January+Journals

Political reform and the Progressive Era, //The American Journey,// Chapters 20-22, and //Theodore// Rex, January Journal Entries:

=Barry Johnson, Mt. Olive Elementary School=

The American Journey Chapter 20 – 22 These chapters dealt with the late 19th and early parts of the 20th century. I found chapter 21 and 22 the most relevant to my classroom teachings. However several important events took place during chapter 20. The last decades of the 19th century were a period of imperial expansion for the United States, as it extended its influence, and at times its domain, over widely scattered areas in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and into Central America. The United States took a different course than its European rivals, however, because of its own history of struggle against European empires and its unique democratic development. Also taking place during this time was “The Spanish-American War”, which was fought in 1898, marked a turning point in American history. Within a few years after the war ended, the United States was exercising control or influence over islands in the Caribbean Sea, the mid-Pacific and close to the Asian mainland. By the 1890s, Cuba and Puerto Rico were the only remnants of Spain's once vast empire in the New World, while the Philippine Islands comprised the core of Spanish power in the Pacific. The outbreak of war had three principal sources: popular hostility to autocratic Spanish rule; American sympathy with demands for independence; and a new spirit of national assertiveness in the United States. In 1895 Cuba's growing wrath against the tyranny of the mother country burst into a war of independence. The United States watched the course of the uprising with mounting concern. Most Americans were sympathetic with the Cubans, but President Cleveland was determined to preserve neutrality. Three years later, however, during the McKinley administration, the U.S. warship //Maine// was destroyed while lying at anchor in Havana harbor, under circumstances that are still unclear. More than 250 men were killed, and an outburst of indignation, intensified by sensationalized press coverage, swept across the country. Although for a time McKinley tried to preserve the peace, within a few months, believing delay futile, he recommended armed intervention. The war with Spain was swift and decisive. During the four months it lasted, not a single American reverse of any importance occurred. A week after the declaration of war, Commodore George Dewey, then at Hong Kong, proceeded with his squadron of six vessels to the Philippines. His orders were to prevent the Spanish fleet based there from operating in American waters. He caught the entire Spanish fleet at anchor and destroyed it without losing an American life. Meanwhile, in Cuba, troops landed near Santiago, where, after winning a rapid series of engagements, they fired on the port. Four armored Spanish cruisers steamed out of Santiago Bay and a few hours later were reduced to ruined hulks. From Boston to San Francisco, whistles blew and flags waved when word came that Santiago had fallen. Newspapers dispatched correspondents to Cuba and the Philippines, who trumpeted the renown of the nation's new heroes. Chief among them were George Dewey of Manila fame and Theodore Roosevelt, who resigned as assistant secretary of the navy to lead the "Rough Riders," a volunteer regiment he recruited for service in Cuba. Spain soon sued for peace, and in the treaty signed on December 10, 1898, transferred Cuba to the United States for temporary occupation preliminary to the island's independence. In addition, Spain ceded Puerto Rico and Guam in lieu of war indemnity, and the Philippines on payment of $20 million. By the dawn of the twentieth century, many Americans felt the need to change the relationship between government and society and address the growing social and political problems. Like the Populists before them, Progressives believed that unregulated capitalism and the urban boom required stronger government supervision and intervention. Specifically, Progressives wanted to regain control of the government from special interests like the railroads and trusts, while further protecting the rights of organized labor, women, blacks, and consumers in general. Unlike the Populist movement, which rose from America’s minority groups, Progressives came primarily from the middle class and constituted a majority of Americans in the Republican and Democratic parties. As a result, reform dominated the first decade of the new century. At the forefront of the reform movement were turn-of-the-century exposé writers dubbed “muckrakers.” These writers published the dirt on corporate and social injustices in books and magazines like //McClure’s//, //Collier’s//, and //Cosmopolitan//. Muckrakers had an unprecedented impact on public opinion and even on the president and Congress. For example, Upton Sinclair’s graphic description of the meatpacking industry in his 1906 novel //The Jungle// so deeply disgusted President Roosevelt and Congress that they passed the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act the same year, hoping to clean up the industry and protect American consumers. In 1890, Jacob Riis awakened middle-class Americans to the plight of the urban poor in his book //How the Other Half Lives//. Likewise, Lincoln Steffens published a series of articles titled “The Shame of the Cities” that further exposed big-business corruption. In addition to operating in the federal government, Progressives also began to challenge industrial and political corruption at the state and local levels. Voters in many cities and states succeeded in their fight for direct primary elections and the secret ballot to eliminate bribes and reduce the power of political machines. An ardent Progressive himself, Roosevelt decided to use his powers to give Americans a “Square Deal” to protect the public interest. He focused his domestic efforts on regulating big business, helping organized labor, protecting consumers, and conserving the nation’s already-dwindling natural resources. During this era of reform, Roosevelt also pushed for environmental conservation. Fearing that Americans were on track to use up the country’s natural resources, he set aside several hundred million acres of forest reserves and ore-rich land.

Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris Edmund Morris has written an excellent account of Theodore Roosevelt's presidency. Without a doubt, President Roosevelt was one of the greatest United States Presidents. The author notes that Ex-President Grover Cleveland declared that "Roosevelt is the most perfect politician thus far seen in the Presidency." Many historians rank Theodore Roosevelt in the "Top Five" of U.S. Presidents. The book opens with an account of Roosevelt receiving word of McKinley's assassination and closes with Taft's inauguration on March 4, 1909. The author does an excellent job narrating the challenges Roosevelt faced during his first term including handling of the anthracite coal strike and ending the Russian-Japanese War. The text describes how the President handled all challenges including domestic political problems and crises on Wall Street. Later, Roosevelt received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to facilitate the 1905 Treaty of Portsmouth ending the Russian-Japanese War. The book covers his second term equally well. Roosevelt, a Republican, won a second term by a sizable majority. He had strong public support and the text quotes H.G. Wells stating "Never did a President so reflect the quality of his time" A frustrated Democratic Senator Tillman shouted " . . . the Democratic party can always be relied on to make a damn fool of itself at the critical time". His second term was also demanding; and having publicly announced he would not run for a third term, his legislative clout was weakened. Among his second term challenges were a situation involving black soldiers in Brownsville, Texas; and anti-immigrant riots in San Francisco involving Japanese immigrants. The cooperation of the Japanese government was required but not immediately forthcoming. The author notes "Roosevelt confessed another fear . . . that of war with Japan. He did not think it would come soon, but he was sure it would one day." One reason that he sent the Great White Fleet around the world was not only to impress Europe, but also to show to Japan the U.S. strength in the West Pacific. It worked and Japan became cooperative on the immigrant problem. While handling his many second term challenges, he initiated a Governors' Conference (attended by 350 persons) covering ninety-five aspects of conservation, preservation and planned exploitation. The discussion of his relationship, during his second term, with heir apparent, William Howard Taft is revealing. In most aspects, Taft was the antithesis of Roosevelt. It is interesting to note that many issues Theodore Roosevelt faced in both terms are issues today. For example: in his first message to Congress, regarding a ban on all political violent immigrants Roosevelt wrote "They and those like them should be kept out of this country and if found here they should be promptly deported to the country whence they came; and far-reaching provisions should be made for the punishment of those who stay." In conclusion, the author writes "Statue books and official histories would celebrate his administrative achievements: the Monroe Doctrine reaffirmed, the Old World banished from the New World, the great Canal being cut; peace established in the Far East; the Open Door swinging freely in Manchuria and Morocco; Cuba liberated (and returned to self-government...); the Philippines pacified; the Navy hugely strengthened, known literally around the world; the Army shorn of its old deadwood generals...; capital and labor balanced off, the lynch rate declining, the gospel of cleaner politics now actually gospel, and enough progressive principles established, or made part of the national debate, to keep legislative reformers busy for at lest ten years." To this should be added that he created five national parks and established sixteen national monuments plus initiated twenty federal irrigation projects in fourteen states. The books concluding paragraph states that "...he left behind a folk consensus that he had been the most powerfully positive American leader since Abraham Lincoln."

=**Charzetta Richardson, Brighton Middle School**=

Theodore Rex Edmund Morris

I believe that this book could have been titled the “Life and Times of a Great Man. Every page in this book was detailed. It showed the energy and knowledge of one of the most inspirational presidents in the history of America. Theodore Rex tells the story of one of the United States most famous presidents, Theodore Roosevelt. He became the president after the assassination of William McKinley in 1901. Edmund Morris takes a very unique approach as he takes me the reader through the life of this great man and president. As I read this book, I thought to myself, “is there nothing that this President could not do.” In my opinion, he did so much to establish the United States position in the world. By building up the navy, he raised the United States’ status as a world power more than any other president in our history. Morris takes the reader on a voyage as Roosevelt leaves New York on his way to take the oath of office. On his train ride, he encounters all of the horror of America such as imperialism, industrialism, labor, and race. His predecessor was intimidated with trying to harness America’s new power as the world’s richest nation. Roosevelt had no bounds. He was not a man that was easily intimidated. I think he asked for the challenge and dared others to doubt him. This is a good book, it is a must read. I will be reading the Morris’ other books. He has a way of making the information come to life. Edmund Morris gives a wonderful portrait of a man who was truly for the people. He had no bounds. I think he asked for the challenge and dared others to doubt him.

=**Clara N. Billups, Brighton Middle School**=


 * Theodore Rex-Edmund Morris**

There are four distinctive themes of the Roosevelt Presidency that Morris develops fully in this book. First, Roosevelt was somewhat a traitor to his social economic class in that the Republican Party was virtually owned by a handful of the nation's wealthiest citizens. Mark Hanna, the major power within the Republican Party, along with almost all the rest of the party, were so extremely prejudicial toward the wealthiest upper-class interests, that Roosevelt's moderation angered them, causing them to resist many of his initiatives. A second theme is the delicate relationship with the Southern Democrats, many of whom were racist and supported Jim Crow laws in the Southern states. Roosevelt was advised by Booker T. Washington and others on how to incrementally negotiate with the Southern Democrats and speak out using the Bully Pulpit on the hundreds of illegal lynching that occurred each year. The third theme is the incredible international events that occurred. Whereas the liberation of Cuba and the pacification of the Philippines were major events, these were overshadowed in many ways by the war between Japan and Russia; the Panama Canal treaty and work initiation; and the build-up of the US Navy. The fourth theme was Roosevelt's amazing foresight into the need to preserve America's forests, and other natural gifts, as parks and monuments. Again this ran against the philosophy of the Republican Party that supported sale of public lands or use of public lands by the wealthy for profit.

=**Brenda Hollis, Bagley Jr. High School**=

This is a positive, well researched and written account of Theodore Roosevelt's White House Years, his administration, the world state of affairs in general and Teddy. This book bring views of the world changes that would be coming quickly, the world was changing almost on a monthly bases, much as it is now. Technology was changing the way we live and changing our world. Such is the situation of today. Their reaction to those changing times, versus our reaction is quite interesting. The book seems to bog down somewhat in his explanation of legislative matters, but that is a matter of personal taste on my part, being more interested in the man, than in the inner workings of our government at the time period. While they perhaps make the author appear quite sophisticated, which I am sure he is, these phrases left be rather cold. That was a minor glitch for me though and really nothing to complain too much about. I feel the book, simply through explaining the situations Roosevelt found himself in, show that while this president may not go down in history as our greatest leader, he was indeed, probably the right man in the right place at the right time. Theodore Rex is good history as well as good literature for me to refer to during class discussions.

=**Sylvea Hollis, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute**=

__The American Journey (Ch. 20-22) & Theodore Rex__

__Chapter Summary__

Political parties dominated political life. People mostly found themselves extremely loyal to the rest of the part’s politics. Women’s’ issues and the overall welfare of reforming society became very big issues. Protestant fundamentalists, conservative business interests, and aniti-union forces all came as a result of this activity.

The progressive era was a period of great reform and correctness. Many supporters organized across the lines of class, education, occupation, geography, and gender. Within the industrial reform there were many workers who’s rights were being fought for in terms of safety. Many Americans saw their social problems and needs for reform as things created by the immigrant community. The social gospel movement was created to help introduce religious ethics into people’s work environments.

__Book Summary/Analysis__

The marketing campaign for President Roosevelt broadcasted a very rugged and outdoor- type candidate with a host of national agendas such as westward expansion and displacement of Natives west of the Mississipi.

__Classroom Implementation (Civil Rights Outreach Programming)__ -Reconstruction Role Sketch 551 of T//he American Journey// (TAJ) Gender, Economics, Race -Striking Garment Workers on page 555 of TAJ Gender, Economics, Urbanization -Uncle Sam leader western and eastern hemisphere sketch, page 580 of TAJ Nationlism, Manifest Destiy, Capitalism

=**Jerme Kirk, Hillview Elementary School**=

//Theodore Rex// (Theodore Roosevelt, his life and presidency) by: Edmund Morris

Theodore Roosevelt and his two-term presidency (1901-9) deserve a king-size, seize-the-man biography -- and Edmund Morris has provided one. "TR" typifies the "can do" American; his famous maxim, of course, was "Speak softly but carry a big stick." Morris presents an eyewitness history, through the voices of the makers and shaker in this book. His narrative captivates the readers while providing a welcome confirmation that this nation can produce presidents who bring leadership to great issues, hold to their purpose, and shape the destinies of nations. Morris highlights President McKinley's assassination which brought the 43-year-old TR a challenging presidency. Morris has used this book as a clear-sighted guide. Theodore Rex explains how, TR had to persuade Congress to curb competition-stifling corporate trusts, monopolistic transcontinental railroads, and unhygienic food industries that saw consumers as sheep. He also faced labor and racial strife. Abroad, the American presence in Cuba and the Philippines brought a massive amount of criticism. The Russo-Japanese conflict threatened major power shifts in the Far East and Europe. The conflict was a politically and financially fraught decision on the Central American canal route -- Panama or Nicaragua? -- had to be made. TR rose to every challenge. Despite the demands of family and social life, he read, wrote, and traveled extensively. Not least, TR put national parks and conservation of natural resources on the legislative agenda. According to Morris, who is blessed with the imagination and skills to write gripping popular history. He doesn't dilute but illuminates events in presenting an account that immediately sparks interest and captures the mind. Readers will note that American interventionism abroad (today's major issue) was much debated during TR's presidency, when major interventional imperatives challenged the new superpower's tradition of relative restraint in foreign affairs. //Theodore Rex// is a sequel to Edmund Morris's classic best-seller //The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt//. It begins by following the new President (still the youngest in American history) as he comes down from Mount Marcy, New York, to take his emergency oath of office in Buffalo, one hundred years ago. A detailed prologue describes TR's assumption of power and journey to Washington, with the assassinated President McKinley riding behind him like a ghost of the nineteenth century. (Trains rumble throughout this irresistibly moving narrative, as TR crosses and re-crosses the nation.) Traveling south through a succession of haunting landscapes, TR encounters harbingers of all the major issues of the new century .These issues include: imperialism, industrialism, conservation, immigration, labor, race, and TR was also faced with the overall challenge that intimidated McKinley. This was the challenge of how to harness America's new power as the world's richest nation. //Theodore Rex// (the title is taken from a quip by Henry James) tells the story of seven and a half years in which TR entertains, infuriates, amuses, strong-arms, and seduces the body politic into a state of almost total subservience to his will. It is not always a pretty story. However, it is a revelation of how TR was hated and feared by a substantial amount of his minority citizens. The book gives an excellent description of how Wall Street, the white South, Western lumber barons, even his own Republican leadership in Congress strived to harness his steadily increasing power. Donna Love TAHG Gardendale Elem. School Nov. 8, 2007 The American Journey Chapter 22 Creating An Empire

After an expansion across the continent of North America, the United

States started building an empire overseas. Americans were of different

opinions. Some wanted to expand with new colonies, others wanted to pursue

growth through trade, and still others wanted cultural expansion.

A factor that may have help shape foreign policy in the late nineteenth

century was America’s humanitarian instincts. Our instincts tangled with

prejudices as we tried to help other people, and guide them toward American

ideas. America had to expand its economic interest abroad. Because of

America’s increased wealth and power there was also an increase in tension

in Asia and hostility in Latin America

After a war to put down rebellion, America established a colonial

government in the Philippines. This created an interest in China. Europe and

Japan already had influence in China which put limits on America’s

opportunity to develop trade with China. Our involvement in China caused

conflict with Japan and Russia.

After the Spanish American War, America tried to promote their own

strategies and economic interest resulting in ill feelings. Another cause of

ill will was America acting as policemen and debt collectors. Americas’

imperial power was exercised when the U.SA. protected land in Panama was

required to build a canal. Donna Love Chapter 21 The Progressive Era

The Progressive Era was the period of time in America from 1900-1917.

This was a period of fast industrial and urban growth. The problems caused

by this growth were confronted progressively by the politicians of the day.

This in turn created changes in society and government.

Laws were passed to help women, children, and workers. This showed the

compassion of the leaders of the era. Progression of these leaders created

new agencies and political techniques to end corruption in politics,

corporations, and industries. It also helped to solve drunkenness. All of

these examples of changes showed the progressers efforts in dealing with

these problems.

People began to accept their government’s responsibility to resolve social

and economic problems. This lead to the idea of an activist government and

the idea that public opinion would be used to move congress to get things

done.

Politicians began to listed to their people. Peopled pushed government to

pass laws to protect people and make a better life.

PEOPLE GOT INVOLVED IN POLITICS. Chapter 20


 * Politics and Government**

American elections in the late nineteenth century were from the military style campaign to the rough act of voting. Elections were a masculine business however women were greatly interested. Campaigns attracted a great participation but avoided substantive issues. Two mayor political parties shaped campaigns and controlled elections, which were sometimes violent. There was a great many social divisions, ethnic, racial, and religious. These factors determined party affiliation of most Americans, and cultural traits were passed down from father to son. Suffrage was also a contested issue. Partisanship determined membership and activities of government agencies. Local concerns were more important than national concerns. The factors of late-nineteenth century politics shaped campaigns, elections and the form and role of government. Democrats and Republicans were the two political parties and they controlled federal, city and municipal politics. Third parties were organized around specific issues or groups. For example the Prohibition Party’s campaign was the abolition of alcohol but it also introduced many important reform ideas into American politics. The People’s or Populist Party formed on the basis of the Southern Farmer’s Alliance and other organizations created challenges against Democrats in the south and Republicans in the south. Populist met in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1892 to organize a national party. The party platform was known as the Omaha Platform. The platform required the government ownership of the railroads and the telegraph and telephone systems and several other resolutions to make the government more democratic and responsive to popular wishes. Staci Ragland An American Journey Chapter 20

Chapter twenty brings much insight about the political parties from 1877 to 1900. Even though there were two major parties, third parties were active. They attempted to cater to anyone whose needs were not being met within the two major parties. During the late nineteenth century, voter turnout was unmatched. In some states, women were allowed to participate in areas politics and to vote. Politics was very divisive during this period of time. Issues were divided along religious, ethnic, and regional lines. One of the most divisive issues among citizens was policies dealing with money. Congress and the presidency were divided as well, which led to an unproductive government in many ways. America was in trouble in many areas. There was a major economic depression going on, there were problems with our labor force, people argued over the amount of silver that should be in circulation, and many people believed there was a lack of action on the part of the government. When the presidential election of 1896 took place, there was a record turnout at the poles. William McKinley won. This helped the Republican Party establish itself as a party of prosperity and progress.

Staci Ragland An American Journey Chapter 21

Chapter 21 defines Progressivism for us. It was a movement designed to change society and government. Programs were designed to protect women, children and workers. Many agencies were created to end corruption as well as reform society socially and economically. The movement gave women the right to vote, exposed bad business, end child labor, made government more efficient, and managed natural resources. From this movement, our public school system emerged. People sought to prohibit alcohol, and limit immigration, as well as give equal treatment to African Americans. Important voting changes came from this time period also. For example; the secret ballot, recall, initiative, referendum, and the direct election of senators were all issues of that time.

Staci Ragland An American Journey Chapter 22

Chapter 23 deals with the period of time between 1914 and 1920. During this difficult period of time in American history, the Great War broke out. Woodrow Wilson, sought a more secure world order, and therefore, abandoned neutrality and joined the war. He met much opposition. This war changed America in many ways. Some of them were against everything America sought to promote such as democratic principles, suppression of civil liberties, manipulation of human emotions, and the exploitation of the national crisis. The repercussions of the Great War lasted for years. There were crises in many areas including labor shortages. Women and minorities were given jobs that had previously not been available to them. Basic civil rights were in jeopardy. Neighbor spied on neighbor. The “enemy” was painted as subhuman through propaganda. Anyone who didn’t approve of the war was viewed as unpatriotic. Supporter invented “victory gardens” and purchased war bonds to show their support. In 1920, Americans elected Warren Harding as president in a landslide victory. Americans wanted a return to “normalcy”. Sabrina Porrill November 8, 2007 //__The American Journey__// Synopsis of Chapters 20-22

“Chapter 20: Politics and the Government 1877-1900” looks at the rise of the Populist Party in America and its affects on the Republican and Democratic Parties as well as the Presidential elections of 1876-1900. People tended to vote according to the region they lived in and how their parents voted. The Federal Government had a //Laissez- Faire// attitude toward their role in the people of America’s lives. The Government was non-productive, inefficient and led the nation into a depression and a huge gap between the “have and have-nots”. Regulating big businesses and monopolies and the monetary system were the biggest issues raised by the Populist Party. The election of McKinley over William Jennings Bryan ended the Populist Party, but the victorious Republicans did begin to move toward a more responsive government. “Chapter 21: The Progressive Era 1900-1917” examines the Progressive movement in America during the early 20th century and the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. Many advances were made during this time period including voting reforms, women’s suffrage, a more responsive government, a federal income tax, regulation of private businesses, and the conservation of federal lands. But there was still a long way to go with disfranchised African Americans and immigrants, child labor, unsafe working conditions, and big businesses still seemed to control America. “Chapter 22: Creating an Empire 1865-1917” examines how the United States emerges as an imperialistic world power during the turning of the 20th century. Our idea of Manifest Destiny did not end with us reaching the Pacific coast. Many Americans then felt it was necessary for us to acquire territory and strongholds in the Caribbean (Cuba), the Pacific (Hawaii), Asia (China), and Latin America (Panama). Reasons for this expansion varied from Social Darwinism, evangelism, naval expansion to colonialism. Some reasons were altruistic while others were racist, but all led the United States down a path that ended with our involvement in two world wars and becoming a very hated government around the world.

Sommer Brown The American Journey Chapter 20 From 1877 to 1900 the United States saw high voter turnout and elected Presidents James A. Garfield (assassinated), Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, and William McKinley. Most of them were conservative who had very little impact. The one difference was Democrat Grover Cleveland who vetoed more bills than any other president before him. When asked why he vetoed a bill that would have provided relief to Texas during a draught he said, “Though the people support the Government, the Government should not support the people.” The country had two main parties, Democrats and Republican and a few active third parties. These third parties focused on specific issues such as prohibition, currency inflation, and political discontent. The most well known of these was the Populist Party. In 1896 this party endorsed candidate William Jennings Bryan in an election with record voter turnout. Chapter 21 This chapter was about the Progressive Era of 1900-1917. Reformers during this time lobbied and demonstrated for changes in legislation. The women’s suffrage movement began mid century and by 1917 had over 2 million members in it’s association (nineteenth amendment approved by Congress in 1920). One of the most important changes was the passing of the sixteenth Amendment. This amendment authorized a federal income tax. With the extra income, the government could now increase its activities and responsibilities. Theodore Roosevelt became president after the assassination of William McKinley in 1901. He was nicknamed “Teddy” and was the progressive movement’s most prominent leader. Roosevelt helped coal miners negotiate an agreement with their owners reducing their workday to 9 hours a day and was given a 10% pay increase. Chapter 22 After the purchase of Alaska from the Russian government, America sought to expand in to other parts of the world through imperialism. They became involved in affairs in Cuba, Hawaii, Philippines, Panama Canal, Nicaragua, Mexico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic setting the stage as a world power.