HST 201 Module #15

Module Fifteen: Save Room for the Sequel (1873 CE-1877 CE)

The period from 1873 to 1877 was a critical time in the history of the United States. This era was marked by several significant events, including the Panic of 1873, Reconstruction, and the Compromise of 1877. These events had a profound impact on the country and shaped its development in the years to come. In this essay, I will discuss why this era is crucial to study today and explore its positives and negatives.

The Panic of 1873 was an economic depression that lasted for six years and had a profound impact on the United States. The panic began with the failure of the investment bank Jay Cooke and Company, which triggered a chain reaction of bank failures and bankruptcies. The panic had several causes, including the overproduction of railroads and the overexpansion of credit. The panic led to a severe economic downturn, with high unemployment and widespread poverty.

Reconstruction was another critical event during this era. It was the period after the Civil War when the United States attempted to rebuild and reintegrate the South into the Union. Reconstruction was a time of great hope and promise, as African Americans were granted citizenship and the right to vote. However, Reconstruction was also a time of great conflict and resistance, as white Southerners fought to maintain their power and control.

The Compromise of 1877 was a political agreement that ended Reconstruction and led to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. The compromise was a result of the disputed 1876 presidential election, which was ultimately decided by a special commission. As part of the compromise, Republicans agreed to recognize Democrat Rutherford B. Hayes as the winner of the election in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. The compromise effectively ended Reconstruction and paved the way for Jim Crow laws and the disenfranchisement of African Americans.

The period from 1873 to 1877 is crucial to study today because it has had a lasting impact on the United States. The Panic of 1873 was one of the worst economic downturns in the country's history and had a profound impact on the development of capitalism in the United States. Reconstruction was a period of great hope and promise, but it was also a time of great conflict and resistance. The Compromise of 1877 effectively ended Reconstruction and paved the way for decades of racial discrimination and inequality.

In conclusion, the period from 1873 to 1877 was a critical time in the history of the United States. The Panic of 1873, Reconstruction, and the Compromise of 1877 had a lasting impact on the country and shaped its development in the years to come. It is crucial to study this era today because it helps us understand the roots of many of the challenges we face as a nation, including economic inequality, racial discrimination, and political polarization.

THE RUNDOWN

The period from 1873 to 1877 was a critical time in US history
Events during this era included the Panic of 1873, Reconstruction, and the Compromise of 1877
The Panic of 1873 was an economic depression caused by overproduction and overexpansion of credit
Reconstruction was a period after the Civil War when the US attempted to rebuild and reintegrate the South into the Union, but was also a time of conflict and resistance
The Compromise of 1877 ended Reconstruction and led to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, paving the way for racial discrimination and inequality
Studying this era today helps us understand the roots of challenges like economic inequality, racial discrimination, and political polarization

QUESTIONS

How did the Panic of 1873 affect the United States economy in the short and long term?
What were the goals of Reconstruction, and to what extent were they achieved?
In what ways did the Compromise of 1877 shape the political and social landscape of the United States?

#15: Don't Lose Your Humanity

It's important not to forget our human side. Stories and personal experiences can teach us much about society, culture, and money, even if they're not based on science. Experts are now studying these stories to see how much we can learn from them. For instance, a quote is often wrongly attributed to Joseph Stalin: "The death of one man is a tragedy; the death of millions is a statistic."

Here's an exercise to help us understand why anecdotes are valuable. Imagine one dead body, then two, then ten, then one hundred, and so on. As the number grows, it becomes harder to comprehend the scale of the problem. When we read that 100,000 civilians died in the US bombing of Tokyo in 1945, it's easy to feel disconnected. But we must remember that these events happened to real people. Anecdotes are crucial for understanding social, cultural, and economic phenomena. They can help us gain insight into historical events that official records may have missed. Anecdotal evidence is more than just storytelling; it's a vital tool for advancing our knowledge of the world.

If you want to know what happened in history, don't rely on those boring stats and official documents. The real meat of the matter lies in the stories of those who lived through it. Take the Holocaust, for instance. We all know about it, sure. But what about the survivors? Their accounts offer a window into the hell they endured. Wanna you talk about insight? Check out Elie Wiesel's "Night." This guy lived through a concentration camp, and his book lays bare the human toll of the Holocaust. Don't be fooled by the sanitized version of history. If you want the truth, you must listen to those there.

The story of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States is not merely a tale of government records and official documents but a saga of the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people. While official records may provide a glimpse into the era, the personal accounts of the activists and participants reveal the true impact of this movement.

One such account is James Baldwin's essay "Notes of a Native Son," which offers a raw and personal reflection on the experience of racial discrimination in America during the Civil Rights Movement. Baldwin's words provide a unique and profound perspective on the movement's impact on individuals and society that cannot be gleaned from official records alone.

Baldwin's writing brings to life the stories of those who fought for civil rights and challenges us to confront the ongoing struggle for racial justice today. Through his eyes, we see the actual human cost of segregation and discrimination and the transformative power of collective action. His words remind us that the fight for equality is far from over and that we must continue to carry the torch of the Civil Rights Movement forward into the future.

Anecdotal evidence - a double-edged sword in the annals of history. Sometimes those personal accounts are as crooked as a dog's hind leg, all twisted and subjective. Take, for instance, those Confederate soldier diaries. Sure, they offer a glimpse into the lives of those fighting men during the Civil War, but they could also be as biased as a fox in a henhouse. We mustn't take them at face value, oh no. It's crucial to keep the context of those accounts in mind and give them an excellent critical eye. Only then can we sift fact from fiction and uncover the truth.

Listen, in this day and age, we're all about that digital communication, scrolling through social media like there's no tomorrow. But let me tell you, we must remember the importance of personal experience when shaping history. Anecdotal evidence is critical, my friends. It reminds us that history is not just a list of dates and facts; it's about the people and their experiences. Digging into those personal accounts, we understand how historical events impacted individuals and society as a whole. Remember to underestimate the power of a good story, especially in history books.

So, here's the deal: the future of history is all about staying connected to our human side. I'm right; empirical evidence is essential and all that jazz. But if you truly want to grasp past events' impact on our world, you have to take a closer look at the human experience. I'm talking about anecdotes, man. Sure, they can be biased, but they also offer a unique insight into history from a human perspective. You know, the good, the bad, and the ugly. By digging into these personal accounts, we can uncover a deeper understanding of how historical events affected individuals and society. By embracing anecdotal evidence, we can unlock a new level of historical knowledge that's more relevant than ever. And that's what it's all about.

THE RUNDOWN

When looking at history, we should remember to stay connected to our human feelings.
Anecdotal evidence is stories that help us learn about a situation affecting society or politics.
Intelligent people like economists use these stories to determine their importance.
One quote that people often repeat says that one person's death is a big deal, even if it's not a lot compared to many deaths.
If we want to understand what happened in history, we shouldn't just look at numbers but try to imagine how it felt for the people involved.
It's important to remember that things happen to real people, not just as numbers or statistics.

THE STATE OF THE UNION

August 1, 1876 - Colorado Territory was admitted as the thirty-eighth state, Colorado.

1876 saw the world teetering on the brink of transformation and chaos. In the United States, still staggering from the Civil War like a boxer recovering from a knockout, President Ulysses S. Grant grappled with the clumsy task of Reconstruction, akin to mending a shattered vase with ineffectual glue. Technological marvels dazzled at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, marking the centennial of American independence with an array of innovations that rendered horse-drawn carriages quaint. Meanwhile, Native Americans were embroiled in the epic Battle of the Little Bighorn, delivering a resounding rebuff to expansionist dreams. Across the Atlantic, Europe resembled a juggler with too many balls in the air: Queen Victoria ruled with regal authority, the British Empire flexed its burgeoning power, and France balanced on a tightrope of stability post-Napoleon III. Cultural realism stripped art and literature of romanticism, exposing life's gritty realities as the Industrial Revolution turned steam engines and factories into icons. In Asia, China's Qing Dynasty struggled to hold itself together amid internal strife, while Japan's Meiji Restoration rapidly modernized the nation with a child-like enthusiasm. Africa faced European powers carving up the continent with bulldozer-like zeal, and Latin America's political instability was as commonplace as coffee. Amidst these upheavals, Alexander Graham Bell's telephone emerged as a revolutionary force in communication, a testament to human curiosity and a touch of delightful madness. In sum, 1876 was a whirlwind of progress and turmoil, with history scripting itself in a heady blend of hope and chaos.

HIGHLIGHTS

We've got some fine classroom lectures coming your way, all courtesy of the RPTM podcast. These lectures will take you on a wild ride through history, exploring everything from ancient civilizations and epic battles to scientific breakthroughs and artistic revolutions. The podcast will guide you through each lecture with its no-nonsense, straight-talking style, using various sources to give you the lowdown on each topic. You won't find any fancy-pants jargon or convoluted theories here, just plain and straightforward explanations anyone can understand. So sit back and prepare to soak up some knowledge.

LECTURES

Module 15 Lecture Notes

The Reading section—a realm where our aspirations of enlightenment often clash with the harsh realities of procrastination and the desperate reliance on Google. We soldier on through dense texts, promised 'broadening perspectives' but often wrestling with existential dread and academic pressure. With a healthy dose of sarcasm and a strong cup of coffee, I'll be your guide on this wild journey from dusty tomes to the murky depths of postmodernism. In the midst of all the pretentious prose, there's a glimmer of insight: we're all in this together, united in our struggle to survive without losing our sanity.

READING

Carnes Chapter 17: The Conquest of the West”

This class utilizes the following textbook:
Carnes, Mark C., and John A. Garraty. American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation. 4th ed. Vol. 1.: Pearson, 2011.

Mark C. Carnes and John A. Garraty are respected historians who have made notable contributions to American history. First, we've got Carnes - this guy's a real maverick when it comes to studying the good ol' US of A. He's all about the secret societies that helped shape our culture in the 1800s. You know, the ones that operated behind closed doors had their fingers in all sorts of pies. Carnes is the man who can unravel those mysteries and give us a glimpse into the underbelly of American culture. We've also got Garraty in the mix. This guy's no slouch either - he's known for taking a big-picture view of American history and bringing it to life with his engaging writing style. Whether profiling famous figures from our past or digging deep into a particular aspect of our nation's history, Garraty always keeps it accurate and accessible. You don't need a Ph.D. to understand what he's saying, and that's why he's a true heavyweight in the field.

RUNDOWN

The chapter discusses the expansion of the United States into the western territories during the 19th century, driven by the idea of Manifest Destiny, which was the belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent.
The discovery of gold in California in 1848 sparked a feverish Gold Rush, drawing a flood of hopefuls seeking their fortune. This mass migration significantly swelled the population of the West, altering its landscape and demographics.
As settlers moved west, Native American tribes were forcibly removed from their lands. This led to many conflicts and treaties, often broken by the U.S. government.
The building of transcontinental railroads connected the East and West coasts, making travel and transport of goods faster and more efficient and encouraging further settlement.
In 1862, the Homestead Act provided free land to settlers willing to farm it for a certain number of years, encouraging more people to move west.
Settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather, rugged terrain, and conflicts with Native Americans. Despite these challenges, many persisted and established new communities.
The settlement of the West had a significant impact on American culture and identity, shaping the country's future and its view of itself as a land of opportunity.

Howard Zinn was a historian, writer, and political activist known for his critical analysis of American history. He is particularly well-known for his counter-narrative to traditional American history accounts and highlights marginalized groups' experiences and perspectives. Zinn's work is often associated with social history and is known for his Marxist and socialist views. Larry Schweikart is also a historian, but his work and perspective are often considered more conservative. Schweikart's work is often associated with military history, and he is known for his support of free-market economics and limited government. Overall, Zinn and Schweikart have different perspectives on various historical issues and events and may interpret historical events and phenomena differently. Occasionally, we will also look at Thaddeus Russell, a historian, author, and academic. Russell has written extensively on the history of social and cultural change, and his work focuses on how marginalized and oppressed groups have challenged and transformed mainstream culture. Russell is known for his unconventional and controversial ideas, and his work has been praised for its originality and provocative nature.

My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.

Zinn, A People's History of the United States
"... In the year 1877, the signals were given for the rest of the century: the blacks would be put back; the strikes of white workers would not be tolerated; the industrial and political elites of North and South would take hold of the country and organize the greatest march of economic growth in human history. They would do it with the aid of, and at the expense of, black labor, white labor, Chinese labor, European immigrant labor, female labor, rewarding them differently by race, sex, national origin, and social class, in such a way as to create separate levels of oppression-a skillful terracing to stabilize the pyramid of wealth..."

Larry Schweikart, A Patriot's History of the United States
"... It is preposterous for Marxists to assert that capitalism enslaved free employees. Quite the contrary, the only hope many Southern blacks had once the Yankee armies had left for good in 1877 was the free market, where the color of money could overcome and subdue black/white racism. The government, and not the market, perpetuated Jim Crow; the government, not the market, enforced union minimum wage laws that excluded blacks from entry-level positions; and the government, not the market, passed and enforced separate-but-equal segregation laws. The market, freed from interference by racist Southern state regulations, would have desegregated the South decades before Martin Luther King Jr., the freedom riders, Harry Truman, Earl Warren, and the Civil Rights acts..."

Thaddeus Russell, A Renegade History of the United States
"... Employers regularly complained of such behavior in the nineteenth century. During Reconstruction, complaints mounted as workers from premier European cultures began to come to the United States. Immigrant workers in New York City shipyards infuriated their bosses by asking for breaks for cake, and candy, trips to saloons for whiskey, and leisurely lunches. British-born workers in New
Jersey pottery factories were known To work in 'great bursts of activity' and then disappear for 'several days at a time.' Immigrants also continued the early American tradition of informal three-day weekends. 'Monday,' said one employer, 'was given up to debauchery.' A cigar manufacturer complained 1877 that his employees spent more time slacking than working: ' The difficulty with many cigarmakers is this. They come down To the shop in the morning, roll a few cigars, and then go to a beer saloon and play Pinocchio or some other game, .. working probably only two or three hours a day...'”

The late 19th century in the United States was a wild ride of market forces, government meddling, and cultural shenanigans that had a real knack for messing with labor, race, and class dynamics. It was like a complicated dance, where oppression and social progress tangled their limbs in intricate steps. Your regulations pull one way, your economic forces push the other, and the cultural zeitgeist twirls around like a drunk ballerina. It was a messy affair. We'll dive headfirst into the historical context, peek at some juicy examples, and wring out the positives and negatives of those wild events. This is not a history lesson for the sake of it. This stuff is essential even today. It's like a flashlight that shines on the origins of inequality and social divisions still alive and kicking in American society.

It was a tumultuous era of rapid industrialization and the ascent of capitalism, where the gods of wealth and influence danced merrily in the hands of the chosen few. With the birth of factory systems and the advent of wage labor, the unfortunate many found themselves entangled in a web of exploitative working conditions. In the face of such injustice, valiant warriors rose to the occasion. Like the noble Knights of Labor and the resilient American Federation of Labor, labor unions emerged from the depths to champion the cause of oppressed workers, their battle cry echoing through the hallowed halls of justice.

Take, for instance, the riveting spectacle known as the Haymarket Affair in 1886—a veritable showdown between labor activists and the powers that be. As tensions reached a fever pitch, clashes erupted, and violence reared its ugly head, culminating in the trial of labor leaders. And if that wasn't enough to stir the pot, enter the stage of the Pullman Strike of 1894, a masterclass in the might of collective labor action and the government's knack for snuffing out strikes. It was an age-old tale of power dynamics and the perpetual jostle for a slice of the pie.

Government regulations and policies have been pulling the strings on labor, race, and class like some twisted puppeteer. It's a wild ride where the government's laissez-faire attitude went hand in hand with corporate interests, leaving the workers out in the cold. They gave us the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, supposedly to rein in those monopolistic demons, but the execution was as haphazard as a drunk bull in a china shop. It's like they threw a rusty wrench into the machinery of justice, leaving it sputtering and struggling to make any real impact.

In the gritty backdrop of the late 19th century, the notion of immigration and race unfolded like a broken record, scratching at the surface of society's dynamics. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, with its rusty shackles of restriction, echoed the deep-seated racial prejudices and the trembling fear of labor competition. Meanwhile, the Homestead Act of 1862 stepped onto the stage, donning a cloak of opportunity for the pale-faced settlers, amplifying their power to claim land while inadvertently kicking dust into the eyes of Native American communities, and leaving them teetering on the fringes of existence. It was a macabre symphony of exclusion and marginalization, painting a somber picture of a nation grappling with its demons.

During this wretched time, cultural influences mercilessly exacerbated the gaping chasms within society. Behold the Jim Crow laws, those insidious fiends, plunging African Americans into an abyss of inequity, depriving them of the same rights and chances as their fellow beings. With the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson ruling of 1896, the herald of the abominable "separate but equal" ideology ensured the eternal flame of racial discrimination would continue to burn. Even as the valiant suffrage movement stormed forward, brandishing the banner of women's political rights, the iron fist of patriarchy, unyielding and unrepentant, strangled their dreams of enlightenment and employment. Humanity seemed forever caught in the snare of its folly.

Delving into the intricate tapestry of labor, race, and social class in the late 19th century isn't just some nostalgic intellectual exercise. It's a voyage that unlocks the secrets of our present predicaments. Those bygone days hold the key to understanding the stubborn shackles of inequality and oppression that still bind marginalized communities today. It's like peering through a historical kaleidoscope, revealing the fierce battles fought by the trailblazing labor and civil rights warriors. Their struggles and triumphs are the fuel that ignites the fire in the bellies of today's social justice warriors. But it's not all looking backward; it's about learning from history's missteps and triumphs and analyzing the mighty clash of market forces, government regulations, and cultural norms of yesteryear arms us with the knowledge to forge informed policies and strategies that confront the pressing social challenges of our time.

In the weird and wild landscape of late 19th century America, intricate ideas of economic forces, bureaucratic red tape, and societal mores played out like some twisted game of three-dimensional chess. Labor, race, and social class became the hapless pawns caught in the crossfire. To truly grasp the origins of our current social inequalities and navigate toward a future that doesn't suck, we must unravel the complexities of this bygone era. By dissecting the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of those times, we can inch closer to a world that embraces justice and showers equal opportunities on everyone like confetti at a party.

THE RUNDOWN

The late 19th century in the United States was turbulent, with many changes and conflicts.
Rapid industrialization and capitalism led to exploitative working conditions for most workers.
Labor unions like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor fought for workers' rights.
The Haymarket Affair of 1886 and the Pullman Strike of 1894 were notable events where labor activists clashed with authorities.
Government regulations often favored corporate interests and left workers at a disadvantage.
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Homestead Act of 1862 significantly impacted immigration and racial dynamics.
Jim Crow laws and the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling in 1896 perpetuated racial discrimination.
The women's suffrage movement faced challenges due to patriarchal norms.
Studying this era helps us understand present-day inequality and oppression.
Learning from history can inform policies and strategies to address social challenges today.
Late 19th-century America was harsh, with economic forces, government regulations, and societal norms influencing each other.

QUESTIONS

What was the intention behind the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890? How effective was it in addressing monopolies and protecting workers' rights?
How did government policies, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Homestead Act of 1862, influence race relations and immigration in the late 19th century?
Explain the impact of Jim Crow laws on African Americans during this period. How did the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling perpetuate racial discrimination?

Workers and guards clash during the 1877 railroad strikes. ( Annals of the Great Strikes in the United States / Flickr via Wikimedia Commons)

Prepare to be transported into the captivating realm of historical films and videos. Brace yourselves for a mind-bending odyssey through time as we embark on a cinematic expedition. Within these flickering frames, the past morphs into a vivid tapestry of triumphs, tragedies, and transformative moments that have shaped the very fabric of our existence. We shall immerse ourselves in a whirlwind of visual narratives, dissecting the nuances of artistic interpretations, examining the storytelling techniques, and voraciously devouring historical accuracy with the ferocity of a time-traveling historian. So strap in, hold tight, and prepare to have your perception of history forever shattered by the mesmerizing lens of the camera.

WATCH

Battlefield Detectives - Exposing The Myths Of Little Bighorn And General Custer (2003) - 47 min.

THE RUNDOWN
The Battle of the Little Bighorn, better known as Custer's Last Stand, has long been shrouded in myth and folklore, like a Wild West tall tale that grew taller with each retelling. But here's the archaeological truth that punctures the romanticized narrative: it was a less gallant last stand and more chaotic bloodbath. Digging deep into the battlefield, archaeologists unearthed the bones of soldiers bearing the gruesome marks of Native American weapons and good old-fashioned guns. Those Indians were packing heat, too; scattered Indian bullets and cartridges revealed a stockpile of firearms, quashing the notion that bows and arrows were their only game. As for the tactics employed, it was a haphazard affair. Custer's troops formed a skirmish line and tried their best cavalry maneuvers. Still, they were saddled with limitations in mobility and firepower (dismounting and horse holders can cramp your style).

Meanwhile, the Plains Indians fought up close and personal, armed with repeating rifles that allowed them to spray bullets like a hip-hop artist sprays rhymes. No wonder Custer's right-wing crumbled under pressure, their tactics crumbling like a stale cookie, and their firepower dispersed among the advancing Indians. Panic and fear gripped those bluecoats, resulting in a chaotic retreat that made the Keystone Cops look like tactical geniuses. Suffice it to say, the Indians overwhelmed them, leaving behind a trail of heavy casualties. So, that picturesque image of a gallant last stand on Last Stand Hill? Yeah, like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, that's just a myth. The reality was a short-lived 90-minute battle that ended with Custer and his crew biting the dust. Let's give credit where it's due—the archaeological evidence, with its bullet casings, bullets, and skeletal remains, sheds light on the brutal intensity of the clash. It's like CSI: Little Bighorn, revealing that the Indians were skilled warriors fighting for their land while the U.S. Cavalry clung to outdated tactics and weaponry like a hipster holding a flip phone. Ultimately, it was a resounding defeat for Custer's troops and a significant win for the Plains Indians, who proved that history is written by those who bring the biggest guns to the party.

Welcome to the mind-bending Key Terms extravaganza of our history class learning module. Brace yourselves; we will unravel the cryptic codes, secret handshakes, and linguistic labyrinths that make up the twisted tapestry of historical knowledge. These key terms are the Rosetta Stones of our academic journey, the skeleton keys to unlocking the enigmatic doors of comprehension. They're like historical Swiss Army knives, equipped with blades of definition and corkscrews of contextual examples, ready to pierce through the fog of confusion and liberate your intellectual curiosity. By harnessing the power of these mighty key terms, you'll possess the superhuman ability to traverse the treacherous terrains of primary sources, surf the tumultuous waves of academic texts, and engage in epic battles of historical debate. The past awaits, and the key terms are keys to unlocking its dazzling secrets.

KEY TERMS

DISCLAIMER: Welcome scholars to the wild and wacky world of history class. This isn't your granddaddy's boring ol' lecture, baby. We will take a trip through time, which will be one wild ride. I know some of you are in a brick-and-mortar setting, while others are in the vast digital wasteland. But fear not; we're all in this together. Online students might miss out on some in-person interaction, but you can still join in on the fun. This little shindig aims to get you all engaged with the course material and understand how past societies have shaped the world we know today. We'll talk about revolutions, wars, and other crazy stuff. So get ready, kids, because it's going to be one heck of a trip. And for all, you online students out there, don't be shy. Please share your thoughts and ideas with the rest of us. The Professor will do his best to give everyone an equal opportunity to learn, so don't hold back. So, let's do this thing!

Activity #1: Crédit Mobilier Scandal Game
Objective: In this game, you will step into the shoes of a 19th-century railroad tycoon during the Crédit Mobilier scandal. Your goal is to build a profitable railroad while avoiding shady dealings that could ruin your reputation. Balance your choices wisely to finish all 10 rounds with both wealth and respect intact.

Instructions:

Starting the Game: You begin with $0 in wealth and 100 reputation points. The game consists of 10 rounds, each representing a critical decision in your railroad empire-building journey.
Making Choices: Each round, you’ll see three choices. Bribe Congress: Boost your wealth quickly, but your reputation will take a hit. Inflate Estimates: Earn big profits, but your shady tactics might come back to haunt you. Play Fair: Build honestly for modest gains and a reputation boost.
Tracking Progress: Your wealth and reputation will update after each round. Keep an eye on the game log to see how your decisions impact your empire.
Winning the Game: By Round 10, aim to have as much wealth as possible while maintaining a reputation above 50 points. If your reputation drops too low, you may end up in a congressional scandal!
Resetting the Game: Hit the Reset Game button anytime to start over and try a new strategy.

Pro Tip: Choose carefully—sometimes, a little risk can pay off, but too much scandal can derail your empire! Keep history in mind as you navigate the challenges of building your railroad.

Crédit Mobilier Scandal Game

The Crédit Mobilier Scandal Game

Will you successfully build your railroad empire, or end up in front of Congress? Make wise choices!

Wealth: $0 | Reputation: 100

Round: 1/10

Game log will appear here...

Activity #2: Custer's Choices
Objective: In this game, you will step into the boots of George Armstrong Custer and navigate the events leading up to and during the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Your goal is to make decisions that shape the story while learning about the key historical events and figures involved in this legendary battle. Will you rewrite history, or will it end as "Custer’s Last Stand"? The choices are yours to make!

Instructions:

Read the story text carefully in each round. It will set the stage for your decision.
Choose one of the options provided by clicking the button that represents your choice.
Your decisions will determine the outcome of the game and the path of history.
There are 10 rounds in total, so think wisely but don’t stress—this is about learning and having fun!
At the end of the game, you can hit the Reset Game button to play again and explore different outcomes.

Good luck, and remember: history is written by the choices we make!

Custer's Choices

Welcome to the Battle of the Little Bighorn! You are George Armstrong Custer. Will you rewrite history, or meet your infamous fate?

Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round for the pièce de résistance of this classroom module - the summary section. As we embark on this tantalizing journey, we'll savor the exquisite flavors of knowledge, highlighting the fundamental ingredients and spices that have seasoned our minds throughout these captivating lessons. Prepare to indulge in a savory recap that will leave your intellectual taste buds tingling, serving as a passport to further enlightenment.

So it goes, from 1873 to 1877, the good ol' US of A found itself in quite a pickle. A critical time, I tell you. The Panic of '73 hit them hard, an economic depression fueled by folks gettin' too trigger-happy with the production and credit expansion. They couldn't help themselves. And then there was Reconstruction, a post-Civil War dance they did, tryin' to patch things up and bring the South back into the fold. But, boy, did they meet some resistance along the way. The conflict was the name of the game.

But here's the kicker, folks. The Compromise of '77 swooped in like a vulture, puttin' an end to that Reconstruction business. And what did it do? It yanked those federal troops right out of the South, clearin' the path for racial discrimination and inequality to strut its stuff. Ain't that a sight? Keep hope. Studying this era today, we glimpse the origins of the mess we're in now. Economic inequality, racial discrimination, and all that jazz. It isn't just numbers and stats, my friends. It's a tale of real folks and their struggles. And if we wrap our heads around what they went through, we can make things right, promote equality, and get justice.

Or, in other words:

From 1873 to 1877 was a significant time in American history.
It had major events like the Panic of 1873, a big economic depression caused by producing too much and lending too much money.
Another important event was Reconstruction, a time after the Civil War when they tried to rebuild the South and bring it back into the United States, but it had many problems and resistance.
The Compromise of 1877 was the most impactful event. It ended Reconstruction and made the federal troops leave the South, which led to more discrimination and unfairness.
Studying this era, we can understand where economic inequality, racial discrimination, and political disagreements come from.
History isn't just numbers and facts; it's about real people and their experiences. Understanding what they went through can help us make things better today.

ASSIGNMENTS

Forum Discussion #16
Quiz #5

Remember all assignments, tests and quizzes must be submitted official via BLACKBOARD

Forum Discussion #16

We sure had fun this semester, and grew as people. In two paragraphs or more, describe one thing you enjoyed learning about. If this class was a fate worse than death, describe something you would like to learn about NEXT time?

Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.

Final Exam Study Guide

Ready to take the Final Exam? Click the link above to get the study guide.

Hey, welcome to the work cited section! Here's where you'll find all the heavy hitters that inspired the content you've just consumed. Some might think citations are as dull as unbuttered toast, but nothing gets my intellectual juices flowing like a good reference list. Don't get me wrong, just because we've cited a source; doesn't mean we're always going to see eye-to-eye. But that's the beauty of it - it's up to you to chew on the material and come to conclusions. Listen, we've gone to great lengths to ensure these citations are accurate, but let's face it, we're all human. So, give us a holler if you notice any mistakes or suggest more sources. We're always looking to up our game. Ultimately, it's all about pursuing knowledge and truth.

Work Cited:

Blight, David W. Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2001.
Davis, Mike. Late Victorian Holocausts: El Nino Famines and the Making of the Third World. Verso, 2002.
Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W. W. Norton & Company, 2017.
Foner, Eric. Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1988.
Katznelson, Ira. When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America. W. W. Norton & Company, 2006.
Lamoreaux, Naomi R. The Great Merger Movement in American Business, 1895-1904. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1985.
Luebke, Frederick C. Immigrants and Politics: The Germans of Nebraska, 1880-1900. University of Nebraska Press, 1969.
Roediger, David R. The Wages of Whiteness: Race and the Making of the American Working Class. Verso, 1991.
Rothbard, Murray N. A History of Money and Banking in the United States: The Colonial Era to World War II. Auburn, AL: Ludwig von Mises Institute, 2002.
Smith, Ronald A. Peculiar Democracy: Southern Democrats in Peace and Civil War. University Press of Virginia, 2001.
Tuttle, William M. Race Riot: Chicago in the Red Summer of 1919. University of Illinois Press, 1996.
Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States. Harper Perennial, 2015.

LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO

(Disclaimer: This is not professional or legal advice. If it were, the article would be followed with an invoice. Do not expect to win any social media arguments by hyperlinking my articles. Chances are, we are both wrong).
(Trigger Warning: This article or section, or pages it links to, contains antiquated language or disturbing images which may be triggering to some.)
(Permission to reprint this blog post in whole or in part is granted, provided that the author (or authors) and www.ryanglancaster.com are appropriately cited.)
This site is for educational purposes only.
Disclaimer: This learning module was primarily created by the professor with the assistance of AI technology. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, please note that the AI's contribution was limited to some regions of the module. The professor takes full responsibility for the content of this module and any errors or omissions therein. This module is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice or consultation. The professor and AI cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from using this module.
Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Fair Use Definition: Fair use is a doctrine in United States copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders, such as commentary, criticism, news reporting, research, teaching, or scholarship. It provides for the legal, non-licensed citation or incorporation of copyrighted material in another author’s work under a four-factor balancing test.

Module 14

HST 201