American History Homework Twelve Answers - Student Eighteen

Michelle F

1. Who were the main protagonists in the "Cold War", and what was the period of this "war"?

The USSR and the USA were the main protagonists in the "Cold War". The period of the war was 1945-1991.

Excellent!

2. Identify the two wars that caused over 50,000 American deaths which occurred between 1945 and 1980, and briefly state your view of the American role in those wars. Do you agree with our acceptance of the outcomes?

The Korean War and Vietnam War. I think that the US was right to be involved in the Korean War, but not the Vietnam War. I think it is alright for the government to withhold information from it's people, but not to lie to them.

Very well put. I think that even withholding information by government can be wrong too, if important enough and if withheld for personal gain. But your answer is right on target. (note: "its", no apostrophe).

3. Pick an aspect of the Civil Rights Movement that impressed you most, and explain why.

The bus boycotts. That not only inconvenienced the bus owners, but the people boycotting. They would then have to walk or hire a taxi or get a friend to drive them, which was not exactly convenient for them. I admire their perseverance in this.

Good thoughtfulness in reflecting on what that bus boycott must have entailed. I had not fully thought it through myself. Thanks for your insight.

4. President Lyndon Johnson is known best for two things. Pick one and explain why, providing a specific example to support your answer.

I think he is well known for the Vietnam War because it was his lies that convinced Congress and the American people that Vietnam was at fault and had attacked us first. If he had revealed the truth, that we were the attackers, he likely wouldn't have gotten the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution or the support of the American people; which he had at the start of the war. Then the war became stagnant, because LBJ wouldn't do what it took to win, and the Communists used the cease fires to rearm their army. LBJ totally botched the war, no mistake about it.

Superb.

5. What do you like best about the 80th Congress? Explain.

The 22nd Amendment. It limited the length of time a President could be in office, and also effectively, though unintentionally, limited the Presidents power while in office. Congress would not have to worry about dealing with a president for more than 8 years, while their offices had no term limits to worry about, except those imposed by voters. At the same time, this amendment allowed the president to not worry about public opinion as much in his second term. It struck a nice balance in executive and legislative power.

Terrific analysis. Will use as a model!

6. Who do you think was the most important person between 1945 and 1980 in American history, and why?

Earl Warren. We still feel the effects of his court today. While he was Chief Justice, the Supreme Court extended judicial power, invented numerous constitutional "rights", gave criminals many rights, and rearranged the structure of the state legislatures.

Oh, that's a superb answer also that should be a model answer!

7. Throughout the 1960s, what was the name used to describe the people in charge of the building pictured here, and describe their approach or ideology, mentioning at least one issue as an example.

The Warren Court was the name used to describe the Supreme Court justices during the 1960's. They were lenient in dealings with Communists. 71 cases concerning communists were decided in the Communist's favor.

Terrific insight.

H1. What is your view of whether Muhammad Ali was entitled to a conscientious objection based on Islam?

No more entitled than any other "conscientious objector". Why should anyone be required to risk their life for a cause they don't believe in? But, if the other "conscientious objectors" were being required to fight, why shouldn't Muhammad Ali be required to as well. Then there is the question of whether or not he "converted" to Islam to avoid being drafted. There is no way to know whether he believed what he said. But if other unwilling people were required to serve their country, so should he.

Ali remained a Muslim, so I don't think sincerity is a problem. But your analysis about treating others fairly with respect to him is right on target. Would like to use this as a model also!

H2. Write about any issue or debate in the lecture, or relating to the period 1945 to 1980.

Douglas MacArthur was a brilliant general. His Inchon landing was the saving of the UN army, and is considered to be one of the most brilliant move in US military history. But this does not change the fact that he disobeyed his Commander-in-Chief. MacArthur thought that he, a five star general, could run the war better than Truman, a civilian, could. He was probably right. Regardless, Truman was President and the constitution said that the US military is in the hands of the President,no matter how incapable those hands may be. MacArthur himself had previously said that the head of the state alone should determine a wars objectives and the means of obtaining them. MacArthur should have cleared his actions and statement before acting, instead of letting his ego get the better of him.

Hmm, very interesting! You could be right!

H3. Your view of the ERA, please.

The "name" of this amendment and the wording make it seem like a good idea. At first glance, it appears similar to not being denied rights on account of race. In reality it would have legalized and granted Federal funding for murder (also known as abortion), required women to be drafted (what would happen if a mom was drafted? What if both the mom and dad were drafted?), and legalize same-sex marriage.

Terrific answer! Well done!

Perfect "paper", one of the very best in the class! 100/100. I have a difficult task now picking the model answer here! Congratulations.