In your opinion should the United States have become involved in the affairs of Colombia, Nicaragua, and Mexico during the early 1900s?
Though interfering with these countries had great benefits for America, I dont think that it was the right thing for Americans to become involved in there affairs. The panama canal, built in a providence in Columbia, was a huge engineering and economic success for our country but the united states had to help organize an entire panama rebellion just to force Columbia to give up there land.
Before the presidency of Wilson, the United States mostly fallowed the policy of staying out of other countries affairs and recognized the country for the policy they had. Wilson on the other hand had a much different idea, he wanted to expanding united states control and spread the idea that all countries should have democracy. Mexico was one country that housed a form of government Wilson despised even calling it a "government of butchers"(p. 569)When Mexico arrested a small group of Americans and then later set them free, Wilson took this as an opportunity to get involved with Mexico in a war. Americans invaded Mexico and battles were fought but there would later have to be peace becuase the US was facing go on to another war. This invasion of Mexico show the idea of how the us government found theres supior and could do and invade anything they wanted because of it and that was just not right.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Critical Thinking 18-3!
What do you think were the similarities and differences of Roosevelts big stick policy and Wilson's missionary diplomacy?
Roosevelt and Wilson both had a different policy on approaching conflicts with other countries. Roosevelt's policy was to always be straightforward and inform other counties what there plans were and what they intended to do. If the other county was not supportive of what was said then the United States would threaten violence, this way countries would obey to avoid the looming conflict and violence that would happen if they didn't. This policy seemed to conclude with a mostly peaceful result and no real violence ever surfaced. With Wilson's diplomacy policy, he believed that he should be spreading his ideas peacefully around the world and trying to impose democracy on other countries. This however would sometimes end up with violence coming from opposing nations. These two policy's had different approaches that lead to oppiste and different results but still the two ideas shared one similar goal, which was to help the growth of the US as an imperialist power and to give the growing nation more control and influence on other countries.
Roosevelt and Wilson both had a different policy on approaching conflicts with other countries. Roosevelt's policy was to always be straightforward and inform other counties what there plans were and what they intended to do. If the other county was not supportive of what was said then the United States would threaten violence, this way countries would obey to avoid the looming conflict and violence that would happen if they didn't. This policy seemed to conclude with a mostly peaceful result and no real violence ever surfaced. With Wilson's diplomacy policy, he believed that he should be spreading his ideas peacefully around the world and trying to impose democracy on other countries. This however would sometimes end up with violence coming from opposing nations. These two policy's had different approaches that lead to oppiste and different results but still the two ideas shared one similar goal, which was to help the growth of the US as an imperialist power and to give the growing nation more control and influence on other countries.
Critical Thinking 18-4!
How was U.S. policy toward China different form U.S policy toward the Philippines?
The US policy towards the Philippines was that they had more control over it then after a while they started to give more independence in ruling there own government untill the Phillipines finelly became independent of the United states. With China it was a country with freedom but other countrys were having there own share of it. The US wanted to benefit from china so they decided to have an open door policy, where all imperalist nations had to share trade in China so that no single nation would have a monopoly trade anywhere in China. This policy was agrree by on the other nations though very reluctantly.
The US policy towards the Philippines was that they had more control over it then after a while they started to give more independence in ruling there own government untill the Phillipines finelly became independent of the United states. With China it was a country with freedom but other countrys were having there own share of it. The US wanted to benefit from china so they decided to have an open door policy, where all imperalist nations had to share trade in China so that no single nation would have a monopoly trade anywhere in China. This policy was agrree by on the other nations though very reluctantly.
Critical Thinking 18-3!
How did American rule of Puerto Rico harm Puerto Ricans? How did it help Puerto Ricans? Do you think the benefits outweighed the harmful effects?
When America took rule over Puerto Rico it caused harm to the Puerto Ricans. American government could not promise Puerto Ricans independence after the war. Also the American military was stilled station on the island and would remain so until congress said other wise. Many Puerto Ricans wanted to have independence and statehood but the Us government continued to have military forces and control over the island because it was very strategic land for the US to have. The island would secure a Us presence in the Caribbean and was important for protecting the future canal that the untied States was planning on building. Another harmful thing was the small amount of power the Puerto Ricans were given. Though congress vote out military control with the Foraker Act, it gave the president the right to elect the Puerto Ricans govern, The Puerto Ricans themselves only had the power to elect one representative.
There was also benefits for the Puerto Ricans after he Spanish-American war. Congress had the right to grant US citizenship and they were also given the right to elect there two houses of their legislature. In the end I think that the benefits do not outweigh the harmful effects. The Puerto Ricans had gained a measure of independence under the rule of Spain and when they were taking over by the US it seemed like they were actually losing more power then they were gaining. The Puerto Ricans were being used to benefit the united stats and because of it they lost some of there freedom.
When America took rule over Puerto Rico it caused harm to the Puerto Ricans. American government could not promise Puerto Ricans independence after the war. Also the American military was stilled station on the island and would remain so until congress said other wise. Many Puerto Ricans wanted to have independence and statehood but the Us government continued to have military forces and control over the island because it was very strategic land for the US to have. The island would secure a Us presence in the Caribbean and was important for protecting the future canal that the untied States was planning on building. Another harmful thing was the small amount of power the Puerto Ricans were given. Though congress vote out military control with the Foraker Act, it gave the president the right to elect the Puerto Ricans govern, The Puerto Ricans themselves only had the power to elect one representative.
There was also benefits for the Puerto Ricans after he Spanish-American war. Congress had the right to grant US citizenship and they were also given the right to elect there two houses of their legislature. In the end I think that the benefits do not outweigh the harmful effects. The Puerto Ricans had gained a measure of independence under the rule of Spain and when they were taking over by the US it seemed like they were actually losing more power then they were gaining. The Puerto Ricans were being used to benefit the united stats and because of it they lost some of there freedom.
Critical Thinking 18-3!
What do you think were the unstated editorial polices of yellow journalism?
Yellow journalism was a writing tactic used by exaggerating news to get more peoples attention. Articles with an editorial touch are written with the authors views clearly shown, they are articles with bias. The editorial polices in yellow journalism were that an author could use there own views to exaggerate a store and swing peoples views around to there way of seeing a story. Also writers of yellow journalism would try to create the most interesting story to get more people to buy the newspaper. Writers such as Pulitzer and Hearst were two writer that were competing in newspaper sales. They would both try to write the most intense, compelling stories to grape the more readers attention. They would write about poisoned wells and other horrible things that people wanted to red about. Hearst also new that if he add pictures to his stories then if would spark even more peoples interest and even help propel a war between American and sprain. Along with pictures a simple attention graping headline could become a rally cry for people reading the newspapers and push for war with Spain. Even if there was no substantial proof that Spain blew up the ship, headlines and pictures were a convincing enough lure for many people to join in on supporting American ans Spanish warfare.
Yellow journalism was a writing tactic used by exaggerating news to get more peoples attention. Articles with an editorial touch are written with the authors views clearly shown, they are articles with bias. The editorial polices in yellow journalism were that an author could use there own views to exaggerate a store and swing peoples views around to there way of seeing a story. Also writers of yellow journalism would try to create the most interesting story to get more people to buy the newspaper. Writers such as Pulitzer and Hearst were two writer that were competing in newspaper sales. They would both try to write the most intense, compelling stories to grape the more readers attention. They would write about poisoned wells and other horrible things that people wanted to red about. Hearst also new that if he add pictures to his stories then if would spark even more peoples interest and even help propel a war between American and sprain. Along with pictures a simple attention graping headline could become a rally cry for people reading the newspapers and push for war with Spain. Even if there was no substantial proof that Spain blew up the ship, headlines and pictures were a convincing enough lure for many people to join in on supporting American ans Spanish warfare.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Current Events 3 West Africa!
Foreign Relations
Recently it has seemed that due to West Africas recourses, that many countries have expressed interest in trading, which would really boost West Africa as a growing economic power. Countries like Brazil and India have had meetings to help establish trade with WA. These countries, who have seen a surge in there economy over the last years and now can invest in other developing countries, can form alliances with WA where they both benefit. Brazil, India and WA have all had there share of power problems and that has caused them to form a strong alliance in the past. They are all together in producing biofuels and both have seen it has an strong economic booster. Also these non-industrialized countries that are showing interest in WA are also benefiting with more influence in the U.N. This strong interest is always endanger of faltering though because it is fairly new interest and WA is yet to fully establish themselves. West African country Liberia is now starting to see help from the United States fallowing its long civil war. The country that suffered during that time has a new elected leader and is trying to further progress. The united states wants to be a part in helping the progress by trying to relive debt and support education and health care. Also the peace core will be traveling into that county to help after many years of staying away due to the violet war. Though progress is moving in a hopeful direction for Liberia, it is still facing many challenges and problems. One of them is Ivorian refugees that fled from Cote d'Ivorie and are now seeking refuge in Liberian camps. Kids from these countries have been attending special schools there but it has been upsetting to many of the hopefuls that one day wish to return to there native French speaking country. They are upset with the Liberian based texts that children have been learning from because they are mostly in English, not French. These people feel that if they ever return to there native country that they wont be a part of it and wont feel like the belong because they have learned the wrong curriculum. Some effort has been made for the children though to give hope that one day they might finally return home. Another problem plaguing Liberia after 14 years of war is its health care situation. Many years of war has left a large part of Liberia poor and unemployed and cannot pay heath care fees. The Liberian government had put fees of hospitals but have now stopped them because barley anyone was able to pay them and so many needed health care. The world bank has been working within Liberia to try and find a way to help Liberia when money for free health care from donors runs out. Liberia has been using funding to pay doctors and health care but it will not last without significant funding and another plan needs to be set in motion Ideas like payment schemes, and taxes have been brought up with other ideas. To further these ideas, Save the Children UK and UN Children's Fund plan to collect data that will hopefully help lead them to the most feasible solution.
Recently it has seemed that due to West Africas recourses, that many countries have expressed interest in trading, which would really boost West Africa as a growing economic power. Countries like Brazil and India have had meetings to help establish trade with WA. These countries, who have seen a surge in there economy over the last years and now can invest in other developing countries, can form alliances with WA where they both benefit. Brazil, India and WA have all had there share of power problems and that has caused them to form a strong alliance in the past. They are all together in producing biofuels and both have seen it has an strong economic booster. Also these non-industrialized countries that are showing interest in WA are also benefiting with more influence in the U.N. This strong interest is always endanger of faltering though because it is fairly new interest and WA is yet to fully establish themselves. West African country Liberia is now starting to see help from the United States fallowing its long civil war. The country that suffered during that time has a new elected leader and is trying to further progress. The united states wants to be a part in helping the progress by trying to relive debt and support education and health care. Also the peace core will be traveling into that county to help after many years of staying away due to the violet war. Though progress is moving in a hopeful direction for Liberia, it is still facing many challenges and problems. One of them is Ivorian refugees that fled from Cote d'Ivorie and are now seeking refuge in Liberian camps. Kids from these countries have been attending special schools there but it has been upsetting to many of the hopefuls that one day wish to return to there native French speaking country. They are upset with the Liberian based texts that children have been learning from because they are mostly in English, not French. These people feel that if they ever return to there native country that they wont be a part of it and wont feel like the belong because they have learned the wrong curriculum. Some effort has been made for the children though to give hope that one day they might finally return home. Another problem plaguing Liberia after 14 years of war is its health care situation. Many years of war has left a large part of Liberia poor and unemployed and cannot pay heath care fees. The Liberian government had put fees of hospitals but have now stopped them because barley anyone was able to pay them and so many needed health care. The world bank has been working within Liberia to try and find a way to help Liberia when money for free health care from donors runs out. Liberia has been using funding to pay doctors and health care but it will not last without significant funding and another plan needs to be set in motion Ideas like payment schemes, and taxes have been brought up with other ideas. To further these ideas, Save the Children UK and UN Children's Fund plan to collect data that will hopefully help lead them to the most feasible solution.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Critical Thinking 18-5!
In the fallowing passage, how does Indiana Senator Albert J. Beveridge explain the need for the the U.S to accuire new territories?
" Fate has written our policy for us; the trade of the world must and shall be ours... we will establish trading posts throughout the world as distributing points for American products... Great colonies governing themselves, flying our flag and trading with us, will grow about our post of trade."
In this quote Beveridge explains why it is a very important thing for america to keep expanding. He states that it is fate for america to keep growing and that the trade of the world must be ours. He thinks that we are supposed to be this strong and it is not right to question if we should have this much control because it is our fate. America has to set up trades post all over the world so that they will have control of trade all over the world in these new territoies, this way american trade and products can be distributed everywhere. He states that if we keep expanding and creating colonies all over the world, it will unite the different counties the colonies are in. All the coloines would be self governed but will trade the same way and fly our flag and be united with us and help stengthen us as we help streghen them. Not only will this trade control bring unity but it will also stregthen the other countrys and they will grow and florish due to our tading posts.
" Fate has written our policy for us; the trade of the world must and shall be ours... we will establish trading posts throughout the world as distributing points for American products... Great colonies governing themselves, flying our flag and trading with us, will grow about our post of trade."
In this quote Beveridge explains why it is a very important thing for america to keep expanding. He states that it is fate for america to keep growing and that the trade of the world must be ours. He thinks that we are supposed to be this strong and it is not right to question if we should have this much control because it is our fate. America has to set up trades post all over the world so that they will have control of trade all over the world in these new territoies, this way american trade and products can be distributed everywhere. He states that if we keep expanding and creating colonies all over the world, it will unite the different counties the colonies are in. All the coloines would be self governed but will trade the same way and fly our flag and be united with us and help stengthen us as we help streghen them. Not only will this trade control bring unity but it will also stregthen the other countrys and they will grow and florish due to our tading posts.
Critical Thinking 18-3!
Manifest Destiny influenced American policy during the first half of the 19th century. How do you think manifest destiny set the stage for American imperialism at the end of the century?
Manifest destiny emerged when the americans wanted control of the native americans land in the west. They decided that the land was rightfully theirs and that they were supposed to have the land becuase it was there god given right. This lead to the settlers taking the majority of the Natives land and leaving the Natives with a very small amount of land for reservations. This policy was the bases for an imperialism policy, where a strong nation expand their economic, political, and military control over weaker territories. In manifest destiny this was obviously the case because the American settlers overpowered the native Americans so they took there land and spread there economic, military, and political control on the Natives in the west. Since the Americans felt that they were intiltled to this land and they got it, it would set the stage for them wanting to keep taking land and expanding. Also now that the American nation was even stronger then when it was an new nation taking native lands, they would feel more then ever that there strength as a country should entitle them to more land because they felt even more superior. In manifest destiny the Americans wanted to take land with natural recourses that they would greatly benefit from and the idea carried on when the nation was expanding when they acquired Alaska, a state rich in natural reasorces like timber and oil(p. 550). Also there is the idea of assimilation and Americans trying to make Native Americans more civilized. They thought that they were doing the right thing by bringing religion and culture to uncivilized people and that is then same thing they wanted to do in the future to other lands that they were trying to take control of. One major thing about the people spreading democracy in manifest destiny and during this time period was that they would both use it as an reason to feel better about what they were doing and use that idea that they were doing the right thing to let the government take come in and take control of land. This happed during the end of the century when the government overthrew Hawaii's monarchy. It would have seem like a good thing becuase the governmnt was getting rid of a monarchy and giving democracy, but in reality the government was just useing that so that they could take there land.
Manifest destiny emerged when the americans wanted control of the native americans land in the west. They decided that the land was rightfully theirs and that they were supposed to have the land becuase it was there god given right. This lead to the settlers taking the majority of the Natives land and leaving the Natives with a very small amount of land for reservations. This policy was the bases for an imperialism policy, where a strong nation expand their economic, political, and military control over weaker territories. In manifest destiny this was obviously the case because the American settlers overpowered the native Americans so they took there land and spread there economic, military, and political control on the Natives in the west. Since the Americans felt that they were intiltled to this land and they got it, it would set the stage for them wanting to keep taking land and expanding. Also now that the American nation was even stronger then when it was an new nation taking native lands, they would feel more then ever that there strength as a country should entitle them to more land because they felt even more superior. In manifest destiny the Americans wanted to take land with natural recourses that they would greatly benefit from and the idea carried on when the nation was expanding when they acquired Alaska, a state rich in natural reasorces like timber and oil(p. 550). Also there is the idea of assimilation and Americans trying to make Native Americans more civilized. They thought that they were doing the right thing by bringing religion and culture to uncivilized people and that is then same thing they wanted to do in the future to other lands that they were trying to take control of. One major thing about the people spreading democracy in manifest destiny and during this time period was that they would both use it as an reason to feel better about what they were doing and use that idea that they were doing the right thing to let the government take come in and take control of land. This happed during the end of the century when the government overthrew Hawaii's monarchy. It would have seem like a good thing becuase the governmnt was getting rid of a monarchy and giving democracy, but in reality the government was just useing that so that they could take there land.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Critical Thinking 17-4!
Why do you think Wilson failed to push for equality for African Americans, despite Progressive reform?
When Wilson was elected president he supported many Progressive ideas, but one idea that he did not show support for was for African American rights and equality. Though he favored progressive ideals, his presidential role, his background and his primary people targets all help shove the importance of Black rights out of Wilson's mind.
Wilson was the president following Roosevelt and like before him he and Roosevelt had many similar progressive ideas(p. 538). One main idea that they did share was there views on Black rights. Wilson may have tried to fallow in the footsteps of this previous president when he to also decided that he would not get involved in black rights and that they should not be focused on or given the same rights as whites.
Wilson's background of growing up in the south could have played the biggest part in why he was not concerned with blacks rights. He grew up in the south during the civil war and the prejudice that he would have against African Americans while living there could have effected him in a way where he could never be able to see blacks and whites as equals(p. 539).
Wilson was also thinking about the primary group of people his Progressive reform ideas targeted and how he would need to support the ideas of those people. The progressive movement was mostly targeted towards white citizens and business owners and Wilson would have wanted to appeal to them instead of black civil rights and equality.
When Wilson was elected president he supported many Progressive ideas, but one idea that he did not show support for was for African American rights and equality. Though he favored progressive ideals, his presidential role, his background and his primary people targets all help shove the importance of Black rights out of Wilson's mind.
Wilson was the president following Roosevelt and like before him he and Roosevelt had many similar progressive ideas(p. 538). One main idea that they did share was there views on Black rights. Wilson may have tried to fallow in the footsteps of this previous president when he to also decided that he would not get involved in black rights and that they should not be focused on or given the same rights as whites.
Wilson's background of growing up in the south could have played the biggest part in why he was not concerned with blacks rights. He grew up in the south during the civil war and the prejudice that he would have against African Americans while living there could have effected him in a way where he could never be able to see blacks and whites as equals(p. 539).
Wilson was also thinking about the primary group of people his Progressive reform ideas targeted and how he would need to support the ideas of those people. The progressive movement was mostly targeted towards white citizens and business owners and Wilson would have wanted to appeal to them instead of black civil rights and equality.
Critical Thinking 17-5!
Why did W.EB Du Bois oppose Booker T. Washington's views on racial discrimination?
W.E.B opposed Booker because W.E.B was angered that Roosevelt invited him to dinner as a symbol of blacks and whites sharing together because Booker viewed black poverty as being blamed on blacks and thought that discrimination was something that should just be accepted(p. 531). W.E.B Du Bois saw that blacks were just a worthy as whites and that they deserved the same rights and that discriminating against them was wrong and a deep injustice. He wanted to fight and tried very hard to make black rights an important part of the Progressive movement, even though it still got very little support outside of its group members.
W.E.B opposed Booker because W.E.B was angered that Roosevelt invited him to dinner as a symbol of blacks and whites sharing together because Booker viewed black poverty as being blamed on blacks and thought that discrimination was something that should just be accepted(p. 531). W.E.B Du Bois saw that blacks were just a worthy as whites and that they deserved the same rights and that discriminating against them was wrong and a deep injustice. He wanted to fight and tried very hard to make black rights an important part of the Progressive movement, even though it still got very little support outside of its group members.
Critical Thinking 17-5!
Imagine you are a women during the Progressive Era. Explain how you might recruit other women to support the fallowing causes: improving education, housing reform, food and drug laws, the right to vote.
If I were living during the Progressive Era, I would need ways to recruit other women to support my beliefs. I would find the issues happening around be important and worth fighting for and would try very hard to bring around a change for myself and other women.
To convince others that women deserve higher education, I would show others the success and the growing number of women who were now attending colleges or even just finishing high school, I would point out the large number of women who are living happy successful lives with out the support of men because they have a good education to try and inspire others to attend higher learning.
I would also encourage the attending of reform groups, these groups would be good place to discuss and try to change food and drug laws and improve the poor conditions of the existing ones. The food and drugs out there were highly unhealthy and people would need to know what they were putting into there body and had the right to decide if they did not what to use them or not. I would show that with better food and drugs, it would help create a much healthier environment and improve life.
One of the most important causes that would need recruiting would be fighting for the right to vote. You could use conventions like the Seneca Falls convention to discuss this problem, also you would have to get the word out by going to places like the government to try and show that women and man should be considered equal and that idea should be reconized. I would state that women should have the same rights as men and that women are humans just like men and our on the same intellectual level and are completely capable of making a decision like voting.
If I were living during the Progressive Era, I would need ways to recruit other women to support my beliefs. I would find the issues happening around be important and worth fighting for and would try very hard to bring around a change for myself and other women.
To convince others that women deserve higher education, I would show others the success and the growing number of women who were now attending colleges or even just finishing high school, I would point out the large number of women who are living happy successful lives with out the support of men because they have a good education to try and inspire others to attend higher learning.
I would also encourage the attending of reform groups, these groups would be good place to discuss and try to change food and drug laws and improve the poor conditions of the existing ones. The food and drugs out there were highly unhealthy and people would need to know what they were putting into there body and had the right to decide if they did not what to use them or not. I would show that with better food and drugs, it would help create a much healthier environment and improve life.
One of the most important causes that would need recruiting would be fighting for the right to vote. You could use conventions like the Seneca Falls convention to discuss this problem, also you would have to get the word out by going to places like the government to try and show that women and man should be considered equal and that idea should be reconized. I would state that women should have the same rights as men and that women are humans just like men and our on the same intellectual level and are completely capable of making a decision like voting.
Critical Thinking 17-4!
This cartoon shows Carry Nation inside a saloon that she has attacked. Do you think the cartoonist had a favorable or unfavorable opinion of this prohibitionist?
The cartoonist had a negative view of Carry Nation and what she stood for. Carry was all for prohibition and that alcoholic beverages should be banned(p. 513). She went around enforcing these beliefs by entering saloons and bars and destroying liquor with weapons and singing and praying and trying to scold people out of drinking. The cartoonist did not view this favorably when he drew this comic of her. In the cartoon Cary is this big intimidating old women with a hatchet, she enters the bar and completely destroys it, while this has happened many people in the bar are now cowering behind furniture and she looks very mean and unapologetic towards them and the ruin she has caused. She has not only done damage to the drinks but has completely destroyed the place including the glass, dishes, and pictures. The cartoon depicts her of being an uncaring villain and all the people in the bar around her as defenseless victims.
The cartoonist had a negative view of Carry Nation and what she stood for. Carry was all for prohibition and that alcoholic beverages should be banned(p. 513). She went around enforcing these beliefs by entering saloons and bars and destroying liquor with weapons and singing and praying and trying to scold people out of drinking. The cartoonist did not view this favorably when he drew this comic of her. In the cartoon Cary is this big intimidating old women with a hatchet, she enters the bar and completely destroys it, while this has happened many people in the bar are now cowering behind furniture and she looks very mean and unapologetic towards them and the ruin she has caused. She has not only done damage to the drinks but has completely destroyed the place including the glass, dishes, and pictures. The cartoon depicts her of being an uncaring villain and all the people in the bar around her as defenseless victims.
Critical Thinking 17-3!
In what ways might Illinois, Wisconsin, and Oregon all be trailblazers in progressive reform?
These three states all played important influential parts in progressive reform to try and make there state a better social and economic place to live. Wisconsin led the way in trying to regulate big business. Wisconsin's republican leader Robert Follette wanted the big businesses, like railroads, to stop living above the law. He gave the railroads the same tax rate as other property's, set up commission to regulate rates, and put a stop to railroads hanging free passes to state officials(p. 516). Illinois was a first in passing laws that limited child labor and the amount of hours women could work. Other states soon fallowed in what Illinois was doing. Oregon was were advance for the womens workday were made. Many cases were brought to courts of women working too much, this lead to the courts passing a reduced 10 hours work day for women. Other states fallowed suit and started strengthening there women work day laws as well and soon men were also facing the benifits of reciving a shorter work day(p. 517).
These three states all played important influential parts in progressive reform to try and make there state a better social and economic place to live. Wisconsin led the way in trying to regulate big business. Wisconsin's republican leader Robert Follette wanted the big businesses, like railroads, to stop living above the law. He gave the railroads the same tax rate as other property's, set up commission to regulate rates, and put a stop to railroads hanging free passes to state officials(p. 516). Illinois was a first in passing laws that limited child labor and the amount of hours women could work. Other states soon fallowed in what Illinois was doing. Oregon was were advance for the womens workday were made. Many cases were brought to courts of women working too much, this lead to the courts passing a reduced 10 hours work day for women. Other states fallowed suit and started strengthening there women work day laws as well and soon men were also facing the benifits of reciving a shorter work day(p. 517).
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Current Events 2 West Africa!
Foreign Relations
Nigeria has been facing recent problems from three foreign suspects being accused of spying acts of esponage and terrorism. The tree people, one a Us aid worker and two German companions were caught filming youths in the Ijaw in the Niger Delta. This is a place of much controversy because it is a place rich in oil, still it is incredibly poverty ridden. They were arrested on account of having no permission to be filming the people of the Niger Delta and that they were going to be using the film to exploit the situation there and try to do damage to Nigeria by showing the embarrassing footage. The damage of the footage taken by the foreigners would be considered terrorism. Nigeria has also been facing trouble with the Netherlands. The Ivory Coast is just now receiving 200 millions dollars from an oil trading company based in the Netherlands who owe this large sum of money for illegally dumping toxic waste in Abidjan last year. The company, Trafigura, dumped toxin on the coast of heavily populated areas causing the deaths of ten people and for many thousands to become sick. It has become quite contraversal that somehow toxic waste ended up dumped on the shores of poorer countries. Geography has also played an important part in West Africa's relation with foreign Aid. Because of a drastic climate change in West Africa over the last 40 years or so, it has forced many nomads who travel all over the region to settle down. This change in geography had a dramatic effect on West Africa's foreign affairs because now that these people need to settle down, they no longer can live of the supplies that they had received from the land and now mush live off foreign aid and charity coming in from other countries. Liberia is also facing another contraversal problem with trading with the united nations, that have now renewed its ban on exporting diamonds from Liberia. This act was reinstated to try and stop blood diamonds from making there way it to mainstream marketplaces. The decision to stop exporting diamonds from Liberia is a heavily debated one because selling the diamonds would generate large sums of much needed money.
Nigeria has been facing recent problems from three foreign suspects being accused of spying acts of esponage and terrorism. The tree people, one a Us aid worker and two German companions were caught filming youths in the Ijaw in the Niger Delta. This is a place of much controversy because it is a place rich in oil, still it is incredibly poverty ridden. They were arrested on account of having no permission to be filming the people of the Niger Delta and that they were going to be using the film to exploit the situation there and try to do damage to Nigeria by showing the embarrassing footage. The damage of the footage taken by the foreigners would be considered terrorism. Nigeria has also been facing trouble with the Netherlands. The Ivory Coast is just now receiving 200 millions dollars from an oil trading company based in the Netherlands who owe this large sum of money for illegally dumping toxic waste in Abidjan last year. The company, Trafigura, dumped toxin on the coast of heavily populated areas causing the deaths of ten people and for many thousands to become sick. It has become quite contraversal that somehow toxic waste ended up dumped on the shores of poorer countries. Geography has also played an important part in West Africa's relation with foreign Aid. Because of a drastic climate change in West Africa over the last 40 years or so, it has forced many nomads who travel all over the region to settle down. This change in geography had a dramatic effect on West Africa's foreign affairs because now that these people need to settle down, they no longer can live of the supplies that they had received from the land and now mush live off foreign aid and charity coming in from other countries. Liberia is also facing another contraversal problem with trading with the united nations, that have now renewed its ban on exporting diamonds from Liberia. This act was reinstated to try and stop blood diamonds from making there way it to mainstream marketplaces. The decision to stop exporting diamonds from Liberia is a heavily debated one because selling the diamonds would generate large sums of much needed money.
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