American History Homework Eleven Answers - Student Eight

VeronikaF

1. This course is mostly over. Can you now identify a value in learning history? History prepares us for the difficulties we will face in life. We can learn from other people’s mistakes so when we face the same challenge we will know the right way to act. The same situations happen today that occurred over the past 100 years. The only differences are the people and their perspective. Almost every war in history is started by jealousy or hatred. The nature of man does not change, only his yearnings.

Superb answer. May use as a model, unless I see an even better answer here!

2. Was the United States right to enter World War II, and should we have entered sooner or later? We were right to enter World War II because the Germans were sinking ships with innocent American passengers. Even though most of America did not want to enter World War II, Germany and Japan were slowly harassing America. The United States would have entered the war eventually because they had to help their Allies, like Great Britain who was getting badly hurt by the attacks from Germany. The bombing at Pearl Harbor by Japan was the last straw. America had to act and make an effort to stop communism which was slowly creeping its way into parts of the world. America had to show is loyalty to its Allies and help in stopping communism from flourishing.

Excellent, but we did not enter World War II to stop communism. In fact, communist Russia was our ally against Germany (fascism) and Japan. (Minus 1).

3. Which of the approaches in American history towards immigration do you like best, and why? I particularly liked the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 because it prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers. In the mid 1800’s many Chinese were immigrating to America because they could easily get a job here since they worked for less money. Many American laborers were losing their jobs because their employers would rather hire someone who would work for less. I think too many Chinese were immigrating to America and we had to do something about it.

Superb. May use as a model answer.

4. Pick out something from the "Roaring Twenties" and describe what you like about it. The first commercial radio and movies were a great success for America. Almost everyone today listens to the news or music on the radio and years ago people had the radio as entertainment and their update on what was happening in the world. Movies were a big hit too. Now people watch movies to let their brain rest after a long day. Some movies inspire people and they are a way to show what is happening in history or someone’s opinion on some incident.

Good, but could provide a bit more detail about the 1920s.

5. What is your view of the New Deal, and what might you have done differently in response to the Great Depression? I think the New Deal was a good response to the Great Depression by Franklin Roosevelt. It helped form organizations that found government jobs for the unemployed. Franklin gained more for the federal government and provided work for parks and schools. Even though the New Deal did not save the nation from the Great Depression it did help improve the economy. I would have not increased tariffs especially just when the stock market crashed because companies might not have enough money to spare. I also would have organized new federal programs. I think there were many causes of the Great Depression, but always when there is a boom in an economy there always is a downfall.

Superb answer, though I am personally skeptical whether the New Deal helped at all. But you support your answer well.

6. Do you think we should have dropped the atomic bombs on Japan? Explain. Yes, because if America did not drop the bombs Japan would keep on coming because they believed in fighting to the end and more American and Japanese would have died. Japan was willing to fight until everyone in Japan was dead; even the women and the children were taught how to defend themselves. America had to find a way to end the war quickly and easily. The atomic bomb was America’s one and only chance. It was the only thing that could bring an end to all the fighting.

Excellent.

7. Please interpret and explain the cartoon, including an estimate of its date. (It was published by a paper in New Jersey years ago.) In this political cartoon, Theodore Roosevelt’s ghost is watching with anger while the House and the Senate using bigger and more powerful sticks than his famous “Big Stick”. The House and the Senate are gaining more dictatorial power and they are trying to take over the White House, or power of the presidency. In other words the House and the Senate are trying to gain more power and get what they want. I think this cartoon was published in the early 1900’s.

No, not quite. The House and Senate are working with the White House (FDR in 1933) to give him more power. This was after the Democrats took over Congress and won the presidency.

Superb work. 69/70. Well done!--Aschlafly 17:20, 6 December 2008 (EST)