Progressive Era: Not All Progress Is Good

No one can debate that government, and society in general, stepping in to help the downtrodden in society is a good thing. The Progressive Era saw a lot of good done for a lot of people.

But...a nasty downside of this era was population control. In a movement known as "eugenics" some groups in America took it upon themselves to determine who among us should be allowed to have children. Essentially...if we take away certain people's abilities to have children we can get rid of undesirable traits in our society.

Of course, "playing God" in that way is a dangerous proposition.

Take a look at these sources on the eugenics movement. For the comments, write 200 words detailing your reaction to this movement? Did you know about this part of our history? What do you think about the eugenics movement?

1-https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/03/07/469478098/the-supreme-court-ruling-that-led-to-70-000-forced-sterilizations

2-https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2011/06/01/136849387/found-in-the-archives-americas-unsettling-early-eugenics-movement

Turn of the Century: Isolationism vs. Interventionism

This week you are going to study the ideological differences between isolationism and interventionism.

Use these resources:

1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP3fhzJ6LjE (watch the first ten minutes)

2) https://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h3617.html

After reading and watching, write 200 words on your position on this issue. What do you think America's role should be?

Gilded Age: Political Cartoons

In the late 19th century, the most effective way to reach people was in newspapers and magazines. One of the most creative ways to critique the government and point out issues in America was using cartoons.

For this week's blog, do a Google search on "Gilded Age Political Cartoons". Find one you think is interesting and do some research on it. Figure out who drew it, when it was drawn and what it means.

For the comment section, answer the following prompts.

1-Who drew your cartoon?
2-Which magazine/newspaper published it?
3-When was it published?
4-Which Gilded Age issue did it address? (Business, Immigration, Politics etc.)
5-Describe what is in the cartoon and what it mean.

You need to post the image in your comments OR paste a link so I can look up the cartoon.

Remember to reach at least 200 words as you are answering the prompts.