History Answer Note #8

Question 1 Given the experience you have gained from being a student in History at SPU, how do you think the subject of History can benefit you as a student of life, as a prospective teacher and young historian. In answering the question, think of how History can assist you in developing a holistic view on life. Length: 2 typed pages Answer As a student in History at SPU, I have gained valuable experience and knowledge that extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. History has not only enriched my academic studies, but it has also enhanced my understanding of life as a whole. Through studying events and individuals from the past, History has provided me with a unique perspective and has greatly benefited me as a student of life, a prospective teacher, and a young historian. As a student of life, my study of History has allowed me to better understand the world we live in and how it has evolved over time. By examining the successes and failures of past societies, I have been able to gain a deeper appreciation for the present and the potential impact of our actions on the future. Additionally, studying different cultures and civilizations has broadened my understanding and acceptance of diversity, while also highlighting the universal human experiences that connect us all. This holistic view of life has enabled me to approach and navigate the complexities of the world with a more open mind and a greater appreciation for the complexities of human existence. Through my studies in History, I have also developed critical thinking and analytical skills that will be invaluable as I pursue my future career as a teacher. History is not simply a collection of facts and dates, but rather a complex discipline that requires careful analysis and interpretation. As a prospective teacher, I am confident that these skills will allow me to effectively communicate complex historical events to my students and encourage critical thinking in the classroom. Moreover, the studying of different historical perspectives has taught me to view ideas and events from various angles, allowing me to better understand and respect diverse viewpoints. This will be an important tool as I teach and interact with students from various backgrounds and experiences. As a young historian, the subject of History has given me an in-depth understanding of the importance of research and the use of primary sources. Through my studies, I have learned the value of examining multiple sources and critically analyzing them to draw accurate conclusions. This approach to research has been crucial in my academic studies and will continue to serve me well in my future research and writing endeavors. Additionally, my knowledge of History has allowed me to better understand the context and significance of current events, strengthening my ability to interpret and contribute to the ongoing conversations of our society. In answering how History can assist in developing a holistic view of life, the insights and experiences shared by renowned historians and scholars should not be overlooked. In his book, "The Lessons of History," renowned historian Will Durant wrote, "History is not a science; it is an art, giving meaning to events by finding patterns and links that make the past intelligible." This statement highlights the fact that History has the power to not only inform us of past events but also provide a deeper understanding of the present. Furthermore, in his book, "On History," renowned historian Fernand Braudel argued that, "In the unedited newspaper archives, we can find documents and accounts older than the events they describe." This statement highlights the value of primary sources as a means of gaining insights into the past and fostering a more comprehensive understanding of historical events. In conclusion, my experience as a History student at SPU has been incredibly rewarding and has greatly benefited me as a student of life, a prospective teacher, and a young historian. Through the study of History, I have developed a well-rounded perspective on life, developed important critical thinking skills, and gained a deep appreciation for the complexities and diversity of our world. As I continue to learn and grow as a student, I am confident that the lessons and insights gained from my studies in History will continue to guide me in all aspects of my life. Question 2 Why was King Louis XVI tried for treason? A He wanted the radicals sent to prison so he could regain the throne. B He wanted France to lose its war against Austria and have his power restored. C He wanted to flee with his wife Marie Antoinette to avoid the guillotine. D He wanted the National Convention disbanded so he could again be king. Answer Why was King Louis XVI tried for treason? King Louis XVI of France was tried for treason during the French Revolution, specifically during the Reign of Terror, for his actions and decisions as the King of France. His trial and eventual execution in 1793 marked a significant turning point in the French Revolution and has been a topic of debate and analysis by historians and scholars. There are various theories as to why King Louis XVI was tried for treason, including his desire to regain the throne, his involvement in the country's war efforts, and his attempts to flee the country. However, the main reason for his trial and execution can be attributed to his actions and decisions as a ruler. One of the main reasons for King Louis XVI's trial was his lack of action and decisionmaking during the crucial years leading up to the French Revolution. As the King, he was responsible for governing the country and addressing the grievances of the French people, but he failed to do so effectively. This resulted in widespread discontent among the population, leading to the eventual overthrow of the monarchy. Moreover, King Louis XVI's actions during the Revolution further fueled the charges of treason against him. He attempted to flee the country with his wife Marie Antoinette in 1791, showing a lack of loyalty and commitment to his own country. This act, known as the Flight to Varennes, was seen as a betrayal by the French people and added to the growing resentment towards the monarchy. Additionally, King Louis XVI's decisions during the country's war efforts also played a significant role in his trial for treason. He aligned himself with foreign powers, specifically Austria, which was seen as a threat to France's sovereignty. He also tried to sabotage the war efforts of the French army, which ultimately led to the loss of many lives and resources. These actions were seen as a betrayal to the country and the citizens, further solidifying the charges of treason against him. In conclusion, King Louis XVI's trial for treason was not solely based on a single motive, but rather a combination of factors that highlighted his incompetence and disloyalty as a ruler. His actions and decisions during the Revolution ultimately led to his downfall and the end of the French monarchy. It serves as a reminder that the actions of a ruler can have grave consequences, especially during times of political unrest. Question 3 read “On how the Federal Housing Administration justified discrimination”, “On how the federal agencies used redlining to segregate African-Americans”, and “On the FHA manual that explicitly laid out segregationist policies”. When you have finished, write your own 2-3 sentence description of what redlining was, using specific information from both the video and article. Answer "Redlining was a discriminatory practice used in the 20th century by federal agencies, such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), to segregate African-Americans from white communities. This practice involved drawing red lines on maps to designate predominantly black neighborhoods as "hazardous" for investment, making it difficult for African-Americans to secure loans and purchase homes. This perpetuated segregation and further marginalized communities of color. The FHA manual of 1936 explicitly laid out segregationist policies, which were used to justify discrimination and deny AfricanAmericans access to federal housing loans. These policies were also reinforced by government-sponsored redlining, which systematically denied opportunities for economic advancement and perpetuated racial inequality in housing." Question 4 The 1920s are often referred to as The Roaring 20s - what does that communicate to you - what would expect from a decade with that nickname (explain)? Answer The 1920s, known as The Roaring 20s, was a decade filled with advancements, changes, and excitement in many aspects of society. This nickname conveys an image of a period full of energy, prosperity, and celebration. It brings to mind images of jazz music, extravagant parties, and luxurious lifestyles. As a college student who has studied the events of this decade, I can confidently say that there are several expectations I have from a decade with such a nickname. Firstly, I expect to see a rise in economic prosperity and consumerism. The end of World War I in 1918 brought a sense of optimism and led to a significant increase in industrial production and the stock market. With more jobs available, people had more disposable income, leading to a rise in consumer spending on new products such as cars, radios, and household appliances. This economic boom also gave birth to the concept of credit, allowing people to purchase items they could not afford outright. The 1920s saw a significant shift from a production-based economy to a consumer-based economy, laying the foundation for the modern consumer culture. Secondly, I would anticipate witnessing an increase in social freedoms during this decade. The 1920s saw a shift in societal norms, particularly in regards to the role of women. With the passing of the 19th Amendment, women gained the right to vote and began to challenge traditional gender roles. The "flapper" trend emerged, where women dressed in shorter hemlines, cut their hair short, and engaged in more social activities. This decade also saw an increase in divorce rates, toleration of birth control, and the introduction of the birth control pill, all of which portrayed society's growing acceptance of female independence and liberation. Moreover, I would expect to see a cultural revolution in terms of art, literature, and music. The 1920s was a time of cultural innovation and rebellion against traditional norms. This decade saw the birth of jazz music, with popular musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington paving the way for this new genre. Literature also experienced a shift away from traditional styles, with writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway introducing the concept of disillusionment and the "lost generation" in their works. These cultural changes reflected the overall mindset of the decade, with individuals seeking new forms of self-expression and entertainment. Lastly, I would anticipate witnessing political and social tensions that came with the rise of the first Red Scare and the Prohibition era. The end of World War I brought about a fear of communism, and the government began to crack down on radical individuals and groups, leading to mass hysteria and the violation of civil liberties. The Prohibition of alcohol also created a divide in society, with those who supported it and those who engaged in illegal activities to obtain alcohol. This tension between traditional values and modern ideas was a significant theme of the 1920s. In conclusion, The Roaring 20s, as the nickname suggests, communicates a decade full of energy, prosperity, and celebration. The 1920s saw significant changes in economic, social, cultural, and political aspects of society, and it continues to have a lasting impact on our modern world. The events and attitudes of this decade have shaped our understanding and expectations of the modern era, making it a crucial period to study and understand. Question 5 How do you think America was feeling in the wake of World War I? Answer In the wake of World War I, America was feeling a mix of emotions. While there was a sense of relief that the war was over, there were also feelings of sorrow, anger, and uncertainty. One of the primary emotions felt by Americans was relief. The war had lasted for four long years and took a toll on the nation's resources, leading to significant economic and social upheaval. The end of the war brought a sense of respite and the hope of returning to normalcy. However, along with relief, there was also a sense of sorrow for the lives lost during the war. Over 116,000 Americans lost their lives in battle, and a similar number died due to the influenza epidemic that followed the war. The loss of so many young lives was a heavy blow to the nation, and many families were left grieving. Another prevalent emotion was anger, directed towards Germany. The harsh conditions of the Treaty of Versailles, which placed all the blame and responsibility for the war on Germany, left many Americans angry and resentful. This anger was further fueled by the sinking of the Lusitania, a British passenger ship, by a German U-boat, which caused the loss of 128 Americans. In addition to these emotions, there was also a sense of uncertainty about the future. The war had brought significant changes to American society, including the rise of women in the workforce and increased government involvement in the economy. With the war now over, many were unsure of what the future held and how these changes would impact their lives.