United States History - Assignment Example

History of the United s since 1865 Book Review Klose, Nelson, and Lader, Curt,United s History, Since 1865, Hauppauge, N.Y: Barrons, 2001, Print. After the end of Civil War, America have undergone major industrialization and urbanization processes up to the present. In this book, the author identifies the period of Reconstruction, which lasted from 1865 to 1875 (Klose 23). In particular, he identifies the 13th Amendment as a breakthrough to stop slavery in the United States. The three major Amendments, that is the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments formed the foundation of equal rights for all citizens later in the 20th century. Topics Covered 1. The Reconstruction Period (1865-1900) 2. The Congressional Reconstruction Period (1866-1877) 3. The Administrational Grant (1869-1877) 4. The Election of 1872 5. World War I (1914-1918) 6. World War II (1939-1945) 7. Cold War (1950-1991) The author has usedsome sources that include: Bukowski, Douglas,American History: A Concise Documents Collection, Boston [u.a.: Bedford/St. Martins, 1999,Print. McDonald, Forrest, Leslie E. Decker, and Thomas P. Govan.The Last Best Hope; a History of the United States. Reading, Mass: Addison-Wesley Pub. Co, 1972. Print. The author of the book identifies the end of the Civil War as the start of major changes in America. Abraham Lincoln was the president at the time the war ended in 1865. During the Reconstruction Period, the author indicates that the reorganization of the states was very hard for the Lincoln’s regime.After the Period, the 14th Amendment and 15th Amendment were passed giving black men the civil rights (Klose 24). He also points out on the World War I that began in 1914 and lasted for four years. The 19th Amendment passed in 1920 allowed women to vote.The Cold war started in the 1950 with the Vietnam War taking place in the late 1950’s. The author outlines the breakthroughs in economic, political and social fields until later in the 21st century (Klose 27). The author should have mentioned on the rapid industrialization that took place in the early 1990’s. He would have indicated the reasons for the occurrence of a peaceful period between the two world wars.He left out the Great Depression, which took place in 1929 to 1936. The Civil Rights movements that occurred after the Second World War have also been left out. The book is reliable when is discussing the history of America since 1865. As compared to other literary works, the author has presented the major events that took place in the United States since 1865 in chronological order. The book clearly indicates the end of slavery in America (Klose 30). It can be used by other students in history class particularly in describing the wars that have taken place since 1865. Website Web link: http://www.articlemyriad.com/american-history-1865-major-events-trends/ on May 16, 2014. Instructions: Open the link stated above and Click History, North America and then American History since 1865. Other web links include: http://www.articlemyriad.com/american-history-1865-major-events-trends/2/ This website is very important to students because it gives the overview of the major events that occurred in North America since 1865(Smith par 1-2). The information on the website seems to have been obtained from other sources in which the writer fails to acknowledge the original authors.The information is accurate because it depicts the major events similar to those explained in the historical reports and journals. The internet source has been posted for all viewers, but, has limited the commentaries posted on a daily basis. It was developed in 2011, but, more updates are added about the recent occurring events in the United States. The website covers the issues surrounding the Reconstruction era after 1865. During this era, the social, political and economic fieldshave greatly changed particularly in the United States. Another key issue that is covered by the website is the occurrence of the First World War in 1914(Smith par 4). After the Pearl Harbour was bombed in 1941, America entered the World War II in order to revenge against Germany and Japan. The Civil Rights Movements are also included in the website, where activists such as Rosana Parks, Martin Luther King Junior led the protests in the American cities(Smith par 8). In this case, the writer explains that the movements gained force following the constitutional amendments that protected the black men and women. However, the site is not recommendable for history students who need to identify the particular events, dates and reasons for the wars indicated on that source. Painting The painting depicts the celebration of the House of Representatives after the passage of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States in 1868 (Dickerson 56). The painting was made in order to show how people were happy after realization of black men rights in the United States. Although the thirteenth amendment had abolished slavery in 1864, the black men had not been given civil rights. The picture could have been taken in order to depict how men dominated the government at that time (Dickerson 56).The painting creates a good impression particularly because of the large number of people presented in the photograph. It shows that people had waited for this time of the constitutional ratifications in order to end racism and slavery in America. On the top left in the picture, there is a group of people entering the huge building in black coats (Dickerson 56).The vast space in the building is filled with black men, white men being very few. Since the building seems to be double storeyed many people have also occupied the upper floor. The open space at the core of the picture seems to be the centre of focus as citizens shouted at the top of their voices. The background of the pictures shows some rays of light emanating from the outer side of the building (Dickerson 56). Therefore, it depicts that the painting was derived from a photograph that was taken in the midmorning when the black men were celebrating their achievement in fighting for their rights. The old building and the people gathered in it in the painting show how life was hard at that time even after the end of the Civil War. One would question why the people were celebrating, after viewing the painting. One can review the civil rights of the black people passed in the Constitution of the United States in 1868. Painting accessed from: https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+14th+amendment+people+celebrating+in+1868+senate&client=firefox-a&hs=BLJ&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=PkB3U4nQL8Wd7gakwYDACA&ved=0CDUQ7Ak&biw=1357&bih=428#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=etSuqrzOKDpBiM%253A%3BKv_B-NOHoa6YLM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.sethkaller.com%252Fimages%252Fextras%252Fpassage-in-congress_w.png%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.sethkaller.com%252Ffreedomdocuments%252F13th-amendment%252F%3B1200%3B615on May 17, 2014. Movie New York: Documentary Film The film has eight episodes that describe the development of the New York City from 1602 to 2003. It was directed by Ric Burns and was aired in the United States. The episodes showing the status of New York from 1865 to 2003 would reveal the effects of war on the economy and particularly on industrialization (Burn par 4). Also, the film would show how the American towns were destroyed during the first and second world wars. Another important issue that will be depicted in the film is the causes and effects of the Great Depression of 1929 to 1931. The narration of the major events that shaped the New York City is compelling enough and thus makes people understand the effects of the Civil War in 1865. The film episodes depict the image of America since 1865 and how industrialization has changed the city over the years. However, the film only covers few cities and does not present the real pictures of the battle fields in 1914 and 1940. The film maker targeted at influencing the audience to think about the major causes of transformations of the image of America over the two centuries (Burn par 7). The film makes the viewer develop bad perceptions about the warring nations that contributed to destruction of the New York City since 1865. It also gives a sequence of events that shaped the modern city of America. One would like to know the political and economic and social issues that influenced the growth of the cityafter watching the film. Also, one is left asking what are the foreign policies and demographic factors that facilitated the growth of New York. Written sources would not have created the real pictures of the development of the New City the same way the film has done. Instead, they would give only the descriptions, which would appear lengthy. The purpose of the movie is to describe the effects of the wars that have occurred since 1865 (Burn par 8). The movie is an effective tool of study for history students and particularly describing the politicalandeconomic issues that have influenced the growth of the United States at large. Book Review Roark, James L.; Johnson, Michael P.; Cohen, Patricia Cline; Stage, Sarah; Hartmann, Susan M.The American Promise: A History of the United States, Since 1865, Bedford/st Martins,2012. Print. The author believes that the after the end of the Civil War in 1865, the political, social and economic issue that arose that time defines the American World today. The author has presented the major events that occurred from 1865 to 1999 (Berkin et al. 12). The major topics discussed include: 1. The Reconstruction Era (1865-1890) 2. Reorganization of the United States in 1912 3. The advent the first world war in 1914 4. Ratification of Constitution in 1920 5. The Economic Depression of 1929 to 1936 6. The Second World War (1939-1945) and the Cold War (1959-1991) 7. Civil Rights Movements after World War II The major points covered by the author are related to political, social and economic issues surrounding the American past. He identifies that the ratification of the constitution in 1870 and 1920 gave black men and women the power to demand full realization of their rights in the 1950’s. After a prosperous economic period since the First World War, the Great Depression occurred, which lasted for about 7 years (Berkin et al. 120). Unlike other writers, the author of the book is depicts the American history in and various contexts such as social impacts of the world wars since 1865. For example, one can understand how imperialism paved its way in the late 19th century. The United States acquired the Guam, Philippines and Puerto Rico during the Treaty of Paris just because they were minor islands as compared to the United States (Berkin et al. 123). Some of the sources used by author include: Risjord, Norman K. America, a History of the United States. Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice Hall, 1988. Print. Greenwald, Richard A. Exploring Americas Past: A Reader in Social, Political, and Cultural History, 1865-Present. Lanham, Md: University Press of America, 1996. Print. Bukowski, Douglas. American History: A Concise Documents Collection. Boston [u.a.: Bedford/St. Martins, 1999. Print Website Name: Totally HISTORY Web Link:http://totallyhistory.com/us-history/ In order to view the events that has taken place since 1865 in the American Past click “U.S History.” There are provisional links that reveal the events of the major wars and the dates they occurred after end of the Civil War. The information is reliable because the author not only describes the history of America, but also, points out other countries involved in the major events(Ortiz and Brandly par 3). For example, the German army started the World War II after invading Poland in 1939. Originally, the United States had passed legislation that prevented it from participating in the WWII. The legislation was known as the Neutrality Acts. For over a year, the United States remained cool, but, following the Pearl Harbour attack conducted by Japan, the President declared War against Japan and Germany(Ortiz and Brandly par 5). The Cold War began in 1950 where nations such as Germany, Italy, Japan and China and the United States were struggling for supremacy across the world. That period is marked by the Korean War and the Vietnam War, which occurred in 1950 and 1955 respectively. The website was created in 2012 and, therefore, indicates the recently occurring events in the U.S. (Ortiz and Brandly par 8). The website was created by Totally HISTORY, but, indicates has been reviewed by other authors. The internet source was meant for learners and lovers of history because it has provided room for commentaries. I would recommend this site for history students who need just an overview of what has happened since 1865 in the United States. I did not find other links worth visiting. Poster The poster is known as “True Blue” and it is a colour screen print. The poster depicts the victory of the African-Americans’ participation in the World War I in 1918. The black troops that were included in the American army marked the importance of the Blacks in the United States at large. Essayists and writers have analysed the poster as one of the best pictures of the Negroes showing a humble and patriotic family in Melbourne, Florida. However, the posters were not of much importance to the Blacks since the American government did recognize them during the Civil War in 1865(James 90). Analysts argue that the American people should have been reminded on the contributions of the Negro troops during the Civil War rather than focusing on the participation of the Blacks in the First World War.The main colours used include yellow and black. The Presidential portrait is the symbol of government in the picture. The symbol is clear and memorable. The images of the Negro woman and her children makes one understand their participation during the war. The intended audience of the picture is the Blacks in America. The government hopes that the African-Americans will feel represented in the United States. The poster serves the government of the United States in two ways. First, it signifies the celebrations of the government after the WWI and secondly, it shows how the government has been keen in recognizing the Blacks in America(James 90). True Blue isan effective poster since it is simple to interpret. However, viewers might not get the message depicted by the poster since it shows a normal family in a house. The poster was developed to depict how the most patriotic families in the United States also participated in the WWI despite the discrimination and imperialism that existed in the country. The Poster was obtained from: http://www.philaprintshop.com/images/wwirenesch2.jpg on May 17 2014. Newspaper Name: The New York Times The Newspaper has a heading “Abolition of Slavery” following the passage of the constitutional ratifications in 1865(The New York Times Editors par 1). The exciting scene depicted by the newspaper was held on Tuesday, Jan 31, 1865 at 3 o’clock in the Senate of Washington, United States(The New York Times Editors par 1). After long time of rebellion of the passage of the Amendment to abolish slavery, the House Representatives won the discussion held in Senate. The votes proposing the constitutional Amendment were 113 whereas those opposing the amendments were 58(The New York Times Editors par 2). The speaker of the senate announced to fully implement the adjustments of the constitution in order to protect the blacks in America. It was written and published by the New York Times Company. The newspaper was meant for all people in the United States including workers, top officials in government, civilians and foreigners. The author indicates that the constitutional amendment proposals had been rejected severally before this date. Secondly, the House Representatives from several states voted for the amendment of the Constitution. Lastly, there was great joy in the House of Senate after the vote win for abolishment of slavery. The page of the Newspaper was written to illustrate how people celebrated after the justification of the constitutional amendments. The author indicates that it was an “Exciting Scene in the House.” The document reveals how the people of the United States were tired and exhausted after five years of war(The New York Times Editors par 4). Also, the fact that people applauded and celebrated the vote win for the amendment of the constitution illustrates that some people in the government were tired of the slavery that underwent in the United States. The author ought to have answered the question, “What are the key aspects of constitutional amendments that would have stopped slavery?” Accessed from: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0131.html#article on May 17, 2014. Blueprint “A Road-Side Scene Near Charleston” is a print that was very popular during the mid-nineteenth century as the United States continued to be proud of the peaceful times. The print was obtained by Harry Fenn from William Bryant’s book, Picturesque America. The picture depicts a family living in abject poverty, in one of the Southern cities of the United States. Though the African-American family was no longer enslaved, they struggled hard for their living when the country was undergoing reconstruction(Fenn 34). In summary, the picture depicts the growth of nationalism. Some people were enjoying life while others lived in poor conditions. The colours of the print are black and white, which creates an impression of how life was at that time. The family of around seven persons lived under the trees. The oxen at a far distance symbolize the hardships of the family members in farming. The print is not that clear, but, it turns out to be great especially at that time when such pictures and print were very popular in the early 1990’s(Fenn 34). The pictures of the print are more visual that verbal because one can understand the poor living conditions in that family particularly due to the dull colours used in the print. The intended audience of the print could be the government officials and the well fed and stable individuals that enjoyed life during the Reconstruction period. The author could have also intended to show how nationalism manifested itself in the United States, in the early 1990’s(Fenn 35). The print serves the Black People in developing their posters when holding demonstrations against the impunity and corruption that existed in the government. The author has developed the print using free-hand drawing and shading techniques. Accessed from: http://www.philaprintshop.com/images/picamroadside.jpg on May 17, 2014. Newspaper The New York Times The newspaper depicts the civil rights movements that took place in the 1960’s. In addition, it indicates how the government stopped the social movements using excessive military force. In particular, the Negroes’ movements gained force in order to stop racism and discrimination against the Blacks in the United States (Reed par 2). Led by leaders such as Rosana Parks and Martin Luther King, the Blacks held demonstrations in many countries of the United States. In the newspaper a bold typed statement is written on the front page, “Alabama Police Use Gas and Clubs to Rout Negroes.” The writer, Roy Reed, describes the situation at Alabama, which led to hospitalization of more than ten Negroes. The incident headlines appeared in the New York Times in September 7, 1964 (Reed par 3). The intended audience of the newspaper includes the government officials, civil rights activists and the foreign countries.The story depicted in the newspaper was one of the many stories covering the attack to the womenandmen who were fighting for their rights in the 1960’s (Reed par 4). The writer gives an overview of what happened in Alabama. First, the police used tear gas and nightsticks in stopping the protesters. Then, the Negroes retaliated by throwing stones and broken bottles. He then points out on the leader of the protesting march, Martin Luther King (Reed par 5). The author gives illustrates the reasons why the Blacks were demonstrating. The protestors indicate that the U.S government had sent troops in Vietnam, Congo and, as a result, many innocent people had suffered. The author continues to describe the incident at Selma, Alabama in details. The document was written to reveal how the Civil Rights Movements were active between 1950 and 1990. The heading indicates how President Johnson’s government failed to protect the Blacks in America (Reed par 6). The newspaper reveals how life was hard for the Negroes in the United States with racism, prejudice and discrimination, which led them to riot in the streets. The writer fails to identify what the Negroes were fighting for when they held the demonstrations. Newspaper obtained from:http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0307.html#article on May, 17 2014. Works Cited Berkin, Carol, Miller, Christopher, Cherny, Robert, Gormly and James, Egerton. Making America: Since 1865. New York: Wadsworth Pub Co, 2013. Print. Burns, Ric. New York: Documentary Film. New York: Donald Rosenfeld Productions, 1999. Print. Dickerson, Donna. The Reconstruction Era: Primary Documents on Events from 1865 to 1877. Westport, Conn. [u.a.: Greenwood, 2003. Print. Fenn, Harry,"A Road-side Scene Near Charleston."From Picturesque America. New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1914. Print. James, Pearl. Picture This: World War I Posters and Visual Culture. Chicago: E. G. Renesch Co., circa 1918. Print. Klose, Nelson and Lader, Curt. United States History, Since 1865. Hauppauge, N.Y: Barrons, 2001. Print. Ortiz, Victor, Brandly, Timothy. U.S. History. New York: Totally History, 2012. Print. Reed, Roy. Alabama Police Use Gas and Clubs to Rout Negroes. Atlanta: The New York Times Company, 1964. Print. Smith, Nicole. American History since 1865: Major Events and Trends. New York: Article Myriad, 2011. Print. The New York Times Editors. Abolition of Slavery. New York: The New York Times Company, 1865. Print. Read More