Difference between revisions of "American History Homework Twelve Answers - Student Eighteen"

Revision as of 13:11, December 11, 2008

Michelle F

1. Who were the main protagonists in the "Cold War", and what was the period of this "war"?

The USSR and the USA were the main protagonists in the "Cold War". The period of the war was 1945-1991.

2. Identify the two wars that caused over 50,000 American deaths which occurred between 1945 and 1980, and briefly state your view of the American role in those wars. Do you agree with our acceptance of the outcomes?

The Korean War and Vietnam War. I think that the US was right to be involved in the Korean War, but not the Vietnam War. I think it is all right for the government to withhold information from it's people, but not to lie to them.

3. Pick an aspect of the Civil Rights Movement that impressed you most, and explain why.

The bus boycotts. That not only inconvenienced the bus owners, but the people boycotting. They would then have to walk or hire a taxi or get a friend to drive them, which was not exactly convenient for them. I admire their perseverance in this.

4. President Lyndon Johnson is known best for two things. Pick one and explain why, providing a specific example to support your answer.

5. What do you like best about the 80th Congress? Explain.

The 22nd Amendment. It limited the length of time a President could be in office, and also effectively, though unintentionally, limited the Presidents power while in office. Congress would not have to worry about dealing with a president for more than 8 years, while their offices had no term limits to worry about, except those imposed by voters. At the same time, this amendment allowed the president to not worry about public opinion as much in his second term. It struck a nice balance in executive and legislative power.

6. Who do you think was the most important person between 1945 and 1980 in American history, and why?

Earl Warren. We still feel the effects of his court today. While he was Chief Justice, the Supreme Court extended judicial power, invented numerous constitutional "rights", gave criminals many rights, and rearranged the structure of the state legislatures.

7. Throughout the 1960s, what was the name used to describe the people in charge of the building pictured here, and describe their approach or ideology, mentioning at least one issue as an example.

The Warren Court was the name used to describe the Supreme Court justices during the 1960's. They were lenient in dealings with Communists. 71 cases concerning communists were decided in the Communist's favor.

H1. What is your view of whether Muhammad Ali was entitled to a conscientious objection based on Islam?

No mare entitled than any other "conscientious objector". Why should anyone be required to risk their life for a cause they don't believe in? But, if the other "conscientious objectors" were being required to fight, why shouldn't Muhammad Ali be required to as well. Then there is the question of whether or not he "converted" to Islam to avoid being drafted. There is no way to know whether he believed what he said. But if other unwilling people were required to serve their country, so should he.

H2. Write about any issue or debate in the lecture, or relating to the period 1945 to 1980.

Douglas MacArthur was a brilliant general. His Inchon landing was the saving of the UN army, and is considered to be one of the most brilliant move in US military history. But this does not change the fact that he disobeyed his Commander-in-Chief. MacArthur thought that he, a five star general, could run the war better than Truman, a civilian, could. He was probably right. Regardless, Truman was President and the constitution said that the US military is in the hands of the President,no matter how incapable those hands may be. MacArthur himself had previously said that the head of the state alone should determine a wars objectives and the means of obtaining them. MacArthur should have cleared his actions and statement before acting, instead of letting his ego get the better of him.

H3. Your view of the ERA, please.

The "name" of this amendment and the wording make it seem like a good idea. At first glance, it appears similar to not being denied rights on account of race. In reality it would have legalized and granted Federal funding for murder (also known as abortion), required women to be drafted (what would happen if a mom was drafted? What if both the mom and dad were drafted?), and legalize same-sex marriage.