1. What was Wilson's 14th Point?
It was the proposition to create a League of Nations, which would be a national organization that would let nations talk to each other about their grievances against another nation and resolve them peacefully without starting another war.
2. What terms of the treaty specifically affected Germany?
Germany was accused of being the fault of the war and then had to pay reparations to the allies which totaled over thirty-three billion. Also, it humiliated them which made them vengeful making the already "no more wars" effect ineffective. Great Britain and France had also gotten land that was controlled by Germany which could've helped payed off their debt.
3. What were the weaknesses of the treaty?
The weaknesses of the treaty were that since it alienated Germany and blamed them for pretty much everything made the "no more war" effect no longer effective, and it made some major postwar problems which would also cause a second world war eventually. Also, Germany was humiliated because they had to admit that they were the cause of the war, and since the nations in the Pacific were taken away from them there was no way they could pay their huge reparations bill. Lastly, the Soviet Union was deprived of land, the allies took some of it away, which made them also vengeful, and some of the nations that were promised "self-determination" were ignored of that right and also became belligerent; they wanted the same rights as the people in the west.
4. Why did Henry Cabot Lodge object to the treaty?
He objected to the treaty because the League threatened America, they might be isolated, and he didn't like joint economic and military action against aggression. Also, they wanted Congress' right to declare war included in the treaty.
5. How did Wilson help bring about the Senate's rejection of the treaty?
Wilson helped bring about the Senate's rejection of the treaty by ignoring the Republican opinions of the treaty and didn't compromise with them. Also, when he was confined in bed he still pressed for the ratification but it never passed.
6. What circumstances at this time would eventually lead many Germans to support Adolf Hitler?
Many Germans wanted vengeance and were upset at how unfair the treaty was, they had to admit the war started because of them and had a huge debt to pay that really hurt the citizens and the nation.
7. Who is George Clemenceau?
George Clemenceau was the primier of France and didn't want any further invasions into France by Germany. He was one of the main four people that helped make the Treaty of Versailles.
8. Who is David Lloyd George?
David Lloyd George was the reelected prime minister of Britain that won with the slogan "Make Germany pay!" which obviously says that he still wanted to fight against Germany and had no intentions of giving any lee-way or be clement towards Germany.
9. Describe the participation of Russia at the peace conference.
Russia was excluded from the peace conference so they weren't able to disagree or anything about the treaty, which hurt them because they lost a lot of land which made them vengeful too.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
WWI - The War at Home
What were some things accomplished by the following wartime agencies and laws?
1. War Industries Board told companies to use mass-production techniques to increase efficiency and they tried to make the companies produce less waste by standardizing products. Also, they increased industry production by twenty percent.
2. Railroad Administration controled the railroads in the United States.
3. Fuel Administration took control on how much coal, gasoline, and oil was being supplied and used. They also introduced "day-light savings" time where it originated from Benjamin Franklin in the 1770's, but they influenced enough people to have "gasless sundays" and "lightness nights" to conserve energy.
4. National War Labor Board was made to stop riots, but it helped them in the end because it improved working conditions, lessened the work day to eight hours, the work place was inspected, and helped ban child labor.
5. Food Administration was established by Wilson to help produce and conserve food; there became meatless weeks, wheatless days, and sweetless weeks. Also, restaurants took away the bowls of sugar they had and served bread only after the meal. Then people began growing their own gardens, and Hoover put high prices on wheat and other popular foods which made farmers buy more land an in turn improved their income by thirty percent. Lastly, since people were growing their own gardens the food supplies to the allies tripled.
6. Committee on Public Information brought immense patriotism, and it used a lot of propaganda to influence people about the positive things about the war, which was lead by George Creel.
7. Espionage and Sedition Acts put fines against anyone who went against the war effort or tried to impede it. Also, it put people in jail for horrific actions against non native-born Americans like Germans, but then it started to get out of hand when people were put to jail or fired from their jobs just because they were against war or trying to improve working conditions in the factories.
Briefly explain why Bernard M. Baruch and George Creel are significant historical figures.
George Creel is a significant historical figure because he went crazy on the propaganda. He told people to make paintings, brochures, posters, you name it and it all greatly influenced many people, but it also brought hatred from different ethnic groups. However, his propaganda was pretty much the start of almost "extreme" propaganda. He had taken complete control and took propaganda to the next level, you can say. Bernard M. Baruch is also a significant historical figure because he helped make the War Industries Board successful by setting standards and reducing waste of materials and conserving materials. He greatly changed how people looked at how much oil or gasoline or coal they should use and really started conservation of energy.
1. War Industries Board told companies to use mass-production techniques to increase efficiency and they tried to make the companies produce less waste by standardizing products. Also, they increased industry production by twenty percent.
2. Railroad Administration controled the railroads in the United States.
3. Fuel Administration took control on how much coal, gasoline, and oil was being supplied and used. They also introduced "day-light savings" time where it originated from Benjamin Franklin in the 1770's, but they influenced enough people to have "gasless sundays" and "lightness nights" to conserve energy.
4. National War Labor Board was made to stop riots, but it helped them in the end because it improved working conditions, lessened the work day to eight hours, the work place was inspected, and helped ban child labor.
5. Food Administration was established by Wilson to help produce and conserve food; there became meatless weeks, wheatless days, and sweetless weeks. Also, restaurants took away the bowls of sugar they had and served bread only after the meal. Then people began growing their own gardens, and Hoover put high prices on wheat and other popular foods which made farmers buy more land an in turn improved their income by thirty percent. Lastly, since people were growing their own gardens the food supplies to the allies tripled.
6. Committee on Public Information brought immense patriotism, and it used a lot of propaganda to influence people about the positive things about the war, which was lead by George Creel.
7. Espionage and Sedition Acts put fines against anyone who went against the war effort or tried to impede it. Also, it put people in jail for horrific actions against non native-born Americans like Germans, but then it started to get out of hand when people were put to jail or fired from their jobs just because they were against war or trying to improve working conditions in the factories.
Briefly explain why Bernard M. Baruch and George Creel are significant historical figures.
George Creel is a significant historical figure because he went crazy on the propaganda. He told people to make paintings, brochures, posters, you name it and it all greatly influenced many people, but it also brought hatred from different ethnic groups. However, his propaganda was pretty much the start of almost "extreme" propaganda. He had taken complete control and took propaganda to the next level, you can say. Bernard M. Baruch is also a significant historical figure because he helped make the War Industries Board successful by setting standards and reducing waste of materials and conserving materials. He greatly changed how people looked at how much oil or gasoline or coal they should use and really started conservation of energy.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The U.S. enters World War I
1. How did the United States raise an army?
They raised an army firstly by passing the Selective Service Act which required men to register to join the army where they would randomly be selected to be in the army. Also, America would train their soldiers over an eight month time period where they would target practice, bayonet drill, kitchen duty, and cleaning up the grounds. Unfortunately they weren't able to practice with the modern weapons, so they uses rocks as grenades and sticks as rifles. Lastly, the U.S. made some crucial steps to help them go across the seas. First, they exempted all the shipyard workers and a few other exceptions. Second, they gave the ship yard workers special flags of recognition and told the citizens to help give them rides to work everyday, the U.S. had basically made every one know that the ship yard workers were very important. Third, they decided to make the parts in seperate places then send them to the ship yards where they would be assembled. Lastly, they took over commercial and private ships to use them in the journey across seas for the soldiers and etcetera.
2. How did U.S. soldiers help win the war?
U.S. soldiers helped win the war by the navy making barrier of mines across the North Atlantic so the German U-Boats would get caught and so they couldn't go farther up the Atlantic. Also, what really made the allies win was American enthusiasm and freshness because the U.S. really wanted to heart Germany bad and hard and their enthusiasm and freshness spread to the other allied soldiers and forces. Some important people in the war were Alvin York, who killed twenty-five Germans and helped capture one hundred and thirty-two other German soldiers, Eddie Richenbacker was the "ace of aces" American pilot, and General John J. Pershing led the American Expeditionary Force (AEF).
3. What were the estimated economic costs of the war?
The estimated costs of the war was $338 billion including all the nations.
4. What did the war cost in terms of the number of civilian deaths; military deaths?; injuries?; and refugees?
The total deaths numbered around twenty-two million and more than half were civilians, plus twenty million wounded, and ten million became refugees. The United States lost forty-eight thousand men in battle and sixty-two thousand men were dying of disease, and more than two hundred thousand men were wounded.
5. Define armistice.
An armistice is basically a truce where you completely cease fire. Germany called an armistice when they were no longer able to fight and it ended the war.
They raised an army firstly by passing the Selective Service Act which required men to register to join the army where they would randomly be selected to be in the army. Also, America would train their soldiers over an eight month time period where they would target practice, bayonet drill, kitchen duty, and cleaning up the grounds. Unfortunately they weren't able to practice with the modern weapons, so they uses rocks as grenades and sticks as rifles. Lastly, the U.S. made some crucial steps to help them go across the seas. First, they exempted all the shipyard workers and a few other exceptions. Second, they gave the ship yard workers special flags of recognition and told the citizens to help give them rides to work everyday, the U.S. had basically made every one know that the ship yard workers were very important. Third, they decided to make the parts in seperate places then send them to the ship yards where they would be assembled. Lastly, they took over commercial and private ships to use them in the journey across seas for the soldiers and etcetera.
2. How did U.S. soldiers help win the war?
U.S. soldiers helped win the war by the navy making barrier of mines across the North Atlantic so the German U-Boats would get caught and so they couldn't go farther up the Atlantic. Also, what really made the allies win was American enthusiasm and freshness because the U.S. really wanted to heart Germany bad and hard and their enthusiasm and freshness spread to the other allied soldiers and forces. Some important people in the war were Alvin York, who killed twenty-five Germans and helped capture one hundred and thirty-two other German soldiers, Eddie Richenbacker was the "ace of aces" American pilot, and General John J. Pershing led the American Expeditionary Force (AEF).
3. What were the estimated economic costs of the war?
The estimated costs of the war was $338 billion including all the nations.
4. What did the war cost in terms of the number of civilian deaths; military deaths?; injuries?; and refugees?
The total deaths numbered around twenty-two million and more than half were civilians, plus twenty million wounded, and ten million became refugees. The United States lost forty-eight thousand men in battle and sixty-two thousand men were dying of disease, and more than two hundred thousand men were wounded.
5. Define armistice.
An armistice is basically a truce where you completely cease fire. Germany called an armistice when they were no longer able to fight and it ended the war.
Monday, November 30, 2009
World War I Begins
1. What are the four main causes of World War I? Give an example for each as to why it was a cause.
The four main causes of World War I are nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and the formation of a system of alliances. Nationalism was a cause because many nations wanted independence, like the Slavs in Serbia and some in Austria-Hungary were wanted by Russia so they could have a better country and so Russia and Austria-Hungary were rivals. Imperialism was a cause because the more powerful nations like Germany and France wanted to conquer colonies which gave them manufactured goods and etc., soon the power nations (Britain, France, and Germany) competed for the colonies. Also, militarism is a cause of World War I because at first the power countries were just building them to protect their colonies, but then Germany started making a huge army and built up a stronger navy so Britain started competing with them and so did the other nations, like Italy, France, and even the United States. Lastly, the alliance system was a cause of the war because there were different alliances like the allies and central powers and all the nations were reluctant to fight, and the nations in their alliances promised to back each other up if a nation decided to declare war on one of them.
2. How did the June 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand become the spark for WWI?
The assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand became the spark that started WWI because Austria-Hungary then declared war on Siberia, the assassinator was in a group called the Black Hand which promoted Siberian independence, then Germany declared war against Russia then France and invaded Belgium so Britain declared war on them. Overall, it started the dominoes of countries declaring war on each other.
3. What happened within the first few months of fighting?
Within the first few months of fighting Germany had made a plan, called the Schflieffen Plan, were they would try to hold action against Russia, then go through Belgium to Paris, and then they planned to defeat France and after defeat Russia. However, as Germany barged through Belgium the civilians freaked out and were terrified, which turned into a crisis with chaos. Also, there were many casualties because of the Trench Warfare.
4. Generally, why did the United States want to stay out of the war?
The United States wanted to stay out of the war because they didn't want their young men to be exposed to the horrific scenes on a battlefield, and they wanted to set a good example of peace saying that war was evil. However, only some people believed this while others wanted to go into war. There were strong opinions but they were divided.
5. Specifically, Why did the following groups of Americans tend to oppose U.S. participation in the war? Naturalized citizens; socialists; pacifists; parents.
Naturalized citizens wanted to go into war because they felt like they still had ties to their native countries. For example, the Irish saw this as an opportunity to get Ireland its' independence. Socialists opposed U.S. participation in the war because they saw it as a war between Germany and England that they were competing to control the lands in Africa, China, and the Middle East. Pacifists opposed America going to war because they saw it as evil and that the U.S. should set a good example of peace. Lastly, the parents opposed the war because they didn't want their sons going into war and seeing the horrors of it.
6. How did Germany respond to the British naval blockade of Germany’s ports? What was the U.S. response?
Germany responded to the British naval blockade of Germany's ports by sending their submarines to the ports of Britain and tries to sink all their boats that were there without warning. The U.S. response to this was that after they sank Lusitania off the coast of Ireland, which killed 128 Americans, the U.S. opinion of Germany was angry and they turned against Germany and the Central Powers. Also, Germany kept sinking other ships that had Americans on it and the U.S. responded with protests against Germany. Germany then made a promise to stop sinking ships, but on a condition that the U.S. would have to convince Britain to remove its blockade, which the U.S. was unable to do.
7. What forced the United States into the war?
What forced the United States into war was the fact that Germany threatened to sink any ship in the British ports wether neutral or not, and then an intercepted telegraph by Britain from Germany saying that if Mexico made an alliance with Germany then Germany would help back them up by getting Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona if America were to declare war on them. Also, when the Russian monarchy was replaced with a representative government, which gave Americans the idea that this was a war against brutal monarchies and democracies.
The four main causes of World War I are nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and the formation of a system of alliances. Nationalism was a cause because many nations wanted independence, like the Slavs in Serbia and some in Austria-Hungary were wanted by Russia so they could have a better country and so Russia and Austria-Hungary were rivals. Imperialism was a cause because the more powerful nations like Germany and France wanted to conquer colonies which gave them manufactured goods and etc., soon the power nations (Britain, France, and Germany) competed for the colonies. Also, militarism is a cause of World War I because at first the power countries were just building them to protect their colonies, but then Germany started making a huge army and built up a stronger navy so Britain started competing with them and so did the other nations, like Italy, France, and even the United States. Lastly, the alliance system was a cause of the war because there were different alliances like the allies and central powers and all the nations were reluctant to fight, and the nations in their alliances promised to back each other up if a nation decided to declare war on one of them.
2. How did the June 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand become the spark for WWI?
The assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand became the spark that started WWI because Austria-Hungary then declared war on Siberia, the assassinator was in a group called the Black Hand which promoted Siberian independence, then Germany declared war against Russia then France and invaded Belgium so Britain declared war on them. Overall, it started the dominoes of countries declaring war on each other.
3. What happened within the first few months of fighting?
Within the first few months of fighting Germany had made a plan, called the Schflieffen Plan, were they would try to hold action against Russia, then go through Belgium to Paris, and then they planned to defeat France and after defeat Russia. However, as Germany barged through Belgium the civilians freaked out and were terrified, which turned into a crisis with chaos. Also, there were many casualties because of the Trench Warfare.
4. Generally, why did the United States want to stay out of the war?
The United States wanted to stay out of the war because they didn't want their young men to be exposed to the horrific scenes on a battlefield, and they wanted to set a good example of peace saying that war was evil. However, only some people believed this while others wanted to go into war. There were strong opinions but they were divided.
5. Specifically, Why did the following groups of Americans tend to oppose U.S. participation in the war? Naturalized citizens; socialists; pacifists; parents.
Naturalized citizens wanted to go into war because they felt like they still had ties to their native countries. For example, the Irish saw this as an opportunity to get Ireland its' independence. Socialists opposed U.S. participation in the war because they saw it as a war between Germany and England that they were competing to control the lands in Africa, China, and the Middle East. Pacifists opposed America going to war because they saw it as evil and that the U.S. should set a good example of peace. Lastly, the parents opposed the war because they didn't want their sons going into war and seeing the horrors of it.
6. How did Germany respond to the British naval blockade of Germany’s ports? What was the U.S. response?
Germany responded to the British naval blockade of Germany's ports by sending their submarines to the ports of Britain and tries to sink all their boats that were there without warning. The U.S. response to this was that after they sank Lusitania off the coast of Ireland, which killed 128 Americans, the U.S. opinion of Germany was angry and they turned against Germany and the Central Powers. Also, Germany kept sinking other ships that had Americans on it and the U.S. responded with protests against Germany. Germany then made a promise to stop sinking ships, but on a condition that the U.S. would have to convince Britain to remove its blockade, which the U.S. was unable to do.
7. What forced the United States into the war?
What forced the United States into war was the fact that Germany threatened to sink any ship in the British ports wether neutral or not, and then an intercepted telegraph by Britain from Germany saying that if Mexico made an alliance with Germany then Germany would help back them up by getting Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona if America were to declare war on them. Also, when the Russian monarchy was replaced with a representative government, which gave Americans the idea that this was a war against brutal monarchies and democracies.
Monday, November 16, 2009
America As A World Power
1. What role did President Roosevelt play in ending the Russo-Japanese War?
President Roosevelt played the role of the peacemaker in ending the Russo-Japanese War. He wanted to extend their power in the east in Asia influenced by the Open-Door notes by John Hayes. Also, Japanese officials had come to President Roosevelt in secret for help because they were out of men and money and didn't want Russia to know, so there was a peace meeting between the superiors in Japan and Russia with President Roosevelt in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Roosevelt's yacht.
2. What events led to the building of the Panama Canal? What happened regarding Columbia? (Be specific)
Many people thought that it was the best thing for America to build a canal cutting across Central America and that we needed it. In a treaty called the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty (1901) Britain gave up their share to America so the U.S. could build this canal with full control and rights to it. Then in 1903 the French convinced America and the congressmen to buy the French company's route which was through Panama for $40 million. Next America tried negotiating with Columbia, then the ruler of Panama, and Bunau-Varilla helped the U.S. by starting a rebellion against Columbia. When Panama won the U.S. was there and they negotiated that the U.S. pay Panama $10 million plus $250,000 each year which would begin in 1913.
3. What did the Roosevelt Corollary state?
The Roosevelt Corollary stated that the U.S. would be using force to protect its economic interests in Latin America.
4. How did Taft use Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua? (Be specfic)
Taft used the Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Corollary on Nicaragua by 'forcing' Nicaragua to pay its debts and allowing the American bankers to collect the customs duties in Nicaragua, this helped to keep foreign nations out of Latin America. American didn't want the Latin American countries not paying their debts or whatever they owed because that would mean that foreign nations could intervene, but America wanted to be the only power in Latin America.
5. Why did Woodrow Wilson invade Mexico?
Woodrow Wilson invaded Mexico because at first when Huerta came into reign after Madero, who was murdered right after his reign and was a good friend to the U.S., it angered Wilson. After that, Wilson waited and watched for an opportunity to intervene in Mexico, and it came when one of Huerta's officers arrested a group of American sailors off the eastern shore but they were immediately released after realizing the mistake but Wilson took this as the opportunity to intervene. Then when Carranza was ruling Mexico Villa, who was against Carranza, killed 17 Americans in New Mexico and took Americans off a train going to work in mines who were invited by Carranza and shot them which turned Americans against him and accused Villa of everything that had happened to the Americans. So Wilson sent 15,000 troops led by General John J. Pershing and later sent 150,000 more troops to capture Villa alive or dead after Villa had been escaping Pershing for a while.
6. What were three major foriegn policy goals achieved by the United States in the early 20th century. Be sure to provide an example or two of each.
One major foreign policy goal achieved by the U.S. was that it was able to expand its access to foreign markets in order to ensure the continued growth of the domestic economy. For example, after making peace between Russia and Japan the U.S> was still able to trade in the Asian markets. Another major foreign policy goal that was achieved was that the U.S. had built a modern navy to protect its interests abroad. They had sent a navy to Panama right after they won independence and it got them land to build a canal in Panama. Lastly, the U.S. had exercised its interntational police power to ensure dominance in Latin America. This was shown by the Roosevelt Corollary which said the U.S. could force or put international police in Latin America to protect its interests so foreign countries could not intervene.
President Roosevelt played the role of the peacemaker in ending the Russo-Japanese War. He wanted to extend their power in the east in Asia influenced by the Open-Door notes by John Hayes. Also, Japanese officials had come to President Roosevelt in secret for help because they were out of men and money and didn't want Russia to know, so there was a peace meeting between the superiors in Japan and Russia with President Roosevelt in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Roosevelt's yacht.
2. What events led to the building of the Panama Canal? What happened regarding Columbia? (Be specific)
Many people thought that it was the best thing for America to build a canal cutting across Central America and that we needed it. In a treaty called the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty (1901) Britain gave up their share to America so the U.S. could build this canal with full control and rights to it. Then in 1903 the French convinced America and the congressmen to buy the French company's route which was through Panama for $40 million. Next America tried negotiating with Columbia, then the ruler of Panama, and Bunau-Varilla helped the U.S. by starting a rebellion against Columbia. When Panama won the U.S. was there and they negotiated that the U.S. pay Panama $10 million plus $250,000 each year which would begin in 1913.
3. What did the Roosevelt Corollary state?
The Roosevelt Corollary stated that the U.S. would be using force to protect its economic interests in Latin America.
4. How did Taft use Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua? (Be specfic)
Taft used the Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Corollary on Nicaragua by 'forcing' Nicaragua to pay its debts and allowing the American bankers to collect the customs duties in Nicaragua, this helped to keep foreign nations out of Latin America. American didn't want the Latin American countries not paying their debts or whatever they owed because that would mean that foreign nations could intervene, but America wanted to be the only power in Latin America.
5. Why did Woodrow Wilson invade Mexico?
Woodrow Wilson invaded Mexico because at first when Huerta came into reign after Madero, who was murdered right after his reign and was a good friend to the U.S., it angered Wilson. After that, Wilson waited and watched for an opportunity to intervene in Mexico, and it came when one of Huerta's officers arrested a group of American sailors off the eastern shore but they were immediately released after realizing the mistake but Wilson took this as the opportunity to intervene. Then when Carranza was ruling Mexico Villa, who was against Carranza, killed 17 Americans in New Mexico and took Americans off a train going to work in mines who were invited by Carranza and shot them which turned Americans against him and accused Villa of everything that had happened to the Americans. So Wilson sent 15,000 troops led by General John J. Pershing and later sent 150,000 more troops to capture Villa alive or dead after Villa had been escaping Pershing for a while.
6. What were three major foriegn policy goals achieved by the United States in the early 20th century. Be sure to provide an example or two of each.
One major foreign policy goal achieved by the U.S. was that it was able to expand its access to foreign markets in order to ensure the continued growth of the domestic economy. For example, after making peace between Russia and Japan the U.S> was still able to trade in the Asian markets. Another major foreign policy goal that was achieved was that the U.S. had built a modern navy to protect its interests abroad. They had sent a navy to Panama right after they won independence and it got them land to build a canal in Panama. Lastly, the U.S. had exercised its interntational police power to ensure dominance in Latin America. This was shown by the Roosevelt Corollary which said the U.S. could force or put international police in Latin America to protect its interests so foreign countries could not intervene.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Imperialism's Bitter Fruit
1. a. After the Spanish were forced out of the Philippines, why did fighting break out between American and Filipino forces?
Fighting broke out between American and Filipino forces because the Filipinos thought that they would have independence after the Spanish left but U.S. troops stayed there to 'establish control' and it was ordered by the U.S. Also, before the treaty was even passed an American soldier had fired on a Filipino who had refused to stop which had started fighting around the Manila area. The Filipinos thought that they were fighting for their independence which was why they fought against Americans in the Philippines having heard of that incident and knowing that they weren't granted their independence.
b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
This was a different kind of warfare for American forces by the Filipino forces being a quick-striking guerilla movement. The U.S. was used to organized armies, but in this war the common rules for their 'normal' wars was completely ignored by the Filipino forces. Also, it was hard for American troops to tell the difference from Filipino insurgents and just regular citizens because they made themselves blend in with everyone else or they just didn't have any uniforms and etcetera. On both sides, both the Filipino and American forces, were torturing and executing their prisoners.
2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
Many African-Americans were strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists because they were just as badly discriminated against as were at home in America. They couldn't go in barber shops, restaurants, and etcetera that were labeled as "whites only." Although, the War Department had appointed African-American officers to command the volunteers, but the white troops and commanders saw the Filipinos and African-Americans as just the same (they were below the whites).
3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.
a. The many questions pertaining to the Filipinos that had to do with their rights and being able to be protected or not under the constitution which eventually turned out to be that they weren't.
b.Everyone, like President Roosevelt, started realizing the difficulties of ruling an empire and that they weren't "prepared to accept the burdens of empire." When they realized the difficulties they became less and less interested and eventually gave more and more power to the Filipinos while the U.S. got less and less power from giving its power over to them.
4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
The positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba were being able to extending our industrial inventions and etc. on the islands, watch over Cuba's foreign trade and etc., and we profited from Cuba's sugar plantations. In Puerto Rico the U.S. built roads, telegraph lines, reorganized finances, schools opened, sanitation improved, and stopped yellow fever from spreading. Also, the U.S. made a policy that revolved around keeping American business safe and secured their interests in the Caribbean.
5. After the Spanish-American War, the United States insisted that Cuba only receive independence after agreeing to several limitations set forth in the Platt Amendment. Four restrictions on Cuban independence set forth in the Platt Amendment were:
a. America could use their veto power to intervene on the Cuban foreign policy
b.could intervene in Cuba whenever it was necessary "for the protection of life, property, and individual liberty"
c.could oversee Cuba's economy
d.and were allowed to build a naval base on the southeastern tip of the island in Guantanamo Bay.
Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.
I believe that the United States was not justified in making these demands. The U.S. had no right to keep their hold on Cuba, they didn't want them there. We should just be concerned in what is going on in our country not others, they should've just focused, if anything foreign, on foreign trade and keeping the exports selling and imports coming. We didn't need "extra baggage" to take care of when they can do it themselves. We should've focused on the people, like their working conditions, the cities and their drainage problems and stuff like that which is much more important for the U.S.
6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? Why or why not?
I believe that the United States was and attempted at being imperialist. They had got theses foreign lands and failed at trying to control them. They were imperialists because of their attempt at trying to control Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Then after they lost interest and for some lost control, like the Philippines, they were no longer an imperialistic country or power. Also, in the beginning (before the Spanish-American War) many people began having imperialistic ideas and they took over what America 'wanted.' Then soon they got themselves involved and their empire was on, though they never made it to becoming an empire.
Fighting broke out between American and Filipino forces because the Filipinos thought that they would have independence after the Spanish left but U.S. troops stayed there to 'establish control' and it was ordered by the U.S. Also, before the treaty was even passed an American soldier had fired on a Filipino who had refused to stop which had started fighting around the Manila area. The Filipinos thought that they were fighting for their independence which was why they fought against Americans in the Philippines having heard of that incident and knowing that they weren't granted their independence.
b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
This was a different kind of warfare for American forces by the Filipino forces being a quick-striking guerilla movement. The U.S. was used to organized armies, but in this war the common rules for their 'normal' wars was completely ignored by the Filipino forces. Also, it was hard for American troops to tell the difference from Filipino insurgents and just regular citizens because they made themselves blend in with everyone else or they just didn't have any uniforms and etcetera. On both sides, both the Filipino and American forces, were torturing and executing their prisoners.
2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
Many African-Americans were strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists because they were just as badly discriminated against as were at home in America. They couldn't go in barber shops, restaurants, and etcetera that were labeled as "whites only." Although, the War Department had appointed African-American officers to command the volunteers, but the white troops and commanders saw the Filipinos and African-Americans as just the same (they were below the whites).
3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.
a. The many questions pertaining to the Filipinos that had to do with their rights and being able to be protected or not under the constitution which eventually turned out to be that they weren't.
b.Everyone, like President Roosevelt, started realizing the difficulties of ruling an empire and that they weren't "prepared to accept the burdens of empire." When they realized the difficulties they became less and less interested and eventually gave more and more power to the Filipinos while the U.S. got less and less power from giving its power over to them.
4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
The positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba were being able to extending our industrial inventions and etc. on the islands, watch over Cuba's foreign trade and etc., and we profited from Cuba's sugar plantations. In Puerto Rico the U.S. built roads, telegraph lines, reorganized finances, schools opened, sanitation improved, and stopped yellow fever from spreading. Also, the U.S. made a policy that revolved around keeping American business safe and secured their interests in the Caribbean.
5. After the Spanish-American War, the United States insisted that Cuba only receive independence after agreeing to several limitations set forth in the Platt Amendment. Four restrictions on Cuban independence set forth in the Platt Amendment were:
a. America could use their veto power to intervene on the Cuban foreign policy
b.could intervene in Cuba whenever it was necessary "for the protection of life, property, and individual liberty"
c.could oversee Cuba's economy
d.and were allowed to build a naval base on the southeastern tip of the island in Guantanamo Bay.
Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.
I believe that the United States was not justified in making these demands. The U.S. had no right to keep their hold on Cuba, they didn't want them there. We should just be concerned in what is going on in our country not others, they should've just focused, if anything foreign, on foreign trade and keeping the exports selling and imports coming. We didn't need "extra baggage" to take care of when they can do it themselves. We should've focused on the people, like their working conditions, the cities and their drainage problems and stuff like that which is much more important for the U.S.
6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? Why or why not?
I believe that the United States was and attempted at being imperialist. They had got theses foreign lands and failed at trying to control them. They were imperialists because of their attempt at trying to control Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Then after they lost interest and for some lost control, like the Philippines, they were no longer an imperialistic country or power. Also, in the beginning (before the Spanish-American War) many people began having imperialistic ideas and they took over what America 'wanted.' Then soon they got themselves involved and their empire was on, though they never made it to becoming an empire.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Spanish-American War
1. What connections did the U.S. have to Cuba in the late 1800s? List at least two.
Some connections the U.S. had with Cuba in the late 1800s were the sugar industry and the depression of 1893 effecting their economies. The U.S. removed the tariffs on the sugar from Cuba that entered their market which made it less expensive to buy sugar in the U.S., which boosted the Cuban economy and American investors on the island. Also, the depression of 1893 effected both Cuba's and America's economies. The depression pressured the U.S. to cut back on imports and to try to protect their sugar inestors on Cuba. It also made the Cubans become to rebel, again, against Spain.
2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
They were the towns were the "peasants" were held so they couldn't help the rebels in any way, and the camps were filled with disease, there was starvation, inadequate food, housing, and sanitation which made many people die. The "peasants" were actually 'herded' there by their governor, Valeriano Weyler, and in the camps they were watched by Spanish troops.
3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. The brutality in the camps made U.S. citizens feel bad for them and that they should help.
b. They were greatly insulted by the Spanish minister's letter and it angered many people
c. They U.S.S. Maine explosion was 'blown' out of proportion and newspapers blamed the Spanish which the public believed and agreed with them.
4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
I believe that the brutality in the camps against the "peasant" Cubans was the most important reason because the tactics of General Maximo Gomez and Spain were horrible, the "peasants" or citizens of Spain shouldn't be put inton camps just because Spain didn't want them helping the rebels. They, Spain and General Gomez, went way across the line in trying to keep their hold on Cuba. For that reason the United States had a perfect reason to intervene and go to war against Spain. Also, America went through almost the same thing with their independence from Britain they should look at this as an addition to independent countries and to still prove that the U.S. is powerful.
5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
The Teller Amendment said that the U.S. had no interest in "sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control 'over Cuba and promised' to leave the government and control of the island to its people 'once peace was restored.'" Or in other words the United States had no interest in controling Cuba and thought that they should govern themselves but once peace is back in the country. Two problems, though, came with this ammendment (they were told from groups and people). Anti-imperialists saw that there was a larger plan that America was making to make their own empire with the intervention in Cuba, and sugar growers were fearful of the annexation of Cuba because with Cuba they would have no competition in the market.
6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
A portion of the Spanish-American War was fought in the Philippines because there was a Spanish base there in Manila and the U.S. were already in there before the war was even declared so they easily took control which spiked pride in the U.S. Also, they could expand its foreign territories and push Spain furthur away.
7. Dewey’s victory in the _PHILIPPINES_ sparked an outpouring of _PRIDE_ in the United States.
8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
They wanted to fight in Cuba because they were being very patriotic and confident that they could win. They were the typical white Americans whom were proud of their country and the group was just made up of the 'best' in the country which made them very confident.
9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
Many African-Americans were eager to serve in the war because they saw it as an opportunity to raise their status in the U.S., could win them respect in the community, and help take out the discrimination towards them.
b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
One was that they were denied promotions to be officer corps and at first were rejected by all but three states for even volunteering to participate in the war. Also, only one of the four all African-American regiments were sent to fight which was the regiment from Massachusetts, and although their bravery was known their uniforms didn't make the discriminations against them any better; they still faced the same discrimination.
10. How did racism influence American perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines? Give two examples of events where racism affected U.S. policy after the war.
Racism influence perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines by the U.S. believing that they weren't capable of governing themselves. They saw the Spanish as backward and cruel. Also, the U.S. put themselves as superior over everyone else (meaning the African-Americans, Chinese, Cubans, and etcetera)which made their racism overtake their perceptions of these countries.
a. One example is the negotiation over the future of Cuba. The U.S. completely ignored the Cubans saying that since they were black they weren't capable of making their own government, and from the Teller Ammendment they thought that they should occupy them until they have a government and etcetera.
b. Another example is the negotiations over the Philippines. Not many Americans knew what they were like and the newspapers made cartoons of them that made them look like junglemen and the skin of African-Americans; even President Taft called them "little brown brothers" which made the white Americans believe that the Philipinos also couldn't govern themselves but the African-Americans were greatly for them.
Some connections the U.S. had with Cuba in the late 1800s were the sugar industry and the depression of 1893 effecting their economies. The U.S. removed the tariffs on the sugar from Cuba that entered their market which made it less expensive to buy sugar in the U.S., which boosted the Cuban economy and American investors on the island. Also, the depression of 1893 effected both Cuba's and America's economies. The depression pressured the U.S. to cut back on imports and to try to protect their sugar inestors on Cuba. It also made the Cubans become to rebel, again, against Spain.
2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
They were the towns were the "peasants" were held so they couldn't help the rebels in any way, and the camps were filled with disease, there was starvation, inadequate food, housing, and sanitation which made many people die. The "peasants" were actually 'herded' there by their governor, Valeriano Weyler, and in the camps they were watched by Spanish troops.
3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. The brutality in the camps made U.S. citizens feel bad for them and that they should help.
b. They were greatly insulted by the Spanish minister's letter and it angered many people
c. They U.S.S. Maine explosion was 'blown' out of proportion and newspapers blamed the Spanish which the public believed and agreed with them.
4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
I believe that the brutality in the camps against the "peasant" Cubans was the most important reason because the tactics of General Maximo Gomez and Spain were horrible, the "peasants" or citizens of Spain shouldn't be put inton camps just because Spain didn't want them helping the rebels. They, Spain and General Gomez, went way across the line in trying to keep their hold on Cuba. For that reason the United States had a perfect reason to intervene and go to war against Spain. Also, America went through almost the same thing with their independence from Britain they should look at this as an addition to independent countries and to still prove that the U.S. is powerful.
5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
The Teller Amendment said that the U.S. had no interest in "sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control 'over Cuba and promised' to leave the government and control of the island to its people 'once peace was restored.'" Or in other words the United States had no interest in controling Cuba and thought that they should govern themselves but once peace is back in the country. Two problems, though, came with this ammendment (they were told from groups and people). Anti-imperialists saw that there was a larger plan that America was making to make their own empire with the intervention in Cuba, and sugar growers were fearful of the annexation of Cuba because with Cuba they would have no competition in the market.
6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
A portion of the Spanish-American War was fought in the Philippines because there was a Spanish base there in Manila and the U.S. were already in there before the war was even declared so they easily took control which spiked pride in the U.S. Also, they could expand its foreign territories and push Spain furthur away.
7. Dewey’s victory in the _PHILIPPINES_ sparked an outpouring of _PRIDE_ in the United States.
8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
They wanted to fight in Cuba because they were being very patriotic and confident that they could win. They were the typical white Americans whom were proud of their country and the group was just made up of the 'best' in the country which made them very confident.
9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
Many African-Americans were eager to serve in the war because they saw it as an opportunity to raise their status in the U.S., could win them respect in the community, and help take out the discrimination towards them.
b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
One was that they were denied promotions to be officer corps and at first were rejected by all but three states for even volunteering to participate in the war. Also, only one of the four all African-American regiments were sent to fight which was the regiment from Massachusetts, and although their bravery was known their uniforms didn't make the discriminations against them any better; they still faced the same discrimination.
10. How did racism influence American perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines? Give two examples of events where racism affected U.S. policy after the war.
Racism influence perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines by the U.S. believing that they weren't capable of governing themselves. They saw the Spanish as backward and cruel. Also, the U.S. put themselves as superior over everyone else (meaning the African-Americans, Chinese, Cubans, and etcetera)which made their racism overtake their perceptions of these countries.
a. One example is the negotiation over the future of Cuba. The U.S. completely ignored the Cubans saying that since they were black they weren't capable of making their own government, and from the Teller Ammendment they thought that they should occupy them until they have a government and etcetera.
b. Another example is the negotiations over the Philippines. Not many Americans knew what they were like and the newspapers made cartoons of them that made them look like junglemen and the skin of African-Americans; even President Taft called them "little brown brothers" which made the white Americans believe that the Philipinos also couldn't govern themselves but the African-Americans were greatly for them.
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