Homework Ten Answers - Student Four

1. Pick a question that you missed on the midterm exam, and describe several different ways that you could have figured out the correct answer instead. I answered number 22 D while the correct answer was A. The question asked,"the Sugar Act was passed in which time period and was particularly opposed for which reason." All of the answers gave reasons that might have contributed to the dislike of the Sugar act. D stated that it was disliked because it was in addition to the tax on stamps, which was not as good an answer as A, it was disliked because it was strictly enforced. Another way I could have found the correct answer would have been to realize that the tax was between 1760-65 as A said, and not 1770-75 as D said.

Right.

3. Please explain your views of the Scopes Trial. The Scopes trial is a perfect example of the triumph of the legal system over corruption but it is also an example of Media Distortion. The textbook Scopes was teaching from was unproven and extremely racist. It's references to blacks said that they evolved from a lower life-form than whites. The book is far from fitting for a schoolroom nor is it politically correct. Much of what the textbook said about evolution, however, is commonly accepted and so unfortunately the problematic parts are disregarded. In the end Scopes' legacy, although it deserves the dustbin of history with fellow racists is still revered today by the media.

Terrific answer.

4. Who was the most influential person of the time period in this lecture? Explain. I believe Woodrow Wilson was the most influential person in this time period. Wilson entered America into its first major foreign War, had the unprecedented view that the Constitution was a,"living" document, created the league of Nations(that we did not join) that resurrected as the United Nations, and was largely responsible for the harsh demands we made of Post-World War I Germany. Wilson Although one of our worst Presidents Indubitably had a clear influence.

Capitalization in the last sentence is wrong, and some commas are needed: "Wilson, although one of our worst Presidents, indubitably had a clear influence." But the substance of your answer is excellent.

5. Pick any debate or discussion topic or issue in this lecture, and answer it. "Debate: Was it discriminatory not to include girls and women in this draft?" I believe Women and Girls should not be included in the draft. The Women in every culture after the Amazons were not viewed as soldiers, and although societal norms were changing, the woman was still not viewed as the soldier. Besides in America we needed certain things done that soldiers overseas couldn't do, we needed a workforce and children needed parents. Nevertheless I would not want this to be construed to mean that I believe that they should not be allowed to serve,rather I mean that they should not be made to serve.

Well-reasoned answer.

7. Explain the cartoon. The cartoon depicts president Roosevelt pulling Russia and Japan together in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to sign the treaty of Portsmouth after Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese war. The treaty was signed in June 1905.

Correct.

H1. Discuss your view of the free speech decisions during World War I. During wars our freedoms have always been limited and hindered, Lincoln in the Civil War suspended Habeas Corpus for confederate soldiers, in World War II supplies were rationed between citizens, our country needed to take away some freedoms temporarily. Similarly our country needed our full support of War Bonds and any possible conspiracy needed to come to our Government's attention. I think it is Selfish to complain about infractions on our liberties which perhaps save the lives of soldiers overseas who risk their lives to defend our freedom.

Your answer is very good historically, but the trend has been toward greater freedom of speech and it is doubtful that restraints on speech would even be allowed during times of war.

H4. What is your opinion of Lochner doctrine? The Lochner Doctrine was flawed and violated basic humanitarian considerations. At that time workers were working in filthy conditions with low wages and long hours, regulation was needed. Today, however, we have the minimum wage too high, the building codes too strict, and the other restrictions too far-reaching, and these over-reaches make some believe that the Lochner Doctrine is wise in comparison.

Excellent!

H5. Do you think the ideas of Darwinism—survival of the fittest—made World War I so horrific? No, A theory that isn't true can't drive mankind into a world war. Only if Social Darwinism was true could it have caused World War I. If your head hurts you don't blame it on a ball that wasn't thrown at you, similarly you don't blame a war on a theory that isn't true. Bryan's idea of logic was that World War I was caused by social darwinism, and so he apparently devoted his life to opposing the idea of it, this makes no sense. Only if the theory is true did it cause World War I, and I believe it is false.

Very interesting argument: "A theory that isn't true can't drive mankind into a world war." But don't false theories gain acceptance and cause harm, such as false claims of racial superiority?

Paul R.

80/80, with many superb answers.--Andy Schlafly 21:58, 5 May 2011 (EDT)