Discussion One

Barnes, L. & Bowles, M. (2014). The American story: Perspectives and encounters from 1877.

Prepare: Read Chapters 4, 5, and 6 of the textbook, Chapter Nine of The Jungle, and watch To Conquer or Redeem.

Reflect: As you learn about American Imperialism and the Progressive Era, think about the relationship between these two historical developments, comparing and contrasting Progressive policies at home with their policies abroad.

Consider the areas of American society and economy in need of reform during the first two decades of the 20th century. Think about the domestic issues on which the Progressive Movement focused, such as food safety, worker's safety, women's rights, economic inequality, and taxes. Evaluate their approach to these issues.

Think about the factors that contributed to American Imperialism and America's expanding role in the world. Consider the importance of the expansion of the Navy, the technological advancements, the need for markets brought on by the Industrial Revolution, and the experience of the peoples in America's imperial holdings. Take the time to notice President Theodore Roosevelt's role in promoting American Imperialism. Consider the stances that progressives took on various issues, were these stances consistent with the practice of imperialism?

Consult The Anatomy of a Discussion Board as well as Critical Thinking: A Guide to Skillful Reasoning as you formulate your response.

Write: After reading Chapters 4, 5, and 6 of the textbook, Chapter Nine of The Jungle, and watching To Conquer or Redeem use these sources and the textbook to address the following questions:

• Analyze the areas that were in need of reform in American Society during the period between 1890 and 1920. Choose one specific issue to focus on.

• Describe how progressives tried to resolve this issue. Were they successful? Explain why or why not.

• Examine the approaches progressives took regarding American foreign policy, including the policy of Imperialism. Explain these approaches.

• Explain why the progressive approach to reform at home was or was not consistent with the practice of imperialism overseas.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length.

DISCUSSION TWO

Reflect: Reflect on what you found interesting, surprising, or confusing in this past week. Did anything that you learned cause you to understand an issue and event differently? Have you discovered any habits or tips that help you to complete your course work more effectively or efficiently?

Consult The Anatomy of a Discussion Board as well as Critical Thinking: A Guide to Skillful Reasoning as you formulate your response.

Write: This discussion forum is an opportunity for you to explore topics that interest you, share critical insights and questions that you are working with, share your struggles and triumphs, and discuss difficulties that may have arisen this week, hopefully finding solutions. Your initial post should describe your experiences in the course this past week, prompting further discussion. You should address at least two of the following questions:

• What struck you in particular as you explored the course materials this week?
• What insights have you had?
• What have you been struggling with?
• What questions have come up for you at this point?
• Do you have any helpful tips that you've picked up in this course or in a past course?
• Do you have questions about the assignment that your classmates might be able to help with? (If you have a question for the instructor, be sure to contact your instructor through email or in the Ask Your Instructor Forum).

You are required to post at least 100 total words in this forum this week.

ASSIGNMENT

In the 1890s, political cartoons provided important commentary on the major economic, political, and social issues of the day. Cartoon artists employed symbolism, exaggeration, labeling, analogy, and irony to express their viewpoint.

Look closely at the cartoon you have selected and write down your initial reactions, you will not need to include these initial reactions your assignment, but they will help you complete the assignment once you have finished the exercise.

Then go to the Chapter 4, Section 4.3 of the textbook and look at the activity "Analyzing Primary Sources." You will find it under the section on Yellow Journalism. (This is very important.) Please note you will not be able to view this on some devices and will need to use a computer.
After completing the activity, answer the following items:

• Explain the character(s) in the cartoon.
• Describe the symbols and actions the artist employs in the cartoon.
• Describe the issues the cartoon raises.
• Analyze and explain what the cartoon says about the consequences of the Spanish American War for the countries occupied.
• Describe how your understanding of the cartoon changed after doing the analysis portion of this exercise.

The combined answers should be one page, including your reference list. Your answers to these questions should be accurate, thorough, and written in complete sentences. Be sure to cite the textbook at least once and reference the textbook in APA formatting.