Themes for Studying History

I have chosen to study the second theme, which is to "Assess the growth and impact of centralized state power." To do this, I will use standards 17 (Explain important domestic events that took place during World War II), 18 (Analyze the factors that contributed to the Cold War and describe the policy of containment as America's response to Soviet expansionist policies), 24(Analyze the roots of domestic anticommunism as well as he origins and consequences of McCarthyism), and 28 (Analyze the important domestic policies and events that took place during the presidencies of Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon).

Current Events Summary #5

Recently, events in southern Asia show that some countries, Pakistan in particular, are currently active in foreign policy. Pakistan's government seems to be unwavering in its political beliefs and decisions. Some of these decisions are controversial, but still, Pakistan firmly defends its choices. One such decision was the choice to support China in its attempts to force Taiwan into being a part of the mainland's government. Taiwan wishes for independence, and many countries support this goal of freedom. However, Pakistan claims that the majority of its people support the One-China Policy, disagreeing with the nations that support Taiwan.
Also, Pakistan recently performed a test launch of its missiles. These missiles, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, had a range of 700 kilometers, showing that the country would able to use them to hit targets in India within that range. This could be a threat to India, which has had conflicts with Pakistan. Still, Pakistan has not made any mention of such plans. It has, however, stated that it will respond strongly to any attempt to seize the country's nuclear weapons. An idea has been alluded that the United States might try to do so. In response to this idea, Pakistan has warned "those contemplating misadventure" that it is capable of defending itself.

Critical Thinking 23-5 #4

Franklin Roosevelt was a very successful president. He was able to help the country recover from a terrible situation; his New Deal plan, which gave people jobs, hope, and support eventually led to the end of the Great Depression. This was a difficult goal that the previous president, Hoover, was unable to achieve through his efforts. Roosevelt supported his country, and so it supported him in return, and he was reelected multiple times. He was not a perfect leader, though. The New Deal cost the United States a large amount of money, and some critics did not approve of his method of dealing with the Depression because it interfered with business. Also, he did not give much support to civil rights. Still, he successfully led the country through a difficult time, and he is often remembered as a great leader.

Critical Thinking 23-5 #3

The New Deal expanded the power of the federal government in a number of different ways in order to help the nation recover from the Great Depression. The government was given a more important role in the economy. Some critics did not believe that this was the right way to handle the situation. They thought that the government's power was expanded to the point where it was interfering with business and free enterprise. The government had the ability to regulate banking and investment, as well as supply and demand. It could also participate in issues of management and labor. While the New Deal did limit businesses, it was necessary and helpful. The Depression was not over yet, but people were given hope along with work, money, and food. This would help the people survive the difficult times they were struggling in.

Critical Thinking 23-1 #3

The New Deal introduced many programs and laws that would improve the country's situation during the Great Depression. Many of these gave people help in the form of work and insurance. Others, however, gave long term help, keeping the country safe from future troubles. The Federal Securities Act was one of these long term improvements. In 1933, this law was passed in order to prevent another crash in the stock market. It required companies to provide all information about their stock offerings, making these companies responsible for any false information. Soon after this, in 1934, the Securities and Exchange Commission was created to regulate the stock market. With this in addition to the Federal Securities Act, the stock market was much safer than before, and it was unlikely that another depression would be caused by a crash in the market.

Current Events Summary #4

Countries in South Asia seem to be very concerned with their foreign relations. Some of these countries, such as Afghanistan and Bangladesh, are troubled by the presence of foreign forces within their borders. Meanwhile, India is trying to convince the world that it can be trusted with nuclear technology.
There has recently been some suspicion that Afghanistan's government has been torturing prisoners transferred by NATO forces. Because of this, Canadian troops stationed in Afghanistan have stopped transferring their prisoners into Afghan custody. NATO is opposed to the torture of prisoners, but there is no strong evidence to suggest that these suspicions are justified. If any evidence is found, Afghanistan promises to investigate.
Bangladesh also has foreign troops stationed in it, but for a different reason. The United States and Pakistan have sent forces to assist Bangladesh in repairing the damages caused by a recent cyclone. The Bangladesh government welcomes the help of these countries, but does not want them to stay for too long. The people of that country are very much opposed to the war in Iraq, which is led by the U.S., and so the government is trying to keep America's role in helping the country quiet. A Bangladesh minister has said that the foreign forces will be leaving as soon as they are no longer needed.
India is currently concerned with foreign policy as well. A group of people have been sent by India to make agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA. India is hoping to be trusted with technology and materials that could be used to make nuclear weapons. First, however, it needs to get "India specific safe guards" from the IAEA. After doing so, India may be able to more easily participate in nuclear trade.
These South Asian countries do not seem to have the influence or power that other countries do. They seem to be very dependent on their relationships with other nations in some areas. For this reason, it is very important for them to keep good relations with powerful countries and organizations.

Critical Thinking 21-4 #5

The 1920's were a time of progression for African Americans. Organizations such as the NAACP and the UNIA struggled for civil rights and showed black pride. While this was happening, there was a great outburst of creativity in Harlem. This event came to be known as the Harlem Renaissance.
The Harlem Renaissance contributed a lot to both black and general American history. Several well-educated African Americans led the movement, expressing themselves through music, writing, and poetry, while encouraging others to do the same. Great American literature emerged at this time, including the works of writers Claude McKay and Langston Hughes. Jazz was also becoming quite popular in Harlem. Musicians like Louis Armstrong were particularly talented in this area, and quickly became well known,
During the Harlem Renaissance, African Americans not only gained some civil rights, but they also made an incredible impact on American history by expressing themselves through art and literature.