Module One: All New; All Different (1877 CE - 1889 CE)

From 1877 to 1889, the United States grappled with a profound identity dilemma. At a crucial crossroads, the nation wrestled with contemplating its destiny, asking, "Which course do we envision taking as we progress?" This era, situated neatly between the repercussions of the Civil War and the onset of the 20th century, experienced significant occurrences that shaped the political, social, and economic landscape of the cherished United States. Let's kick things off with the big finale of Reconstruction in 1877. It was like the end of a wild party; the federal troops packed up and left the South, and suddenly, the atmosphere was thick with Jim Crow laws. These discriminatory rules unraveled the progress made during Reconstruction faster than you could say "Compromise of 1877," which did a stellar job dismantling federal protection for African Americans. Racial discrimination and inequality waltzed back onto the scene like they never left.

Economic ground zero was also a thing during this era. The rapid shift of the United States from a serene community into a robust industrial entity occurred nearly instantaneously. Yet, as frequently observed, substantial influence tends to breed notable greed. Enter the trusts—these corporate giants that threw a monopoly party, caring little for the folks on the factory floor. Cue protests, cue the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, prompting the Knights of Labor to debut on the stage of worker discontent. Civil rights took center stage in this drama, too. African Americans were tired of being treated like second-class citizens, so they formed groups like the NAACP. Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois were like the dynamic duo, but then the Supreme Court dropped the mic with the 1883 Civil Rights Cases, making racial segregation the trendiest thing since sliced bread.

And then there was the cultural scene, the Gilded Age. Picture it: flashy displays of wealth, societal imbalances as far as the eye could see. At the same time, Mark Twain and his buddies were bringing realism to the literary table, using words to hold a mirror up to society and say, "Hey, we've got some issues to work through." The U.S. was riding the wave of global economic stardom, making friends and influencing people. Civil rights got a few baby steps forward, and the arts were doing their thing. But, and it's a big but, the demise of Reconstruction left racial segregation as a stubborn stain. Industrialization cranked up the heat on working conditions, and the Gilded Age was like a neon sign flashing "Wealth Gap Ahead."

Why is this relevant in our current context? These origins are intertwined with the challenges that continue to confront us. Civil rights and economic inequality debates? They were kicking off back then, too. The victories of the time can be our guideposts to progress, but the failures? They're the cautionary tales, the whispered reminders to learn from history and not repeat its funky dance moves.

THE RUNDOWN

The 1877 end of Reconstruction withdrew federal troops from the South, paving the way for Jim Crow laws and entrenched racial segregation.
The 1877 Compromise removed federal protections for African Americans, allowing white supremacy to dominate Southern politics and society.
Industrialization spurred monopolies, exploitation of workers, and labor unrest, exemplified by the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the rise of labor movements like the Knights of Labor.
Civil rights groups like the NAACP, and leaders like Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois, pushed for African American progress, but the 1883 Civil Rights Cases upheld segregation.
The Gilded Age saw extreme wealth inequality and poverty, with realism in literature, like Mark Twain’s works, exposing societal flaws.
Economic and racial disparities of the era set the stage for future struggles in civil rights and labor reforms.

QUESTIONS

How did the end of Reconstruction impact African Americans? Discuss their challenges due to Jim Crow laws and the lack of government protection.
Could you explain the shift from farming to factories during the Gilded Age? How did this change impact the wealth gap in society, and why were workers discontent?
I'd like you to explore the reasons behind the creation of the NAACP. Who were significant leaders during this time, and what were their contributions to the fight against racial injustice?

#1 Historians are Detective

In the intoxicating world of history, historians don the trench coat and fedora, becoming savvy detectives on a mission to unravel the enigmatic tales of our past. It's like being transported to a mysterious labyrinth, where they navigate through hidden truths and buried secrets to illuminate the triumphs and tragedies of human existence.

One of these history sleuths was Tom Reilly. He tackled the ambitious task of rehabilitating the controversial figure of Oliver Cromwell in Irish history. For a jaw-dropping three decades, he dedicated himself to cracking the code of historical records, driven by a burning desire to give Cromwell's reputation a makeover. Armed with primary sources and an insatiable thirst for the truth, Reilly dared to challenge the accepted narrative that painted Cromwell's troops as ruthless killers. Instead, he took a brave stand, insisting that the killings were confined to enemy combatants who'd thrown in the towel. Talk about being fearless in the face of historical hostility!

The meticulous work of historians like Reilly reveals that they aren't just archival keepers of the past but the guardians of truth. Through their relentless pursuit of accuracy, they unearth obscure stories and bring to light the complexities of our shared heritage. With their trusty magnifying glass, they meticulously evaluate sources, separating fact from fiction and leaving no historical stone unturned.

Think of the lessons we can learn from history's grand stage! It's like a dramatic performance from the past, and historians hold the script. They empower us to make informed choices for the present and future, as they remind us that the foundations of today rest on the triumphs and tribulations of yesteryears.

But this historical detective work is a collaborative endeavor. It's a delightful dance between historians and journalists, each bringing their unique skills. Just think of the notorious Watergate scandal; it's a classic tale of collaboration between historians and journalists, a thrilling performance that uncovered the dark secrets of political intrigue. Scholars of the past bring their specialized knowledge in deciphering historical events, whereas investigative journalists utilize their adeptness in finding hidden truths through the persistent pursuit of undisclosed informants and classified records.

Ultimately, these historians do not merely disentangle the enigmas of history; they intricately interlace the tapestry of our comprehension of the world. Their meticulous detective work gives us the tools to navigate the present and shape a brighter tomorrow. So let's raise a glass to the history sleuths, the custodians of truth, and the keepers of our shared heritage.

RUNDOWN

Historians are like detectives; they use clues to understand past events and interpret findings to determine what happened.
Irish historian Tom Reilly spent 30 years trying to rehabilitate Oliver Cromwell, a controversial figure in Irish history, by reviewing primary sources and establishing his "authentic voice."
Reilly claims that Irish history books wrongly suggest that Cromwell's troops killed civilians while they only killed enemy combatants who had yielded.
Historians are essential because they excavate hidden stories and understand the complexities of human experience, helping us to shape the future by learning from the past.
Historians and detectives gather evidence to build a case, and historians must evaluate sources to ensure they are credible and relevant.
Historians and journalists worked together to uncover the Watergate scandal in the 1970s, using confidential sources, government documents, and witness testimony to piece together a twisted tale of political intrigue.

STATE OF THE UNION

1877, the year the world cracked its knuckles and got messy. America was fresh off a bloody hangover from Reconstruction, slapping the last gasps of the Confederacy into the dirt while industrial capitalism threw coal into its infernal furnace. Workers rioted in the streets during the Great Railroad Strike, reminding the Gilded Age fat cats that desperation wasn’t just a breakfast item. Across the pond, Queen Victoria glowered atop her empire as British soldiers bled in the Afghan hills and Zulu warriors sharpened their spears for a showdown that would rewrite colonial hubris. Meanwhile, Edison zapped the world awake with a light bulb-shaped epiphany while Karl Marx huddled in London, scribbling blueprints for a class war. It was a global chaos cocktail: shaken, not stirred, with a garnish of sweat, smoke, and revolution.

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 One 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

Brinkley Chapter 17: Industrial Supremacy

This class utilizes the following textbook:
Brinkley, Alan, John M. Giggie, and Andrew J. Huebner. The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People. 10th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2022.

Alan Brinkley, a profound intellectual force in history, is the kind of professor who delves deep into the fabric of American politics. A bestselling author and former provost at Columbia, Brinkley's books are not just academic exercises but profound explorations into the New Deal, the Great Depression, and the American dream. From the Ivy League to Oxford, this man has immersed himself in history, unearthing the truth with a precision that cuts through the fog of political rhetoric. Brinkley's academic career is a beacon of knowledge, illuminating the darkest corners of history.

And then there is John M. Giggie, a Southern history powerhouse who plunges into the weighty past of the Civil Rights Movement, lynching, and race in the Deep South. With a PhD from Princeton, he is the kind of scholar who does not just teach about the past—he compels you to grapple with it, to confront the violence and memory that still haunt the American South. His courses are not leisurely walks through history; they are potent reminders, grenades hurled at anyone too comfortable with the sanitized version of the past. Meanwhile, Andrew Huebner, a man who blends war, culture, and American identity like a potent cocktail, is in his intellectual trench, unpacking the harsh realities of war's impact on society. Huebner exposes the painful wounds of American history, dissecting everything from the brutality of WWI to the emotional scars that still linger. Together, these three scholars are not just documenting history—they are forcing us to confront it, heavy and unvarnished, in the modern world.

RUNDOWN

By the late 1800s, the U.S. had led industries like steel and oil, driven by figures such as Carnegie and Rockefeller.
Advances like the Bessemer process, expanded railroads, and the telegraph revolutionized production, transport, and communication, boosting industrial growth.
Harsh working conditions in the industrial era led to the formation of unions advocating for better pay, hours, and safety.
Industrial jobs caused rapid urbanization, resulting in dense living and new cultural and economic movements.
Industrial success created a wealth divide, with government policies often supporting businesses, sparking debates on monopolies and workers' rights.
Industrialization fundamentally changed the U.S. economy, society, and culture, setting the stage for modern economies and leaving a legacy of disparity.

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.

Howard Zinn, A People's History of the United States
"...The labor movement of the late nineteenth century was a response to the harsh conditions of industrial capitalism. Workers, often immigrants, worked long hours for low wages in dangerous and unhealthy factories. They organized unions to demand better treatment and to bargain for higher wages and better working conditions..."

"...The labor movement faced significant resistance from employers, who often used violence and intimidation to prevent workers from organizing. In the 1880s, the Knights of Labor, one of the largest and most influential labor organizations of the time, faced a series of setbacks as employers used the courts and the government to suppress its activities..."

"...Despite these challenges, the labor movement of the 1880s made significant strides in improving the lives of workers. Through strikes and other forms of collective action, workers were able to win better wages and working conditions, and they helped to establish the principle of collective bargaining, which remains an important part of the American labor movement today..."

"...The labor movement of the 1880s also played a crucial role in the broader struggle for social justice in the United States. Through their activism, workers helped to bring about important reforms, such as the eight-hour workday and the prohibition of child labor, which helped to improve the lives of millions of Americans..."

Larry Schweikart, A Patriot's History of the United States
"...Miners, farmers, and laborers alike grew discontented in the late nineteenth century, often for different reasons. In mining, fishing, logging, and sawmill towns, capitalism’s creative destruction process caused tumultuous change, with economic panics causing unemployment rates to twice rise as high as 30 percent. Wage earners complained of low salaries and dangerous working conditions, which led to the formation of labor unions, not a few of which were steeped in violence and socialism...

...As in all emerging capitalist economies, the first generation of industrial laborers bore the brunt of rapid change. They worked, on average, sixty hours per week, with skilled laborers earning twenty cents an hour while unskilled earned half that, although these numbers could vary widely depending on industry and region...

...An early response to the issue of low wages came from the Knights of Labor, an organization originally formed in Philadelphia in 1869, which moved west in the 1880s. The Knights sought equity in the workplace, but only for white workers; they were noted for their opposition to Chinese and African American workers. Chinese worked for wages below those Knights of Labor demanded and so the Knights, shouting, “The Chinese Must Go!” violently expelled the entire Chinese population (seven hundred) of Tacoma, Washington, in November of 1885..."

Thaddeus Russell, A Renegade History of The United States
"...The people who have been most responsible for the progress of the United States are not the ones who are celebrated in the official history books..."

In the waning of the 19th century, discontent swirled amidst the toiling masses of the United States, a tempest borne of the grinding oppression within the cauldron of industrial work. This epoch bore witness to the birth pangs of the labor movement, a noble uprising against the draconian conditions that fettered industrial workers, etching an indelible mark upon the annals of American history. Facing the stubborn resistance of titans and barons of industry, the labor movement emerged as a guiding light, a clarion call for fair wages, truncated hours, and safer havens for toil. Through tenacious collective action, the laborers reshaped the very contour of labor rights, leaving an indomitable imprint upon American society. Picture the despair, the dreary tableau of the Industrial Revolution, where workers were trapped in the unyielding gears of protracted hours, paltry wages, and dangerous precincts. The labor movement rose as the retort to this dehumanizing milieu, with workers acknowledging the sinew in unity. Unions such as the National Labor Union, a phoenix born in 1866, blazed a trail of collective audacity, demanding equitable wages and the sanctity of safety in the crucible of labor.

The heartbeat of the labor movement resided not in isolation but in the harmonious cadence of collective action. Strikes, boycotts, and confrontations echoed like a resounding anthem nationwide. The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Pullman Strike of 1894 bore testament to the resonating power of unified voices, a loud challenge to the status quo, and an insistent cry for justice. Collective bargaining, a weapon honed in the crucible of dissent, enabled workers to face down their employers on a level playing field. The American Federation of Labor, a bastion of collective will, achieved a monumental triumph by championing the sacred eight-hour workday—a tangible, temporal result of the struggle endured by the toiling masses.

However, the labor movement's influence reached far beyond the noisy machinery and hidden recesses of mines. It surpassed the mechanical drone of factories to emerge as a champion of social justice. The United Mine Workers advocated for improved safety protocols. At the same time, the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union acted as a defender of equitable compensation and stable conditions for women laboring in the garment sector. Furthermore, the labor movement didn't restrict itself to the boundaries of gender or race. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, displaying unwavering determination, relentlessly fought for equal treatment and job opportunities for African-American workers.

Nevertheless, akin to any human-inspired tale, the labor movement carried shadows of vulnerability and resistance. As exemplified by the Haymarket Affair of 1886, internal divisions and violent confrontations acted as cracks, weakening its collective strength. Some unions, hindered by shortsightedness, neglected the interconnected challenges faced by women, immigrants, and non-white workers, ultimately compromising the movement's effectiveness. Still, the enduring legacy of the labor movement stands as proof of the resilient determination of those who battled for the rights we now often overlook. It unfolds the intricate tapestry of American history, questioning prevailing narratives and emphasizing the unstoppable spirit of united action that shaped the contours of American society.

In conclusion, the late 1800s labor movement emerged as a crucible in U.S. history, marked not just by triumphs but also by its fallibilities. Today's study is imperative—excavating the complexities that birthed it, a clarion call to advocate for fair labor practices, protect workers' rights, and confront the ongoing specter of exploitation. The legacy of the labor movement resonates in the freedoms we savor today, underscoring the enduring relevance of collective action in forging a more equitable future.

THE RUNDOWN

The late 19th-century labor movement arose from harsh working conditions during the Industrial Revolution, demanding better wages, hours, and safety.
Unions like the National Labor Union (1866) led efforts for workplace justice, sparking nationwide collective action.
Strikes, boycotts, and protests, like the Great Railroad Strike (1877) and Pullman Strike (1894), challenged industrial power.
The American Federation of Labor secured key victories, including the eight-hour workday, through collective bargaining.
The movement expanded to advocate for social justice, with groups like the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union fighting for women's and racial equality.
Despite setbacks, the labor movement's legacy remains a testament to collective action and the ongoing fight for workers' rights.

QUESTIONS

What role did strikes, boycotts, and protests, such as the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, play in advancing the goals of the labor movement?
Explain the significance of the eight-hour workday as a victory for labor unions. Why was it important?
In what ways did the labor movement expand its focus beyond improving workplace conditions? Provide examples of its social justice efforts.

Haymarket Affair, 1886 CE

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
PBS American Experience: The Gilded Age Chapter 1 (2018)

THE RUNDOWN
Step into the lavish ballrooms of the Gilded Age, an era when the upper crust showcased their affluence akin to peacocks parading in a procession adorned with diamonds. Envision the grandeur – the privileged 1% adorned in both jewels and hubris, while the remainder of America pondered the possibility of trading their grandmother's brooch for a mere loaf of bread. It was deemed a golden epoch by the affluent, who reveled in extravagant soirées while the masses endured the chill in meager coats. The Gilded Age resembled a high-stakes poker match where the privileged held sway, leaving the remaining populace striving to endure the economic frost without succumbing.

Amidst the splendor, enters Andrew Carnegie, the embodiment of the American Dream – the notion that success awaited anyone diligent enough. Naturally, he omitted to mention his considerable industrial advantage, surpassing even a Rockefeller's wealth. As industrialization progressed, advancements and ingenuity gleamed like deceptive gold, while the laboring class experienced the biting winds of economic hardship through their thinly clad jackets. The Gilded Age transcended mere historical narrative; it unfolded as a Shakespearean tragedy featuring magnates and toiling workers, a tumultuous journey where affluence compounded for the wealthy and adversity deepened for the less fortunate. Thus, within those glittering ballrooms, one contemplates whether the intricate dance of opulence and destitution perpetuates endlessly, pondering if America remains ensnared in the cycle of extravagance and strife.

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: Great Railroad Strike Game

Objective: The objective of this game is to step into the shoes of a labor organizer during the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. Your goal is to make strategic decisions that balance the needs of the workers while navigating the challenges posed by corporations, public opinion, and government forces. By playing, you’ll learn about the events, consequences, and legacy of this pivotal moment in labor history.

Instructions:

Start the Game: Read the scenario presented in the story. Each round corresponds to a critical moment in the strike.
Make Decisions: Choose between two options provided. Your choices will influence the progression of the story and your score.
Advance Through Rounds: There are 10 rounds in total. Each round offers a new challenge or opportunity based on your previous choices.
View Your Outcome: At the end of the game, your score reflects the success of your strategies and efforts to support the labor movement.
Reset: You can reset the game anytime to explore different paths and outcomes by clicking the “Reset Game” button.

Tips for Success:

Think like a leader: Consider both short-term and long-term consequences of your decisions.
Learn from history: The strike was about more than just wages—it was a fight for fairness and dignity in the workplace.
Stay engaged: Every decision matters and will shape the outcome of your labor movement.
Have fun, and remember, the legacy of labor rights depends on your leadership!

Strike! The Great Railroad Stand-off

Welcome to 1877! The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad just cut wages by 10%. Will you join the strike?

Activity #2: Haymarket Riot Adventure
Objective: Navigate the events of the Haymarket Riot of 1886 by making critical decisions as a labor organizer. Your goal is to balance workers' rights with public safety and navigate the challenges of industrial tensions to create a lasting impact on labor history.

Instructions:

You will play through 10 rounds, each presenting a decision tied to the Haymarket Riot's key moments.
Read each scenario carefully and choose the best action from the options provided.
Each choice will either gain or lose points based on its impact on your mission.
At the end of the game, your score will reflect how well you navigated the challenges.
Use the reset button to replay the game and try for a better score!

Remember, your decisions shape history—choose wisely!

Haymarket Riot Game

Haymarket Riot Adventure

Welcome to 1886 Chicago! You are a labor organizer fighting for workers' rights. Navigate 10 critical moments. Will you succeed, or will history repeat itself?

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.

The 1880s was a labyrinth of transformation in the American tapestry, where economic, social, and political threads tangled in a dance of change. The transcontinental railroad's completion, an iron artery stitching the East and West, pumping life into trade and economic growth. Meanwhile, the forge of industrialization birthed titanic corporations and a new breed of industrial royalty. European immigrants flooded the scene, reshaping cities and cultures. Vaudeville and professional sports flickered to life as beacons of a shifting zeitgeist. The Republican Party, once a monolith, started to splinter, making room for Populist stirrings. Legislative thunderbolts like the Dawes Act and the Sherman Antitrust Act cracked through the political landscape.

Historians, those detectives of the past, sift through the dusty remnants of history to piece together a narrative that resonates with the nuance of truth. Take Tom Reilly, the Irish historian on a mission to refurbish Oliver Cromwell's image, a Herculean task demanding a keen eye for credibility and relevance, akin to a detective probing the mysteries of Watergate to unearth hidden motivations and dynamics. But history isn't just an academic dalliance; it's a compass for navigating the present and steering toward a better future. The Rosetta Stone of Context offers insights to tackle today's tribulations. By fostering critical thinking and preserving cultural legacies, history endows individuals with the wisdom to navigate the labyrinthine complexities of the world.

In the smoky haze of the late 1800s, the labor movement emerged, a rebellion against the industrial machine's callous grind. Labor unions, the vanguards of miners and farmers, stood in the breach, demanding better wages, humane working hours, and a ban on child labor. The Knights of Labor, flawed but earnest, etched their mark on the struggle for workers' rights. This movement is a prism through which we glimpse the economic, social, and political kaleidoscope of the time, offering a lucid view of institutions and practices that echo in today's corridors of power.

Or, in other words:

The 1880s was a transformative decade in America, marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and shifting power dynamics.
The transcontinental railroad connected East and West, boosting trade and corporate power.
European immigration reshaped cities and cultures, while vaudeville and professional sports reflected evolving social values.
The Republican Party fractured, fueling Populist movements and key legislation like the Dawes and Sherman Antitrust Acts.
Historians, such as Tom Reilly, redefined historical narratives, offering new insights on figures like Oliver Cromwell.
The labor movement rose, with unions like the Knights of Labor advocating for better wages, conditions, and child labor laws.

ASSIGNMENTS

Forum Discussion #1
Forum Discussion #2

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

Forum Discussion #1

This first week I would like to take it easy, and get to know you better, please answer the following question with a one paragraph minimum:

What do you like about studying history? If you don't like history, what do you think the root cause is? Remember that you will be required to reply to at least two of your classmates.

Forum Discussion #2
"Henry Ford's Innovation Nation" is a television show on CBS. The show is hosted by Mo Rocca and explores the history of innovation and the inventors who have shaped the world we live in today. The show is produced by The Henry Ford, a museum complex in Dearborn, Michigan, dedicated to American innovation and the history of technology. Each episode of "The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation with Mo Rocca" features segments on different inventions and inventors, ranging from well-known figures such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford to lesser-known innovators who have made significant contributions to their fields. The show also explores the process of innovation and the challenges and obstacles that inventors face in bringing their ideas to fruition.

Watch this odd display (that seems to cheapen a historical event for the sake of a game show)and answer the following question:

How did popular culture, such as vaudeville and professional sports, change and evolve in the 1880s in the United States?

Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.

THE RUNDOWN
Step into the fascinating world of 19th-century baseball, where distinguished gentlemen, adorned with impressive mustaches, swung at apples as if vying for roles in a slapstick comedy. This was more than a mere game; it unfolded as a refined affair prioritizing debates on monocles over celebratory high-fives. The 1867 World Baseball Tournament in Detroit embodied this genteel madness, featuring teams with names like the Greenfield Village La Di Das and the Nationals, sounding more like rejects from a period drama than contenders in a baseball match. The recreation of this spectacle at Greenfield Village transforms into a time-warping circus, complete with corsets, cravats, and the audacious replacement of a ball with an apple. Picture a diamond where "Strikers" and "Hurlers" engage in a game that evokes more of a medieval fantasy than the cherished American pastime. It's baseball, 19th-century style, where even the terminology harkens back to an era when sports resembled an elaborate dinner party, and apples served as unconventional baseballs.

Now, enter the grand finale in this whimsical symphony: the use of an apple as the ball. Disregard home runs; these players aimed for a daily dose of vitamin C between innings. This peculiar world of apple-chucking baseball appears as a fever dream straight from the imagination of a time-traveling Mark Twain—charmingly absurd and strangely captivating. Let's extend our appreciation to those distinguished gentlemen who played with the grace of a cat in a tutu, and raise a toast to baseball, where even apples had a chance at the Hall of Fame. It's a celebration of days gone by, a comedic acknowledgment of the evolution of America's pastime, where the spectacle surrounding the game was as remarkable as the game itself. Here's to baseball, where apples and absurdity once shared the field in a bygone era of diamond madness.

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:

Adelman, William J. Haymarket Revisited: A Tour Guide and History. Chicago: Charles H. Kerr Publishing Company, 1998.
Allen, Frederick. Secret Formula: How Brilliant Marketing and Relentless Salesmanship Made Coca-Cola the Best-Known Product in the World. New York: HarperBusiness, 1994.
Avrich, Paul. The Haymarket Tragedy. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1984.
Bayoumi, Moustafa. How Does It Feel to Be a Problem?: Being Young and Arab in America. Penguin Books, 2009.
Bernstein, Carl, and Bob Woodward. All the President's Men. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1974.
Buck, Anne. Victorian Costume and Costume Accessories. Chicago: Macmillan, 1979.
Burton, David Henry. Clara Barton: In the Service of Humanity. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1995.
Chan, Sucheng. "Asian Americans: An Interpretive History." Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1991.
Chang, Iris. "The Chinese in America: A Narrative History." New York: Viking, 2003.
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HST 202

Module 2