New Blog Theme

Now tha APUSH is done. It is time for Senior year and that means AP Government! I have changed my theme to the new "Donkey Kong Nation"! Throughout the year, I'll be commenting on current events and will try to put a perspective on it as well as keeping you informed about the upcoming election.

The Smiling Sunbelt & The Rush the Suburbs

17) The Sun Belt is fifteen states stretching from Virginia to Florida to Texas to Arizona to California. This area increased at a rate that nearly doubled that of the Northeast. By 1963, California surpassed New York as the most populous state with only twenty percent of the population.

18) The post-war new frontiers were the south and southwest. Here, modern pioneers searched for a better climate, jobs, and lower taxes in addition to job abundances such as electronics (California) and aerospace (Florida & Texas).

19) There were plenty of huge military installations in the new frontier because southern congressional representatibes secured them for their districts. An example is the US army aviation and missile command near Huntsville, Alabama that was established in 1962 (below).

20) Government policies fostered the rush to the suburbs thanks to the Federal Housing Administration and the Veterans Administration home loan guarantees. Also, tax deductions for interest payments on home mortgages provided additional financial incentive.

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrre's Maria!

Hooked on the Horn of Plenty

82. What is one basic explanation for the Great Depression?

One basic explanation was overproduction by the farm and the factory. At this time, the supply was high while the demand wasn't as high.

83. Too much money was going into what? Instead of what?

Too much money was going into the hands of a few wealthy people who invested it in factories and other agents of production. Not enough was going into the salaries and wages of normal workers.

84. Another cause was the overexpansion of what? Which stimulated what?

Overexpansion of credit through installment plan buying over-stimulated production. This caused many consumers to dive in beyond their depth and stimulated in unemployment from the rise of new technologies.

85. What added to this burden of tough economic times?

The normal technological unemployment added to the burden of new labor saving machines.

86. What helped push America's economy further downward?

Economic anemia darkened an already "bleak" picture as Europe hadn't fully recovered from the Great War. America was actually pushed down by this due to a drying up of international trade.

87. What natural disaster made things worse in 1930?

A drought scorched the Mississippi Valley in 1930 as thousands of farms were sold at auction for taxes. Farm rental was spreading at an alarming rate.

88. What made the Depression a baffling wraith for Americans? In what ways did it challenge their most cherished assumptions and sense of identity?

The depression was a baffling wraith that they couldn't grasp in the sense that ragged individuals slept under old newspapers and 'Hoovervilles' were paper shantytowns. People fought over garbage cans and cooked whatever they could find in oil drums.

Next is Maria Jenkins

The Era of More, More, More: The Mass-Consumption Economy

With the help of Andrew Mellon (bottom [he's staring into your soul]), tax policies favored the rapid expansion of capital investment. Furthermore, it led to the support of new machines powered by cheap energy from new oil fields. These new machines increased the productivity of the laborer. A prime example of this would be the Assembly line made by Henry Ford in his Detriot plant. The industry that became the most popular was the automobile industry because not only was it not taking the energy on an animal but it was cheaply made so it was more accessible to the people and not considered a rich man's car. Now, American manufacturers turned their focus away from production and turned it to consumtion.Advertising became the focal pojnt of buying these industrial products with persuasion, ploy, and seduction. People became discontented with their original possessions and always clamored for more. In 1925, Bruce Barton published a best seller called The Man Nobody Knows which set forth a provocative thesis that Jesus was the greatest advertiser of all time and said that advertisers must study Jesus's parables and that he had twelve assistance that he picked up from the bottom of business and forged them to head a conquering organization, Christianity. Personally, I think this was teetering on the line of BLASPHEMY!!!Sports began to become a large part of the consumer economy as two famous new sports emerged: baseball and boxing. In baseball, one man arguably brought baseball to where it is today and his name is Babe Ruth who is known for building the New York Yankees into a baseball powerhouse (unfortunately) and was famous for all the home runs he hit. He is still know for hitting home runs as he currently is second on the all time list of home run hitters behind Hank Aaron (this list excludes cheaters). In boxing, Jack Dempsey is known for bringing that sport to the states when he took the heavyweight title from Georges Carpentier of France. Events started to amass up to over $1 million.Buying on credit was considered smart during the roaring twenties because they believed that they should possess now and pay tomorrow. The frugality of Puritan descendants went away as new appliances came out such as refrigerators (below), vacuum cleaners, cars, and radios. However, the economy was put at risk to a stock market crash.

The Betrayal of Great Expectations

59. According to the text's authors, the United States would have been well advised if they had forthrightly assumed its war-born responsibilities and had embraced the role of global leader proffered by the hand of destiny. The United States would have then been able to shape future events, but they instead permitted to drift toward a second world war.60. The three principles of Wilsonianism are the era of American isolation from world affairs has irretrievably ended, the US must infuse its own founding political and economic ideas (democracy, rule of law, trade, and self determination) into the international order, and American influence can eventually steer the world away from rivalry and warfare toward a cooperative and peaceful international system (UN).

Progressive Era Foreign Policy

Panama Canal Tolls Act (1912): This exempted American coastwide shipping from tolls and provoked sharp protests from other Imperialist powers such as Britain. This was repealed two years later by Wilson.

Jones Act (1916): It granted territorial status to the Philippines and the promise of independence as soon as a stable government was established (7/4/1946).

Progressive Era Conservation Use Acts

Desert Land Act (1877): Federal government sold rich arid land cheaply on the condition that the purchaser irrigate the thirsty soil within three years.Forest Reserve Act (1891): The president was authorized to set aside public forests as national parks and other reserves. The effect was 46 million trees being saved.

Carey Act (1894): This distributed federal land to the states on the condition that it be irrigated and settled. Newlands Act (1902): Washington was authorized to collect money from the sale of public lands in the western states and use the funds for the development of irrigation projects.

Progressives believed that these lands should not be wasted but saved for the future of America. So, they weren't like Muir who was a treehugger but not industrialists either.

New Federal Agencies

Women's & Children's Bureau: Two federal bureaus (Children's in 1912 and woman's in 1920) that gave female reformers and those speaking against child labor a national stage for social investigation and advocacy. This was part of women's movements in the areas of suffrage, factory rights, and temperance.Federal Trade Commission (1914): President appojnted a commission to tack monopolies and it uprooted unfair trade factons of adulterations, mislabeling, bribery, unlawful competition, and false advertisement. Federal Reserve (1913): Established a federal reserve board appointed by the president and it oversaw twelve regional banks. They issued federal reserve notes from paper that increased circulation.Federal Farm Loan Act (1916): This made credit available to farmers at low rates of interests. This was exactly what the Populists wanted.

16th 17th 18th 19th Ammendments

16: Congress enacted a graduated income tax beginning with a modest levy on incomes over $3000. This led to an increase in revenue, shooting over the tariff.

17: Plutocratic members of the Senate were unhappy with existing methods as a numbers of states established primary elections in which voters chose senate. Local legislatures found it better to directly vote for the senate and this ammendment established direct election of the US senate in 1913.

18: This prohibited all alcoholic drinks which accomplished the goal of the reformers who wanted a dry nation, which was difficult for some groups that had alcohol as part of cultural life.

19: Women's Suffrage or their right to vote after almost 150 years of waiting.

Protecting Workers

While in office, Woodrow Wilson made progressive reforms to help the American workers.

La Follette Seamen's Act of 1915: This required decent treatment and a living wage on American merchant ships. Though sailors received more rights, the American merchant marine was crippled and freight rates spiraled up along with the crew's wages.

Workingmen's Compensation Act of 1916: This granted assistance to federal civil service employees during periods of disability.
These acts helped Wilson gain popularity with Progressives and business people.

Anti-Trust

Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890: Forbade combinations in restraint of trade without any distinction between good and bad trusts. However, it proved ineffectives because it contained legal loopholes in which lawyers of big corporations could wiggle through.

Clayton Anti Trust Act of 1914: Much stronger than Sherman's Act of 1890 by lengthening 'objectionable' business practices such as price discrimination and interlocking directorates. In addition to that, it conferred long overdue benefits on labor. It sought to exempt labor and agricultural organizations from antitrust persecution, while legalizing strikes and peaceful picketing.

Food Safety

Large American meatpackers had been shut out of most European markets because jealous small packinghouses claimed that their elder brother was tainted. At the same time, the American consumers demanded for safer canned products.

Meat Inspection Act of 1906: This decreed that the preparation of meat shipped over state lines would be subject to federal inspection for every food. Large packing industries accepted it as an opportunity to drive out smaller companies while recieving a seal of approval from the government.

Pure Food & Drug Act of 1906: Designed to prevent the adulteration and mislabeling of foods and pharmaceuticals.

Railroad Acts

Before 1903, the Interstate Commerce of 1887 proved feeble in regulating the railroad industry and barons could appeal the commission's decisions on rates to the federal courts.

Elkins Act of 1903: This was aimed at the rebates. Heavy fines could be imposed on the railroads that gave rebates and the shippers that accepted them.



Hepburn Act of 1906: Free passes were severely restricted, existing rates were nullified, and maximum rates were stipulated in the hands of the Interstate Commerce Commission.

These railroad acts were a building block for President Theodore Roosevelt to exert his big stick over other large businesses and try to reduce their power.

Haystacks of Influence by John Hay

I am one with a purpose of capturing the popular imagination and I do this by being the witty poetic diplomat that I humbly accept. I have a minor addition to my humble career as Secretary of State. I was able to save China which has an enormous impact on today. In 1894, Russia and Germany, the European brat(wurst)s, turned their eyes towards an unstable China and began to cut into Manchurian land. This posed danger to missionaries and economists. Props to the press for raising awareness and props to Britain for encouraging us to do something. Enter me and the rest is history. In 1899, my Open Door Policy urged the Europeans to respect Chinese rights. Without surprise, it gained worldwide acceptance while making other countries quiver. Italy accepted our policy without trouble and Britain, France, Germany and Japan accepted as long as others did the same. Russia refused, and a refusal equals an acceptance (right?) so the policy was in effect. My cause increased by the Chinese themselves. In the Boxer Rebellion, they killed many whites including missionaries and diplomates who resided in Peking (Beijing). Though a tragic event where we owed them $24.5 M (and only paid $18 M), this supported the truth that said that we must respect China's rights. China was gracious to send students to study in America and learn their western ways, and this was key in westernizing their culture. Anyway, in addition to the Open Door Policy, I made a note in 1900 that was directed to embrace China's territorial and commercial integrity. Many argue that China survived due to European powers not trusting the other powers. That may be true, but the number one reason was due to my words of poetic justice. If I didn't step in, these Chinese would have most likely been conquered by either China and Germany which would have put America at a major disadvantage in both world wars and the Cold War because of all the raw materials China produces. If no one stepped into this mess, we'd be looking at Communism across the board. Who cares if China will be the number two economy in 2010, the thing is America will be number one because I helped everyone dodge a huge bullet. That is why I have haystacks of influence.

Class Conflict: Plowholders vs Bondholders

The campaign pitted Democrat William Jennings Bryan (below) against Republican William McKinley. The main focus of this campaign was supposed to be about the economic depression and free trade, but William Jennings Bryan turned this into the issue of free silver. Bryan was able to campaign in twenty seven states and made over 600 speeches (including 36 in one day). His free silver idea was praised by many who believed that silver would lead America out of a huge depression.

However, there was heavy opposition to this free silver idea. This was mainly among the eastern conservatives who believed that their money was in jeopardy of changing into 50cent dollars. These gold bugs did what ever was in their power to prevent Bryan from taking the presidency. Enter, Mark Hanna (below) who was chairman of the Republican National Committee by kissing up to McKinley. Hanna (above) was able to reject the plutocrats abd raise up money for "education" (propaganda). McKinley's followers were also successful campaigners as their budged outnumbered the Democratic budged in a 16:1 ratio. All the Democrats thought they bought the election. The democrats took even larger tolls due to the power of large business owners were threatening to pay in 50 cent pieces if Bryan won. This led to even more fear of the free silver and more supported McKinley. This paid off when McKinley (below) won 271-176 electorial-wise and about 7M people to 6.5M popular-wise. Why did McKinley win? Though Bryan was strong in the south and west, the north still had the bulk of society. These were workers who felt threatened by free silver and free trade that would damage their respective companies. They believed this would lead to inflation which was superfluous. Why important? Though it had a familiar story with older elections of the privaledged few vs everyone else, Bryan was able to make a theory that would change the social order. This election would ultimately preserve the economy, the big cities, and the thriving businesses. This also secured Republican dominance for the last half of the nineteenth century which would ultimately lead to less voter participation, weakening of party organizations, the end of the issues of money and civil service reform, and the growth of industrial regulation and labor welfare.

(as much resentment and discomfort I had about putting up this picture, the late nineteenth century was the era of their dominance)

American Exceptionalism- State of the Union 2011

American Exceptionalism: Opinions that explain how America is different from other nations.


Source: Huffington Post (they have text from the entire speech plus the full video)


1. "It's no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences over the past two years. The debates have been contentious; we have fought fiercely for our beliefs. And that's a good thing. That's what a robust democracy demands. That's what helps set us apart as a nation."

2. "We believe that in a country where every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound together as one people; that we share common hopes and a common creed; that the dreams of a little girl in Tuscon are not so different than those of our own children, and that they all deserve the chance to be fulfulled. That, too, is what sets us apart as a nation."

3. " We have never measured progress through these yardsticks (stock market roaring back)alone. We measure progress by the success of our people. By the jobs they can find and the quality of life those jobs have to offer. By the prospects of a small business owner who dreams of turning a good idea into a thriving enterprise. By the opportunities of a better life that we pass on to our children. That's the project the American people want us to work on. Together."

4. "Meanwhile, nations like China and India realized that with some changes of their own, they can compete in this world..... But Remember, for all the hits we have taken and for all the naysayers who think that we will decline, America is still the largest, most prosperous economy in the world. No workers are more productive than ours. No countries have had more successful grants, more patents to investors or entrepreneurs. We're home to some of the best colleges and universities, where more students come to study than any place on earth."

5. "What's more, we are the first nation founded for the sake of an idea- the idea that each of us deserves a chance to shape our own destiny. That's why centuries of pioneers and immigrants have risked everything to come here..... The future is ours to win, but to get there, we can not just stand still. As Robert Kennedy told us, 'the future is not a gift, it is an achievement.' The future of American freedom has not been about standing pat. It has required members of each generation to sacrifice, struggle, and meet the demands of a new age."

6. "In America, innovation doesn't change lives. It's how we make our living."

7. "That's what Americans have done for 200 years: reinvented ourselves."

8. "Maintaining our leadership in science and technology is crucial to American succes."

9. "We have many differences in policy, but we believe that all rights are embellished in the Constitution. We may have different opinions, but we believe in the same promise that says this is a place where you can make it if you try. We have many different backgrounds, but we believe in the dream that says this is a country where anything is possible. No matter who you are or where you are from."

10. "We do big things. From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of ordinary people who dream big things. That is how we will win the future."

11. "The idea of America endures. OUR destiny remains OUR choice. Tonight, more than two centuries later, it is because of OUR people that OUR future is hopeful. OUR journey goes forward and the state of the union is strong."

The New South: Relationship between Whites and African Americans

It was after the Reconstruction and the Southern Whites went back to their ole' Democratic ways. These Whites wanted things to go back to normal and re-exert their dominance in the south. This obviously wouldn't be a good sign for the freed African Americans who only a few years before and it wasn't when they were arbitrarily faced with unemployment, eviction, and physical harm from groups like the KKK. Ultimately, the African Americans were forced into sharecropping and tenant farming where in some cases, they had to work for their old masters.

The worst part is that white hatred of the African Americans grew and ultimately, an informal separation between blacks and whites grew into state legal codes of segregation (Jim Crow Laws). The southern whites also tried to prevent these freedmen from voting by making the literacy tests biased and later, used poll taxed to ensure full scale disenfranchisement of the black population in the south. Though they were separate, they were not equal.

The cause of equality was somewhat helped by the 1896 case of Plessy vs. Fergussen which recognized the southern social order of segregation but there should still be equality between the whites and African Americans. The basis for the new "separate but equal" ruling was the fourteenth ammendment.

In reality, however, the African Americans were not even close to obtaining equality. They went to schools in relatively worse conditions, had to eat out back at diners, and never were in first class on trains. They had to use different restrooms and weren't allowed into select theatres. The worst part is that everyday, they were reminded of their second class status almost on a daily basis just by looking at the world around them.
There were some African Americans who protested segregation but these southern whites, who wanted "stability", lynched these protesters to "put them in their place". These mistreated African Americans were lynched waaaaaaay more times than whites were. In 1900, one hundred African Americans were lynched in contrast to just nine whites. It wouldn't be until the 1950s where the push for equality would begin.