American History Is Continued - Coursework Example

American history is continued Part A How did the origins of the cold war reflect different American and Soviet needs and interests after World War II? The origin of the cold war reflects a number of differences between America and the Soviet Union. Some of these differences include the division of Europe, postwar economic aids and the atomic bomb (Divine et al., 810). The main fundamental disagreement between America and the Soviet Union was over who could control postwar in Europe. The Soviet Union was having support from the Russians who were intent on imposing communist governments loyal to Moscow in the Soviet sphere (Divine et al., 810). However, the United States had a different opinion where it supported the principle of national self-determination. Through this principle, the United States insisted that people in each country should freely choose their postwar rulers (Divine et al., 810). 2. What was the policy of “containment”? The policy of containment consolidated the evolving postwar anti-communist and established various guidelines that were intended to shape the America’s role in the world for more than two decades (Divine et al., 810). Through the containment policy, the United State intended to force the Soviet Union to adopt policies that are more reasonable and live in peace with the west. The containment policy developed form an article that was presented by Kennan concerning issues on foreign affairs. In the article that was later developed into the containment policy, Kennan warned that there is a need of a policy of containment. In his argument, Kennan illustrated that only strong and sustained resistance could halt the outward flow of Russian power (Divine et al., 810). 3. How did Sputnik impact the United States? The Sputnik, which was launched by the Soviet Union, bought panic to the Americans. This is because the Sputnik was the first artificial satellite to orbit the earth. The Americans were fearful that the Russians were far ahead of them in terms of development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) (Divine et al., 810). The Democratic argued that the country was not spending enough on defense and the launch of Sputnik posed as a dangerous missile gap. This could give the Russians an opportunity to launch a first strike and destroy America while having such a command lead in ICBMs (Divine et al., 810). Moreover, the through the development of Sputnik, the Russians were making several threats to the Americans of being capable in making severe destructions. 4. What were the key characteristics of American culture and society during the 1950’s? Some of the key characteristics in the American culture include the fact that consumerism became the dominant social theme (Divine et al., 843). There were abundance of creature comforts and more hours of leisure time. This simply means that most of the Americans were experiencing good life. Another important area that showed significant improvement in the American culture was the religion organizations (Divine et al., 843). There was a significance increase in the number of churches and synagogues in most of the communities in America. Moreover, there was an increase in the number of schools and many children were able to get education (Divine et al., 843). 5. What social and political factors acted to encourage the growth of a strong civil rights movement? Some of the social factors that led to the growth of civil rights movement included lack of proper shelter. For example, Divine et al., (851) indicates that those who had left the south for better opportunities in the northern and western cities were concentrated in blighted and segregated neighborhoods. They were also working at low-paying jobs. Moreover, they were suffering from economic and social discrimination and failing to share fully in the postwar prosperity (Divine et al., 851). Some of the political factors that led to the growth of the civil movements include failure of making reforms and the denial of basic rights to the minority black community (Divine et al., 851). Part 1 (B) How does the author characterize the year 1954? According to the author, by the year 1954, most of the Americans were employed with various technological skills and they could manage to operate a number of machines. For example, the author indicates that people were able to work with typewriters and computers. The author also indicates that by the year 1954, most women in the American society had secured jobs in various different organizations. Moreover, the GI Bill of Rights had democratized education and many American were able to join various learning institutions by the year 1954. The author also indicates that there was a substantial growth in the commerce industry. According to the author, America experienced significant growth changes in many sectors by the year 1954. Part 1 (C) Movie Review Assignment The Best Years of Our Lives  1. Describe some of the apprehensions of the veterans upon returning home. The movie indicates various apprehensions that the veterans feel upon returning home which include being nervous after getting out of the service. The veterans try to compare their trip back home to the one they made while moving overseas. The three veterans mainly focused in the movie try to figure out about the readjustment that they will make after retuning back to the states. The veterans, think of how their wives will say for the time they have been out of home. They also ask themselves whether the society will accept them the way they are as some of them experienced permanent injuries. 2. How would you characterize those at home adjusting to the returning veterans? Those at home adjusting to the returning of the veterans seem to have different expectations. For example, some the veterans’ wives expect them to have the same figure they had during their youthful days. The veterans’ wives also try to change what they have been using to do that may not please their husbands. The wives also expect the husbands to be in control of the family once again. This means that they try to reduce the freedom that they had while on their own after their husbands left. Others expect that they will recover the lost happiness that they had with their husbands before their overseas trip. 3. Describe the “disconnect” between the returning veterans and those who stayed home during the war. There is a significant disconnect between the returning veterans and those who stayed back at home. The veterans seem to have difficulties in adjusting their lives to the society. These difficulties include the fact that they do not have financial strength and compared to those who stayed home during the war. Some of them do not even have nice homes for their families compared to other members of the society. Moreover, the veterans seem to be affected much when they remember some of the incidents they experienced on the war. 4. How would you explain the incident at the Soda Fountain? The incident at the Soda Fountain is all about one of the veterans known as Fred who pays a visit to the company he used to work for before moving into the war. His main aim of making the visit is to find out whether he can be able to secure employment once again in the company. However, his expectations turn otherwise. This is because at first he does not realize that company was sold to another firm. After making a conversation with the new store manager of the company, Fred is offered a chance in the company where he will be required to work for a part time job. His main interest being the salary, he questions about it and the manager tells him that he will be earning thirty-two fifty dollars per week. This information breaks Fred’s heart after he informs the manager that he used to make more than 400 dollars a month in the Air Force. 5. How would you describe the post-war mentality of the nation? Most of the Americans were expecting great outcomes and gains from the World War II. Many of the citizens did not expect that the country would lose a great number of its soldiers. The soldiers who moved into the war were expecting that apart from fighting for the benefit of the country, they would get considerable amount of money that would improve their lives and those of their families. Moreover, most of the soldiers expected that their lives would come back to normal and live happily again after the war. However, this did not turn out as they expected after the war. 6. Understanding that this movie was made in 1946, what is the message of the film? The main message in the movie is that the happiness that came with the ending of World War II lasted only for a short time. The director tends to convey the message that most of the veterans who took part in the war experienced significant difficulties in adjusting their lives to the society., it was difficult for the veterans to get back in the position they held in the society before the war no matter their previous station and position. The director also wants to convey the message that the Federal government did not do much to honor the veterans during this period. This is because the veterans experienced various different difficulties in their social lives after the war. 7. Let’s focus on the cinematography of this film. What are your observations of the cast, scenes, and acting in general? The cast of the movie depicts a great experience of the director in the movie industry. This is because he manages to place all the characters in apposition they could fit in the movie. The scenes play a significant role in helping the audience to experience and understand how the situation was in the late 1940s. The scenes depict to be in a small city where the director manages to show the audience the degree of destruction that was experienced during the war. The acting in general can be credit 9 out 10. The high mark is because the audience can be able to follow all the incidents that happened on the war during the 1940s form the movie. PART 1(D) Response to MACHIKO SAKASAI Views I agree with Sakasai views that the movie demonstrates the three veterans being nervous of getting back home. This is because they had no idea of how people in the society would react when they get back home. I also agree on the fact that there was a significant disconnect between the veterans and those people who stayed home. The disconnection was evident because the veterans were not financially stable, as many people would have expected. However, it is unfortunate that Sakasai did not manage to give a straight answer on how to characterize those at home adjusting to the returning veterans. According to my opinion, Sakasai would have given a specific answer on whether people back at home had positive or negative motives concerning the veterans returning from the war. Response to EDWARD BOBROVITSKY Views I agree with BOBROVITSKY views that the article addresses various changes that took place during the year 1954. Most of these changes related to various technological issues. It is also true that the article illustrates various changes that emerged after World War II. The article illustrates that most people were able to work and operate on a number of technological equipments like typesetters and computers. I also agree with BOBROVITSKY that the Cold War had both negative and positive effects on the American society. Some of the positive changes include the fact that America experienced a rise in the economic sector. The negative changes include the fact that chemicals released during the war after explosion of atomic weapons affected most of the Americans. Part 2 (A) 1. How did John F. Kennedy implement his belief that the Cold War was a test of America’s toughness and strength? The first significant issue that Kennedy considered to be of first priority was building and increasing the number of America’s armed forces. Kennedy also managed to authorize the construction of a nuclear arsenal that could help in defeating the Russians (Divine et al., 861). The arsenal was designed to have about 1000 Minuteman of which it was first time. Through the help of secretary of defense, Kennedy’s government managed to add five combat-ready army divisions, three tactical air wings and a ten-division strategic reserve. Moreover, Kennedy himself expended the Special Forces unit at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and insisted over army objections, that it adopt a distinctive green beret as a symbol of its elite status (Divine et al., 861). 2. What was U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America? The American government employed the foreign policy of confrontation towards Latin America through the leadership of John F. Kennedy. Through thus policy, which is also known as the engagement policy, the U.S Federal government managed to over various help to Latin America. Some of the help the Latin America managed to get include economic and military aid. Moreover, the U.S government encouraged the Latin America to adopt and maintain various policies that were of interest to the U.S. The U.S president of the time, Kennedy advocated for financial and technical assistance designed to help Latin America and the third world countries (Divine et al., 861). 3. What was the philosophy of the Warren Court? The Warren Court refers to the supreme court of America. The court got this name under the leadership of Earl Warren. He was a pragmatic jurist who was mostly noted for his political astuteness rather than his legal leadership. Through the leadership of Earl Warren, the philosophy of the Warren Court entailed issuing a series of landmark decisions designed to extend to state and local jurisdictions the traditional rights afforded the accused of in federal courts (Divine et al., 861). Moreover, the philosophy of the court entailed that defendants have the right to be provided lawyers. Moreover, defendants ought to be given the chance of being informed their constitutional rights (Divine et al., 861). 4. What alternatives did President Johnson have regarding Vietnam? Johnson employed various alternatives in order to make sure that the Americans won the Vietnam War. The president permitted the gradual increase in the bombing of North Vietnam (Divine et al., 879). He also allowed the American soldiers who were the ground commanders to conduct offensive operations in the south of Vietnam. Moreover, the president also approved the immediate dispatch of more than fifty thousand troops to Vietnam and the future commitment to fifty thousand more (Divine et al., 879). The president avoided withdrawal from the war because it would affect the American picture on the rest of the world. Therefore, Johnson made a full commitment of employing American military in Vietnam as the situation demanded (Divine et al., 879). 5. Why did the America fail in Vietnam? America failed in Vietnam because of various reasons. One of these reasons is the withdrawal of President Johnson from taking part in the presidential race (Divine et al., 887). Johnson had played a significant role in developing and maintaining the war in Vietnam. Moreover, there were many groups known as antiwar that had emerged in America with the aim of protesting the war against Vietnam (Divine et al., 888). Moreover, various political and military responses were not in support of the Vietnam War and this contributed in the American not employing the full force that could lead them into victory. PART 2 (B) How does the author describe the origins of 1960’s Mississippi? According to the author, the 1960’s Mississippi originated from the fight for equality. A young Negro named James Meredith who had left the state in search of better chance in life by the year 1950 led this fight for equality. After this fight, Mississippi entered into the all-white university after a night of bloody rioting. Through the fight for equality, the author indicates that the new Mississippi was developed. However, many people lost their lives including Medgar Evers who was shot in ambush. Civil-right workers were also lynched at night while developing the Mississippi of 1960s. The article also indicates that there was a significant change in the year 1960. Some of these changes related to the economic progress of this region. Part 2 (C) Political Cartoon The political cartoon provides crucial information about the Watergate cover-up. According to the political cartoon, it is clear that the Watergate scandal had many hidden agendas. Some of the agendas include faked cables, forged letters and a number of stolen files. Moreover, the cartoon indicates that the Mexico government directly benefited from the scandal. America lost a lot of money whereby they were taken by the Mexican government. Another significant issue that the political cartoon demonstrates is how Nixon was trying to find a cover-up over the issue of Watergate scandal. For example, Nixon had tried to disassociate himself from the scandal but eventually the truth came true after release of conversation tapes. Another significant issues demonstrated in the cartoon is that there was political sabotage because of the Watergate scandal. All these issues emerge because of a significant contribution of Nixon, who was the American president of the time. Part 2 (D) Responses Response to ROLAND GARRIDO Views I agree with Garrido views that the article about Mississippi provides significant information about racial discrimination that occurred after the Civil War. It is clear that racial discrimination existed after the war. Moreover, I agree with Garrido on the view that the Civil War brought about devastating economic changes. These changes affected many people especially in the South. Most of the people who were directly affected by these changes were the veterans who were involved in the war. Another significant issue that Garrido managed to depict is that most of the issues that experienced in the South after the war include fear, pride, hatred and money. Response to Machiko Sakasai I agree with Sakasai views that the political cartoon provides information related to the Watergate scandal. Moreover, I agree with Sakasai views that President Nixon was afraid about his failure and downfall in relation to this scandal. Another significant issue is that Nixon was afraid of how people would say about the scandal. This is because American had lost a lot of money from this project. Another issue that Sakasia managed to point out of which is true is Nixon had first denied about the scandal. However, he was proved wrong through the tapes of his telephone conversation. Part 3 (A) 1. Why did many Americans vote against Jimmy Carter in the 1980 elections? Various significant reasons led many of the Americans to vote against Jimmy Carter. One of these reasons was the rise in unemployment that had risen up to 8% by the July 1980 (Divine et al., 914). Moreover, the Federal Reserve Board had made various efforts to tighten the money supply that contributed in recession. Moreover, the foreign policy within Carter’s leadership had proven not be effective. Another issue is that a number of American citizens were held hostages in Iran and the government failed to act fast to their rescue as expected (Divine et al., 888). Moreover, Carter had not managed to much regarding the foreign policy of in the nuclear age. The Americans also illustrated that they had not seen any strategic improvement for the years that Carter was in power (Divine et al., 914). 2. In comparing the foreign policy of Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, why was Nixon better able to lessen the tensions with the Soviet Union? The main reason why Nixon was better to lessen the tensions with the Soviet Union is because he agreed and managed to establish an American liaison mission in Beijing as a first step toward diplomatic recognition. Through Nixon’s opinion, the Soviet Union agreed to an arms control pack with the United States. Moreover, Nixon managed to sign two vital documents with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. One of the documents limited the two superpowers to two hundred antiballistic missiles (ABM). The other one froze the number of offensive ballistic missiles for a five-year period. All these agreement were made for the benefit of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Through the SALT agreements, Nixon helped the American government and the Soviet Union to move a step further in achieving settlement of their differences in a peaceful meaning. 3. How was Nixon able to end the war in Vietnam? Nixon used a three-part plan in order to end the Vietnam War. The first part of his plan was gradual withdraw of the American troops from Vietnam. Divine et al., (914) indicates that the number of the soldiers who were in Vietnam fell from, 540,000 to in early 1969 to less than 30,000 by 1972. After the withdraw of the American troops, Nixon aimed at providing training to South Vietnamese forces to take over the combat role (Divine et al., 914). The other plan that Nixon employed in order to end the war was renewed bombing. However, this plan did little to shorten the war. The third plan entitled negotiating with Hanoi (Divine et al., 914). This plan proved to be successful and Nixon had already made a significant step in ending the war. 4. What was the impact of the Watergate scandal? The Watergate scandal had a significant impact on Nixon’s leadership. After the Senate appointed a special committee to investigate the scandal, it was revealed that the president was involved in the scandal. The revelation was made through the conversation on the tapes that proofed the president involvement with the scandal. This contributed to the resignation of Nixon on August 9, 1974. Divine et al., (914) states that president’s resignation proved the culmination of the Watergate scandal. The entire episode of the scandal revealed both the weakness of the strengths of American Political system. Moreover, the Watergate demonstrated the vitality of a democratic American society (Divine et al., 914). 5. Compare and contrast the foreign policy views of Kissinger and Brzezinski. Both Kissinger and Brzezinski had the same views on the fact that there was a significant need for the American government to safe nuclear weapons from the hands of terrorist. However, both of them have various differences on their opinions. For example, on his views, Brzezinski indicated that it was necessary for the president to advocate for the adoption of new MX missile that would replace the existing Minuteman ICBMs of which some of the experts thought that they were vulnerable to a Soviet first strike (Divine et al., 914). Moreover, through his views on foreign policy, Brzezinski was successful to convince the president to use China to outmaneuver the Soviets (Divine et al., 914). Kissinger had a different view where he considered that America had the power to be in control of various issues even without making many consultations. Part 3 (B) How did the 1970’s change America? The 1970s had various styles that helped to cool down the 1960s hot years that America had experienced. For example, it is in the 1970s that America had America experienced various styles like the wide ties, side burns, synthetic fabrics, white shoe and disco that made the society have fun. The 1970s seems to have shaped the America culture. This means that the various activities that took place during the 1970s contributed in strengthening the American culture. From the 1970s period, the American culture is seems to be essentially individualistic rather than communitarian. This means that notions like deferred gratification, sacrifice and sustainable national effort are hard to sell. Part 3 (c) Movie Review Assignment 1. What sort of post-college challenges does Benjamin face? Benjamin seems to have completed his college and he is at a crossroad in his life. He is in between the adolescent age and the adulthood. Benjamin is worried of his future. He is worried of the unexpected because he really does not know what is the best thing for him to do. Benjamin seems to be searching for meaning in the upper-middle class in the society. There are unsettling junctures that seems to be revolving in Benjamin’s mind. The unsettling junctures emerge because of the shallow human encounters that Benjamin faces in his life. The relationship he engages with Mrs. Robinson tends to compromise the life of Benjamin. 2. Describe Ben’s parents, their lifestyle, generation etc Benjamin’s are of middle-class suburbs family in the society. They seem to be living in a happy marriage. Moreover, they have the advantage of being able to access various basic and auxiliary needs for them and their children. Moreover, they are hardworking parents because of the fact that they have been able to educate their son until he has managed to complete his college education. They also seem to be caring parents. For example, Benjamin’s father manages to ask his son about issue that is disturbing although he does not get an answer in order to offer his help. Moreover, he has seems to have given Benjamin various expensive gifts to please him. 3. How would you characterize Ben’s transformation (from his graduation party to his attempts to marry Elaine)? Benjamin seems to have made significant changes in his life from the time of his graduation party to the time he attempts to marry Elaine. He seems to have discovered that he has already made several mistakes in his life but he is ready to make changes. One of the reasons that support the fact Benjamin is ready to make changes is his braking-up of the relationship with Mrs. Robison. Another thing is that Benjamin seems to have discovered the true meaning of love. He realizes that he made a mistake to ignore Elaine and now is the time to look and fight for her until he manages to win. 4. What is wrong with Mrs. Robinson? Mrs. Robinson seems to have various issues with their marriage. This is the reason that makes her to find for happiness in Benjamin. However, she makes a big mistake where instead of discussion her problems with the husband, she ends up cheating on him. The other mistake is that she ends up cheating with a young man, Benjamin, who is the same age to her daughter. Ironically, Benjamin is entitled to marry Elaine who is Mrs. Robinsons’ daughter. Mrs. Robinson engaging in a relationship with Benjamin is against the acceptable norms in the society. 5. Why is Ben so determined to marry Elaine despite an obvious lack of love and affection? One of the reasons why Benjamin is so determined to marry Elaine is the fact that he is trying to show that he can legitimately win affection of a sincere relationship. In some instance, he wants Elaine to believe that the issues about his relationship with her mother were not real. This means that he ready to do all what is possible in order to win Elaine. The other reason why Benjamin is so determined to marry Elaine is the fact that he is jealous of her being married to another man when he did not manage to win her even after having a get a chance. 6. Describe the cinematography of this movie. What sticks out? (i.e. the various themes, the music, the lighting, story, setting, etc.) The movie depicts various themes that assist the director in conveying his message to the audience. One of these themes relates to gender. The director manages to show the audience how the society depicted a man to be in the society and the expected various roles. This means that the society looks on a person’s behavior in order to see whether he/she can manage to make it in future. The other theme is about marriage and relationships. The director writes on what is expected by the society for the marriage men and women to perform. The music especially in the background makes watching the movie to be exciting. Moreover, the light offers the movie to have colorful scenes that are not boredom. The story is well written and flowing; therefore, anyone can be able to follow the story line. Another essential thing on the movie is about the setting. The director managed to use characters that fit well in their respective positions in the movie. Part 3 (D) Responses Response to ERIKA M. MORALES Views I agree with Morales’s views that one of the challenges that Benjamin seems to encounter in his life is that he is not decided on what he wants in his later life. He seems to be confused and not sure, on what step he is supposed to make. I also agree with Morales’s views that Benjamin’s parents were kind of showing their materials and successes in life. They represent people who have managed to succeed in life and they have much wealth to show off. On the issue of Ben’s transformation, I agree with Morales’s views that he seems to have changed form a naive boy to somebody who has managed to make his own decisions in life. He seems to be moving forward and can be able to make decisions independently. Response to ANGELIQUE VARGAS-GUITERREZ Views I agree with VARGAS-GUITERREZ views that there were various significant changes of which people could depict during the 1970’s. Some of the issues that VARGAS-GUITERREZ has address of which depicts these changes are those in the political arena. It is true that the Congress and various big corporations seemed to be more conservative than before. I also agree with VARGAS-GUITERREZ views that there were significant changes that could be depicted in the social arena. Some of these changes include that people started wearing long hair, smoke marijuana and live together as partners rather than engaging in marriage relationship. Some of other social changes included styles like the wide ties, side burns, synthetic fabrics, white shoe and disco that made the society have fun. All these issues demonstrate that there were significant changes in the 1970 in both political and social areas. Work Cited Divine Robert, Breen Timothy, Fredrickson George, Williams Hal, Gross Ariela & Brands Henry. America Past and Present: Unbound for Books a La Carte Plus. New York: Pearson College Div. 2007, Print. Read More