Difference between revisions of "Homework Five Model Answers"

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1. Identify two of the most important outcomes of the Mexican War.

First, there was a constant battle for the upper hand between the Democratic Party and the Whig Party in the 1840s and 1850s. If a Democratic president performed his duties poorly in office, then the Whig party would usually win the next election and vice versa. Second, there was so much turmoil and conflict going on that it was difficult for one party to meet the demands of his party and the people. Thirdly, the fact that a Civil War was looming in the nearby future was no help either. The country was unstable and this lead to many one-term presidents. (Gabrielle)

2. During the time period covered by this lecture, a political party became very strong and then disappeared. Identify it, and explain why it disappeared.

During the time period covered by this lecture, a political party became very strong and then disappeared. Identify it, and explain why it disappeared. The Whig Party: It disappeared for a number of reasons, including the election of 1852 and the death of Henry Clay, The compromise of 1850 split the party into pro- slavery and anti- slavery groups, causing the Whig candidates to lose votes depending on where they fell on the issue, causing it to weaken even more. To make the matter worse, many northern Whigs, including Lincoln, joined the Republican party, leading to the death of the Whig party. (Joseph)

3. Lincoln v. Douglas: Why do you think Douglas beat Lincoln in 1858 (say which election), but then Lincoln won the rematch in 1860 (identify the election)?

In the 1858 Illinois senate election Douglas won because he had a greater reputation in Illinois, and his moderate position on slavery was able to captivate the voters from the relatively moderate state of Illinois. Slavery was a large issue everywhere but supporters of both sides and moderates lived in Illinois. Also since the election was in the hands of the legislature of Illinois, Douglas' political ties probably also helped. In the 1860 Presidential Election the tables were turned, the American people were filling out the ballots and Douglas had some unpopular positions. His relatively moderate stance on slavery annoyed voters from both the north and the south. In the North he was considered to be excessively pro-slavery, and in the south he was considered to be excessively anti-slavery. In a similar manner President Obama has never had Republican support, and some of his positions most notably in the Health care bill negotiations have lost his Democrat support. (Paul)

4. Why were there so many one-term presidents in the 1840s and 1850s? Explain.

First, there was a constant battle for the upper hand between the Democratic Party and the Whig Party in the 1840s and 1850s. If a Democratic president performed his duties poorly in office, then the Whig party would usually win the next election and vice versa. Second, there was so much turmoil and conflict going on that it was difficult for one party to meet the demands of his party and the people. Thirdly, the fact that a Civil War was looming in the nearby future was no help either. The country was unstable and this lead to many one-term presidents. (Gabrielle)

5. Lincoln thought Harriet Beecher Stowe caused the Civil War. What do you think?

6. Explain the cartoon, and what you think the cartoonist's view was. The woman's quote begins, "You have been a bad boy, Steve, ever since you had anything to do with that Nebraska Bill ...."

7. "Remember the Alamo!" Why?

The Alamo was a church in Texas where and over 150 Texans led by William B. Travis were killed by the overwhelming force of Mexican soldiers. The battle was an example of bravery and dedication which inspired many Texans and Americans to join the fight for Texas’s freedom. Cries of “remember the Alamo” were heard later in the battle of San Jacinto in which Santa Anna and his forces were utterly defeated in about 18 minutes. (Jon)

8. The biggest question in all of American History is this: Do you think it was possible to avoid the Civil War? If so, how?

Honors Questions

H1. Discuss any of the issues or mysteries relating to this lecture (1840-1860).

Why is the Whig party called “Whigs” The direct influence is the group in the Revolutionary War known as the Whigs. The name was chosen to give the Whig party an image of fighting against tyranny, and to be more popular by identifying themselves with the revolutionaries. However, the “Whigs” in the revolutionary War got their name from the religious group in England in the 1680s s when a group of Protestants opposed King James II, and they in turn took their name from a Presbytiryan group in Scotland, “The Whigamores”. (Joseph)

H2. Hamilton v. Burr, Lincoln v. Douglas, Jefferson v. Adams - great rivalries in American history. What do they have in common? Discuss.

H3. The South thought it could win the Civil War. Why did it think that? Do you agree it was possible for the South to win?

H4. Discuss the role of campaign slogans and gimmicks: what worked, and what didn't.

H5. Compare or contrast the Dred Scott decision with Roe v. Wade.