HISTORY QUIZ

QUESTION 1

FACTS: According to the textbook, Henrietta and Edwards reveal that "The United States has been shaped by different wars” (209). The First World War took place from 1914 to 1919. The United States as a country joined the war in 1917. The United States also took part in the Second World War. This was war considered as the most destructive war in the human history due to massive loss of lives and property.

The Cold war started immediately after the Second World War. This was an ideological war between the United States and the Soviet Union. It is the longest war in history that the United States has ever participated in that it took over 40 years.

REFLECTION

The First World War took place from 1914 to 1919. America was reluctant to join the war, and she remained neutral. President Wilson called for a peaceful solution and tried to use his influence and power to keep America out of the war. However, the activities of Germans made America to develop an interest in the war. Germans had unrestricted submarine warfare which led to the loss of many Americans lives in the seas. This made Wilson seek support of Congress to join the war. After the war, America forgot the about the European troubles and embarked on being neutral until the Second World War.

Before the Second World War, United States was neutral in the world problems. The United States government tried not to take sides on most world issues especially the European affair. However, as the war edged closer, things began to take a different twist. The United States had to take a position in the World politics. The United States was reluctant to participate in the Second World War. The bombing of the Pearl Harbor by the Japanese and by Germans declaring war against the United States forced the country to join the war. This was after the Congress declared war on Japan. After the war, the Soviet Union and the United States emerged rival super powers. The United States were against communism, and they pushed for capitalism. Consequently, this sparked the Cold War which was a period between 1947 to 1991.

The cold war was a war of ideas where the United States prevented the spread of communism. The United States government spread the ideas of capitalism in the whole world. During the Cold World War United States and the Union of Soviet engaged in a war of words. This led to many wars like the Afghanistan war, Vietnam War and Korean War. This was a period characterized by high political temperatures. The world was polarized into two the capitalism and communism. Countries aligned themselves in either capitalism or communism. The collapse of Soviet Union marked the end of the Cold War. The United States remained to be capitalist. There were several oppositions to these wars namely activists and a few people in Congress.

Work Cited:

Edwards, Rebecca; Henrietta, James A; and Self, Robert O. America: A Concise History. Volume 2: since 1865. (New York, NY: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012) p. 209.

QUESTION 2

FACTS: According to Henrietta and Edwards “Some Presidents of the United States are remembered for their outstanding leadership at a difficult time" (208). Franklin Roosevelt is one of the greatest presidents who rules at the most difficult time. He ruled from 1932 to 1945. Another President was Harry Truman the president of the United States from 1945 to 1953. This was after the Second World War. It should be noted that the end of the second world marked the beginning of the Cold War. President Reagan is one of the most outstanding presidents of the United. He rose to power at a time when the American economy was at its worst. There was energy crisis at this time.

REFLECTION

President Franklin Roosevelt ruled at a time when the American economy had been hit by the Great Depression of 1929. Moreover, this was the time countries were warming up for the Second World War. Through his leadership, American managed to recover from the Great Depression. The government of the United States for the first time controlled the economy. Initially, there were no regulations and controls on many economic issues.

The Second World War was another headache for Franklin Roosevelt that he provided an effective leadership. He led the United States to be neutral in the European issues. Through his leadership, United States did not to take sides. Franklin Roosevelt only called for support from Congress when he realized it was the right time for the United States to enter the war. This was after Adolf Hitler declared war on the United States and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was strategic in his offensive as he did not go straight to avenge Pearl Harbor disaster. Roosevelt first attacked Germans since they had the capability of developing weapons of massive destruction. He later took on Japan where the United States emerged victoriously.

Truman participated in the creation of NATO. NATO was an alliance that played a major role in the cold war. It created an alliance of nations that was meant to protect each other against the Soviet Union. Communism was spreading so first, and there was a need for them to counter. NATO was an alliance that leaned towards the United States. The Berlin Airlift is also another event that marked the presidency of Harry Truman. He ordered the Berlin Airlift. Berlin Airlift happened when the Soviet Union Blockaded the Berlin. The Truman Doctrine is the major event that President Truman initiated. The doctrine meant that the United States would support any country that was attacked or threatened by the Soviet Union. The Marshall Plan was also initiated at this time. The Plan involved giving financial support to countries that suffered major destruction after the Second World War 2.

The energy crisis of 1970 itself set a whole set of actors and institutions that were construed as the antithesis of free market. It was for this reason that President Reagan was elected to revive the economy. President Reagan rose to power at a time when the American economy was at its worse state. The president embarked on the revival program which was meant to boost the economy. The president made numerous efforts to ensure that economy bounced back to its state. The economic stimulus package was proposed by the president and approved by the Congress. President Reagan used the Congress to revive the economy. He signed several executive orders that were instrumental to the revival of the economy. The fuel crisis was the main problem that the president had to address when he ascended to power. Reagan effectively handled the energy crisis, and he is known for Reaganomics.

Work Cited:

Edwards, Rebecca; Henrietta, James A; and Self, Robert O. America: A Concise History. Volume 2: since 1865. (New York, NY: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012) p. 208.

QUESTION 3

FACTS: Gilded Age is the period in the late 19th century after the American Civil War between 1878 and 1889. It should be noted that this period was marked by a wave of immigrants and growth of the industry as result of improvement in transport. The production of steel and iron rose dramatically which led to the Progressive era. In the textbook, Edwards and Henrietta reveal that "Progressive era was a period between 1890 to 1917" (198-201).

Another major change that affected American society from 1877 is respecting the rights of the minorities. Minorities in this case Native Indians, blacks, and other immigrants. Thirdly, the American Society has also undergone cultural changes. Just recently the American Society has welcomed the gay marriage something could not happen in 1877.

REFLECTION

Even though Gilded Age was a period marked by massive corruption in government and unscrupulous people in business, the period was marked by major changes in transport. In 1877, there was the development of railway line. In my opinion, this was a period marked major improvement in the infrastructure. More importantly, Western resources like gold, silver, and lumber increased the demand for transportation. This period was a marked improvement in railroad transport: means through which goods were transported from rich-resource West to East. The west was rich in resources, and that's why it attracted people in business. The railroad made it easier to transport gold.

The Constitution of the United has been amended on many occasions to ensure that minorities are treated with equality. Most of these Acts were amended in the 1960s when the civil rights movements were at their pick. This period was marked by many constitutional amendments that protected not only the blacks but also other groups. Previously, Native Indians could displace easily by the government from their ancestral land. Native Americans were usually displaced and resettled in other areas during the Gilded Age. This made them feel bitter as they had been removed from the ancestral land.

Lastly, the rights of special groups have also been protected. One of the major change is the legalization of the gay marriage where many states in the United States have legalized gay marriage. This was something that was unusual during 1877. There rights of other special that have also be embraced by the American society. Gay marriage is just but a perfect example. While this change only affects certain groups, its impact on the general population seems positive so far.

Work Cited:

Edwards, Rebecca; Henrietta, James A; and Self, Robert O. America: A Concise History. Volume 2: since 1865. (New York, NY: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012) pp. 198-201.

QUESTION 4

FACTS: According to Henrietta and Edwards "There are many movements that have impacted America in different ways"(101-107). First, Black Power movement was a struggle initiated by African Americans in the 1950s. It was initiated as an effort to achieve the Civil Rights that were equal to the whites. Secondly, Universal Negro Movement Association was formed in 1914 by Marcus Garvey aimed at promoting the pride of being black. The movement was aimed at making things easier. It was also aimed at creating unity among all the blacks. Lastly, the feminist movements were also common in the American society after 1877. One of the most notable feminist movements that were vocal during this period was Radical feminists. This group criticized the perception of the society on women based on the beliefs that they could only be caregivers.

REFLECTION

Although Black Power movement was not formal, it was the turning point on how the blacks and whites related to each other. The movement increased the blacks’ level of consciousness where the black people started calling themselves blacks instead of Negro. This movement changed not only the tactical strategy but also the mindset. For instance, there was an emergency of the black music industry with its roots in rhythm and gospel, and blues were embraced as they became nationalist in an extraordinary way. Some blacks also resolved to adopt African names and wear their hair in ways that were different from the whites. Afro hairstyle also became popular.

The formation Universal Negro Movement Association in the United States united the blacks and made them be more vocal on issues affecting them. This has led to the many changes in the present day America where blacks are treated with dignity unlike 1877. There is equality in employment, education, and housing, as well as the right to access public facilities, the right to vote and freedom from racial discrimination

The feminist movement after 1877 in America greatly changed the perception of the society on women. During this time, the role of women in families was a bear to children and takes care of their families. They could not pursue political and economic agendas. The radical feminists criticized the American society, politics, and economics. Presently, the roles of both men and women are not determined by the biology. Division of labor is no longer gender-based as there are more women taking up roles that were earlier done by men. Women have come up strongly to take up leadership roles and also provide a solution to economic issues. Hilary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice are just but some of the best examples.

Work Cited:

Edwards, Rebecca; Henrietta, James A; and Self, Robert O. America: A Concise History. Volume 2: since 1865. (New York, NY: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012) pp101-107.