Critical Thinking 19-2 #3

World War One represented a frightening new kind of warfare in multiple ways. During the war, new technologies were introduced that would change war forever. These included weapons such as machine guns, flamethrowers, shells, and bombs dropped from planes. Machines such as tanks and U-boats were also created for use in the war. Chemical warfare was introduced here as well. Both sides of the conflict used gases that would choke people, blind them, cause blistering, and have other harmful effects. These weapons were not entirely reliable though, because if the wind changed they might harm the people who were trying to use them against their enemy. With all these new weapons and technologies, the numbers of casualties were incredibly high. Even when the weapons themselves didn't kill people, soldiers would get diseases from the unsanitary trenches. Another threat to surviving soldiers was that of shell shock. Because of constant bombings, some soldiers emotionally collapsed, losing their minds. For many people, this damage was permanent. The technology created, numbers of casualties counted, and the threat of shell shock were frightening things that were new to war, and more of these things were to be seen in the future.

Critical Thinking 19-1 # 5

In 1917, Germany began to use U-boats more often. U-boats were new submarines made by the Germans. They could be used to go underwater so that they could sink boats. This technology was particularly help for Germany, which was being blockaded by British ships. The blockade prevented any boats from getting into or out of Germany, cutting off the country from any help it could receive. The British were able to do this because of the fact that they had a much stronger navy than their enemy. Germany was at a disadvantage, so instead of trying to win a battle that they would likely lose by using boats, they used submarines, which could sink boats without being noticed. Using U-boats, the Germans formed a counter-blockade, to keep British ships out. This was an early example of submarine warfare, and it showed how effective these new weapons could be.

Critical Thinking 18-4 #4

In my opinion, it was a good idea to become involved in the affairs of countries such as Nicaragua, Mexico, and Colombia. In most cases, the United States' involvement seemed to be in the best interest of these Latin American countries. Also, by helping these countries, the United States gained power in the form of recognition as an international police nation. This was an effect of the Roosevelt Corollary, which said that America had the right to use force to protect its interests in the Latin America. Another effect of Roosevelt's policy was the fact that European countries would stay out of western affairs, which decreased the chances of competition for power in Latin America. To help justify this, the U.S. used dollar diplomacy, the policy of using the government to guarantee loans by Americans to foreign countries. In addition to dollar diplomacy, President Wilson added a moral aspect to the Monroe doctrine, saying that it was the responsibility of the United States to police the area around it. In the case of the Mexican Revolution, Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, seemed to agree with Wilson. While some may see our country's involvement in Latin American affairs as unnecessary or unfair, there is no doubt that it was an intelligent move in the United States' interests, helping the country gain more power and influence in the western hemisphere.

Critical Thinking 18-4 #3

During the early 1900's, America decided to remind Europe of the Monroe Doctrine. President James Monroe stated in 1823 that European nations had to stay out of the affairs of the western hemisphere, particularly those of Latin America. President Roosevelt noticed that Latin American countries had made deals with European banks, which could result in Europe intervening in western affairs. To strengthen the Monroe Doctrine, Roosevelt added the Roosevelt Corollary, which was also known as his "Big Stick Policy" because of the proverb it was based on: "Speak softly and carry a big stick." This policy announced to the world that America had a right to use force in order to protect its interests in Latin America. This basically made the United States the police of the western hemisphere.
Later, President Woodrow Wilson made another change to the Monroe Doctrine in adding a moral message to it. Wilson claimed that it was the United States' responsibility to police Latin America, and that governments should not be recognized if they were oppressive or hostile, encouraging countries to adopt democratic governments. Wilson's policy was similar to Roosevelt's because they were both formed for the purpose of improving the Monroe Doctrine. However, they were applied in different ways. Roosevelt's policy seemed more like a warning or threat, probably to emphasize the fact that America had power. Wilson's was more of a statement of fact and morals, and this policy was tested by the Mexican Revolution. The policy proved to be effective, but it also slightly detracted from the message that America had the right police Latin America only because it had the power to so.

Current Events Summary #3

China is currently becoming an economic power. However, with this success, the country must deal with a number of problems that face it. These include disagreements with other powerful countries, as well as with the territories that are trying to gain independence from their Chinese motherland.
China's rise to power has drawn the world's attention. Because of this, other nations seem to be urging China to be more open about itself. The country is no longer able to easily work in secret, making deals with political or military groups without the world knowing. Such deals had been made in the past, and some of them were disapproved of by many people.
Meanwhile, both Taiwan and Tibet are moving closer toward their goal of complete independence from their motherland. Unfortunately, China is not willing to recognize either territory as a separate country. Taiwan has been constantly threatened by the mainland, which is increasing the amount of military power pointed at the nearby island. However, Taiwan refused to accept China's peace agreement, which was seen as more of a "surrender agreement" by Taiwan's leaders, causing tensions to rise between the island and its motherland. China was also outraged by the recent event at which the U.S. Congress praised the Dalai Lama, a Tibetan spiritual leader, giving him one of the highest possible honors for him to receive. While China will not forgive the Dalai Lama for his support of separatism, the Dalai Lama said that he regrets the tensions with China.

Critical Thinking 18-3 #5

The United States' change in foreign policy greatly affected the country's actions toward China. America was interested in China for economic reasons. China was a good place for an American market, which would be very successful. Railroad companies also realized that there was a lot of land that could be used for the construction of railroads. Influence in China would be a great help to the United States' economy.
Unfortunately, European nations were already competing for such influence. Americans were afraid that they would be left out if Europe had control over China's trade. John Hay, the Secretary of State at the time, decided to protect American interest by sending "Open Door notes" to the leaders of imperialist nations. These were letters that suggested that the nations share the trade with the United States. Europe agreed to do this.
Meanwhile, China had begun to dislike the idea of basically being ruled by Europe. The Chinese people wanted to take back their country, and so they formed organizations dedicated to driving out foreigners. When Europe reacted to this violent rebellion, America joined in, hoping to increase its chances of gaining influence. After the rebellion was ended, Hay sent out another bunch of Open Door notes, further protecting American interest. This would be the beginning of America's influence in Asia.

Critical Thinking 18-3 #3

After the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became part of the United States. American rule of the area had some negative effects and some positive ones. Some Puerto Ricans were against this change. They were afraid that they would lose the freedom to govern themselves that they had when they were ruled by Spain. Some of these people called for independence, the freedom given to Cuba and Panama. The United States made no promises of independence to Puerto Rico, because it had strategic value to the nation. However, there were some good aspects to the change. Puerto Rico was controlled by the military for a time, so at least the new territory would be protected and held together. In 1900, a civil government was set up to replace the military rule, giving a little more freedom to the people of Puerto Rico. Eventually, Puerto Ricans were recognized as true U.S. citizens, gaining rights and the freedom to elect both houses of their legislature.