American History Homework Nine Answers - Student 22

Steven M, finally.

1\. The Election between Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover in 1932 was similar to the 2008 election. First, a democrat won over the encumbent party. People were disenchanted by the republicans, now and then. Second, a democrat won on account of the economy. Voters were drawn to Obama because he promised tax-cuts; they think the economy will improve now. Finally, a democrat won despite pork-barrel spending. McCain, like Hoover, is strongly against pork-barrels and christmas trees. Obama and FDR spent multiplied millions of dollars.

Excellent, though something is missing from the last sentence. Note: "incumbent", not "encumbent".

2\. Generally good, as in the case of the Phillippines, but long term effects are rarely positive. In Cuba, a communist regime rose to power and caused social injustice as bad (or worse) than the Spanish had caused about a century before. I think it's worth it, however, on a strictly national level. Imperialism is always profitable for the bigger* country. From a global perspective, it may or may not turn out so good, depending on many factors within the smaller* country.

*you know what i mean by the bigger and smaller countries: the "invading" nation thats being imperialistic, and the target nation that's under forien influence.

Superb analysis. Good use of "nowiki" in this software!

3\. The progressive movement holds the belief that the nation (and the world) is getting better and better, at least in terms of economic prosperity, government efficiency, and correcting social injustice. This was probably linked to the promotion of theory of evolution, because survival of the fittest meant everythings was getting "fitter." Also, the general feeling of optimism during the advent of the 20th century contributed to this idea of "progress."

There are proponents of the extreme right that I've heard say the progressive movement was sort of a conspiracy. The progressives support child labor laws, food and drug acts, and suffrage for woman. They say they want political reform, smarter government, and they seem to be slighty pro-business. All very good things, very noble goals. Few people would oppose all these things, but to get rid of sweatshops, the government's power needs to be increased.

Was it a conspiracy? Did the progressives just say they wanted these things as a pretence to making government smarter, stronger, and bigger? I doubt it. But it's food for thought. The weak, the poor, the children in the sweatshops, are, throughout history, used as pawns for individuals or parties to gain power. The children end up being protected at the cost of the government taking over the rail-road industry, and the present state of the country would not be as far to the left if the goals of the progressives had not succeeded. But I believe it was, and is, worth it. As hard as it might be to live in a socialist government, don't mind it as much when I think about the fact that it was only brought about becuase of all the wrong that went on at the turn of the centruy. I think it's worth living in an "Obama-nation" so kids could live better 100 years ago.

Fascinating analysis. Very insightful!

4\. The man on the edge of the cliff is William McKinley and the little guy represents the Phillippines. The world watches to see if he'll give in to the anti-imperialists, if he'll make peace with Spain by giving them what they really want. Its difficult to determine whether the cartoonist wants the United States to be imperialistic or not. Of course, what ends up happening is that Imperialism wins out, and the U.S. takes the Phillippines under its wings.

It was very important to all the other nations to see if McKinley would uphold the concept of imperialism, if he would keep the fad going. It was very popular for big countries to interefere with the governments of smaller countries, so maybe everyone wanted to know if America "had the guts" to bully others. Absurd, or childish playground principles often into adulthood and beyond into the forum of international politics.

Superb again! Will use your last insight in the model answers!

Terrific homework, Steven! You just showed your tremendous potential. Perfect: 40/40. Congratulations!