Chapter 22 extra credit

In this chapter the U.S. was determined to establish its presence on the world. For example in Spanish America the US built the Panama Canal. That was a major accomplishment for the US  and a symbol of American imperialism. The U.S.became very powerful in Latin America in the 20th century and when Roosevelt declared that "chronic wrongdoing" in Latin America and the Caribbean they dispatched troops to the region. This was then called the Roosevelt Corollary which warned European powers to stay away from Latin America. Roosevelt wanted all Latin America to himself; he then went into the Caribbean to take over Dominican Republican. (to manage their customs service and managed their debt)

What confused me was why War World 1 started, I believed because of events just escalating. Wilson asked the U.S. to be neutral in both thought and action of course there was disputes from Great Britain and Germany. The U.S. then got involved and actually loaned billions to the allies and only millions to the central powers. ( to be the U.S. still remained neutral because they were helping both parties) but the U.S. was dragged into the war in the end. Now the U.S. have the duty to organize their economy for war. The war actually helped the US for example; expansion of government role in the economy, growth of new professional and managerial elites and spread of mass production. The establishment of War Industries Board was a major federal agency created to regular wartime production and to coordinate military purchase.(establishing this was a good idea because then they can manage their spending) not only did the war help manage money but for African Americans they moved from the south to the northern cities. Women advanced in the work force. The progressive goals were accomplished (government regulation, women suffrage, and labor laws) Last but not least Wilson was determined to spread democracy and reforming international political system. (His goal was to Americanize the world) but he didn't accomplish all his goals.

Chapter 21

This section also talks about immigrants and how cities are being popular. More than half the populations lived in cities and were often crowded. The city was over populated and unhealthful. What shocked me was during this era the native born middle class increased. In this era African Americans had migrated to southern cities where they were governed by the Jim Crow law. African Americans were treated with no respect; they were treated separately from the Whites. The Northern African Americans their situation were slightly better. Real wages rose in the economy but people still couldn't support their family. However workers wanted to be treated better and finally decided to form union groups. They wanted to improve working conditions and increase pay roll. Progressivism became really popular it urged a diverse collection of reform activities, some emphasizing social and economic justice. Others focused on reforming the government structure and restricting immigration. Citizens wanted the government to oversee economic enterprises because businesses were getting out of control. Some progressives focused on problems such as child labor, and improve industrial safety, and corporate regulation (good things to be focused on especially in today's society) However others emphasized on personal behavior and morality. Also during this era women movements was pushing through. This era I believed to be an era of progress and open many doors for citizens to improve their life style. It was an era of change and to push the barriers that the government was trying to build. Very interesting and exciting to read!

Responses for Industrialization

This section talked about the responses to Industrialization. In chapter 6 it talked about statements by Leo and subsequent popes. They discussed the topics of rights of workers, dignity of labor, economic systems and limitations relating to wealth and property. They believe that there are three major eras that occurred in human society which are; the paleolithic (old stone age), the agricultural, and the industrial. I agree that these eras are very important and had a great impact on society however there are several sub events that they need to acknowledge. They also argue that the industrial revolution "introduce new social classes based on control of productive resources, widespread movements of people from rural to urban areas, an unabashed glorification of ownership, and the reification of human labor as a mere element of the process of production." In class we discussed how the industrialization improved society and how the Europeans forced the Natives Americans our own homeland. We also discussed how marketing and advertisement improved businesses and ownership of properties. It then discusses how work is sacred, it enhances man’s humanity and there is a section of human rights. In class and in reading we discussed the poor treatment that workers face when working in factories. Section 83 it states, " their sense of responsibility is weakened, or their freedom of action is removed, then we judge such an economic order to be unjust, even though it produces a vast amount of goods " I took this statement and related it to the Natives, their freedom was taken away and in a way their responsibility was weaken or looked down upon by the Europeans. Therefore the Europeans felt the need to "civilize" the natives. This section explains how work both affects humans and society. How it helps and advances people and their hometown. It basically implies that work defines who you are however when talking about the rights of people. This section does not really emphasize the respect and proper work environment people need to work in. It basically describes how owning work is a privilege. When describing medical care I agree because people working in factories (especially children) have the right to medical care. However when reading our text book there was no medical care for women in factories. This reading brought up many good points and can relate in today's society. 

chapter 18

In the 1900's the US produced 35 percent of the world's manufactured goods.  The keys points are based on the rise of Industrial in America. New enterprises was increasing in this era. by the 1900'w enterprises both small and large supported by investment bankers and using a nationwide railroad system offered a vast variety of goods. Manufacturing processes transformed the nature work (farming), skilled labor, and created assembly-line routines. The coal deposit, technology, and the spread of the factory system gave rise to modern industrial America. Of course the railroad lines connected ever state Union and it opened up a new internal market. The railroad also brought a lot of baggage with it. For example putting the U.S. in debt of about 5.1 billion dollars.
Andrew Carnegie is an important name because learning lessons from the railroad lines. He opened his own steel mill and  discovered the benefits of vertical integration. It consisted of controlling aspects of manufacturing, from extracting raw materials to selling the finished product. Another important name is John D. Rockefeller he was the inventor of Standard Oil which was an organization of 40 companies that controlled the U.S. oil industry. Technology helped create new forms of manufacturing. The invention of telephone and electric light had a hugh impact on daily life. Advertising and marketing increased and when companies developed brand-name products advertisment took full affect.
The South entered the new industrialization late or slowly. Reasons for which the South blossomed late was because of the civil war. (the after effect). The physical devastation, lack of capital, illiteracy, and northern control of financial markets, and low rate of technological innovation were the reasons for the slow growth of industrialization in the south.
Lastly the harsh treatment of labors in factories dominated over the U.S. Factory work was no place for unskilled workers. (which majority were) Unskilled workers received low pay for long hours, unsafe work conditions, children looked in both factories and coal mines. For immigrants it was worse because they did most of the industrial labor force and barely got paid. Women also worked in factories instead of working a home ( being a house wife) and many after factory work entered into office jobs.
Very interesting in learning the development of technology, factories, and labor unions because we use all these developments in today's society!

Chapter 17

This chapter talks about the transformation of the Trans-Mississippi West. The Native Americas had a great role in this section. The transformation of the West had a great impact on the Indians and their way of life. Some changes of the west consisted of mines, settlers who took the Natives land and the federal government forced them onto reservations. The Natives tried to fight back but failed. The white families benefited on the High Plains, the development of the land and its resources threatened the environment and sometimes the settlers themselves. Hunters killed millions of bison, miners search for minerals in the mountainsides and farmers plowed up the prairie sod to build farms. The government sent troops to subjugate the Indians, promoted  the acquisition of farmland through the Homestead Act and subsidized the transcontinental railroad lines. Basically the government controls everything and the trans-Mississippi West depended  on them.  

Another key point was The Dawes Severalty Act, it sought to "civilize" Plains Indians by taking away their customs/traditions and distributing tribal lands among individual Indians. The Indians were taken advantage of and their homelands were taken from them. 

The completion of the trans-continental railroad opened the Great Plains for white settlement. The railroad brought in positive aspects to the West. It encouraged settlement in the Plains and offered loans and free transportation. The Homestead Act offered free land to people who would farm it ( i found that surprising ) however when I continued to read there were negatives to the lands. For example; they faced isolation, drought, and the perils of the commercial market. 

Reading about the Southwestern Borderlands was very interesting because it can relate to today's events. For example the violence between Anglos and Mexicans in Texas and California occurred back then and has happened today. (Immigration) Also when talking about the Spanish-speaking population. It describes how they adapt in New Mexico and Arizona. They lost their land so many became laborers. In today's society there are a wide majority of Latins who are laborers and try to make a living for themselves. Its as if History is repeating itself. 

Chapter 14,15,16

Some important key points in Chapter 14  is the compromise of 1850 which brought California into the Union. The Union are anti-slavery group and the Confederates are for slavery.  When the war ended in 1848 the U.S. had an equal number of free and slaves states however controversy has risen with the free soil policy, the Missouri Compromise line and popular sovereignty. The free soil angered southerners because this group didn't want to free the slaves. Popular sovereignty shed a positive light to the compromise by taking the question of slavery  out of national politics and letting each territory handle slavery in their own way.
chapter 15 Bleeding Kansas was a battle between free state and slave state. The question was whether Kansas would be with the union (free state) or not. Another popular event was the Uncle Tom's Cabin, this was a play based on slavery. What surprised me was reading how 2 million people converted to abolitionism after watching the play. I enjoyed reading that people actually had feelings and emotions towards a play. It is a different outlook because a couple chapters ago we read about minstrel shows and they had the complete opposite effect on people.
When reading about the Civil war i learned that most soldiers were volunteers. However the North had an advantage because of industrial advantages and man power. The Union was more successful than the Confederacy in raising money for the war.
chapter 16 main key points: The Republican party dominated the South. In this chapter it mainly focused on the reconstruction of the Government. There was a new electorate meaning colored people were officeholders! many black officeholders were literate  and been freed before the civil war. When I read that color differences were evident it surprised me. Another thing that surprised me was the differences between black officials and black voters because they had different priorities.

Chapter 13

1840 was a decade that the United States grew by several million immigrants. Not only did the US increase in population but geographically. For example, the US expanded into California, México, Texas and Oregon. The reasons in coming to the US were to improve economic conditions and for some they came for political and or religious reasons. What surprised me is the amount of Irish immigrants coming to the US. The increase of Irish immigrants happened after the great potato famine. They provided a source of labor (which was useful and helpful) for building canals and railroads. (Which at the time connected the nation cities) however they had to basically compete with the blacks for labor jobs. Both the poor freed blacks and Irish immigrants were at the bottom of society. Another popular issue was Nativism which states a policy of favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants.

Both the Irish and German identified with the Democratic Party because it introduced them to national issues and basically convinced immigrants that national expansion was good and in their interest. The Irish were on the bottom of the pyramid and so they would not go against higher authority. (or a superior group) A big name in this era was David Wilmot. He aimed to ban slavery in any territory gained by Mexico. This surprised me because for the pass chapters we only were reading about the increase of slavery, the mistreatment of blacks or minority people. So reading about Wilmot was a positive light to this dark side era. Of course many people argued against him because they wanted to bring their slaves into México. They believed since slaves (were their property) they could be carried into whatever territory they please to take them.  Although many northerners believed the issue of slavery couldnt be resolved because some opposed slavery on moral grounds. ( about time I read about people listening to their morals and knowing bad from good) Also the Gold Rush was very important in this era. The Gold Rush basically brought diversity into California because people from all over traveled to California for the gold. Hence rational and ethnic backgrounds increased because people experienced different cultures and backgrounds. And it is safe to say this is when the "melting pot" started to cook!

Federalist Paper #10

This paper was very difficult to comprehend or fully understand. I caught myself re-reading just the first few sentences. I tried breaking down each sentence. What I understood from the first couple sentences was even with a well-constructed union there is bound to have a breakdown point however they (meaning congress or the union) should be able to control the breakdown. Basically be able to control the system. "The instability, injustice, and confusion introduced into the public councils, have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have everywhere perished" this basically is saying that the government is unstable and has failed. Another phrase that caught my attention was, “that measures are too often decided, not according to the rules of justice and the rights of the minor party, but by the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority." This I can somewhat agree to an extent. Yes some decisions are made for the people but superior people have the power to make decisions they want and since they have that power they take control. 

The second part talks about removing mischief of faction. I think its talking about the mischief of the government. It states we remove the causes and we need to control the effects. If that were the case I think the government may run smoothly. But of course it isn't that simple to do. (Which was stated in bold in the article) we cannot fully remove the causes so we need to look at the effects and somehow resolve them. It also talks about how the factions have different opinions about religion, government and other points have divided mankind into parties. That makes perfect sense because we have two different parties that society fall into; Democratic & Republican. Both believe the government system should run in a certain way. I see it as many “influences" do have an impact on factions. Factions have a big part in dealing with the government system. They have deal with what you think is right versus what others believe is right and some how compromise with themselves and need to decide whats best. 

I did not I fully understand the federalist papers. I tried to break it down but it was very difficult and puzzling to translate or wrap my mind around it. I hope I wasn't completely off. But it would sure help if we went over it in class. 

Chapter 12 Extra Credit

Nat Turner rebellion was one of many events that caught my interested. I do not recall reading or studying this rebellion before. He was a religious African American man who was a Baptist minister. On the night of August 21^st Turner and about 70 slaves (the people who joined the rebellion) killed approximately 60 slaves. I looked into it more and found out that the rebellion was one of the bloodiest and most effective in American history. This did bring fear throughout the white community in Virginia however many Southern States (including N. Carolina) tightened restrictions on African Americans. (Many states emancipated slaves.) Militia and vigilantes were able to retaliate and killed slaves. The south was then divided into 2 sections; the upper south and the lower south. Around this time the cotton and corn were in high demand. Also the separation between the south and north came to be. The South was rural but the North was urban (completely different.) The south lacked industrialization. There was a man who wanted to improve the south he goes by the name of William Gregg. He created a company of textile town. The slaves actually caused problems for the southern industrialization. Slaves were employed, worked over time and since they were working in factories their attitudes changed. The southern did not want the slaves to gain any education. For example, law makers made it a crime to teach slaves how to read.  When I read that I couldn’t believe my eyes. They took it to the extreme.  Another section that caught my interest was the social groups of the White South. I read that there was diversity in the south between slave holding class and non-slave holding class. ( they were more diverse) Back then the wealth was based off of the value of the slaves. There was a term “mulatto” which refereed to mixed children. (Mixed with African Americans & whites) What I do not seem to understand is the whites were disgusted of the slaves, treated them unequal as if they weren't human however the whites would let the blacks raise their children or look after them. I also found interesting the “logic of slavery” which states “invest in slaves and have them work on profitable crops. Basically you should buy slaves to do work for your convenience.

There was a difference between the north and south in terms of treatment of slaves. George Fitzhugh compared the northern and southern treatments. He concluded; Northerners would get rid of their slaves who were ill or too old to work whereas the southerners could care and tend towards their slaves health and clothing. You can clearly see the distinction between the two.  This chapter had too many sections to talk about them all. I found myself just reading one section after the other. Each section was very interesting and very informative.  But in the end the author closes with the development of African American Culture, which is still expressed today. 

Chapter 11

This chapter discussed the technological and cultural advances. This era was very prosperous and it helped shape the development of everyday life. I found the chapter very interesting to read and how they invented certain tools like the sewing machine, interchangeable parts,mechanical reaper and improvement of the railroad. All these inventions helped evolve society today. Learning/ reading how this these inventions originated is fascinating because it shows how society has changed and how we came up with these simple tools we use each day. Another fact I found interesting was quality of life back then and how it can relate to today's society. For example class distinctions  between people and their living conditions. The people with more money had the advantage of running water and stoves and they had fancy decorations. In today's society we do have class distinctions between upper class, middle and lower class. We do take similar actions from the past. Another thing that surprised me was the disease and health section because back then they didn't have the high technology to know exactly why and how the diseases spread. They had no knowledge in bacteria and how quickly it spread. what I found interesting was the :water cure" and "Graham bread". I also liked the simplicity of free time back then. They either read the newspaper (penny press) or were entertained with the Minstrel shows. I found that to be very judgmental towards the African culture. i find that to be very ignorant and disrespectful. I don't understand how white people can find that entertaining but back in those days that was their form of entertainment. A famous name in the entertainment business was P.T. Barnum. He basically ripped people off to gain money. He entertained people ( exhibiting different looking people) by lying to them. To be honest that probably happens in today's society as well. People will pay to see something/someone extraordinary or just because they are curious.
Literature also became popular in these days, one popular writer was Walt Whitman.He was a democratic writer who expressed and wrote what he wanted. He was a very blunt and courageous writer. He wasn't the only popular writer during this century there were 3 others (Hawthorne, Melville, and Poe) they wrote about fiction and psychology interested them. Humans minds (to them) were very fascinating. This subject also interested many people in today's society. I really enjoyed reading this section, I found myself wanting to read more and learn more on how America evolved throughout time.