Friday, June 6, 2014
Michael Lewis: Flash Boys Reports
Flash Boys is about a small group of Wall Street guys who figure out that the U.S. stock market has been rigged for the benefit of those who control the stock market. The markets have become a lot less free and safe, and more controlled by the big Wall Street banks. Working at different firms, they come to this realization separately; but after they discover one another, the flash boys band together and set out to reform the financial markets. They all eventually come together to make sure that high frequency traders are at no advantage and aren't using the market to their complete advantage.
The characters in Flash Boys are awesome, each are completely different from what you think of when you think of “a Wall Street guy.” Several have walked away from jobs in the financial sector that paid them millions of dollars a year. From their new vantage point they investigate the big banks, the world’s stock exchanges, and high-frequency trading firms as they have never been investigated, and expose the many strange new ways that Wall Street generates profits.
The importance of the light Michael Lewis shined into the financial world shows just how corrupt our Stock Market exchange really is and how much needs to change so that everyone is working on a fair playing field. If you have any contact with the market, then this story is happening to you because even retirement plans are being attacked. In the end, Flash Boys is an uplifting read. The characters in the story are people who have somehow preserved a moral sense in an environment where you don’t get paid for that; they have institutionalized injustice and are willing to go to war to make sure everyone is playing fair.
Following the release of his book an investigation by the FBI into the "black boxes" and dark pools that he talked about in his book showed that whatever he was talking about was getting a lot of traction and of high importance. MSNBC, John Stewart, and Stephen Colbert all had interviews with him as soon as the book came out. It was the number one best seller on Amazon in under 24 hours and became so widely known that everyone knew who he was and what he stood for in a matter of hours.
The chairwoman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mary Jo White, stated in Congressional testimony on April 29, 2014 that U.S. financial markets "are not rigged" in response to a question on Lewis's book. On May 1, the SEC announced a $4.5 million fine for the New York Stock Exchange and two affiliated exchanges, on charges related to Lewis's book (high-frequency trading). The exchanges neither admitted, nor denied the charges. While Lewis can only estimate the cost to investors of the abuses, he believes it is over $5 billion per year, perhaps as much as $15 billion per year or even higher.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
The Tonight Show With Steve Allen
The Tonight Show has been airing on NBC since 1954. Currently recorded in New York City, it is the longest show currently running. This is the longest running talk show in television history, it has only gone under minor title changes. First it was "Tonight" now it is "The Tonight Show with *insert host name here* However it has still remained as a talk show ever since then!
The Tonight Show has been hosted by Steve Allen (1954–57), Jack Paar (1957–62), Johnny Carson (1962–92), Jay Leno (1992–2009, 2010–14), Conan O'Brien (2009–10), and Jimmy Fallon (2014–present). Several guest hosts have also appeared, particularly during the Paar and Carson eras. The current host is former Late Night host and Saturday Night Live cast member, Jimmy Fallon.
The longest-serving host to date is Johnny Carson, who hosted The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson for 30 seasons from October 1962 through to May 1992, though Leno has hosted the most episodes over the course of his two tenures and guest-hosting for Carson. The most recent host of the show is Jimmy Fallon, who has hosted the show since February 17, 2014.
Music during the show's introduction and commercial is supplied by The Tonight Show. This was a big jazz ensemble until the end of Johnny Carson's tenure. After Carson's tenure, the named was later changed to NBC Orchestra.
When the show first broadcasted, they went live on January 12, 1959. Later, the show began to be videotaped. Color broadcasts went big on The Tonight Show on September 19, 1960.
The Tonight Show became the first American television to broadcast with MTS stereo sound. On April 26, 1999, The Tonight Show started it's first 1080i HDTV showing, becoming the first show to premiere in that format.On March 19, 2009, The Tonight Show became the first late night talk show in history to have the sitting of the president as a guest, when President Barack Obama visited.
Throughout the years, the time at which The Tonight Show aired and the length has changed multiple times. At the beginning of development of the show, the local news had no room to broadcast their 15 minutes of news. This made the show change from 11:15-11:30 to start at. However, people were worried about this time difference because they were worried they were gonna crash and sleep in the audience and in the middle of the tv show!
The Tonight Show has been hosted by Steve Allen (1954–57), Jack Paar (1957–62), Johnny Carson (1962–92), Jay Leno (1992–2009, 2010–14), Conan O'Brien (2009–10), and Jimmy Fallon (2014–present). Several guest hosts have also appeared, particularly during the Paar and Carson eras. The current host is former Late Night host and Saturday Night Live cast member, Jimmy Fallon.
The longest-serving host to date is Johnny Carson, who hosted The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson for 30 seasons from October 1962 through to May 1992, though Leno has hosted the most episodes over the course of his two tenures and guest-hosting for Carson. The most recent host of the show is Jimmy Fallon, who has hosted the show since February 17, 2014.
Music during the show's introduction and commercial is supplied by The Tonight Show. This was a big jazz ensemble until the end of Johnny Carson's tenure. After Carson's tenure, the named was later changed to NBC Orchestra.
When the show first broadcasted, they went live on January 12, 1959. Later, the show began to be videotaped. Color broadcasts went big on The Tonight Show on September 19, 1960.
The Tonight Show became the first American television to broadcast with MTS stereo sound. On April 26, 1999, The Tonight Show started it's first 1080i HDTV showing, becoming the first show to premiere in that format.On March 19, 2009, The Tonight Show became the first late night talk show in history to have the sitting of the president as a guest, when President Barack Obama visited.
Throughout the years, the time at which The Tonight Show aired and the length has changed multiple times. At the beginning of development of the show, the local news had no room to broadcast their 15 minutes of news. This made the show change from 11:15-11:30 to start at. However, people were worried about this time difference because they were worried they were gonna crash and sleep in the audience and in the middle of the tv show!
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Sam Cooke's Life and Influence on American Music 50s-60s
Sam Cooke, born Samuel Cook, was an American recording artist, singer-songwriter and entrepreneur. Cooke had 30 U.S. top 40 hits between 1957 and 1964, and a further three after his death. Major hits like "You Send Me", "A Change Is Gonna Come", "Cupid", "Chain Gang", "Wonderful World", and "Twistin' the Night Away" are some of his most popular songs. Cooke was also among the first modern black performers and composers to attend to the business side of his musical career. He founded both a record label and a publishing company as an extension of his careers as a singer and composer. He also took an active part in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.
On December 11, 1964, Cooke was fatally shot by Bertha Franklin, the manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 33. At the time, the courts ruled Cooke was drunk and distressed, and the manager had killed Cooke in what was later ruled a justifiable homicide. However since that time, the circumstances of his death have been widely questioned.
Cooke was born "Cook" in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He later added an "e" onto the end of his name, though the reason for this is disputed. He was one of eight children of the Rev. Charles Cook, a Baptist minister, and his wife, Annie Mae. He had a brother, L.C., who some years later would become a member of the doo-wop band Johnny Keyes and the Magnificent's. The family moved to Chicago in 1933. Cooke attended Wendell Phillips Academy High School in Chicago, the same school that Nat "King" Cole had attended a few years earlier. Cooke's unique and distinctive vocals were easily recognized. Art Rupe, head of Specialty Records, the label of the Soul Stirrers, gave his blessing for Cooke to record secular music under his real name, but he was unhappy about the type of music Cooke and producer Bumps Blackwell were making. Rupe expected Cooke's secular music to be similar to that of another Specialty Records artist, Little Richard. When Rupe walked in on a recording session and heard Cooke covering Gershwin, he was quite upset. After an argument between Rupe and Blackwell, Cooke and Blackwell left the label.
In 1957, Cooke appeared on ABC's The Guy Mitchell Show. That same year, he signed with Keen Records. His first release, "You Send Me", spent six weeks at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart. The song also had mainstream success, spending three weeks at #1 on the Billboard pop chart.
In 1961, Cooke started his own record label, SAR Records, with J.W. Alexander and his manager, Roy Crain. The label soon included The Simms Twins, The Valentinos, Bobby Womack, and Johnnie Taylor. Cooke then created a publishing imprint and management firm before leaving Keen to sign with RCA Victor. One of his first RCA singles was the hit "Chain Gang". It reached #2 on the Billboard pop chart and was followed by more hits, including "Sad Mood", "Cupid", "Bring it on Home to Me", "Another Saturday Night", and "Twistin' the Night Away".
Like most R&B artists of his time, Cooke focused on singles; in all, he had twenty-nine top 40 hits on the pop charts, and more on the R&B charts. He was a prolific songwriter and wrote most of the songs he recorded. He also had a hand in overseeing some of the song arrangements. In spite of releasing mostly singles, he released a well received blues-inflected LP in 1963, Night Beat, and his most critically acclaimed studio album, Ain't That Good News, which featured five singles, in 1964.
Cooke was widely recognized and loved throughout the midwest and there are still many recognitions of him today. In 1986, Cooke was inducted as a charter member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1999, Cooke was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him #16 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". In 2008, Cooke was named the fourth "Greatest Singer of All Time" by Rolling Stone. In June 2011, the City of Chicago renamed a portion of East 36th Street near Cottage Grove Avenue as the honorary "Sam Cooke Way" to remember the singer near a corner where he hung out and sang as a teenager.
On December 11, 1964, Cooke was fatally shot by Bertha Franklin, the manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 33. At the time, the courts ruled Cooke was drunk and distressed, and the manager had killed Cooke in what was later ruled a justifiable homicide. However since that time, the circumstances of his death have been widely questioned.
Cooke was born "Cook" in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He later added an "e" onto the end of his name, though the reason for this is disputed. He was one of eight children of the Rev. Charles Cook, a Baptist minister, and his wife, Annie Mae. He had a brother, L.C., who some years later would become a member of the doo-wop band Johnny Keyes and the Magnificent's. The family moved to Chicago in 1933. Cooke attended Wendell Phillips Academy High School in Chicago, the same school that Nat "King" Cole had attended a few years earlier. Cooke's unique and distinctive vocals were easily recognized. Art Rupe, head of Specialty Records, the label of the Soul Stirrers, gave his blessing for Cooke to record secular music under his real name, but he was unhappy about the type of music Cooke and producer Bumps Blackwell were making. Rupe expected Cooke's secular music to be similar to that of another Specialty Records artist, Little Richard. When Rupe walked in on a recording session and heard Cooke covering Gershwin, he was quite upset. After an argument between Rupe and Blackwell, Cooke and Blackwell left the label.
In 1957, Cooke appeared on ABC's The Guy Mitchell Show. That same year, he signed with Keen Records. His first release, "You Send Me", spent six weeks at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart. The song also had mainstream success, spending three weeks at #1 on the Billboard pop chart.
In 1961, Cooke started his own record label, SAR Records, with J.W. Alexander and his manager, Roy Crain. The label soon included The Simms Twins, The Valentinos, Bobby Womack, and Johnnie Taylor. Cooke then created a publishing imprint and management firm before leaving Keen to sign with RCA Victor. One of his first RCA singles was the hit "Chain Gang". It reached #2 on the Billboard pop chart and was followed by more hits, including "Sad Mood", "Cupid", "Bring it on Home to Me", "Another Saturday Night", and "Twistin' the Night Away".
Like most R&B artists of his time, Cooke focused on singles; in all, he had twenty-nine top 40 hits on the pop charts, and more on the R&B charts. He was a prolific songwriter and wrote most of the songs he recorded. He also had a hand in overseeing some of the song arrangements. In spite of releasing mostly singles, he released a well received blues-inflected LP in 1963, Night Beat, and his most critically acclaimed studio album, Ain't That Good News, which featured five singles, in 1964.
Cooke was widely recognized and loved throughout the midwest and there are still many recognitions of him today. In 1986, Cooke was inducted as a charter member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1999, Cooke was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him #16 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". In 2008, Cooke was named the fourth "Greatest Singer of All Time" by Rolling Stone. In June 2011, the City of Chicago renamed a portion of East 36th Street near Cottage Grove Avenue as the honorary "Sam Cooke Way" to remember the singer near a corner where he hung out and sang as a teenager.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Earth Day Annotation
Earth Day Annotation
The film, "A Green Fierce Fire" was about how we have evolved our environment to a greener and more environmentally friendly state today. There were two men who saw a whaling boat kill sperm whales. Is was tragic because of how it affected them emotionally, not just because of the killing. There were mass parts of land being taken down by the government. People didn't like this because of the nature the people had right in their own backyard. They wanted clean water as well, because pollution screwed up the water with chemicals in it. It caused a deforming of genes and a lot of people were having genetic mutations forced on their kids which caused an outrage. Eventually they got help, but it took a long time for the government to act.
Some things that stand out to me that involving something wrong with our environment is:
(2). There is a lot of pollution in Urban America and we can't just lie around letting it take over our water and ruin the future of America. Using filters for water and getting extra help from the government to make sure the food and water we're digesting is good for us can help with pollution.
(3). Global Warming is still very much a problem and there are many things we can do to help but we really aren't making the grade. There is a lot to be done to save this planet and we need to step it up to make sure we don't have to leave in the future.
Sources:
1."Watch Film: A Fierce Green Fire." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2014.
2. Whyte, Talia. "Top 10 Environmental Issues Affecting Urban America." The GRIO.
MSNBC, 22 Apr. 2010. Web. 9 May 2014. <http://thegrio.com/2010/04/22/
the-top-ten-environmental-issues-affecting-america/
#s:earth-day-at-40-top-ten-environmental-threats-to-black-america-jpg>.
3. NRDC. National Resources Defense Council, n.d. Web. 9 May 2014.
<http://www.nrdc.org/issues/>.
2. Whyte, Talia. "Top 10 Environmental Issues Affecting Urban America." The GRIO.
MSNBC, 22 Apr. 2010. Web. 9 May 2014. <http://thegrio.com/2010/04/22/
the-top-ten-environmental-issues-affecting-america/
#s:earth-day-at-40-top-ten-environmental-threats-to-black-america-jpg>.
3. NRDC. National Resources Defense Council, n.d. Web. 9 May 2014.
<http://www.nrdc.org/issues/>.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Earth Day
Earth Day
The film "A Green Fierce Fire" was about how we have evolved our environment to a cleaner state today. There was two men who saw a harpoon that shot and killed many sperm whales. This was a tragic event not just because of the killing, but also the mass amounts of blood coming out of the whale, polluting the ocean. There were mass parts of land being taken down by the government. People didn't like this because of the nature the people had right in their own backyard. They wanted clean water as well, because pollution screwed up the water with chemicals in it.
Some things that speak out to me that tell me there is something wrong with our environment is that:
*Our mass killings of dolphins, this isn't only just illegal to kill them but bad to pollute our ocean with blood and guts.
*Garbage/Liter in the ocean, this harms many fish in the ocean. Fish think this is food when in reality, the garbage chokes them to death. Not only just lowering the population of fish, plus ruining our ocean water.
Sources:
1."Watch Film: A Fierce Green Fire." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2014.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Questions for Chapter 12 Section 1
1. What is the Cost Plus Contract?
It is when the contractor is paid in full plus a stated percentage of the profit.
2. What is the Reconstruction Finance Corporation?
Is was a Corporation created to make loans to banks, mortgages associations and railroads and to help keep them afloat.
3. What kind of factories did we use to make our tanks?
Monday, April 14, 2014
US History Radio Show Script
Tanner Nielsen, Parker Tugaw, TJ Cecil
Script
Opening Intro T: *Cue Jazz Music*
“Hello, and welcome to TPT Radio Station 120.01 your local broadcast station bringing you News, Sports, and Coooool Jazz all day long. Because isn't that what life is all about? Just cooool jazz...and now to TJ with the World of Sports.
Sports TJ: *Cue sports intro *
"Babe Ruth is coming off an amazing year here in the 1930. He's one of the best spectacles to watch in baseball ever! Everyone is watching him play, tickets to his games are even upwards of 15¢! He is so impossibly good that no one can even compare him to past players! Go buy your tickets today for their game that's next up against the Red Sox! Or tune in here for the report right after these messages from our advertiser Parker"
Feminine Advertisement Parker: *Cue Woman in a Bathing Suit*
"Men wouldn't look at me when I was skinny. But... Since I gained 10 pounds this new, easy way I have all the dates I want. Now there is no need to be "skinny" and friendless, even if you could never gain an ounce. Here's a new easy treatment that is giving thousands attractive flesh... In just a few weeks!
Purchase a pack of ionized yeast and the first pack is GUARANTEED to make you look flawless. If your disappointed, money back GUARANTEE!"
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
submarine warfare in world war 2
Submarine Warfare In World War II
During the Second World War, the U.S. Navy sank
over 30 percent of Japans Navy, including eight aircraft carriers! However,
World War II Submarines aren't effective as today’s submarines. These had very
limited battery life; diesel engines were fast on land, but not in water.
The submarine engines could go long distances, but not with the rough
conditions underwater. These still had the firepower! Deck guns, and 24 torpedos’
was the average amount of weaponry on each submarine. These Subs were launched
into rivers, so instead of plunging into the water "stem first" (the
front). They were launched sideways because otherwise, the rocks and stones
will puncture the "stem", leaking water into the sub.
When WWII began, the submarines had no radar! Until august, 1942, the
first radar was installed on the submarines! Even though this first radar
system had a few kinks and glitches, it still did its job. Subs were now able
to detect enemy and ally ships/subs. The captains of the subs had no idea how
to control most of the parts/button on the subs. They had to "learn as you
go", meaning you had to learn how to perform the controls in the sub
during the war. Torpedo troubles came along; a little less than half of the
crew didn't know how to launch the torpedos. This was part of the blame for the
deaths on subs. However, the U.S. Navy had the most advanced torpedo’s putting
them ahead of Japans game.
Towards the end of 1943, the situation of the U.S. Submarines began to improve its fleet. Their fleet of ships became more populated, and computer glitches were occurring less often. The officers and men had to change their tactics, before, during, and after the war. The U.S. Submarine Warfare was an improvement in combat, and helped save lives of american people.
Towards the end of 1943, the situation of the U.S. Submarines began to improve its fleet. Their fleet of ships became more populated, and computer glitches were occurring less often. The officers and men had to change their tactics, before, during, and after the war. The U.S. Submarine Warfare was an improvement in combat, and helped save lives of american people.
Zoot Suits Riots
Zoot Suit Riots in 1943
Zoot Suit Riots were a series of riots that took place in Los Angeles, California. They were between American sailors ( as well as Marines) and the Latino youths who were recognized by wearing the "zoot" suits. Some African Americans and Filipino Americans were involved but those were the two major groups involved. The ZS Riots were the product of the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial which followed the death of a young Latino boy in a neighborhood near LA. The trial also caused a lot of attacks against Latinos in various other cities around the United States.
Many American men in the Army or the Marines were questioning the Patriotism of the Mexicans who lived in Los Angeles as well as other parts of the US. Since there weren't very many healthy young Mexican Americans in the US it then prompted many US Soldiers to question their Patriotism. They also disagreed with the fact that they were wearing extravagant clothing (zoot suits) during a time of war. Since there were many poor and young Mexicans in Los Angeles they questioned how they had been able to get those nice suits legally.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Zootsuit2.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoot_Suit_Riots
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Causes of the Great Depression in the 1920s and 30s
I Intro
WPA - The Works Progress Administration employed more than 8.5 million people. For an average salary of $41 a month, WPA employees built bridges, roads, public buildings, public parks and airports.
II Causes: The causes of the great depression were the stock market crash, overproduction, and deficit spending.
A: Over-speculation - People wanted to makes sure they were putting their hard worked money into stocks. People began selling their stocks because of the soon coming market crash.
B: Govt Policy - The New Deal, helped unemployed people get jobs during the tough times of the great depression.
C: Unstable Economy - America at the time was trying to be the worlds banker, food producer, and manufacturer. Unfortunately, it didn't help because businesses were failing, and going out of business.
1. uneven prosperity - There was uneven distribution of wealth, people were either hobos, or the small percent of people were very rich. There was very little middle class.
2. overproduction - This was an excess amount of items that were not purchased. Companies kept high production rates of many products, problem was that they were not getting purchased.
3. worker issues / farm issues - The farmers couldn't feel crops across seas because the war was over, farmers took out lots of mortgages on their farms, they also would burn and not replant certain crop fields to raise the prices to make more money for their crops. Workers were getting paid really low wages or not working at all. Jobs were quite scarce and if your dad did have a job, you were one of the lucky families.
III Effects
A: Poverty - Soup kitchens became so commonly used that they were meet and greets for families sometimes. The lines would stretch so long for them. Others went hungry. Nobody really bought or owned homes or if they did then they owed money. Life was poor and standard of living was low.
B: Society - The Great Depression caused an overall societal change in America. Even after the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl many farmers refused to go back to the plains. Most people who survived through the depression remained frugal, wary of banks, apt to hoard food, and suspicious of the stock market the rest of their lives.
C: World - While the Depression griped America, Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany were allowed the opportunity to rise to power and gain an army and to become powerful enough to be ready to start a war.
IV Solutions
A Hoover
1 Volunteerism - Hoover called on charity organizations, churches, and local governments to cooperatively to alleviate suffering and distribute relief. Hoover claimed it was "self-government by the people outside of the government."
2 Public Works - An example of Public Works is the Hoover Dam. He created that to help create over 6,000 jobs for those who need them in America. He also created loads more parks and other recreational things to be created all over to help with getting people in America jobs.
3 Hawley-Smoot Tariff - This tariff raised U.S. tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods to record setting levels. It was an Act created to provide revenue, to regulate commerce with foreign countries, to encourage the industries of the United States, and to protect American labor.
4 RFC - This agency gave $2 billion in aid to state and local governments and made loans to banks, railroads, mortgage associations and other businesses. The goal of the RFC was to boost the country’s confidence and help banks return to performing daily functions.
B Roosevelt
1 New Deal
a alphabet soup
AAA - The Agricultural Adjustment Administration was used to encourage those who were still left in farming to grow fewer crops. Therefore, there would be less produce on the market and crop prices would rise thus benefiting the farmers, but not the consumers.
CCC - The Civilian Conservation Corps was a public works project intended to promote environmental conservation and to build good citizens through vigorous, disciplined outdoor labor.
HOLC - Home Owners Loan Corporation main task was to refinance home mortgages that were in default or at risk of foreclosure due to the 1929 crash and the collapse of the housing industry.
b Criticsim?
Many people criticized Roosevelt and his ideas because they felt that he was on his way to becoming a dictator and trying to run America as a dictatorship. (Later reinforced by the court-packing incident.)
2 2nd new deal
a WPA
b F.D.R
c Social Security Act
V Criticism
A Political Criticism (ex. Came from both the Huey Long and Charles Coughlin)
B Conservatives - Provided tax relief, Provided loans, and encouraged businesses to succeed.
C Liberals (ex: criticised the new deal also. They....)
Ex Tried to create Liberty and equality.
ex Wanted equal power throughout all states and justices.
VI Effectiveness
A Changes in US - The Dust Bowl caused many people to leave the Great Plains and never return for fear of it happening again. Many people were frugal for the rest of their lives and carried low food supplies so that they didn't have to spend that much money.
B Unions - There was the Unemployed Workers Movement, and the Hunger Strikes, which caused Unions in a lot of areas to be created to help workers.
C Culture - Many people turned to religion and soup kitchens for help, and many went hungry, and it caused lots of frugal-ness to become the norm in the US society.
VII Conclusion
The Great Depression was a time of hardship and problems in America. Many people went hungry and if you were one of the lucky ones who had jobs then you were wealthy in most ways, no matter how little they were paid for their work. Life was a struggle during the 1920s-30s and it caused a lot of people to carry on their hardships even after the hardest part of the Stock-market Crash, DustBowl, and other problems were over.
The Great Depression was a time of hardship and problems in America. Many people went hungry and if you were one of the lucky ones who had jobs then you were wealthy in most ways, no matter how little they were paid for their work. Life was a struggle during the 1920s-30s and it caused a lot of people to carry on their hardships even after the hardest part of the Stock-market Crash, DustBowl, and other problems were over.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Causes of the Great Depression (Parker)
I Intro: The great depression was a time of loss in hope, and no faith in the banks/government.
II Causes: The causes of the great depression were the stock market crash, overproduction, and deficit spending.
A: over-speculation- People wanted to makes sure they were putting their hard worked money into good stocks. People then began selling their stocks because of the soon coming market crash.
B: Govt Policy- The New Deal, helped unemployed people get jobs during the tough times of the great depression.
C: Unstable Economy- America at the time was trying to be the worlds banker, food producer, and manufacturer. Unfortunately, it didn't help because businesses were failing, going out of business.
1. uneven prosperity- There was uneven distribution of wealth, people were either hobos, or the small percent of people were very rich! There was very little middle class.
2. overproduction- This was an excess amount of items that were not purchased. Companies kept high production rates of many products, problem was that they were not getting purchased!
3. worker issues / farm issues- Construction was big during the great depression. Workers lost their jobs.
III Effects
A: Poverty- People were so upset, they were barely getting food. People were lined up at soup kitchens, they soon went on the Hunger march!
B: Society- Sports provided a distraction from the great depression. However, it brought a rapid rise in crime because of the great depression!
C: World- 4 million americans were looking for work, they couldn't find it!
IV Solutions
A Hoover- Hoover tried to help the great depression, unfortunately, he made it worse.
1 Volunteerism- People volunteered at the soup kitchen for the hungry and poor.
2 Public Works- An example of this is the hoover dam, this took 5 years and costed $165 million
to build!
3 Hawley Smoot- This act raised tariffs to an incredibly high level of money. This was to protect farmers from going out of business.This was a consequence of the great depression
4 RFC- This was an independent agency of the united states government, the RFC was supposed help banks get back in business, plus boost the countries confidence!
B Roosevelt- Roosevelt helped weaken the worst effects of the great depression. Roosevelt took immediate action to address the country’s economic woes, first announcing a four-day “bank holiday” during which all banks would close so that Congress could pass reform legislation and reopen those banks determined to be sound.
1 new deal- This helped give jobs to the unemployed people, so they focused on building things like post offices, bridges, schools, highways and parks.
a alphabet soup
example- New deal
example- minimum wage and maximum hours
example- outlawed child labor
example- NRA
b Criticsim?- There was no end to the alphabet soup, The S.E.C. (Securities and exchange commission) was a guard dog for the stock market.
2 2nd new deal
a- Works progress administration act (WPA)
b- F.D.R.
c- Social Security act
V Criticism
A Political Criticism (ex. Came from both Huey Long, and Charles Coughlin ).
B Conservatives- Provide tax relief, loans, and encouragement to businesses.
B Liberals (ex: criticised the new deal also. They....)
Ex- Liberty and equality.
ex- freedom of press, rights, trade, etc.
VI Effectiveness
A Changes in US- The Dust Bowl sent many people off their property, with low supply of food.
B Unions- unemployed workers movement. hunger strike.
C Culture-During these tough times, people were interested in religion. With any source of hope with god.
VII Conclusion
The great depression was a world wide economic downfall that hit after world war 2. Sending people in a downward fall to becoming hobos, with barely any food, soup kitchens became common. And there was a small percentage of people who had money.
II Causes: The causes of the great depression were the stock market crash, overproduction, and deficit spending.
A: over-speculation- People wanted to makes sure they were putting their hard worked money into good stocks. People then began selling their stocks because of the soon coming market crash.
B: Govt Policy- The New Deal, helped unemployed people get jobs during the tough times of the great depression.
C: Unstable Economy- America at the time was trying to be the worlds banker, food producer, and manufacturer. Unfortunately, it didn't help because businesses were failing, going out of business.
1. uneven prosperity- There was uneven distribution of wealth, people were either hobos, or the small percent of people were very rich! There was very little middle class.
2. overproduction- This was an excess amount of items that were not purchased. Companies kept high production rates of many products, problem was that they were not getting purchased!
3. worker issues / farm issues- Construction was big during the great depression. Workers lost their jobs.
III Effects
A: Poverty- People were so upset, they were barely getting food. People were lined up at soup kitchens, they soon went on the Hunger march!
B: Society- Sports provided a distraction from the great depression. However, it brought a rapid rise in crime because of the great depression!
C: World- 4 million americans were looking for work, they couldn't find it!
IV Solutions
A Hoover- Hoover tried to help the great depression, unfortunately, he made it worse.
1 Volunteerism- People volunteered at the soup kitchen for the hungry and poor.
2 Public Works- An example of this is the hoover dam, this took 5 years and costed $165 million
to build!
3 Hawley Smoot- This act raised tariffs to an incredibly high level of money. This was to protect farmers from going out of business.This was a consequence of the great depression
4 RFC- This was an independent agency of the united states government, the RFC was supposed help banks get back in business, plus boost the countries confidence!
B Roosevelt- Roosevelt helped weaken the worst effects of the great depression. Roosevelt took immediate action to address the country’s economic woes, first announcing a four-day “bank holiday” during which all banks would close so that Congress could pass reform legislation and reopen those banks determined to be sound.
1 new deal- This helped give jobs to the unemployed people, so they focused on building things like post offices, bridges, schools, highways and parks.
a alphabet soup
example- New deal
example- minimum wage and maximum hours
example- outlawed child labor
example- NRA
b Criticsim?- There was no end to the alphabet soup, The S.E.C. (Securities and exchange commission) was a guard dog for the stock market.
2 2nd new deal
a- Works progress administration act (WPA)
b- F.D.R.
c- Social Security act
V Criticism
A Political Criticism (ex. Came from both Huey Long, and Charles Coughlin ).
B Conservatives- Provide tax relief, loans, and encouragement to businesses.
B Liberals (ex: criticised the new deal also. They....)
Ex- Liberty and equality.
ex- freedom of press, rights, trade, etc.
VI Effectiveness
A Changes in US- The Dust Bowl sent many people off their property, with low supply of food.
B Unions- unemployed workers movement. hunger strike.
C Culture-During these tough times, people were interested in religion. With any source of hope with god.
VII Conclusion
The great depression was a world wide economic downfall that hit after world war 2. Sending people in a downward fall to becoming hobos, with barely any food, soup kitchens became common. And there was a small percentage of people who had money.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Mississippi River Floods - 1927
Tanner Nielsen
Sources:
Mr. Smith
US History P2
9 Feb, 2014
Mississippi River Floods of 1927
On the day of April 15th, 1927, New Orleans was pounded with 15 inches of rain in under 18 hours. More than 4ft. of water covered many parts of the city, and bankers met in town about trying to keep the townspeople safe since there was so much flooding upstream. In a matter of weeks the entire levee system along the river had collapsed. In some residential areas there was as much as 30ft. of water submerging them. Two months passed before the floodwater was able to subside.
Authorities were criticized severely because of the lack of relief provided to African Americans during the flooding. Many were forced to work while white women and white children were hauled to safety. Thousands of plantation workers were stranded without food and provisions or even drinking water. Even those who gathered in relief camps were forced to work and were basically turned into slaves again, working for the relief of those who were being taken care of. At the least one black man was shot, it was reported that he was refusing to work.
The flood, over time, caused a lot of social and political reform around the country. African Americans slowly switched their loyalty from the Democratic Party to the antislavery campaign of the Republican Party. Also, the disaster induced the Great Migration when a large amount of African Americans moved from the South to the North.
The flood also found its way into folklore, music, literature, and films. Popular songs about the about the event include Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie's "When the Levee Breaks" (1929), reworked in 1971 by Led Zeppelin, and Randy Newman's "Louisiana 1927" (1974).
The Great Flood of 1927 was one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the United States. More than 23,000 square miles of land was submerged, hundreds of thousands of people were displaced, and roughly 250 died.
Sources:
Friday, February 7, 2014
Mickey Mouse in the 1920's
Mickey Mouse
In April 1928, cartoonist/animator Walt Disney had just had his heart broken when his distributor stole his popular character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, from him. After the depressing news, Walt Disney, made a new character. A mouse with round ears and a big smile, named Mickey Mouse. A few months later, the new, talking Mickey Mouse was first shown to the world in the cartoon Steamboat Willie. Since that first appearance, Mickey Mouse has become the most recognizable cartoon character in the world!
When Sound became the latest in film technology in 1928, Walt Disney researched several New York film companies in the hopes of recording his cartoons with sound to make them stand out. He struck a deal with Pat Powers of Powers Cinephone System, a company that offered the novelty of sound with film. While Powers added sound effects and music to the cartoon, Walt Disney was the voice of mickey mouse.
On November 18, 1928, Steamboat Willie (the world's first sound cartoon opened at the Colony Theater in New York. Disney did all the character voices in the seven-minute-long film. Receiving rave reviews, audiences everywhere adored Mickey Mouse along with his girlfriend Minnie Mouse, who also made her first appearance in Steamboat Willie.
While Mickey Mouse Gained the popularity of fan clubs, toys, and worldwide fame, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (A popular character from Disney) soon faded into obscurity after 1943. As the Walt disney Company grew over the decades into a mega-entertainment empire, including feature-length motion pictures, television stations, resorts and theme parks, Mickey Mouse remains the icon of the company as well as the most recognizable trademark in the world.
Sources:
Friday, January 17, 2014
Letter Home
Dear Family,
Times are hard. I have been shot at numerous times and I can not go a day without being in some sort of danger. I have been brought to the brink of death, but the thought of coming home to you saved me. It is so difficult being an ambulance driver over here. There is so much death and so many days where I feel as though we may win the war. I have records of countless deaths and horrific scenes that will be burrowed into my memory forever. The piles of bodies and constant death have all but become a haze. I do not wish for you to fear for me, however because I am strong and will make it through this war against Germany and the Central Powers. As long as I have my thoughts of you and the kids I will never give up hope.
How are the kids doing in school? I hope that they are keeping up on their studies and maintaining a good attitude with you. I really wish that I could see them. Not a day goes by that I don't think about all of you. I also hope to keep up on my writings and to send more letters so that you don't have to wonder about me as often. I hope Johnny finally got his bicycle fixed and was able to ride around town like he wanted.
As for you and you alone, I love you. I wish that I could leave here and be with you and never worry about another war. We could have picnics along the creek back at home and not have a care in the world. I hope to make all of these fantasies true for us one day. Write back to me of what you want to do. I am ever so curious.
Lastly, there is something I want you to do, Mary. I may not make it back from this war and just incase I don't I want you to have something of mine. I left a shoebox under our bed with a memento of myself for all of you. In that box you will find money that I have saved since I was a boy (this is for you and the kids to stay afloat). You will also find my favorite picture of us in the meadow from five years ago. That is for you. For Johnny my best pocket knife is also inside the box. Make sure he is old enough to understand and use it properly before you give it to him. Lastly, for Susie, I left my grandmother's broach. It was her favorite and she always wore it. Make sure she treats it well.
I'm sorry but I must wrap this letter up. Our Sargent is telling us that we need to get some shut eye because tomorrow is a big day.
I love you honey, and I love you both Johnny and Susie, make sure you write back soon.
Signed,
Tanner Nielsen
Times are hard. I have been shot at numerous times and I can not go a day without being in some sort of danger. I have been brought to the brink of death, but the thought of coming home to you saved me. It is so difficult being an ambulance driver over here. There is so much death and so many days where I feel as though we may win the war. I have records of countless deaths and horrific scenes that will be burrowed into my memory forever. The piles of bodies and constant death have all but become a haze. I do not wish for you to fear for me, however because I am strong and will make it through this war against Germany and the Central Powers. As long as I have my thoughts of you and the kids I will never give up hope.
How are the kids doing in school? I hope that they are keeping up on their studies and maintaining a good attitude with you. I really wish that I could see them. Not a day goes by that I don't think about all of you. I also hope to keep up on my writings and to send more letters so that you don't have to wonder about me as often. I hope Johnny finally got his bicycle fixed and was able to ride around town like he wanted.
As for you and you alone, I love you. I wish that I could leave here and be with you and never worry about another war. We could have picnics along the creek back at home and not have a care in the world. I hope to make all of these fantasies true for us one day. Write back to me of what you want to do. I am ever so curious.
Lastly, there is something I want you to do, Mary. I may not make it back from this war and just incase I don't I want you to have something of mine. I left a shoebox under our bed with a memento of myself for all of you. In that box you will find money that I have saved since I was a boy (this is for you and the kids to stay afloat). You will also find my favorite picture of us in the meadow from five years ago. That is for you. For Johnny my best pocket knife is also inside the box. Make sure he is old enough to understand and use it properly before you give it to him. Lastly, for Susie, I left my grandmother's broach. It was her favorite and she always wore it. Make sure she treats it well.
I'm sorry but I must wrap this letter up. Our Sargent is telling us that we need to get some shut eye because tomorrow is a big day.
I love you honey, and I love you both Johnny and Susie, make sure you write back soon.
Signed,
Tanner Nielsen
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
WWI Causes
The main causes of World War I
The main causes of world war I were:
1. Nationalism- This was the support of one nation, being loyal to your country.
2. Alliance System- It is the formal support to help countries in case of danger, or worst of all, war.
3. Imperialism- The building power of taking over another colonies. Countries were arguing over colonies, this caused war.
4. Militarism- Its the preparation for war. At the time, britain had the strongest navy and germany was trying to expand their own army. This established strong preparation for the war.
The assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand officially sparked the start of world war I. However, that wasn't the only reason. It was really caused between a contest against Europe and a group of alliances. The killing of the archduke led to Austria-Hugary to invade Serbia, where the assassination took place at. This caused Russia to come to Serbia, to aid them. Germany then declared war on russia to back up Austria-Hungary. France then declared war on Austria-Hungary and Germany to back up its ally, Russia. England then, declared war to back up its allies, France and Russia. Later the U.S. joined the whole cluster, creating World War I.
Zimmermann Note- 1917
Sussex pledge- 1916
Unrestricted sub warfare- 1915
Luistania- 1904
Luistania- 1904
SO.....
1. Luistania- Luistania was a British Ocean liner, holder of the Blue Riband and briefly the worlds biggest ship. She was launched by the Cunard Line in 1907, at a time of time of fierce competition for the North Atlantic Trade.
2.Unrestricted Sub Warare- Unrestricted sub warfare is a type of naval warfare which submarines sink vessels such as freighters and tankers without warning, as opposed to attack per prize rules.
3. Sussex Pledge- The Sussex Pledge was a promise made in 1916 during World War 1 by Germany to the United States prior to the entry into the war.
4. Zimmermann Note- The Zimmermann Note was a 1917 diplomatic proposal from the German Empire for Mexico to join the Central Powers, in the event of the United States entering World War 1 on the side of the Entente Powers.
Sources:
WWI Causes
WWI Causes
The first main causes of WWI were militarism, alliance system, imperialism, and nationalism. Militarism is the belief in building up a strong armed forces to prepare your country for war. Countries in Europe as well as Russia were building up their armies preparing for a war that was about to begin. Allowing them to fight well in the war. Alliance System was created when countries agreed to support one another in case of an attack. 2 alliances would emerge: Triple Entente [France, Britain, and Russia (US would eventually join)] (good) and Triple Alliance [Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy] (bad). These alliances together created a huge force that allowed for much more massive attacks on objectives. Imperialism, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Russia all scrambled for colonies in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Each nation wanted new trade markets and the raw materials of these new regions. Nationalism which is pride or devotion to one's country. Nationalism encouraged unity, and also would put nation against nation. Linking it to the war.
The spark of WWI was the assassination of Austria's Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. The assassination occurred on June 28, 1914 while Ferdinand was visiting the city of Sarajevo in the Austro-Hungarian province of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Austria wanted to start a war but first made sure Germany was at their back. Which Germany was, allowing Austria-Hungary to spark WWI.
Unrestricted Submarine warfare in WWI was started in 1915 by Germany when they used U-Boats to sink the Lusitania on May 7, 1915. It went on for three years against Britain and its allies. This was also ultimately one of the main reasons the United States joined the war.
The RMS Lusitania was a British ocean liner, holder of the Blue Riband for briefly being the world's largest ship. In 1915 it was sunk by a German U-Boat (U20), causing the death of 1,198 passengers and crew. Again, ultimately one of the reasons the United States joined the war.
The RMS Lusitania was a British ocean liner, holder of the Blue Riband for briefly being the world's largest ship. In 1915 it was sunk by a German U-Boat (U20), causing the death of 1,198 passengers and crew. Again, ultimately one of the reasons the United States joined the war.
The Sussex pledge was a plea from Germany to the United States in 1916 during World War I. Early in 1916, Germany had instituted a policy known as unrestricted submarine warfare allowing armed merchant ships – but not passenger ships – to be torpedoed without warning. Despite this restriction, a French cross-channel passenger ferry, the Sussex, was torpedoed without warning on March 24, 1916; the ship was severely damaged and about 50 lives were lost. Although no U.S. citizens were killed in this attack, it prompted President Wilson to declare that if Germany were to continue this practice, the United States would break diplomatic relations with Germany. Fearing the entry of the United States into World War I, Germany attempted to appease the United States by issuing, on May 4, 1916, the Sussex Pledge, which promised a change in Germany’s naval warfare policy. The primary elements of this pledge were:
- Passenger ships would not be targeted;
- Merchant ships would not be sunk until the presence of weapons had been established, if necessary by a search of the ship;
- Merchant ships would not be sunk without provision for the safety of passengers and crew.
The Zimmermann Telegram was a 1917 diplomatic proposal from the German Empire for Mexico to join the Central Powers, in the event of the United States entering World War I. The proposal was intercepted and decoded by British intelligence. The contents outraged American public opinion and helped generate support for the United States to declare war on Germany in April of that year. Zimmermann sent the telegram in anticipation of the resumption by Germany on 1 February, an act which Germany predicted would draw the neutral U.S. into war on the side of the Allies The telegram instructed Ambassador Eckardt that if the U.S. appeared likely to enter the war, he was to approach the Mexican Government with a proposal for military alliance, with funding from Germany. Mexico was promised territories in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that had been lost to the United States starting in 1836 as parts of the former Republic of Texas. Eckardt was also instructed to urge Mexico to help broker an alliance between Germany and the Japanese Empire. Mexico, unable to match the U.S. military, ignored the proposal and (after the U.S. entered the war), officially rejected it.
Sources:
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