HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 1
Discussion
During the Reconstruction Era, the Southern states created
many laws and policies of their own. These “Black Codes” either tried to
minimize federal laws and policies or were in retaliation to them.
Suppose you were a former slave during this era, which one
of the following restrictions would you find the most offensive?
Restrictions or prohibitions on voting
Restrictions such as those on job, land purchase, and
mobility
Inability to serve on juries or accuse a white person in
court
Then, in a full paragraph or two:
Discuss the immediate and long-term consequences from your
chosen restriction.
Identify any lessons we can learn today from this
restriction and its impact.
Identify the source(s) where you read about the restriction.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to
extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing
personal connections.
Reference Material
Week 1 Learn materials: Mississippi example of “Black Codes”
Chapter 16 (p. 294-5)
An Example: Black Codes in Mississippi:
http://web.mit.edu/21h.102/www/Primary%20source%20collections/Reconstruction/Black%20codes.htm
HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 2
Discussion
Part 1: Post a Response
America’s Industrial Revolution transformed all sectors of
the economy and changed society. In the text (Chapter 17 p. 310-317), some of
the business practices of the late 1800s and early 1900s are described. There
are pros and cons to these developments. On one hand, they streamlined costs
and made goods and new products available to many more consumers. But, there
were also consequences—some unintended.
Choose one of these two new problems introduced by the
American Industrial Revolution.
The development of monopolies instead of a competitive
business market.
Unsafe and oppressive work conditions.
Then, in a full paragraph or two:
Identify your chosen problem.
Discuss a specific example from that period that clearly
illustrates the chosen problem and a negative consequence of it. What did the
government do about this—and what should it have done?
Identify a similar problem or example that exists in the USA
today.
Identify the source(s) where you read about the problem.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to
extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing
personal connections.
Reference Material
Week 2 Learn materials
Week 2 Resource - Primary Sources
Chapter 17 (p. 316-317, map 17.1 on p. 312)
The Methods of Tycoons
HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 3
Discussion
Part 1: Post a Response
Each region (North, South, West) of the United States
experienced the era of Industrialization (1865–1920) differently, with
different issues and groups at the forefront.
Choose one of the following groups in the American
Industrial Era (1865-1920):
New European immigrants in the east
African Americans in the “new south”
Asian immigrants in the west
Then, in a full paragraph or two:
Identify the main challenges facing this group during these
industrial years.
Describe at least one specific example that illustrates such
challenge(s) and how the group dealt with it.
Suggest lessons for our own time, such as positive or
effective ways for some group today to deal with society's barriers as well as
the inevitable challenges of economic change.
Identify the source(s) where you read about the group and
its challenges.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to
extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing
personal connections.
Reference Material
Week 3 Learn materials
Chapter 18
HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 4
Discussion
Part 1: Post a Response
Various reform groups with various causes developed in the
US in the late 1800s and early 1900s; these are loosely called “Progressives”
as they aimed to use government policies or science to improve and advance
society. Also, this period was a time when the US started as a major player in
international conflicts—first in the “Spanish American War and then in World
War I. There were deep isolationist sentiments about such overseas
entanglements, and President Wilson first has one position and then the other.
Choose and discuss (in a full paragraph or two) one of the
following two topics related to the late 1800s and early 1900s.
In the Progressive Era (roughly 1890–1920), multiple groups
advocated for reforms in various aspects of government, society, and the
economy. Discuss here the “muckrakers” and Taylor’s “scientific management”.
Explain briefly the approach and aim of the “muckrakers” and
that of F. W. Taylor.
Compare their approaches and describe your feelings about
them, and relate some modern situation that reminds you of one of these
approaches and reform causes.
Identify the source(s) where you read about the reform
cause.
From the text, Wilson did not maintain his own campaign
slogan (“He kept us out of war”).
Explain with some specifics why Wilson became pro-war.
Describe your own feelings on that issue when you look back at it, and whether
he was right to change.
Briefly, identify a similar international consideration
today—or of the last 20 years, and what lesson might be drawn from the example
in Wilson’s time.
Identify the source(s) where you read about Wilson.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to
extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing
personal connections.
Reference Material
Week 4 Learn materials
Chapters 19 and 20
HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 5
Discussion
Part 1: Post a Response
After the end of World War I, overall economic growth
exploded in the US in the early 1920s, but then there was a severe economic
breakdown with the Great Depression of 1929-1939.
Choose and discuss (in a full paragraph or two) one of the
following two topics related to the 1920s and1930s.
The textbook highlights the significant emergence of new
cultural trends due to improved technology (radio, movies, photography) and the
spread of books & magazines (writers) in the “roaring” 1920s as well as in
the 1930s, and also to new movements like the Harlem Renaissance, consumerism,
and new “norms” for women.
Consider the new technology of radio and photography. With
specific examples from the 1920s, discuss how these new technologies helped one
of the movements and trends above.
Explain whether you think this helped to develop a more
unified national culture or more individuality, and identify a similar example
today with technology helping a trend or movement.
Identify the source(s) where you read about the trend of the
1920s.
The Great Depression (1929-1939) was one of the most
devastating economic downturns that America has ever experienced. Determine
whether you believe that the federal responses to the Great Depression by
President Franklin Roosevelt encouraged real economic growth and confidence or
whether the arguments by critics of the day were accurate that it made the Depression
last longer.
Identify your position and support it with at least two
specific examples of New Deal responses.
Provide a rationale for your response.
From this historical experience, identify any lessons for
today for handling or avoiding severe economic downturns in the U.S. economy.
Identify the source(s) where you read about the New Deal
responses.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to
extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing
personal connections.
Reference Material
Week 5 Learn materials
Chapters 21 and 22
HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 6
Discussion
Part 1: Post a Response
By the late 1930s, the US was still dealing with the Great
Depression, and conflict was intensifying between powers in Europe and between
Japan and its neighbors in Asia. At first, isolationist sentiments prevailed,
but eventually the US entered the conflict. Besides developments of the
overseas conflict, the next few years of a “war economy” had an enormous impact
on the nature of work and the workforce that left a lasting legacy.
Choose and discuss one of the following two topics related
to the American experiences in World War II:
Focusing on American opinions and events of the late 1930s
and early 1940s, discuss isolationist views and why those changed.
Identify two isolationist arguments for staying out of World
War II.
Describe the events that led us into war despite the
isolationist views. What lessons can be drawn from this experience for our
modern day concerns about war and when to engage in it.
Identify the source(s) where you read about the New Deal
responses.
In the period 1940-1945, the US would go into a “war
economy” that dramatically impacted the American economy and society. It was
one of the most devastating economic downturns that America has ever
experienced. Determine whether you believe that the federal responses to the
Great Depression by President Franklin Roosevelt encouraged real economic
growth and confidence or whether the arguments by critics of the day were
accurate that it made the Depression last longer.
Give two examples of changes during the “war economy” period
Describe the impact on US society and work during the war
years
Taking the long term view, explain ways our society is
different due to the wartime experiences.
Identify the source(s) where you read these changes during
World War II.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to
extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing
personal connections.
Reference Material
Week 6 Learn materials
Chapters 23
HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 7
Discussion
Part 1: Post a Response
By the early 1950s, the US was a world super-power
militarily and economically. The Great Depression was no more. But, two major
rival powers were developing, rivals ideologically and militarily: The Cold War
between the US and its allies versus the Soviet Union and its allies/clients
would be the dominant international issue for the next four decades.
Domestically, in the 1950s and the 1960s, the US would begin grappling head-on
with major Civil Rights and economic issues, as well as a divisive conflict in
Vietnam---and widespread demonstrations and some high profile assassinations.
Choose and discuss (in a full paragraph or two) one of the
following two topics related to the period from the late 1940s and through the
1960s.
Discuss America’s Cold War policy or strategy aimed at
dealing with communism and the Soviet threat, and an example of a Cold War
conflict or crisis.
Identify one or two Cold War strategies of the US. Describe
a specific example of a conflict or crisis that was part of this Cold War
strategy, and compare or contrast this to the international situation today.
Identify the source(s) where you read about these Cold War
issues.
Discuss the Civil Rights advances and struggles that took
place in the 1950s and 1960s along with relevant legal developments.
Identify two key specific events of the Civil Rights
struggle and at least one major piece of legislation or court decision.
Explain the historical significance of your examples and
ways they have impacted our own time.
Identify the source(s) where you read these Civil Rights
issues.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to
extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing
personal connections.
Reference Material
Chapters 24 and 25
Week 7 Learn materials
Week 7 Primary Sources
HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 8
Discussion
Part 1: Post a Response
The 1970s and 1980s brought remarkable changes for the
Untied States. The Cold War between the US and its allies versus the Soviet
Union and its allies/clients was still the dominant international issue. China
was also going to start emerging as a major world power. Nixon was dealing with
Vietnam and then Watergate—one of the pivotal scandals of modern history.
Reagan would bring a new national spirit, and he would tackle economic problems
by deregulation and moderating taxes—and he would be dealing with a very new
type of Soviet leadership.
Discuss lessons in leadership with the examples of President
Nixon and President Reagan:
Choose and discuss (in a full paragraph or two) one of the
following two topics related to the 1960s and 1970s, especially to the terms of
Presidents Nixon and Reagan.
Discuss lessons in leadership with the examples of President
Nixon and President Reagan:
Identify a leadership example from President Nixon’s
handling of the Watergate issue, and another example from Reagan’s presidency.
Give two lessons in leadership—one from each example. They can
be positive lessons or negative lessons (good things to do; things not to do,
etc). Discuss how these lessons can apply to those in business or politics or
some other realm.
Identify the source(s) where you read about these issues.
Discuss Presidents Nixon and Reagan as Cold Warriors:
Identify a strategy or policy from the Nixon presidency that
related to the Cold War, and another from the Reagan presidency.
In hindsight, describe your views of each approach and how
effective (or not) each approach was.
Identify the source(s) where you read these issues.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to
extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing
personal connections.
Reference Material
Chapters 26 and 27
Week 8 Learn materials
Week 8 Primary Sources
HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 9
Discussion
Part 1: Post a Response
By the 1990s, the US was stepping into the “Information
Age”. This would coincide with the presidency of Bill Clinton. One can also see
this as a period when global connections really became more visible and faster,
in part because of new trade agreements around the globe. In North America,
there was NAFTA—the North American Free Trade Agreement. By the late 1990s the
US economy was entering a dynamic period of growth.
Choose and discuss one of the following two topics related
to the American history under President Clinton:
Discuss opposing viewpoints about free trade during the
1990s.
For the period of the Clinton presidency, identify one view
of those favoring “free trade” and one view of those who were opposed.
Explain how you would weigh the pros and cons of this
policy. In hindsight, what is your view of NAFTA? Is globalization good?
Identify the source(s) where you read about these “free
trade” issues of that time.
Discuss the “economic rebound” of the late 1990s under
President Clinton.
Identify three of the “package” of changes that
characterized the economic boost of the “information revolution” in the late
1990s.
Discuss and explain what you think was the most important of
these changes. What can we learn from that sort of period of economic rebound?
Identify the source(s) where you read about these changes
during the late 1990s. For guidance, view this short video.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to
extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing
personal connections.
Reference Material
Chapter 28
Week 9 Learn materials
Week 9 Primary Sources
HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 10
Discussion
Part 1: Post a Response
Between 200 and2016, the US experienced remarkable changes
internationally and domestically. By any measure, the terrorist attack of Sept.
11, 2001, was a game changer. With that a long, still-ongoing “war on terror”
began that meant military engagements overseas and increased domestic security
measures. In 2008, remarkably, the US elected its first African American
president, Barack Obama. He was elected to a second term in 2012.
Choose and discuss one of the following two topics related
to American history under Presidents Bush and Obama:
Discuss the Sept. 11 (2001) attack and its impact.
Describe what stands out to you (perhaps from memory) from
the events of Sept. 11, 2001
Give two examples of events or changes since 9/11 that you
attribute to that terrorist attack. In your view, what should we learn from
this attack and our experiences trying to deal with it.
Identify the source(s) where you read about these “free
trade” issues of that time.
Discuss president Obama’s election and presidency.
(Considering our many explorations of race relations and Civil Rights in our
history, there is much that can be said of President Obama’s election and
presidency, and it is still perhaps too early to evaluate fully.)
Identify two specific examples that you think were the most
important developments of Obama's presidency.
Explain why you chose those two examples.
Identify the source(s) where you read about these changes of
the early 21st Century.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to
extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing
personal connections.
Reference Material
Chapter 29
Week 10 Learn materials
Week 10 Primary Sources
HIS105 American
History after 1865
Week 11
Discussion
Part 1: Post a Response
This week we have no new reading or subjects. Over the
11-week course, we have covered many events and issues that arose in the United
States between 1865 and today. From the era of Reconstruction, the Progressive
era and Jim Crow, the roaring 20s and the Great Depression, the Cold War and
Civil Rights struggles, on through the age of Information to now. We have seen
many examples of people struggling for rights and freedoms and people having to
adapt to significant changes in the economy, technology, laws, and society. We
have seen military engagements impact lives and our country. Think about these various
periods and challenges.
Please do the following two things for your main post in our
last discussion—this reflection:
Choose a specific historical event or example and reflect on
the “long range” effect of it on your own life.
Choose another historical event and reflect on the “long
range” impact on the modern workplace—perhaps on the profession you have
chosen.
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers and respond. Feel free to
say any fond farewells to classmates and instructors.
Reference Material
No new reading; reflect back on the course.
For guidance, view this short video:
