View source for American History Homework Thirteen Answers - Student Eighteen

Michelle F

1. What is your favorite period of time in American history, and why?

Around the Revolutionary War, from about 1770 to 1790. I think it brought out the best in America at the time. It gave the world an example of people who knew what was right and weren't afraid to fight for it. It later inspired other nations to become more democratic. (I think the title "Revolutionary War" is a misnomer. The colonies weren't revolting. They simply wished for fairness. As England was not willing to grant them this, the colonies decided to sever relations. I think a better name would be "The War of English Aggression")

:Superb new name for the Revolutionary War!  Terrific answer.

2. Contrast President Ronald Reagan with President Bill Clinton.

Bill Clinton: immoral, not extremely popular,liberal, pro homosexual,and not a strong leader.

Ronald Reagan: moral, popular, conservative when he became president and even more conservative when he left office, and a very strong decisive leader.

:Excellent analysis.

3. What would you say is the most important trend or trends guiding American history?

A trend towards more involvement on the world stage. A trend towards imitating Europe. Imitating aspects of their culture, our politicians are imitating ideas of their government. The U.S. is looking for Europe's approval in some of its decisions. America is allowing itself to be dominated by nations with no authority, nations that are often far behind itself in economy, in technological achievements, and other ways.

:Terrific, and may use as a model answer!

4. What is the most important threat to the future of America? Cite history to support your view.

Our own ignorance. Many of the people in America don't know what is going on in Washington, or what their representatives stand for, or what the candidates they vote for stand for. So they vote based on who appears to want to do what is best for America, people who often have their own interests at heart. Or the world's interests,or environmentalists, etc. The American people are voting away their own rights: the right to keep the money they earn, the right to own and bear arms, even the right to life. American ignorance is destroying our nation.

:Very well put.  Superb answer.

5. Do you see a connection between culture and success for a nation? Give an example from history (e.g., period of time) to support your view.

Yes. One well-known example is Rome. As Rome became mare immoral, it's politicians became more corrupt. The great empire ended up rotting from the inside out.

:Right again.  We'll discuss that again in the next class on World History.

6. Describe two of the greatest achievements of Ronald Reagan.

The end of the Cold War and Star Wars. The end of the Cold War was an example of Reagan's excellent diplomatic skills. He didn't sugar coat communism or it's problems. He simply told it like it was instead of pacifying the Soviets. His hard stance against communism was the best position taken. 
Star Wars, also known as Strategic Defense Initiative, was key in ending the Cold War. It made the Soviets feel insecure. A modified version of it is still in use today.

:Terrific answer.

7. Explain during which century you think this map was drawn, and comment how America's achievements may have met or exceeded the expectations of the cartographer or other people of his time.

The 16th century. I don't think anyone in that century would have expected America to be anything more then a colony, never mind a world power. i think America's achievements have far exceeded the expectations of the cartographer and any people of that century. And America is not next to India, as is shown on the map.

:Correct.

H2. Write about any issue, debate, or mystery related to the lecture or its time period.

Should President Ford have pardoned former President Nixon?
Yes. He was well within his right in doing so, and it would have put the faults of the U.S. Presidents on display for all of the world to see. America would have looked no better than the  communist nations. it didn't imply that the president is above the law, in fact, it implied that he had done wrong and was being forgiven.

:Good analysis.

H4. What is your view of the government spying on its own citizens, such as authorized by the Patriot Act?

My view is that it is fine, for several reasons. 1, if the government is spying on a terrorist, or someone they suspect is a terrorist, I don't think that person had a reasonable expectation of privacy. Even if that person does, I think it is highly unlikely that the public would be willing to grant that expectation of privacy. 2, the government has a responsibility to protect it's people. If spying on its own citizens is what it takes, that is fine. Last, but not least, the 4th Amendement protects against search and seizure without probable cause. I think being suspected of plotting against your country and possibly planning the killing of people is probable cause.

: Superb legal analysis, with use of terms like "reasonable expectation of privacy."  Skip college and go straight to law school!  You're a future attorney, and your analysis is very well reasoned.  (note typos in "Amendment" and "it's").

H5. Write about any issue relating to American history at any time.

George S. Patton was a brilliant, although somewhat controversial, general. He was certainly not politically correct.He was reprimanded for verbally abusing and slapping soldiers suffering from combat exhaustion. But "Old Blood and Guts" had said, and lived up to it "Always do everything you ask of those you command".  This tough and aggressive commander of the Third Army out did Germany's best commander, Rommel, relieved the siege at Bastogne, and did many more things, with far less casualties than any other commander.He was definitely worth keeping as a commander, as Eisenhower had done.

:Terrific finish!

:One of the best papers on the class all year.  100/100.  Perfect!  Congratulations on your terrific work throughout the course.--[[User:Aschlafly|aschlafly]] 22:08, 20 December 2008 (EST)

[[Category:American History lectures]]