How successfull was the trade union movement in the post-Civil War Era?

The Civil War indicated a turning point for the United States. In addition to triggering reformation, it would eventually lead to the rise and development of industrialism in America. However, with industrialism came great issues within the workforce including gender and racial equality as well as wage issues. In an attempt to address these problems, labor unions arose. However, they were quite in unsuccessful. This is evident in their failure to achieve their economic goals, and to truly make strikes count.

Perhaps the only success of the trade union movement was the organization of workers. The American Federation of Labor was open only to skilled workers, whereas the Industrial Workers of the World were for those with radical ideas. The greats successes in organization were those of the National Labor Union, which was the first in admitting both skilled and unskilled workers. The Knights of Labor also succeeded in this field, for it consisted of nearly 750,000 members.

With a great deal of individuals, these trade unions were expected to thrive. And in some cases, they did. The National Labor Union manage to reduce the daily workday by two hours. That is when an eight-hour workday became the norm.

Trade union failures clearly outweigh their successes. Their failure to increase wages was shown at the eve of several strikes. The Railroad Strike of 1877 was an attempt to rebel against lowering wages of the Baltimore and Ohio company. They strikers were quickly suppressed by the US Army upon President Hayes's command. The Homestead Strike of 1892 and the Pullman Strike of 1894 were also protests against wage cuts. They too, were unsuccessful upon the involvement of federal powers.

Wage cuts, however, were only one of the reasons trade unions went on strike. The Haymarket Square Riot of 1886 protested poor treatment of workers. This strike only gave labor unions a bad name, for they were blamed for the bombing and killing of police officers.

Trade unions were successful at getting together and organizing strikes. They even shaved two hours of the normal workday. However, little progress was made with regards to gender and racial equality and wage issues.

Analyze the differences and similarities of the three major Reconstruction plans: Lincoln's, Johnson's, and the radical Republicans'

America fought for freedom a century prior to the American Civil War. Ideas of unity and feelings of harmony filled the atmosphere upon America's acquisition of freedom. However, within the next century, the nation would suffer a huge divide. With an attempt to impose their ideas on each other, the two divisions would enter a war. Eventually, it was this war that would convert the South. However, different people had different thoughts on how this should be done. The three major Reconstruction plans were those of Lincoln, Johnson, and the radical Republicans. The radical Republicans had the best methods and ideas for reconstructing the South.

Lincoln believed in exercising his power of pardon. He claimed that the South had never left the Union. In other words, he emphasized that the Southern political leadership rather than the Southern people had seceded. He acted "with a miracle toward none and charity for all." Lincoln's plan provided for a quick readmission process.

Much like that of Lincoln, Johnson's plan called for a quick readmission process. His 10% plan was mild, lenient, and involved no major punishments. His plan accepted the Thirteenth Amendment, as well as implemented Lincoln's plan. However, Johnson pardoned all who asked.

Johnson's plan was in a political struggle for that of the radical Republicans. This plan was harsher, more vengeful, and more punitive. It was based on Congressional power to admit new states, and called for more civil rights. The radical Republicans' plan included the 50% plan which consisted of dividing the South into five military districts. Also, troops would remain in the South in order to keep order when it came to accepting not enforcing the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments.

Although all three plans called for an efficient way to integrate Southern culture into the Union, the radical Republicans' plan seemed more efficient and with better methods. The use of more severe punishment would help emphasize federal power. Also, they had good reasoning. They wanted to promote civil rights and provide the South with economic aid in order to keep blacks in the South. This way, competition for Northern labor jobs would be avoided. Finally, this would also provide for the expansion of a Republican Party in the South.

The Reconstruction would shape that nation in a way that would carry through for many years. Therefore, the implementation of a carefully and well thought-out plan was crucial. Lincoln, Johnson, and the radical Republicans all had their input on the nation's future.

Dominican American National Roundtable 2007

Last weekend I attended the Dominican American National Roundtable in Miami, FL with my dad. Although my dad has been going annually for several years, I was never quite interested in attending. However, since I recently turned eighteen, I decided to get more involved in political affairs concerning my people. It is hard for a teenager like me save the world. Yet, I at least want to be aware of some of the issues affecting other people like myself. What I thought to be a conference full of old, rich Dominicans proved to be an experience filled with vibrant minds with creative ideas.

Upon arriving, I was welcomed with sunny weather and palm trees. Yet leisure was not the goal of this trip. Friday, the first night, we were introduced to several keynote speakers, including Dr. Rosa Perez-Perdomo. Born in the Dominican Republic, through hard work and education, she managed to become the secretary of the Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Throughout her time there, she has advocated for the health care of minorities within Puerto Rico, particularly Dominican- Americans.

Dr. Perez-Perdomo lead a workshop concerning Dominican-American health care. She focused not only on the lack of health care, but on mental disorders, which are often ignored within the Dominican-American community due to their physical absence. I felt particularly touched by and involved in this discussion because I can relate to this issue.

The opening ceremony served to truly engage me in the conference, but also I felt touched upon attending a workshop about Dominican identity. In the workshop I learned about Dominican roots, composed of Africans, African-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, as well as other minority groups still occupying the island. Now, when I say I'm Dominican, I can clearly define what that means.

To further explore Dominican culture, the DANR hosted Johnny Ventura, a legendary merengue composer and singer. He was the first to achieve fame outside the Dominican Republic. Johnny Ventura has been around since the 1960s, and continued to release hits through the '90s.

The DANR touched me in several ways. It addressed issues that truly affect myself as well as the people around me, and it exposed me to other Dominican-Americans. I was expecting to meet with old Dominicans. However, I was surprised to meet so many Dominican-Americans my age, in college as well as a few in high school. The DANR was the perfect mix of successful Dominican-Americans. Among the older people were high achieving politicians and businessmen. The younger, college crowd consisted of hard working college students making their way to success. In addition to encountering role models, I felt encouraged to continue working hard like the other Dominican-Americans I met.

Were the grassroots movements in the Age of Reform successful in achieving their goals?

From the Eve of the American Revolution until the civil war, America was ready for change. It was the first experience of a republican government, rather than a one man rule. With this idea, Americans were willing to take a lead in making social changes, an opportunity they were previously deprived of during British rule. The Second Great Awakening further empowered women to play a leading roles in these reform movements. Advances were made in regards to women's rights, abolition, and public education. However, these movements were unsuccessful at achieving their ideal goals. Instead, they merely paved the was for future events.

Prior to the Era of Reform, women were regarded simply as housewives with one goal- to raise responsible republican citizens. Through the ideals of the Second Great Awakening, individualism spread, and the era of reform resulted. Republican motherhood was replaced by the cult of domesticity, and women began to demand more respect from society as well as from their own families. This shift in attitude lead women to demand not only mere glorification, but legal rights and an actual voice in their own society. Little did they know, they would have to wait decades for significant progress.

Women set to advocate for their own rights with a can-do attitude in 1848. The Seneca Falls Convention was lead by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. There, the optimistic women created a list of expectations and demands, the "Declaration of Rights Sentiments." They were tired of being second-class citizens and wanted changes. In addition to calling for social equality, they felt the had a right to own property as well as to vote. Unfortunately, their second class citizenship status remained with them until the following century, when they were finally given the right to vote.

While women were read to rid themselves of their second-class citizenship status, slaves were calling to achieve citizenship. Harriet Tubman, a former slave, advocated for current slaves. With the creation of, The Liberator, an abolitionist newspaper, abolishment circles got emotional encouragement. Other leaders included Fredrick Douglass, who wore about his harsh enslaved conditions, and William Llloyd Garrison. Little was accomplished during the Age of Reform for the slaves, who were mainly occupied in the South. While the North's industry flourished with Eli Whitney's invention of interchangeable parts, Southern economy became more and more reliant on slave labor due to his ideas regarding the cotton gin. This era only serves to widen the gap between the North and the South. Eventually, it would take a war to abolish slavery.

While slave conditions remained the same, White America was making some progress within the field of public education. The idea of educating the "brats" gave way to the creation of a public school system. However, teacher were often poorly trained and paid. Horace Mann, secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, called for improvement in these conditions. Nonetheless, with nearly one million illiterate citizens, education was still a luxury in America. In addition, education for the Blacks was forbidden.

The Era of Reform initiated several movements that would eventually lead to significant change. The grassroots movements were not successful at achieving their ideals at the moment. However, they got the movements off the ground and going.

In going to war against Mexico, President Polk was taking into account the best intersts of the United States.

The United States was clear in its desire to dominate the Western Hemisphere when it issued the Monroe Doctrine. Arrogantly, it suggested that European nations stay out of the Western Hemisphere. This can be viewed as an extension of Manifest Destiny. If the United States planned to dominate the Western Hemisphere, then European nations had to be out of the picture. Manifest Destiny did not end there. I was President Polk's goal upon being elected in March 1845. The acquisition of new territory was in the best interests of the United States, even if if meant going to war with Mexico. Polk's territorial ambitions are show in the addition of Texas to the union, the settling of the Oregon border, and the acquisition of California.

Texas remained an independent republic for over a decade after the Battle of San Jacinto. However, soon after being inaugurated, president Polk got to work on his list of objectives. He had to deal with antislavery objectives as well as with other opposition. Nonetheless, Texas was admitted to the United States on December 29, 1845.

Another one of Polk's bold moves involved the Oregon border. Although the Canadian-American Main boundary had been established, Americans were soon quarreling with Britain over the Oregon territory's northern border. Americans offered the 49th parallel as the dividing line, but British rejected this offer. However, Britain wanted to steer clear of another was with the United States. Therefore, in the Oregon Treaty, both nations peacefully agreed to set the 49th parallel as Oregon's border.

Polk go his way with the Oregon Treaty's border. However, he also knew that more territory meant greater power for the United States. With this idea, he opted to go to war with Mexico. After his unsuccessful attempt to purchase the California- New Mexico territory, the Sidell Mission, Polk sent troops to invade Mexican Territory. This soon escalated to war. Although the United States army was poorly trained, the United States won victory in 1848.

The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo highlights American gains in this war. In addition to the acquisition of California and New Mexico, the United States also received $3 million payed in debts. Immediately, America say reward with this money. In addition, the United States was sure to prosper with this immense territorial gain.

Although President Polk was still unsatisfied with the gains of the treaty. He was definitely considering American prosperity in all the actions that he took. American influence worldwide is still seen today.

Evaluate the presidency of Thomas Jefferson.

John Adams's one term presidency lead to the Revolution of 1800. This was the peaceful transition of power from the Federalist party to the Democratic-Republicans. Their leader, Jefferson, had a smooth first term. However, in his second term, he had to deal with international issues, which led to problems at home. The purchase of the Louisiana Territory, the undeclared Barbary war, and his trade acts were all key events during his presidency.

Jefferson's astute thinking lead him to purchase the Louisiana Territory in 1803, during France's time of need. France was a war with Britain, and needed money to continue fighting. Jefferson was a strict interpreter of the constitution, so he went against his beliefs when he followed through with this purchase. However, he had acquired a vast amount of land, and doubled the size of the United States. The public agreed that fifteen million dollars was a good deal.

Upon acquiring the new land, Jefferson organized an expedition to find out more about it. Lewis and Clark lead this exploration westward, along with a translator Sacajawea. They published journals about their findings, and encouraged further westward exploration in the future.

Jefferson accomplished great things during his first term. Yet his leadership skills were challenged during his second term. Northern African nations, Barbary states, often seized American ships and held the crews for ransom. Jefferson wanted to steer clear of was. However, he did what needed to be done in order to protect his people. It wasn't until 1815, when he defeated these pirates, that they stopped seizing American ships.

In addition to dealing with Barbary states, the United States also suffered consequences from the war between Britain and France. In order to cease trade between the United States and France, Britain passed several acts that angered the American people. Within these were the Essex decision, which prohibited the United States from trading with the French West Indies, and the Leopard-Chesapeake Incident, which forced captured American sailors into the British navy. In Jefferson's effort to stay out of was, he passed a series of trade acts. The Nonintercourse Act stopped the importation of British goods. However, this did little to harm the British, so the Nonintercourse Act of 1809 reopened trade. Perhaps the most harmful act was the Embargo Act, which prohibited all foreign trade. It was meant to harm the French and British, but it hurt New England's economy the most. It left the American angry, and ready to shift to Federalist rule in the upcoming election.

Jefferson's presidency quickly shifted from a smooth ride, to a bumpy affair with foreign issues. Although some of his policies infuriated the public, he managed to keep the United States out of declared war. In addition, he increased American territory, thus further empowering the fairly new nation.

To what extent were the Articles of Confederation an inadequate form of government?

The Articles of Confederation were first suggested by Richard Henry Lee in the Second Continental Congress in 1776. They carried the United States through the end of the American Revolution. However, their inability to address political and economical problems proved them to be insufficient for the new nation. They were an inadequate form of government. The Articles of Confederation lacked the power and authority to keep the nation in order when it came to both domestic and foreign affairs. They provided a weak form of government, lacking federal powers.

The Articles of Confederation gave little power to a central government. Authority was granted to individual states, leaving Congress with not right to regulate neither interstate nor foreign affairs. In addition, Congress had no authority to impose taxes. The government under the Articles of Confederation lacked a national court system, and chief executive. All these flaws lead to domestic and foreign problems.

Depression took over the nation. American industries and businesses suffered due to Britain's flooding of the American market with their goods. Inflation arouse because of a lack of uniform currency. The abundance of different currencies as well as the lack of adequate transportation also hindered trade. The Articles of Confederation did not have the power to address these problems, so matters were left in the hands of individual states. Citizens were infuriated when they imposed heavy taxes, and some farmers engaged in open revolt. Such revolts as Shays's Rebellion had political leaders calling for a strong central government.

Foreign problems also triggered the desire for a stronger government. Great Britain broke The Treaty of Paris by maintaining forts in the Northwest Territory. Also, America quarreled with Spain over territory. I was the states' job to provide troops, but the central government had no power to demand it. Within these disputes, even Britain hesitated to make commercial agreements with the United States.

Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Articles of Confederation was the Northwest Ordinance, which provided procedures for turning northwest territory into states. However, the need for revising the Articles of Confederation was obvious when they failed to address foreign and even domestic problems that troubled the nation. The Articles of Confederation were inadequate for the new nation.

In what ways did the French and Indian War alter the political, economic, and idealogical relations between Britain and its Amercian colonies?

The French and Indian War altered the political, economical, and ideological relations between Britain and its American colonies. English debt lead to unfair taxation of the colonists, and this changed the way they felt about their mother country.

After the French and Indian War, the countries colonizing North America shifted. After 1763 (Doc. A), English colonies dominated the new world. This took a toll on the political relationship between Britain and the American colonists because it lead to the Proclamation of 1763. The Native Americans (Doc. B) believed "they had no right to settle." The Proclamation was Britain's idea of preventing further conflict. However, the colonists were angered, and they believed they were being deprived of their right to be free.

Other political changes included Britain's abandonment of their salutary neglect policy. After the French and Indian War, England was left with the deep debt they had acquired during the previous years. In turn, they began to strictly regulate trade, and impose taxes on commonly used items. Although Britain attributed these changes to their (Doc. F) "virtual increase in territory," the colonists were infuriated. They felt this was unjust taxation.

All this sudden taxation and regulation took a toll on the economic relationship between the colonists and their mother country. Prior to the French and Indian War, the Wool, Hat, and Iron Acts forced the Americans to ship their raw the material to Britain, only to later buy the finished products from them. However, with the heavy British taxation, mercantilism was soon abandoned when the colonists decided to fight back. The Stamp Act enraged many of the elite colonists, and as Benjamin Franklin states (Doc. G), they wanted to "get it repeal'd" as soon as possible. With boycotting as their weapon, they practiced non-importation and non-consumption, thus harming the economic relationship the between the two parties.

Although colonial ideological values toward Britain began to change during the war, the colonists' ability to go through with the boycotts proved they could unite to make change. All the taxation and regulation added to the resentment colonists already felt prior to the Proclamation of 1763. Also, the French and Indian War, helped American soldiers realize they had less liberty than Englishmen. A Massachusetts soldier wrote (Doc. D) "we are debarred Englishmen's liberty." American resentment that arose during this period helped trigger colonial rebellion.

The French and Indian War is to blame for the American Revolution. Ideologically, it brought up colonial feelings of resentment toward Britain. It also changed the political relationship between England and its colonists because the English were forced to unfairly tax them due to their economical struggles. The colonists in turn, boycotted, thus further damaging their economic relationship with their mother country. After the French and Indian War, America would never be the same.

#2 Dicuss the positions of the three factionos and explain which was the most persuasive and effective in achieving its goals.

The First and Second Continental Congresses were shaped by differing opinions from the three parties. Each faction provided convincing arguments for their positions. However, the one that was most persuasive and effective in achieving its goals were the radicals due to their beliefs about British dominance, their independence, and their rights.

The three factions had three distinct beliefs. The radicals had no hope for a relationship with Britain. They wanted their independence as soon as possible. On the other hand, moderates were afraid to break loose and wanted to mend troubles with their mother country. Finally, the conservatives wanted ties with Britain to be like they were before the French and Indian War. However, they wanted power to veto British acts, and so they came up with the idea of a "grand council."

Although significantly less people favored liberty, the radicals were the most effective due to their persuasive beliefs. Their first idea was to have Britain accede to their demands. They wanted to British to acknowledge that the colonies were not one single unit dominated by their empire.

In addition to want the British to acknowledge its lack of dominance, the radicals wanted independence. They had strong opinions about this, some adopted from Thomas Jefferson's pamphlet, A Summary View of the Rights of British America. First, they wanted Parliament to discontinue taxing. Most importantly, each colony had its own legislature. Therefore, they were well on their way to self-government.

Self-government came with certain rights. Therefore, the radicals adopted the Declaration and Resolves, originally known as the Suffolk Resolves. They took several actions that would trigger the American Revolution. Very importantly, they declared the Intolerable Acts void. They also recommended the formation of militias and the arming of colonists. Most effective, the Declaration and Resolves called for a boycott of English goods. They were to use two types of boycotting: non-importation and non-consumption. These techniques were shown to be effective within a year, when the radical party's goals were reached.

The boycotting method was used more than once. They also used it to repeal the Stamp Act. The Stamp Act Congress declared, "no taxation without representation." The radicals used vigilantes to impose their beliefs on others. The Sons and Daughters of Liberty terrorized the colonists into behaving properly. In other words, the colonists that did not boycott were violently punished. Their ability to manipulate the British government and the colonists made the radicals feel empowered.

The Boston Tea Party was another situation where the radicals got to shine. Parliament was giving the East India Tea Company a monopoly. This infuriated the delegates, and allowed the radicals to lead the "tea party." In turn, the colonists realized they were in charge. If they could take control of their tea, they were ready to take on any other conflict that was to come.

In addition to radical tactics, other circumstances allowed radical beliefs to flourish. The Olive Branch Petition called an effort to show loyalty to George III and remain his subjects. The conservatives came up with the Galloway plan. This plan was an effort to bring the colonies back to the way they were before the French and Indian War. With the failure of both of these, the radicals were left in an ideal situation where they could step in and impose their beliefs on the colonists.

These three parties had different ideas but the radicals dominated in the end. They used certain techniques including boycotting and even violence. Also, the failure of conservative and moderate ideas gave them the lead. Clearly, the radicals were most persuasive, and so they were effective in achieving their goals. American independence today serves as evidence of this.

#2 What role did religion play in the establishment of the English colonies in North America?

Religion served as a motive for colonization, as well as a form of government, and a reason for conflict. Colonies like Plymouth, Maryland, and Massachusetts were dominated by religion and were established solely for that purpose. Other colonies were more liberal. Nonetheless, their establishment was triggered by religion.

Maryland was founded in 1634. It was a place for Catholics to freely practice Catholicism. Similarly, Plymouth was founded for religion in 1623 by the Pilgrims. They disagreed with the church in England, and so they wanted to leave it. They were separatists and extremely conservative.

In contrast to the Pilgrims, the Puritans did not want to separate from the church but rather reform it. They founded Massachusetts Bay in 1628. The Puritans were strict, and so established the Blue laws. These were rules on how to behave. They wanted religious freedom, but only for Puritans. Therefore, they banned Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams for disagreeing and voicing their opinions against Puritan beliefs.

This lead to the establishment of Rhode Island. I was more liberal than other colonies. This allowed it to achieve freedom of opportunity. In addition, Rhode Island also had complete freedom of religion, and was populated by people of all religions. The Puritans, in turn, called it "the sewer', where rotted debris went. Pennsylvania, founded by William Penn in 1681, also had liberal qualities. Although Jews and Catholics were not allowed to vote or hold office, it did feature freedom of worship. In addition, Pennsylvania had no restrictions on immigration or naturalization.

Religion played an immense role in the establishment of colonies. In addition to being the reason for the founding Plymouth, Maryland, and Massachusetts, it created the conflict that eventually founded Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. Religion established the colonies that are still present today. It served as a bridge to the New World.

The Radicalism of the American Revolution

The American Revolution was different. There were no bombings or evil dictators. It is considered conservative. Unlike the French Revolution, it was focused on changing the government rather than society. However, by shifting from a monarchy to a republic, social relationships changed.

In addition to legally creating the US, the American Revolution converted Americans into liberal, democratic, and modern individuals. It made the pursuit of happiness a goal for all people, regardless of their back ground or social rank. The American Revolution and the social, political, and cultural changes that took place in the eighteenth century are linked. The Revolution is responsible for this social transformation.

America was a monarchical society before the revolution. This means that all people were subjects of the king. Nonetheless, English subjects were granted more liberty then the subjects of other counties. The British at home and the colonists celebrated their liberty equally. The British government focused so much on liberty that they had their trials by jury, their freedom of speech, and their right to trade and travel. In other words, Englishmen truly felt they were independent.

In my opinion, the American Revolution freed the colonists even though they thought they were already free. Consequently, they gained more liberty as well as confidence. However, it is irritating to see how this struggle for freedom still managed to leave slave emotions out of the picture. Although women were also left out, they were not as poorly treated. However, slaves were considered property. Nonetheless, slaves are still human, and slavery should have been abolished during this great acquisition of independence.

The American Revolution changed the country forever. The Englishmen acquired true freedom. In addition, social relationships were changed. Finally, it paved the way for the abolition of slavery as well as for women's rights.

Why I Signed up for AP US

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of history. But I knew a third history class would look good on my transcript. In addition, I like a challenge. I know this class will require a lot of study time. That brings me to my next point. I heard college is a lot of work , and I want to be prepared to handle it. I have good study skills, and I am hoping this class will help me retain them. Although it is my senior year, I knew that taking a full schedule of blow off classes would only harm me on the long run.