American History Homework Twelve Answers - Model

Lecture - Questions - Student Answers

1. Who were the main protagonists in the "Cold War", and what was the period of this "war"?

The Soviet Union, U.S.S.R., and the United States of America were the main protagonists in the Cold War. There was no fighting in the “war” so that is why it was called a cold war; there was no heat. In the Cold War, the USA and the Soviet Union created and collected bombs and other ammunition, which they pointed at the enemy’s cities. It was basically a competition in seeing who was the most strongest and powerful country in the world. The Cold War lasted from 1945 to 1991; Americans wanted to stop communism from spreading to the neighboring countries. (Veronika F.)

2. Identify the two wars that caused over 50,000 American deaths which occurred between 1945 and 1980, and briefly state your view of the American role in those wars. Do you agree with our acceptance of the outcomes?

The Vietnam War and the Korean War. The United States obviously fought hard in both of these, but it was not a concerted effort like World War II. These wars, people thought, were less important. Our country was not in immediate danger, so these wars were much less popular. Vietnam was especially unpopular, not only because of the cultural changes favoring rebellion and independence, but because of the position the U.S. took in Vietnam. Much like Britain fighting in the colonies. To the British the colonies was a large unknown wilderness with an diverse population. Many of them were strongly opinionated and planned on fighting for the soil they lived on. The colonists knew the country and fought the invaders using guerrilla warfare. Although many of them sided with England (Tories), the patriots were aided by foreign countries. They were convinced by radical literature that they were fighting for freedom.

Do you see all the similarities? America loves an underdog. And in Vietnam we were definitely not the underdog. The outcome is sad, but I think it was foreseeable. I completely agree with the way we accepted defeat in Vietnam, but there were not very many options. Right before the war started there was only two choices about it: go to war or not. What else could we have done?

In Korea, however, I believe we could have won that. Korea might be a completely capitalist country today if it were not for Harry Truman's ire. (Steven M.)

3. Pick an aspect of the Civil Rights Movement that impressed you most, and explain why.

What James Meredith must have endured in the quest for a fair education is simply incredible. Not many people have the strength and stamina to withstand riots, prejudice on that level, death of innocents, and later being shot at. (Kara H.)

What impressed me the most about the civil rights movement is how when enough people took initiative and stood against segregation, the government eventually responded. I think that this example should encourage us to stand against abortion, limitations on parent’s rights, and gay marriage. (Jess S.)

4. President Lyndon Johnson is known best for two things. Pick one and explain why, providing a specific example to support your answer.

I think that the reason he is so well know for pushing through the Great Society programs is because they are what every nation wants. An end to poverty. That was what Johnson was trying to do. These programs would supposedly end poverty in America. Every nation wants to have no poverty and every one happy and things to go well. But that is impossible. As long as there is laziness in the world, there will be poverty. (Bethany S.)

US Supreme Court Building

5. What do you like best about the 80th Congress? Explain.

6. Who do you think was the most important person between 1945 and 1980 in American history, and why?

7. Throughout the 1960s, what was the name used to describe the people in charge of the building pictured here, and describe their approach or ideology, mentioning at least one issue as an example.

The Warren Court lasted from 1953-1969. Aside from being activist, the Warren Court seems to have favored federal over state power, as it decided that the federal Bill of Right should apply to the states. The Warren Court was also very political, supporting liberal policies in its “interpretation” of the Constitution, such as removing religion from public life and favoring criminals. I find most interesting the Court’s apparent view of the 1st Amendment: it contorted freedom of speech to apply to pornography but not prayer, and, it would seem, loosely read the establishment of religion clause to prohibit non-compulsory prayer. (Addison DM)

H1. What is your view of whether Muhammad Ali was entitled to a conscientious objection based on Islam?

I think that he was right, based on freedom of religion, which was established in the first amendment in the bill of rights. Freedom of religion means people can practice whatever their religion the way they choose too. So if you happen to have a religion, like Muslim, that says you shouldn’t be involved in a certain war, then under that amendment, we shouldn’t be able to force him to fight in the war. By drafting him, that would be forcing him to do something against his religion, taking away his freedom of religion. (Natalie D.)

H2. Write about any issue or debate in the lecture, or relating to the period 1945 to 1980.

Yes, I think that criminals deserve the rights the Warren Court granted. Everyone has the right to defend themselves, and if you can’t afford a lawyer, then you can’t defend yourself. The government should definitely provide a lawyer for criminals so they can have a fair trial. I like the Miranda Warning too, which lets the person know what they can and can’t do. (Sarah W.)

H3. Your view of the ERA, please.

H4. "Over time, conservative principles and values tend to gain broader acceptance by the American people." Do you agree with respect to 1945 through 1980, or 1980 through today (take your pick)? Explain.

H5. General MacArthur's Inchon Landing: unconventional but logical thinking by a homeschooler that you've seen before? Discuss in any way you like.