DISCUSSION 1
Prepare: Read Chapter 5 of the textbook, Chapter Nine of The Jungle, and watch The Progressive Era.
Reflect: As you learn about the Progressive Era, consider the areas of American society and economy in need of reform during the first two decades of the 20th century. Think about the issues on which the Progressive Movement focused, and consider where Progressives were able to make reforms and where they were not.
Write: After reading Chapter Nine of The Jungle and watching The Progressive Era, use these sources and the textbook to address the following questions:
• What do you see as the most serious problem of the first decade of the 1900s?
• Why was this problem more serious than the other problems?
• How did Americans attempt to solve the problem?
• In what ways were they effective?
• In what ways did aspects of the problem still remain?
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and properly cite any references. You may use additional scholarly sources to support your points if you choose. Your references and citations must be formatted according to APA style as outlined by the Ashford Writing Center.
DISCUSSION 2
Read Chapters 4 and 6 of the textbook and watch To Conquer or Redeem.
Reflect: As you learn about American Imperialism, think about the factors that contributed to it. Consider the importance of the expansion of the Navy, the technological advancements, and the need for markets brought on by the Industrial Revolution. Think also about the idea of Manifest Destiny. It is often connected to the settlement and development of the American West, but how was it also connected to American Imperialism? Take the time to notice President Theodore Roosevelt's role in promoting American Imperialism and the factors contributing to America's expanding role in the world.
Write: Refer to your textbook and the film. Thoroughly address the following points:
• Explain Manifest Destiny and American exceptionalism.
• How were these ideas applied to U.S. foreign policy at the turn of the 20th century?
• What do you see as the positives and negatives of American Imperialism?
• Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Provide specific examples to support your points. Be sure to quote or paraphrase sources, according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center, without plagiarizing.