without evidence. Now, this refers generally to the unfair tactic of accusing people of disloyalty without providing evidence.
7. In a paragraph, describe the motivations and actions of Joseph McCarthy during the 1950s. What prompted his actions? What did he do? What happened as a result of his actions?
McCarthy wanted to be reelected as senator. He claimed he had names of communists in the State Department, but actually he didn't. The republicans didn't stop him at first because they thought they would have a better chance of winning the 1952 presidential election if McCarthy was an anti-communist activist. Later, a small group of senators spoke against his actions. In 1954, McCarthy made accusations against the army which led to a nationally televised investigation. This turned the public against him. The senate condemned him and he died three years later.
1. HUAC
The House UnAmerican Activites committee investigated communist influence in the movie industry.
2. Blacklist
Hollywood executives made a list of people who had a communist background. These actors' careers were ruined because they could no longer work.
3. Alger Hiss
A former state department official, Alger Hiss, was accused of spying for the Soviet Union. He was arrested for lying about a document that someone claimed to have been on his typewriter.
4. Ethel and Julius Rosenberg
Spies connected with a suspicion of communist americans who were thought to have leaked atomic bomb information. The pleaded the fith amendment and claimed they were being persecuted for being jewish and having radical beliefs. They were found guilty and sentenced to death.
5. Joseph McCarthy
He was an Anti-communist activist, republican and senator.
6. McCarthyism
McCarthy accused many people of being communists without evidence. Now, this refers generally to the unfair tactic of accusing people of disloyalty without providing evidence.
7. In a paragraph, describe the motivations and actions of Joseph McCarthy during the 1950s. What prompted his actions? What did he do? What happened as a result of his actions?
McCarthy wanted to be reelected as senator. He claimed he had names of communists in the State Department, but actually he didn't. The republicans didn't stop him at first because they thought they would have a better chance of winning the 1952 presidential election if McCarthy was an anti-communist activist. Later, a small group of senators spoke against his actions. In 1954, McCarthy made accusations against the army which led to a nationally televised investigation. This turned the public against him. The senate condemned him and he died three years later.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Korean War Lessons
Read Korean War (gdocs) and answer the prompt below. (Also, if you want to read about the Korean War in your Americans textbook, it is 26-2)
Prompt:
It is 1952. A new president, Eisenhower, has been elected in the US. Your task is to write a report for him on what lessons the United States can learn from the war. Your report should advise the President on:
the US aims in Korea
how the support of the UN helped
how far the US achieved its aims
whether MacArthur should have been allowed to invade North Korea
why MacArthur was removed
the military and civilian cost of war
The goals of the United States in Korea were to drive the communists out of South Korea and restore power to the South Korean government. The United Nations supported and helped the United States with this goal. The US was successful in driving the communists back into North Korea. Then, they had a bigger goal-to drive communism out of Korea entirely, so they advanced to the Chinese border. The Chinese built up an army to help North Korea gain back their land and they pushed the UN forces down past the 38th parallel. At this point, Truman wanted to stop fighting but MacArthur wanted to take on China and North Korea and continue fighting, possibly using nuclear weapons. The UN was against MacArthur's idea, but MacArthur threatened to invade China. Truman took him out of power because he disagreed with MacArthur's aggressive policy towards communism.
In my opinion, MacArthur should not have been allowed to invade China and North Korea because the Chinese military was very strong and the United Nations forces would have faced many more casualties. If he had used nuclear weapons, there would have been a lot more destruction and lives lost.
The United States can look back on these events and learn many things. If at first the UN forces settled with their original goal of getting to the 38th parallel, there would have been fewer casualties. If the UN had stuck to the policy of containment, the conflict would have been shorter with less destruction and casualties.
Prompt:
It is 1952. A new president, Eisenhower, has been elected in the US. Your task is to write a report for him on what lessons the United States can learn from the war. Your report should advise the President on:
the US aims in Korea
how the support of the UN helped
how far the US achieved its aims
whether MacArthur should have been allowed to invade North Korea
why MacArthur was removed
the military and civilian cost of war
The goals of the United States in Korea were to drive the communists out of South Korea and restore power to the South Korean government. The United Nations supported and helped the United States with this goal. The US was successful in driving the communists back into North Korea. Then, they had a bigger goal-to drive communism out of Korea entirely, so they advanced to the Chinese border. The Chinese built up an army to help North Korea gain back their land and they pushed the UN forces down past the 38th parallel. At this point, Truman wanted to stop fighting but MacArthur wanted to take on China and North Korea and continue fighting, possibly using nuclear weapons. The UN was against MacArthur's idea, but MacArthur threatened to invade China. Truman took him out of power because he disagreed with MacArthur's aggressive policy towards communism.
In my opinion, MacArthur should not have been allowed to invade China and North Korea because the Chinese military was very strong and the United Nations forces would have faced many more casualties. If he had used nuclear weapons, there would have been a lot more destruction and lives lost.
The United States can look back on these events and learn many things. If at first the UN forces settled with their original goal of getting to the 38th parallel, there would have been fewer casualties. If the UN had stuck to the policy of containment, the conflict would have been shorter with less destruction and casualties.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Dropping the Atomic Bomb
War in Pacific. It is .pdf file in the WWII file folder.
1. What factors have affected viewpoints on Truman's decision?
Truman had many things to consider when he was faced with the decision of using nuclear weapons on Japan or not. Many people were against and with his decision to use them. Some people who were on the Allies' side thought that the nuclear weapons were unnecessary. Some people thought that the war was already over and the bomb served no military purpose, it was dropped to scare the Soviet Union and to test the bomb in real warfare. Other people believe that the bomb was truly dropped because Truman thought it would cost fewer lives than a conventional war.
2. Do you think he made the right decision? Give your reasons.
1. What factors have affected viewpoints on Truman's decision?
Truman had many things to consider when he was faced with the decision of using nuclear weapons on Japan or not. Many people were against and with his decision to use them. Some people who were on the Allies' side thought that the nuclear weapons were unnecessary. Some people thought that the war was already over and the bomb served no military purpose, it was dropped to scare the Soviet Union and to test the bomb in real warfare. Other people believe that the bomb was truly dropped because Truman thought it would cost fewer lives than a conventional war.
2. Do you think he made the right decision? Give your reasons.
I am undecided about if I believe it was the right decision or not to use the Nuclear bomb. There are pieces of evidence that support each side. On one hand, this bomb ultimately ended the war. But on the other hand, it killed at least 75,000 people instantly and many more were killed gradually from the radiation poisoning(Source 33). Truman believed that a bomb would kill less people than if they had kept fighting normally, but I think this was a little over the top for war. Other than the thousands killed, it affected the whole environment and had many long-term effects. I think this was war on a totally different level; an extremely intense level. Overall, I don't think that this was justified.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
War in the Pacific
Read Chapter 25-3, The War in the Pacific (Stop at the end of page 790)
1. What was the importance of the Battle of Midway?
The Battle of Midway was a turning point in the pacific war, the Allies won their territory back from the Japanese island by island. The Allies were moving closer to Japan.
2. What strategy did the United States adopt in fighting Japan?
Getting their territory back by "island hopping."
3. Why did the Japanese fight so hard on Iwo Jima?
4. Why did the Allies believe Okinawa was a foretaste of an invasion of Japan?
Because the Allies now saw how the Japanese fought using kamikazes and withstanding many casualties.
5. What was the Manhattan Project?
The development of the atomic bomb.
6. Ultimately, why did President Truman decide to drop atomic bombs on Japan?
1. What was the importance of the Battle of Midway?
The Battle of Midway was a turning point in the pacific war, the Allies won their territory back from the Japanese island by island. The Allies were moving closer to Japan.
2. What strategy did the United States adopt in fighting Japan?
Getting their territory back by "island hopping."
3. Why did the Japanese fight so hard on Iwo Jima?
If the U.S. took Iwo Jima it would be critical as a base so the U.S. bombers could easily reach Japan. The Japanese wanted to fight and win this battle especially to prevent this from happening.
4. Why did the Allies believe Okinawa was a foretaste of an invasion of Japan?
Because the Allies now saw how the Japanese fought using kamikazes and withstanding many casualties.
5. What was the Manhattan Project?
The development of the atomic bomb.
6. Ultimately, why did President Truman decide to drop atomic bombs on Japan?
President Truman thought it would end the war.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
War for Europe and North Africa - Part II
Read the remainder of Chapter 25-2 (pages 779 onward) (War for Europe and North Africa)
6. What was D-Day?
On June 6, 1944, the Allies invaded Normandy in northern France. Three divisions parachuted down behind German lines. They were followed by thousands of soldiers from the sea.
7. What happened at the Battle of the Bulge?
After the U.S. captured their first German town, Hitler wanted to retaliate. Germans broke through weak American defenses. Hitler hoped that a victory would split American and British forces and break up Allied supply lines. When the German tanks drove into the Allied territory, it created a bulge in the lines, and that's why it's called the Battle of the Bulge. This battle went on for a month. The Germans had pushed back and it seemed too look the way it had before the battle, but really the Germans had lots a lot of soldiers and machinery so they were not able to fight anymore.
8. What did Allied troops find in Germany?
Allied troops found Nazi death camps in July 1944 when they were pushing eastward into Germany. They found many dead bodies and many starving, emaciated prisoners.
9. What happened to Hitler? What happened to F.D. Roosevelt? Who became U.S. President?
6. What was D-Day?
On June 6, 1944, the Allies invaded Normandy in northern France. Three divisions parachuted down behind German lines. They were followed by thousands of soldiers from the sea.
7. What happened at the Battle of the Bulge?
After the U.S. captured their first German town, Hitler wanted to retaliate. Germans broke through weak American defenses. Hitler hoped that a victory would split American and British forces and break up Allied supply lines. When the German tanks drove into the Allied territory, it created a bulge in the lines, and that's why it's called the Battle of the Bulge. This battle went on for a month. The Germans had pushed back and it seemed too look the way it had before the battle, but really the Germans had lots a lot of soldiers and machinery so they were not able to fight anymore.
8. What did Allied troops find in Germany?
Allied troops found Nazi death camps in July 1944 when they were pushing eastward into Germany. They found many dead bodies and many starving, emaciated prisoners.
9. What happened to Hitler? What happened to F.D. Roosevelt? Who became U.S. President?
Hitler killed himself. F.D.R. died on April 12, 2945 and Vice President Harry Truman became president.
Monday, March 8, 2010
War for Europe & North Africa
Read Chapter 25-2 (pages 775 - 779)
1. To what did Roosevelt and Churchill agree early in the war?
3. Why was the Battle of Stalingrad so important?
The Soviet Victory against Germany marked a turning point in the war. From that point on, the Soviet army began to move westward toward Germany.
4. What happened in the war in North Africa?
Stalin believed that if Great Britain and America opened a second front across the English Channel would force Hitler to divert troops from the Soviet front. Churchill and Roosevelt didn't think that the Allies had enough troops to attempt invasion on European soil. Instead they launched Operation Torch, an invasion of Axis controlled North Africa. Many Allied troops invaded and went eastward. After months of heavy fighting, the Afrika Korps surrendered.
5. What happened after the Allies invaded Italy?
1. To what did Roosevelt and Churchill agree early in the war?
They agreed to strike against Hitler. They thought that Germany and Italy posed a greater threat than Japan.
2. Why was winning the Battle of the Atlantic so crucial to the fortunes of the Allies?
2. Why was winning the Battle of the Atlantic so crucial to the fortunes of the Allies?
Britain depended on supplies from North America. Hitler knew that if he cut of their path, Britain would be starved into submission.
3. Why was the Battle of Stalingrad so important?
The Soviet Victory against Germany marked a turning point in the war. From that point on, the Soviet army began to move westward toward Germany.
4. What happened in the war in North Africa?
Stalin believed that if Great Britain and America opened a second front across the English Channel would force Hitler to divert troops from the Soviet front. Churchill and Roosevelt didn't think that the Allies had enough troops to attempt invasion on European soil. Instead they launched Operation Torch, an invasion of Axis controlled North Africa. Many Allied troops invaded and went eastward. After months of heavy fighting, the Afrika Korps surrendered.
5. What happened after the Allies invaded Italy?
Hitler was determined to stop the Allies in Italy rather than fight on German soil. This battle was called "Bloody Anzio" lasted four months. After the battle, German armies continued to put up strong resistance. The effort to free Italy didn't succeed until 1945 when Germany was close to collapsing.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Mobilizing for WWII
Read Chapter 25-1: Mobilizing for War and note how each of the following contributed to that effort.
1. Selective Service System
4. Manufacturers
5. Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD)
The ORSD improved radar and sonar to locate submarines underwater. It encouraged the use of pesticides to fight insects. This helped the soldiers to be healthier. They developed the atomic bomb.
6. Entertainment industry
8. War Production Board (WPB)
1. Selective Service System
They expanded the draft and provided many more soldiers to meet the armed forces needs. The draftees reported to military bases around the country for training.
2. Women
2. Women
The Women's Army Corps made it able for women to help in noncombat positions. Many women worked as nurses, radio operators, electricians and pilots.
3. Minorities
Minorities felt that they should fight for equality and freedom for themselves, not for white people.
3. Minorities
Minorities felt that they should fight for equality and freedom for themselves, not for white people.
Despite this, many minorities were a large part of the armed forces.
4. Manufacturers
February 1942 was the end of automobile production for private use. The automobile plants were converted to make tanks, planes and boats. Other factories were also converted to war production.
5. Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD)
The ORSD improved radar and sonar to locate submarines underwater. It encouraged the use of pesticides to fight insects. This helped the soldiers to be healthier. They developed the atomic bomb.
6. Entertainment industry
Hollywood made war oriented propaganda films. Movies energized people to join the war effort. Also informational films were made.
7. Office of Price Administration (OPA)
The OPA fought inflation by freezing prices on most goods. Congress raised income tax rates and extended the tax to millions of people who had never paid it before.
7. Office of Price Administration (OPA)
The OPA fought inflation by freezing prices on most goods. Congress raised income tax rates and extended the tax to millions of people who had never paid it before.
8. War Production Board (WPB)
The WPB decided which companies would convert from peacetime to wartime production and allocated raw materials to key industries. The WPB organized drives to collect scrap iron, tin cans, paper rags and cooking fat for recycling into war goods.
9. Rationing
9. Rationing
The OPA set up a rationing system that established allotments of goods deemed essential for the military. Households received ration books with coupons used for buying items like meat, shoes, sugar, coffee and gasoline.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Japan and U.S. Relations in 1941
From the I.B. description of the summary of evidence: "[It] should indicate what the student has found out from the sources he or she has used." It will take the form a bullet-pointed list.
The IA question: Using the documents and your own knowledge assess the state of diplomatic relations between Japan and the U.S. in 1941.
DIRECTIONS: Based on this question, create a bullet-pointed list of evidence from each document. List the evidence under each document ID.
The IA question: Using the documents and your own knowledge assess the state of diplomatic relations between Japan and the U.S. in 1941.
DIRECTIONS: Based on this question, create a bullet-pointed list of evidence from each document. List the evidence under each document ID.
Japan and U.S. Relations in 1941
Document A
-Japan plans to advance in the south and make a negative impact on America's source of strategic materials
-Japan plans to defeat many countries, including America
Document B
-Great Britain and the U.S. have a racist view towards Japanese people
-They don't want to be encircled by Japan
-The U.S. and Great Britain don't like Tojo and Japan
Document C
Document D
-Japan is scared of the emperor and think that he is going to use hostilities
-Japan wants to repay obligations to the emperor, bring the government closer together and try as hard as possible to reach their war aims to please the emperor
Document E
-The U.S. was attacked suddenly by Japan on December 7, 1941 in Oahu
-The U.S. was at peace with Japan before the attack
-There was no hint of war or armed attack previous to this day
-The attack was deliberately planned
-Japan was faking peace in order to make the attack a suprise
-FDR asked Congress to declare war on Japan on December 7, 1941
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
America Moves Toward War
Chapter 24-4
1. What did the 1939 Neutrality Act allow?
It allowed warring nations to buy U.S. arms as long as they paid cash and transported them in their own shops, called "cash-and-carry".
5. Who were the Allies?
7. Why did Germany and Italy declare war on the U.S.?
1. What did the 1939 Neutrality Act allow?
It allowed warring nations to buy U.S. arms as long as they paid cash and transported them in their own shops, called "cash-and-carry".
2. Who were the Axis powers?
Germany, Italy and Japan
3. What did the Lend-Lease Act do?
3. What did the Lend-Lease Act do?
The president leased arms and other supplies to any country whose defense was vital to the United States
4. What pledges were contained in the Atlantic Charter?
Both countries (Great Britain and the U.S.) pledged collective security, disarmament, self-determination, economic cooperation, and freedom of the seas.
4. What pledges were contained in the Atlantic Charter?
Both countries (Great Britain and the U.S.) pledged collective security, disarmament, self-determination, economic cooperation, and freedom of the seas.
5. Who were the Allies?
America, the Soviet Union and Great Britain.
6. What did the attack at Pearl Harbor do to the U.S. Pacific fleet?
The Japanese killed and wounded many Americans. The surprise raid has sunk 21 ships, including 8 battleships-nearly the whole U.S. Pacific Fleet.
6. What did the attack at Pearl Harbor do to the U.S. Pacific fleet?
The Japanese killed and wounded many Americans. The surprise raid has sunk 21 ships, including 8 battleships-nearly the whole U.S. Pacific Fleet.
7. Why did Germany and Italy declare war on the U.S.?
Because the U.S. declared war against Japan. Since Germany and Italy had agreements with Japan, they had to back Japan up in war.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
"Isolationism" and FDR (1935 - 1941)
Read pages 13-26 in U.S. Isolationism - Part II
1. What were the goals of the isolationists? Why is "isolationism" a misleading term?
Isolationists thought that it was more important to focus on problems in America than to get involved with struggles overseas. The name implies that they believed that America should isolate themselves from other countries, but many isolationists supported international trade. Most also supported the international laws put im place after WWI. The main goal of isolationists was to stay out of war and preserve peace. They believed that the way to do this was to remain nuetral in other country's conflicts. They did not want to compromise American
interests.
2. What did some isolationists feel that there was no need for Americans to feel threatened by developments in Europe and Asia?
The believed that the Pacific and Atlantic oceans protected the U.S. from other countries. They were on good terms with hall other countries in the wester hemisphere.
3. What were the purposes of the Nye Committee hearings?
The Nye Committee was a committe to investigate the reasons why the U.S. entered WWI. Nye believed that if everyone knew why we entered that war, we could avoid being involved with another war overseas. The hearings of the committe made many americans think that the U.S. went to war because coporations looking for money convinced President Wislon. This increased the isolationist mood in the U.S.
3. What were the purposes of the Nye Committee hearings?
The Nye Committee was a committe to investigate the reasons why the U.S. entered WWI. Nye believed that if everyone knew why we entered that war, we could avoid being involved with another war overseas. The hearings of the committe made many americans think that the U.S. went to war because coporations looking for money convinced President Wislon. This increased the isolationist mood in the U.S.
4. List two impressions that the Nye Committee hearings created.
-That corporations looking for money convinced President Wislon to go to war.
-It influenced congress and the U.S. declared itself a "neutral" country between 1914 and 1917
5. What were the purposes of the Neutrality Acts?
The Neutrality Acts were made to prevent the U.S. from supplying one side or another during war.
6. List two reasons that some Americans considered Roosevelt's leadership radical and dangerous.
6. List two reasons that some Americans considered Roosevelt's leadership radical and dangerous.
-They worried about an intrusive government
-They worried about an overly powerful presidency
7. What was "Cash and Carry"?
"Cash and Carry" was part of the Neutrality Act of 1939. This meant that the U.S. could sell things to belligerents as long as they payed for what they were given and took the supplies back themselves.
7. What was "Cash and Carry"?
"Cash and Carry" was part of the Neutrality Act of 1939. This meant that the U.S. could sell things to belligerents as long as they payed for what they were given and took the supplies back themselves.
8. Why did President Roosevelt freeze Japanese assets in the United States?
President Roosevelt thought he could stop further aggression from Japan by prohibiting the sale of fuel and scrap metal to them. This had the opposite effect and Japan invaded northern French Indochina. When this happened, President Rooselevet had to freeze Japan's assets in the U.S. which meant that they couldn't use investments or money they had in the U.S.
9. What was the purpose of the America First Committee?
The American First Committee was made to keep the U.S. out of war.
Monday, February 22, 2010
World Events Set Stage for Isolationism
1. What was the Japanese reaction to the Treaty of Versailles? (pgs. 4 - 5)
Some people in Japan believed that their country should engage the great powers and support the international system to obtain the natural resources and markets that Japan's growing economy needed. Others believed that the great powers (especially Britain, France and The U.S.) would never treat Japan with respect. Some worried that the League of Nations would be used to keep Japan as a second tier power. Japan opposed the Treaty and the League. Since the amendment didn't pass, the Japanese turned away from the West and toward a more nationalist stance.
2. Read the pull-out box on page 4 entitled, "Japan Becomes a Great Power." Cite specific evidence Japan was becoming a strong power that rivaled European & American interests. And, why specifically was Japan threatened by U.S. actions?
5. Why did Hitler enjoy popular support in Germany for most of the 1930s? Give three reasons. (pgs. 9 - 10)
He improved the economy and reduced unemployment and restored national pride for Germans that were still humiliated by the defeat in WWI and by how poor they had become. Hitler used his power to pass legislation that enabled him to enact laws without the approval of the president or parliament. He quickly put the Nazi government in control and took away freedoms guaranteed by the German constitution.
6. Japan voiced its intentions to invade China for what two reasons? (pg. 10)
8. Why was the united States unable to oppose Japan in the early 1930s with a significant military force? (pgs. 11 - 12)
Some people in Japan believed that their country should engage the great powers and support the international system to obtain the natural resources and markets that Japan's growing economy needed. Others believed that the great powers (especially Britain, France and The U.S.) would never treat Japan with respect. Some worried that the League of Nations would be used to keep Japan as a second tier power. Japan opposed the Treaty and the League. Since the amendment didn't pass, the Japanese turned away from the West and toward a more nationalist stance.
2. Read the pull-out box on page 4 entitled, "Japan Becomes a Great Power." Cite specific evidence Japan was becoming a strong power that rivaled European & American interests. And, why specifically was Japan threatened by U.S. actions?
Japan's economy was rapidly growing and their political and military power were increasing which made it a large financial contributor to the proposed League of Nations. Japan modeled its navy on Britain's, its banking system on the U.S.'s, and its army and constitution on Prussia's. Manufacturing and mining increased and also the goods and services provided by Japan increased. Some people thought that Japan was relying too much on the military and others thought that Japan would need to use its military strength to achieve its goals. When Japan defeated Russia in the Russo-Japanese War, it gained access to parts of Manchuria. Japan annexed Korea in 1910 and then in 1914, Japan declared war against Germany. Japan wanted to expand into China, but Britain and the U.S. thought that this would interfere with their interests. In Japans view, the U.S. was posing a threat to their own plans for expansion when they were increasing their presence in the Pacific.
3. Why was the Washington Naval Conference convened and what was accomplished? (pg. 6) (Note: Japan signs the agreement.)
3. Why was the Washington Naval Conference convened and what was accomplished? (pg. 6) (Note: Japan signs the agreement.)
The conference was called because Japan's growth as a naval power in the Pacific threatened U.S. interests. People at the conference wanted to limit a naval arms race and to discuss issues related to the nations of the Pacific Ocean and the Far East. The parties agreed to limit the size of the naval ships, placed a temporary prohibition on building new battleships, outlawed the use of poison gas, and limited the role of submarines in future wars. The nations signed an agreement affirming China's sovereignty and establishing a policy of open trade with China. They also agreed to address disputes over issues in the Pacific.
4. The Senate's willingness to ratify the Kellogg-Briand Pact relected two strong and widely held sentiments. What were they? (pgs. 6 - 7)
The Pact was a treaty between the U.S. and France that made war between them illegal. Later 62 nations signed it. Americans remembered the deaths of WWI and wanted to avoid being dragged into another European war. Also, policy makers continued to resist the obligations of permanent alliances and wished to preserve the ability to act when and where they wanted.
4. The Senate's willingness to ratify the Kellogg-Briand Pact relected two strong and widely held sentiments. What were they? (pgs. 6 - 7)
The Pact was a treaty between the U.S. and France that made war between them illegal. Later 62 nations signed it. Americans remembered the deaths of WWI and wanted to avoid being dragged into another European war. Also, policy makers continued to resist the obligations of permanent alliances and wished to preserve the ability to act when and where they wanted.
5. Why did Hitler enjoy popular support in Germany for most of the 1930s? Give three reasons. (pgs. 9 - 10)
He improved the economy and reduced unemployment and restored national pride for Germans that were still humiliated by the defeat in WWI and by how poor they had become. Hitler used his power to pass legislation that enabled him to enact laws without the approval of the president or parliament. He quickly put the Nazi government in control and took away freedoms guaranteed by the German constitution.
6. Japan voiced its intentions to invade China for what two reasons? (pg. 10)
Japanese military leaders voiced intentions to invade China to obtain raw materials and increase Japan's power.
7. Compare the Reichstag fire and the explosion on the Japanese railway in Manchuria. What did they accomplish?
7. Compare the Reichstag fire and the explosion on the Japanese railway in Manchuria. What did they accomplish?
Some people think that the Japans bombed their own railway so they could blame it on the Chinese and use it as an excuse to invade, like the Reichstag fire in Germany.
8. Why was the united States unable to oppose Japan in the early 1930s with a significant military force? (pgs. 11 - 12)
The U.S. had drastically reduced the size of its military since WWI and was not prepared to fight back. Also, Japan began to violate the treaties it had signed.
9. Describe the major similarities and differences among liberal democracy, fascism, and socialism. (pg. 8)
9. Describe the major similarities and differences among liberal democracy, fascism, and socialism. (pg. 8)
Liberal democracies have a constitution, with elected representatives whose decision making is regulated by a rule of law that emphasizes the rights and freedoms of individuals. Fascism puts the economy under government control and emphasizes the control of state over the individual. Socialism hoped to create a classless society, which included dismantling the capitalist economic system by having the state own land, factories etc. Fascism and socialism are both two extremes of the political spectrum. Liberal democracy is socialism at a lower level.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
New Deal Essay Outline
How, and with what success, did the United States government try to solve the problems caused by the Great Depression?
Thesis: The government and Franklin Delano Roosevelt tried to solve the problems caused by the Great Depression by making programs through the New Deal to help certain issues and promote relief, recovery and reform. Some programs and acts in each of these categories were successful, and some weren’t.
Thesis: The government and Franklin Delano Roosevelt tried to solve the problems caused by the Great Depression by making programs through the New Deal to help certain issues and promote relief, recovery and reform. Some programs and acts in each of these categories were successful, and some weren’t.
I. Relief
a. Emergency Banking Act-effective, people gained trust in the banks again
b. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-also helped people gain trust in the banks and they felt safe depositing their money
c. Federal Emergency Relief Administration (and the Civil Works Admin.)
Somewhat successful- there were immediate results that provided trust in the banks and made some jobs that had limited long-term benefits. The FERA and the CWA spent a lot of money that added to the country’s debt.
II. Recovery
a. National Recovery Administration-not successful, ruled unconstitutional because there was too much government control of free market
b. Tennessee Valley Authority-successful, government was the mediator between the states and built damns which provided the area with jobs and electricity.
c. Social Security Act-Important and successful in the long run
III. Reform
a. Agriculture Adjustment Administration-somewhat successful, Improvements in agriculture. Limitations-declared unconstitutional because it was inhumane to kill livestock the way they did.
b. Securities Exchange Commission-regulated stock market, effective because it restored confidence in the stock market.
c. Civilian Conservation Corps-effective, jobs for people and also conservation
d. Public Works Administration-successful, provided jobs
IV. Counter Argument- Huey Long and Father Coughlin
a. They thought that the New Deal was too complicated and wasn’t realistic
b. They were opposed to F.D.R. packing the court-he would essentially be taking over government if he packed the Supreme Court.
c. Long’s Share The Wealth Program
d. Government getting too involved with everything
Saturday, January 30, 2010
FDR & the New Deal 22.2 and 23.1
22-2:
1. Describe how people struggled to survive during the depression.
-There were deadly dust storms that people in the middle of the country had to survive.
-There were deadly dust storms that people in the middle of the country had to survive.
-In cities people lost their jobs, were kicked out of their homes and had to live on the streets. Shantytowns, small towns with many shacks made out of scrap material that homeless people made, were common. Soup kitchens and bread lines offered poor people food for little money. African Americans and Latinos were increasingly being discriminated against, and there was a lot of racial violence. Mexicans in the southwest were being deported, even though many had been born in America.
-In rural areas most farmers could grow food for their families. But with falling prices and rising debt, many farmers lost their land.
2. How was what happened to men during the Great Depression different from what happened to women? Children?
-Many men were used to having a job to support their families so when they lost their jobs during the Great Depression, they didn't know what to do. Some left their families.
-Women worked hard to help their families. Many women canned food and sewed clothes. They also managed household budgets. Many had jobs but a lot of people thought that women shouldn't work when there were unemployed men. Many women were too ashamed to reveal their hardship and refused to beg.
-Children's poor diets and lack of health care led to serious health problems. The school year was shortened and some schools were closed. Many children worked in sweatshops instead of going to school. Some teenagers traveled around the country looking for work and adventure. This was dangerous and many of them were beaten or jailed by freight yard patrolmen.
3. Describe the causes and effects (on people) because of the Dust Bowl.
The Dust Bowl (Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado) was caused because farmers had used tractors to prepare the grasslands for crops. This had removed the thick protective layer of prairie grasses and then the farmers ruined the land through overproduction of crops. In the early 1930s a drought and winds caused big dust storms because there wasn't any grass or trees to hold the soil down. The dust traveled hundreds of miles.
Because of the Dust Bowl, thousands of farmers left their land behind and headed to California. Some of them found work as farmhands but many didn't find work.
23-1 through page 696:
Objective: Summarize the initial steps Franklin D. Roosevelt took to reform banking and finance.
4. What was the New Deal and its three general goals? (The 3 Rs)
The New Deal was a program that FDR designed to alleviate the problems of the Great Depression, specifically relief for the needy, economic recovery, and financial reform.
4. What was the New Deal and its three general goals? (The 3 Rs)
The New Deal was a program that FDR designed to alleviate the problems of the Great Depression, specifically relief for the needy, economic recovery, and financial reform.
5. What did Roosevelt do during the Hundred Days?
Congress passed more than 15 major pieces of New Deal legislation. These laws expanded the federal government's role in the nation's economy.
Roosevelt declared a bank holiday to prevent further withdrawals. He persuaded congress to pass the Emergency Banking Relief Act which authorized the Treasury Department to inspect the country's banks. The ones that were stable reopened and the ones that were unable to pay their debts stayed closed.
6. Why were Roosevelt's fireside chats significant?
FDR's fireside chats were important because they made Americans feel as if the president were talking directly to them and explained the New Deal measures in simple language. This brought the country closer together because the average American could get direct information about what was happening with the country.
7. Describe four significant agencies and/or bills that tightened regulation of banking and finance.
The Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation which provided federal insurance for individual bank accounts, reassuring millions of bank customers that their money was safe.
The Federal Securities Act of 1933 required corporations to provide complete information on all stock offerings and made them liable for any misrepresentations.
In June of 1934, Congress created the Securities and Exchange Commission to regulate the stock market. One goal of this commission was to prevent people with inside information about companies from rigging the stock market for their own profit.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Causes of the Great Depression Outline
Pretend you are getting ready to write a mini-essay (P1 Q#4) Create a thesis statement from the following prompt and THEN develop an outline of your main points and evidence that supports your main points. Your main points should directly relate to your thesis statement.
Prompt: To what extent was the Wall Street Crash a cause of the Great Depression of 1929? Support your argument with specific examples.
Thesis: The Wall Street Crash was not a major cause of the Great Depression as there were many other factors that contributed equally if not more, such as consumers purchasing less, an unequal distribution of income and a crisis in the farm sector.
Prompt: To what extent was the Wall Street Crash a cause of the Great Depression of 1929? Support your argument with specific examples.
Thesis: The Wall Street Crash was not a major cause of the Great Depression as there were many other factors that contributed equally if not more, such as consumers purchasing less, an unequal distribution of income and a crisis in the farm sector.
I.The Wall Street Crash
a.the Wall Street Crash was caused by other, more important things
b.it was a cycle of events and many other factors contributed more to the Great Depression
II. Consumers Purchasing Less
a. availability of credit
b. the stock market crash
III. An Unequal Distribution of Income
a. availability of credit
b. the stock market crash
III. An Unequal Distribution of Income
a.more and more people losing their jobs and aren't able to live off of their income
b.these people are not helping the economy
IV.Crisis in the Farm Sector
a.farmers bought a lot of land during WWI because demand was high, now demand is low because consumers are purchasing less, high supply and low demand
b.it took more money to make the products than the farmers received from people purchasing them
Conclusion
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