HST 211 Midterm Study Guide

"STUDY GUIDE" FOR THE HST 201 MIDTERM
​It's not much, but it's all you got! I know that college classrooms can be unwieldy and cumbersome when it comes to information. And I also know full well the pangs caused by a professor that says, "everything is fair game for the midterm/final." That's why I create this page so you could have a more clinical approach to your studying.  

​As far as the mechanics of the midterm:

• Full Details for the midterm can be found HERE
• 8 questions will be asked; you will be responsible for answering 4 of your choosing.
• Responses will be 1-2 paragraphs long.
• You will have 60 min. to complete the midterm after you begin
• You MAY use notes you have taken during the course.

Topic 1 MICHIGAN
In Michigan's economic history, an era unfolded like an untended garden where dreams sprouted abundantly, only to be ruthlessly plucked by the unyielding hand of reality. Picture the 1800s and 1900s, when Michigan was the golden child of America's industrial revolution. With its lush forests and abundant minerals, the state flaunted an aura of prosperity akin to a peacock displaying an ostentatious plume. Logging and mining emerged as the economic rock stars, supplying raw materials that ranged from commonplace two-by-fours to cherished family frying pans. Michigan's geographical prowess, with access to the Great Lakes, was akin to holding a VIP pass to the most exclusive club in town.

Then, they entered the Erie Canal in 1825, the ultimate ally to Michigan's economic ascendancy. The state transformed from being the life of the party to the after-party, seamlessly connecting to eastern markets like a seasoned LinkedIn influencer on a networking spree. Fast forward, and the automotive maestro Henry Ford graced the scene, turning the entire state into a mechanized marvel. The Ford Motor Company, the Beyoncé of the automotive world, unleashed hits like the Model T and Model A, democratizing car ownership. Michigan swiftly earned the title of automotive capital, attracting workers like fervent groupies to a rock concert. However, as with any tale of prosperity, Michigan's love affair with the auto industry eventually waned. Economic hiccups hit the state like a hangover after an all-night revelry, and the Motor City stalled like a novice teen grappling with a stick shift.

IN OTHER WORDS: Michigan underwent substantial economic expansion from the 19th to the 20th century, driven by abundant natural resources, strategic trade positioning, and the emergence of automobile manufacturing, which propelled urbanization and shaped its identity around car culture, albeit rendering it susceptible to economic fluctuations, notably within the automotive industry.

Topic 2 SEX
Michigan, where sexual attitudes swing like a pendulum in a hurricane. Back in the day, Detroit's vibe was more factory floor than dance floor, and bedroom antics were about as adventurous as a Sunday drive. But with industrialization came a seismic shift, turning hayseed farmers into urban sophisticates faster than you could say "Motown." Jazz joints pulsating, speakeasies buzzing - Detroit wasn't just assembling cars, it was dismantling puritanical norms with the finesse of a master mechanic. Thanks to the pioneers of civil rights and feminism, Michigan became the battleground for sexual liberation, with Planned Parenthood leading the charge and LGBTQ+ communities strutting down avenues of newfound freedom. Michigan didn't just evolve; it revved up, leaving its prudish past in the dust like a vintage Chevy on a racetrack.

IN OTHER WORDS: The evolution of sexual attitudes in Michigan, shaped by factors such as colonization, industrialization, and social movements like civil rights and feminism, has transitioned from early puritanical values emphasizing chastity to a more liberal urban culture embracing sexual freedom and equality, exemplified by increasing acceptance through LGBTQ+ rights movements.
Topic 3 RELIGION
Welcome to the diverse spiritual landscape of Michigan, where religious plurality isn't just a concept but a lively reality that hits you harder than a snowball to the face on a crisp winter morning. Rewind to the pre-colonial days, and you'll find Native American tribes living in harmony with nature until the European missionaries barged in, armed with baguettes and crucifixes, converting locals to Catholicism faster than you can say "sacre bleu."

Fast forward through Manifest Destiny and the Industrial Revolution, and Michigan becomes a melting pot of religious fervor. Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Eastern Orthodox—each adds their flavor to the mix, turning the state into a spiritual potluck dinner. Today, Michigan is a buffet of beliefs, offering something for everyone, from cathedrals to synagogues to mosques. But beneath the surface of this harmony lies tension, as differing beliefs clash in the quest for understanding. Yet, amidst the chaos, Michiganders know to embrace diversity and navigate the unpredictable with resilience and perhaps a cold drink in hand, understanding that we're all just trying to find our way in this eclectic mix.

IN OTHER WORDS: The evolution of religion in Michigan, shaped by Native American spiritual practices, European missionaries' introduction of Christianity, and the influx of diverse immigrant groups throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, has resulted in a richly diverse religious landscape, fostering both cultural enrichment and challenges in tolerance and understanding.

Topic 4 DRUGS
Back in the lively '20s, America flirted with the idea of banning booze, prompting Michigan and the rest of the country to dive headfirst into the bootlegging business. Picture it: gangsters in fedoras, secret speakeasies on every corner, and a torrent of moonshine flowing through the Great Lakes faster than you could say, "Pass the hooch, Al Capone."

Fast forward to today, and Michigan has a new darling: cannabis. Since the state collectively shrugged and said, "Let's legalize this joint" in 2018, dispensaries have sprung up like weeds, injecting a euphoric high into the economy. But amidst the green rush, there's still the sticky question of fairness and justice. How do we ensure equitable access to the herb, and what about those still serving time for a mere dime bag? It's a sobering reminder that progress, while uplifting, isn't without its hazy challenges.

IN OTHER WORDS: Michigan experienced a shift from the Prohibition era's rise in illegal alcohol production and smuggling to modern times, legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use since 2018, highlighting evolving societal perspectives but facing ongoing challenges in regulating the industry effectively.

Topic 5 POLITICS
Michigan, where the roar of engines competes with the clang of political upheaval echoing through the rusted halls of old factories. This state has more twists and turns than a soap opera featuring car enthusiasts and aspiring politicians. Let's kick off with the automotive frenzy that put Michigan on the map: the rise of the automobile. Henry Ford, the maestro of the assembly line, transformed car manufacturing into a spectacle. Suddenly, everyone and their dog had a Model T, and Michigan became the go-to spot for automotive marvels faster than you can say "internal combustion." But lurking beneath the gleam of chrome lies a saga of labor battles and industrial drama. The United Auto Workers (UAW) didn't just materialize out of thin air; they emerged from sweat, tears, and occasional boxing matches on the factory floor. Thanks to their resilience, we've got labor laws that at least make the daily grind less grueling.

Yet, Michigan isn't merely a stage for car shows and political rollercoasters. It's where dreams of presidential glory collide with the harsh reality of Flint's water crisis. Remember 2016? That was the year Michigan pulled a surprise move, catapulting a particular reality TV star into the Oval Office, leaving us all scratching our heads as if we were in a poorly scripted sitcom. But amidst the glitz of Detroit and the quaint charm of smaller towns lies a landscape scarred by economic woes and infrastructure nightmares. While we tout the promise of renewables and tech startups, let's face it—it'll take more than a few wind turbines to sweep away this mess. As Michigan waltzes between its industrial past and the enigma of tomorrow's economy, one thing remains certain: this isn't your typical battleground—it's a frenzied circus where the only thing predictable is change, and where, undoubtedly, someone's revving up an engine while plotting their next political maneuver. 

IN OTHER WORDS: Michigan's significant influence on national politics stems from its pivotal role in the automotive industry, shaping legislation and work practices, while its diverse population and economic challenges continue to underscore its importance in contemporary political landscapes.

Topic 6 FOOD
Michigan is where lakes outnumber people, car dreams come to life, and culinary traditions resemble a potluck organized by the United Nations. Picture early settlers arriving with their wheat, oats, and barley, attempting to civilize the unruly realm of cuisine. The melting pot, however, didn't just blend ingredients; it concocted a captivating cultural stew. Settlers traded recipes like high-stakes poker, with Germans, Italians, Poles, and Scandinavians contributing their two sausages, two pasta sauces, two pierogies, and, well, you get the idea.

Now, onto the topic of Detroit-style pizza – a thick-crusted, square-sliced marvel generously adorned with enough cheese to send your arteries into a tailspin. Bless the Italian immigrants for bestowing upon us this delightful cardiac challenge. But the culinary adventures don't end there. Enter the pasty, a savory Cornish pastry crammed with meat and veggies, captivating Michiganders' hearts (and arteries) everywhere. And who could overlook the Coney dog, a Greek-inspired masterpiece featuring a hot dog submerged in chili, mustard, and onions? It's a culinary rollercoaster in your mouth, leaving you torn between calling for help or eagerly asking for seconds. And let's not forget the freshwater delights – fish straight from Michigan's abundant lakes, as if the lake itself has been keeping tabs on your life since childhood. Lastly, Michigan's craft beer scene resembles a mad scientist's lab, churning out concoctions that either turn you into a connoisseur or leave you questioning if you accidentally imbibed a science experiment gone awry. So, here's to Michigan's culinary expedition – a riotous fusion of cultures, flavors, and enough cholesterol to give your heart a workout. Remember, life's too brief for calorie counting; plunge in, embrace the chaos, and hope your taste buds emerge victorious.

IN OTHER WORDS: European settlers introduced new crops and cooking techniques to Michigan, such as wheat and baking, while subsequent immigrant groups contributed their own culinary flavors like Italian pizza and Cornish pasties, resulting in a continually evolving food scene that blends old and new tastes, exemplified by dishes like Detroit-style pizza and Coney dogs, reflecting the diverse influences shaping the state's culinary traditions, including its craft beer culture.

Topic 7 MUSIC
In the depths of Detroit's urban sprawl, amid the clash of ambition and disillusionment, a nondescript building housed the epicenter of a musical revolution. Berry Gordy Jr., possessing a visionary zeal surpassing even the Hubble telescope, laid the foundation for this insurgency in 1959. Motown Records wasn't just a record label; it emerged as a beacon of hope in a world marred by racial segregation.

A motley crew of African American artists, brimming with talent but starved of opportunity, converging in the studio like a divine intervention orchestrated by the universe's most excellent DJ. The Supremes, their voices smoother than silk and their sass sharper than a chef's knife slicing through prejudice. Marvin Gaye poured his soul into every note and channeled heartache and desire into melodies that stirred men's emotions. With a smile as infectious as his beats, Stevie Wonder proved that blindness was merely a footnote in a narrative scripted by a musical genius.

IN OTHER WORDS: Motown, founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in Detroit in 1959, was a pioneering force in Michigan's music history, breaking racial barriers and promoting African American talent through its polished sound, producing global superstars like The Supremes and Marvin Gaye, whose hits became timeless classics and influenced broader cultural shifts in the 1960s.

Topic 8 VIOLENCE
Michigan is a state with a vibrant history that could rival a Tarantino film with a Disney twist. From the clashes of European settlers with Native Americans in Pontiac's Rebellion to the Industrial Revolution turning Detroit and Flint into battlegrounds of blue-collar strife, Michigan's past is a colorful tapestry of conflict. The Sit-Down Smackdown of autoworkers, racial tensions from the Great Migration, and the explosive 1967 Detroit Riot—all contribute to the state's lively narrative. Even in the grand theater of war, with World War II and Vietnam on the global stage, Michigan felt the reverberations through economic shifts, military segregation, and anti-war protests. It's a cocktail of colonialism, capitalism, and human nature, seasoned with racism, labor disputes, and a sprinkle of war—a recipe for chaos that defines Michigan's unique historical flavor.

Yet, amid the chaos, Michigan stands resilient. Life in the Mitten State is a historical rollercoaster where challenges persist, and the response is unwavering. From the clashes of the past to the present, Michigan remains a state where resilience and determination are woven into the very fabric of its identity. Welcome to Michigan, where the punches of history keep coming, and the spirit of the people keeps swinging back, creating a narrative that transcends mere footnotes, turning every chapter into a compelling main attraction.

IN OTHER WORDS: The history of violence in Michigan is influenced by a combination of clashes between indigenous peoples and European settlers, labor disputes in cities like Detroit and Flint, racial tensions exacerbated by discriminatory policies, and involvement in wars like World War II and the Vietnam War, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the state's conflicts.

Nerd vs. Exam Dragon (2023)

​Need some help when it comes to studying or getting your head around slayin' the ol' exam dragon? Hopefully these videos can help!

hst 211

Final/midterm