Discussion Questions, student responses and one Assignment (paper)

Part 1: Post a Response Various reform groups with various causes developed in the US in the late 1800s and early 1900s; these are loosely called “Progressives” as they aimed to use government policies or science to improve and advance society. Also, this period was a time when the US started as a major player in international conflicts—first in the “Spanish American War and then in World War I. There were deep isolationist sentiments about such overseas entanglements, and President Wilson first has one position and then the other.

Choose and discuss (in a full paragraph or two) one of the following two topics related to the late 1800s and early 1900s.

1. In the Progressive Era (roughly 1890–1920), multiple groups advocated for reforms in various aspects of government, society, and the economy. Discuss here the “muckrakers” and Taylor’s “scientific management”.

. Explain briefly the approach and aim of the “muckrakers” and that of F. W. Taylor.

. Compare their approaches and describe your feelings about them, and relate some modern situation that reminds you of one of these approaches and reform causes.

. Identify the source(s) where you read about the reform cause.

· From the text, Wilson did not maintain his own campaign slogan (“He kept us out of war”).

. Explain with some specifics why Wilson became pro-war. Describe your own feelings on that issue when you look back at it, and whether he was right to change.

. Briefly, identify a similar international consideration today—or of the last 20 years, and what lesson might be drawn from the example in Wilson’s time.

. Identify the source(s) where you read about Wilson.

Part 2: Respond to a Peer

Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing personal connections.

Shannon Madrid

Hello class and professor,

From the text, Wilson did not maintain his own campaign slogan (“He kept us out of war”).

President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress on April 1917 for a formal declaration of war because he was faced on a difficult task and had to mobilize an unprepared America for war. The government could ask for volunteers and institute a draft to build up the army. But convincing Americans to support the war and feel the will to fight was more difficult task for Wilson.I believe that because of the start and ending of war world 1 America is more and more ready for battle and gave the civilians and military troops more of a belief that the war could be won by America.

Wilson when he was governor of new jersey in 1910, Wilson passed several progressive legislation including bills to reduce bribery of government officials, to establish the Public utility to set utility rates, and to establish a workers’ compensation programs that The federal reserve act was signed into law by President Wilson on December 23, 1913. It created and established the federal reserved systems to the central banking system of the United States of which today serves a major purpose in business and personal.The Sherman anti trust act in in 1914  made certain business practices illegal like agreements prohibiting retailers from handling other companies’ products which today is important for small business and how the products are handle and not stolen fro other competitive companies.

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