HST 202 Module #4
All Jazzed Up (1914 CE - 1920 CE)
The period was a significant and tumultuous time in world history, particularly in the United States. During this time, the United States experienced significant social, political, and economic changes that had a lasting impact on the country and the world. The United States entered World War I in 1917, which significantly impacted the country's economy, society, and international relations. The Russian Revolution of 1917 had significant global consequences, including the spread of communism and the reshaping the international order. The Great Migration was a period of mass migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North, which significantly impacted the demographics and culture of the United States. The Women's Suffrage Movement reached its climax in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. The period from 1914 to 1920 saw the emergence of modern consumer culture, as new technologies and mass production techniques made consumer goods more widely available and affordable. Overall, studying this period of history can provide valuable insight into the social, political, and economic forces that have shaped the United States and the world.
The period was a significant and tumultuous time in world history, particularly in the United States. During this time, the United States experienced significant social, political, and economic changes that had a lasting impact on the country and the world. The United States entered World War I in 1917, which significantly impacted the country's economy, society, and international relations. The Russian Revolution of 1917 had significant global consequences, including the spread of communism and the reshaping the international order. The Great Migration was a period of mass migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North, which significantly impacted the demographics and culture of the United States. The Women's Suffrage Movement reached its climax in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. The period from 1914 to 1920 saw the emergence of modern consumer culture, as new technologies and mass production techniques made consumer goods more widely available and affordable. Overall, studying this period of history can provide valuable insight into the social, political, and economic forces that have shaped the United States and the world.
#4 Don't Focus on the 1% of History
I mentioned prior that the two ways to really know a culture was trough their food and their music. But there are other ways that are quite frankly a little more fun: sex and drugs. The things a culture does in private gives us another chapter of the book of history that most historians often skip writing. And perhaps this is selfish, but I just am not that interested in the dogmas of religion and politics. It seems that that we want to focus on historical figures and their grandiose policies and edicts rather than the what the everyday man or woman endured. So, our next rule of history: Don’t focus on the 1% of history. If you do, you will only be looking at essentially elite white men, and as we all know by now there are plenty of other stories to tell. Howard Zinn started this notion with bottom up history in his work, People’s History of the United States, and has since evolved into the “from the gutter up” lens of history coined by Thaddeus Russell in his work A Renegade’s History of the United States.
Focusing solely on the 1% of history means we only consider a small fraction of the events and experiences that have shaped our world. This narrow perspective limits our understanding of the complexity of historical events and the diverse perspectives of those involved. By focusing on only the 1% of history, we risk excluding the experiences and contributions of marginalized groups and individuals historians may not have included in the mainstream narrative. For example, focusing on the 1% of history may mean only studying the achievements of wealthy white men while ignoring the contributions of women, people of color, and other minority groups.
By only considering the 1% of history, we risk distorting the true nature of events and experiences. For example, we only focus on the 1% of history that showcases the accomplishments of a particular group. In that case, we may create an overly optimistic portrayal of that group while ignoring their flaws or harmful actions. By only considering the 1% of history, we may need to fully understand the factors that have shaped our world and the lessons we can learn from the past. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and the inability to make informed decisions about the present and future. Focusing on the 1% of history limits our understanding of the past and can result in a distorted and incomplete worldview. It is essential to consider diverse perspectives and experiences to have a more complete and accurate understanding of history.
History is not a mere recollection of dates, events, and people. It is the story of human existence, an account of our struggles, achievements, and failures throughout time. The tapestry weaves together the threads of our past, present, and future. However, the dominant narrative of history has often focused on the so-called "great men" and the significant events that shaped their lives. This approach to history needs to be revised, as it ignores the richness and diversity of human experiences. We must recognize that history is not just the story of the victors but also the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten. By centering only on the 1% of history, we risk perpetuating a distorted and incomplete view of our past. Moreover, we need to take advantage of valuable insights into the complexities of human societies and cultures.
The relevance of a more inclusive and diverse view of history is evident in our present-day struggles for justice and equality. The erasure of the contributions and experiences of underrepresented groups in our history perpetuates systemic inequalities and discrimination. We can challenge the dominant narratives that reinforce these injustices by embracing a more nuanced and inclusive view of history. To illustrate this point, we can look to the history of resistance and struggle against oppression. From the enslaved people who rebelled against their captors to the civil rights activists who fought for racial equality, the stories of those who resisted and challenged the status quo have often been overlooked in traditional historical accounts. By amplifying these voices and stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and ongoing struggle for justice.
The 1% is all about the big shots and significant events taught in school: wars, revolutions, inventions, and famous folks who made their mark on the world. And yeah, they're important, no doubt about it. But here's the thing: they're just a tiny slice of the whole pie. See, there's a whole bunch of other people and events that have played a part in our human story. And if we only focus on the 1%, we're missing out on a lot. And that's not good, my friends. It can mess with our understanding of things and make us see things in a way that's not entirely true. Plus, it gives us a one-sided and quite twisted view of history.
If you want to get a real taste of history, you can't just stick to the 1% of it that's been talked about ad nauseam. That's like trying to savor a dish by only chewing on one ingredient. History is a rich tapestry woven with countless threads, each adding flavor to the mix. It's not some linear story with a clear beginning and end but a complex dish with layers of nuance and subtlety. By only focusing on the big names and significant events, we're missing out on the true richness of the past. We must embrace history's complexity if we want to savor all its delicious flavors. The ruling class and the cultural elite have long monopolized the narrative of history. These stories center around the exploits of a select few high-profile individuals who have etched their names into the annals of human civilization. But remember that these extraordinary events and personalities are only part of the picture. Natural history lies in everyday people's collective experiences and contributions, whose voices and stories have often been suppressed and ignored.
From the farmer to the laborer, from the homemaker to the factory worker, ordinary people have always played a critical role in shaping human events. They may not have had the same power and influence as the elites. Still, their collective actions and struggles have sparked revolutions and brought about social change that has forever altered the trajectory of history. Beyond the 1%: That's where the real juicy stuff is, the stuff that'll make your hair stand on end and your mind expand. See, by checking out the experiences of the common folk; we can get a natural grip on what life was like back in the day. We can focus on their daily struggles, hopes, and dreams and what made them tick. We can also suss out how the social, political, and economic systems we got today came to be. We can see how they've changed and where they might be headed. And if we're paying attention, we can spot the patterns and lessons to help us make better choices moving forward.
Do you know what's funny? History books always talk about the big names, the fancy inventors and entrepreneurs, and James Watt and Andrew Carnegie. They'll tell you that their brains made the industrial revolution happen. But that's just a load of bull. The real driving force behind that transformation of society was the millions of grunts working their butts off day after day. Sure, those fat cats made their profits off the backs of those workers. They exploited them and worked them to the bone. They're still with us today, shaping our society and our economy. But without those workers, there wouldn't have been a damn revolution, to begin with. And the consequences of that revolution? Do you want to know the truth? To understand what went down during the industrial revolution, you've got to look at the experiences of ordinary folks. Those folks who never got their names in the history books. Because it was their sweat and their blood that made the world we live in today.
As we draw to a close, let us remember that the chronicles of history are not mere chronicles of the elite's exploits. Though the accounts of the ruling minority may hold significance, they should not be the sole focus of our inquiry. A failure to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people would result in a distorted and narrow-minded view of the past, thereby hampering our comprehension of the present. We must broaden our scope and give voice to those historically marginalized and silenced, for only then can we attain a comprehensive understanding of our shared human story.
THE RUNDOWN
I mentioned prior that the two ways to really know a culture was trough their food and their music. But there are other ways that are quite frankly a little more fun: sex and drugs. The things a culture does in private gives us another chapter of the book of history that most historians often skip writing. And perhaps this is selfish, but I just am not that interested in the dogmas of religion and politics. It seems that that we want to focus on historical figures and their grandiose policies and edicts rather than the what the everyday man or woman endured. So, our next rule of history: Don’t focus on the 1% of history. If you do, you will only be looking at essentially elite white men, and as we all know by now there are plenty of other stories to tell. Howard Zinn started this notion with bottom up history in his work, People’s History of the United States, and has since evolved into the “from the gutter up” lens of history coined by Thaddeus Russell in his work A Renegade’s History of the United States.
Focusing solely on the 1% of history means we only consider a small fraction of the events and experiences that have shaped our world. This narrow perspective limits our understanding of the complexity of historical events and the diverse perspectives of those involved. By focusing on only the 1% of history, we risk excluding the experiences and contributions of marginalized groups and individuals historians may not have included in the mainstream narrative. For example, focusing on the 1% of history may mean only studying the achievements of wealthy white men while ignoring the contributions of women, people of color, and other minority groups.
By only considering the 1% of history, we risk distorting the true nature of events and experiences. For example, we only focus on the 1% of history that showcases the accomplishments of a particular group. In that case, we may create an overly optimistic portrayal of that group while ignoring their flaws or harmful actions. By only considering the 1% of history, we may need to fully understand the factors that have shaped our world and the lessons we can learn from the past. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and the inability to make informed decisions about the present and future. Focusing on the 1% of history limits our understanding of the past and can result in a distorted and incomplete worldview. It is essential to consider diverse perspectives and experiences to have a more complete and accurate understanding of history.
History is not a mere recollection of dates, events, and people. It is the story of human existence, an account of our struggles, achievements, and failures throughout time. The tapestry weaves together the threads of our past, present, and future. However, the dominant narrative of history has often focused on the so-called "great men" and the significant events that shaped their lives. This approach to history needs to be revised, as it ignores the richness and diversity of human experiences. We must recognize that history is not just the story of the victors but also the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten. By centering only on the 1% of history, we risk perpetuating a distorted and incomplete view of our past. Moreover, we need to take advantage of valuable insights into the complexities of human societies and cultures.
The relevance of a more inclusive and diverse view of history is evident in our present-day struggles for justice and equality. The erasure of the contributions and experiences of underrepresented groups in our history perpetuates systemic inequalities and discrimination. We can challenge the dominant narratives that reinforce these injustices by embracing a more nuanced and inclusive view of history. To illustrate this point, we can look to the history of resistance and struggle against oppression. From the enslaved people who rebelled against their captors to the civil rights activists who fought for racial equality, the stories of those who resisted and challenged the status quo have often been overlooked in traditional historical accounts. By amplifying these voices and stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and ongoing struggle for justice.
The 1% is all about the big shots and significant events taught in school: wars, revolutions, inventions, and famous folks who made their mark on the world. And yeah, they're important, no doubt about it. But here's the thing: they're just a tiny slice of the whole pie. See, there's a whole bunch of other people and events that have played a part in our human story. And if we only focus on the 1%, we're missing out on a lot. And that's not good, my friends. It can mess with our understanding of things and make us see things in a way that's not entirely true. Plus, it gives us a one-sided and quite twisted view of history.
If you want to get a real taste of history, you can't just stick to the 1% of it that's been talked about ad nauseam. That's like trying to savor a dish by only chewing on one ingredient. History is a rich tapestry woven with countless threads, each adding flavor to the mix. It's not some linear story with a clear beginning and end but a complex dish with layers of nuance and subtlety. By only focusing on the big names and significant events, we're missing out on the true richness of the past. We must embrace history's complexity if we want to savor all its delicious flavors. The ruling class and the cultural elite have long monopolized the narrative of history. These stories center around the exploits of a select few high-profile individuals who have etched their names into the annals of human civilization. But remember that these extraordinary events and personalities are only part of the picture. Natural history lies in everyday people's collective experiences and contributions, whose voices and stories have often been suppressed and ignored.
From the farmer to the laborer, from the homemaker to the factory worker, ordinary people have always played a critical role in shaping human events. They may not have had the same power and influence as the elites. Still, their collective actions and struggles have sparked revolutions and brought about social change that has forever altered the trajectory of history. Beyond the 1%: That's where the real juicy stuff is, the stuff that'll make your hair stand on end and your mind expand. See, by checking out the experiences of the common folk; we can get a natural grip on what life was like back in the day. We can focus on their daily struggles, hopes, and dreams and what made them tick. We can also suss out how the social, political, and economic systems we got today came to be. We can see how they've changed and where they might be headed. And if we're paying attention, we can spot the patterns and lessons to help us make better choices moving forward.
Do you know what's funny? History books always talk about the big names, the fancy inventors and entrepreneurs, and James Watt and Andrew Carnegie. They'll tell you that their brains made the industrial revolution happen. But that's just a load of bull. The real driving force behind that transformation of society was the millions of grunts working their butts off day after day. Sure, those fat cats made their profits off the backs of those workers. They exploited them and worked them to the bone. They're still with us today, shaping our society and our economy. But without those workers, there wouldn't have been a damn revolution, to begin with. And the consequences of that revolution? Do you want to know the truth? To understand what went down during the industrial revolution, you've got to look at the experiences of ordinary folks. Those folks who never got their names in the history books. Because it was their sweat and their blood that made the world we live in today.
As we draw to a close, let us remember that the chronicles of history are not mere chronicles of the elite's exploits. Though the accounts of the ruling minority may hold significance, they should not be the sole focus of our inquiry. A failure to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people would result in a distorted and narrow-minded view of the past, thereby hampering our comprehension of the present. We must broaden our scope and give voice to those historically marginalized and silenced, for only then can we attain a comprehensive understanding of our shared human story.
THE RUNDOWN
- To understand history more accurately, it is essential to consider diverse perspectives and experiences.
- The focus on the 1% of history, such as wealthy white men and significant events, limits our understanding of historical events and the diverse perspectives of those involved.
- It excludes marginalized groups' and individuals' experiences and contributions, leading to a distorted and incomplete worldview.
- By amplifying the voices and stories of those who resisted and challenged the status quo, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and ongoing struggle for justice.
- The complexity of history is like a rich tapestry woven with countless threads, and we must embrace it if we want to understand all its flavors.
STATE OF THE UNION
HIGHLIGHTS
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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
LECTURES
- COMING SOON
READING
This class utilizes the following textbook:
Carnes, Mark C., and John A. Garraty. American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation. 4th ed. Vol. 2.: Pearson, 2011.
Mark C. Carnes and John A. Garraty are respected historians who have made notable contributions to American history. Carnes specializes in American education and culture, focusing on the role of secret societies in shaping American culture in the 19th century. Garraty is known for his general surveys of American history, his biographies of American historical figures and studies of specific aspects of American history, and his clear and accessible writing.
- Carnes, Chapter 22: From Isolation to Empire
This class utilizes the following textbook:
Carnes, Mark C., and John A. Garraty. American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation. 4th ed. Vol. 2.: Pearson, 2011.
Mark C. Carnes and John A. Garraty are respected historians who have made notable contributions to American history. Carnes specializes in American education and culture, focusing on the role of secret societies in shaping American culture in the 19th century. Garraty is known for his general surveys of American history, his biographies of American historical figures and studies of specific aspects of American history, and his clear and accessible writing.
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.
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
"...Thus, in that inevitable taking of sides which comes from selection and emphasis in history, I prefer to try to tell the story of the discovery of America from the viewpoint of the Arawaks, of the Constitution from the standpoint of the slaves, of Andrew Jackson as seen by the Cherokees, of the Civil War as seen by the New York Irish, of the Mexican war as seen by the deserting soldiers of Scott's army, of the rise of industrialism as seen by the young women in the Lowell textile mills, of the Spanish-American war as seen by the Cubans, the conquest of the Philippines as seen by black soldiers on Luzon, the Gilded Age as seen by southern farmers, the First World War as seen by socialists, the Second World War as seen by pacifists, the New Deal as seen by blacks in Harlem, the postwar American empire as seen by peons in Latin America. And so on, to the limited extent that any one person, however he or she strains, can "see" history from the standpoint of others..."
"... A remarkably perceptive article on the nature of the First World War appeared in May 1915 in the Atlantic Monthly. Written by W. E. B. Du Bois, it was tided 'The African Roots of War.' It was a war for empire, of which the struggle between Germany and the Allies over Africa was both symbol and reality: '.. . in a very real sense Africa is a prime cause of this terrible overturning of civilization which we have lived to see.' Africa, Du Bois said, is "the Land of the Twentieth Century,' because of the gold and diamonds of South Africa, the cocoa of Angola and Nigeria, the rubber and ivory of the Congo, the palm oil of the West Coast..."
"...Thus, in that inevitable taking of sides which comes from selection and emphasis in history, I prefer to try to tell the story of the discovery of America from the viewpoint of the Arawaks, of the Constitution from the standpoint of the slaves, of Andrew Jackson as seen by the Cherokees, of the Civil War as seen by the New York Irish, of the Mexican war as seen by the deserting soldiers of Scott's army, of the rise of industrialism as seen by the young women in the Lowell textile mills, of the Spanish-American war as seen by the Cubans, the conquest of the Philippines as seen by black soldiers on Luzon, the Gilded Age as seen by southern farmers, the First World War as seen by socialists, the Second World War as seen by pacifists, the New Deal as seen by blacks in Harlem, the postwar American empire as seen by peons in Latin America. And so on, to the limited extent that any one person, however he or she strains, can "see" history from the standpoint of others..."
"... A remarkably perceptive article on the nature of the First World War appeared in May 1915 in the Atlantic Monthly. Written by W. E. B. Du Bois, it was tided 'The African Roots of War.' It was a war for empire, of which the struggle between Germany and the Allies over Africa was both symbol and reality: '.. . in a very real sense Africa is a prime cause of this terrible overturning of civilization which we have lived to see.' Africa, Du Bois said, is "the Land of the Twentieth Century,' because of the gold and diamonds of South Africa, the cocoa of Angola and Nigeria, the rubber and ivory of the Congo, the palm oil of the West Coast..."
Larry Schweikart, A Patriot's History of the United States
"... Despite the continued struggles of blacks, it was nevertheless the case that America by 1910 had successfully blended more—and more radically different—people than any other society in human history, and had spread over the lot of them a broad blanket of public protections, civil rights, educational support, and, equally important, civic expectations. In World War I, the willingness of German-Americans to fight against Germany, for example, convinced many of their complete Americanization. In addition, the fact that a Catholic could run for the presidency just a decade after that further underscored the melting-pot principle. Unfortunately, African Americans remained largely excluded from the “pot” for several decades, despite pandering by the administration of Teddy Roosevelt’s cousin Franklin. Well into the twentieth century, blacks remained divided over which of the three paths to follow—Washington’s, Du Bois’s, or Garvey’s..."
"... Anyone looking at the American economy from 1919 to 1921 might have been completely misled about the future. The end of World War I brought the return of millions of soldiers and sailors to farms and factories in the United States and Europe, and the destruction wreaked by several years of combat had disrupted normal economic activities, fattened the U.S. government, and glutted the job markets. Farmers were especially devastated, with farm prices plummeting after the European farmers—who had been holding rifles instead of hoes just months earlier—abruptly returned to the land. In the United States, the weakening of the agricultural sector, although not in itself debilitating, had severe but largely hidden repercussions..."
"... Despite the continued struggles of blacks, it was nevertheless the case that America by 1910 had successfully blended more—and more radically different—people than any other society in human history, and had spread over the lot of them a broad blanket of public protections, civil rights, educational support, and, equally important, civic expectations. In World War I, the willingness of German-Americans to fight against Germany, for example, convinced many of their complete Americanization. In addition, the fact that a Catholic could run for the presidency just a decade after that further underscored the melting-pot principle. Unfortunately, African Americans remained largely excluded from the “pot” for several decades, despite pandering by the administration of Teddy Roosevelt’s cousin Franklin. Well into the twentieth century, blacks remained divided over which of the three paths to follow—Washington’s, Du Bois’s, or Garvey’s..."
"... Anyone looking at the American economy from 1919 to 1921 might have been completely misled about the future. The end of World War I brought the return of millions of soldiers and sailors to farms and factories in the United States and Europe, and the destruction wreaked by several years of combat had disrupted normal economic activities, fattened the U.S. government, and glutted the job markets. Farmers were especially devastated, with farm prices plummeting after the European farmers—who had been holding rifles instead of hoes just months earlier—abruptly returned to the land. In the United States, the weakening of the agricultural sector, although not in itself debilitating, had severe but largely hidden repercussions..."
Thaddeus Russell, A Renegade History of the United States
"...Draft evasion as well as insubordination against commanding officers in the military remained far greater among African Americans than among whites from the two world wars through the Korean and Vietnam wars. During World War I, the only black combat division in the American Expeditionary Force frequently ran away during battles, resulting in the removal of the entire division from the front. There is also substantial anecdotal evidence that during both world wars, large numbers of black men feigned illness or insanity to evade the draft..."
"...Draft evasion as well as insubordination against commanding officers in the military remained far greater among African Americans than among whites from the two world wars through the Korean and Vietnam wars. During World War I, the only black combat division in the American Expeditionary Force frequently ran away during battles, resulting in the removal of the entire division from the front. There is also substantial anecdotal evidence that during both world wars, large numbers of black men feigned illness or insanity to evade the draft..."
What Does Professor Lancaster Think?
To truly grasp the weight of history, we must dive deep into the perspectives of the forgotten, the marginalized, and those who haven't got a voice in the traditional narrative. We have to see America's discovery through the eyes of the Arawaks, the Constitution through the eyes of the enslaved, the Civil War through the eyes of the New York Irish, and the African roots of war to truly understand the impact of these events on different groups and how the big players like imperialism, colonialism, and class struggles shaped them.
So there we were, after World War I, patting ourselves on the back for how well we had blended all these different groups of people. German-Americans had proven their loyalty, and a Catholic had even run for President. But let's not forget that one group of folks still left out in the cold - African Americans. Despite the progress we had made, they were still being denied fundamental rights and opportunities. And let's not forget about the economic struggles after the war. Millions of soldiers and sailors returned to their homes and jobs, farms and factories destroyed, and the government bloated from all the spending. It was a tough time for everyone, but some folks had it worse than others.
The military isn't a cakewalk for anybody. But for African Americans, it was especially rough. They faced a higher rate of draft evasion and insubordination towards their commanding officers compared to white soldiers from World War I through the Korean and Vietnam wars. And during World War I, the only black combat division in the American Expeditionary Force? They had a high number of soldiers running away during battles, ultimately leading to the entire division's removal from the front. And let me tell you; there were plenty of stories of black men faking illnesses or insanity to avoid being drafted during both world wars.
Examining the experiences of marginalized groups, such as African Americans, during World War I is crucial for understanding how they were affected by more significant issues such as imperialism, colonialism, and class and how it shaped the history of our world.
To truly grasp the weight of history, we must dive deep into the perspectives of the forgotten, the marginalized, and those who haven't got a voice in the traditional narrative. We have to see America's discovery through the eyes of the Arawaks, the Constitution through the eyes of the enslaved, the Civil War through the eyes of the New York Irish, and the African roots of war to truly understand the impact of these events on different groups and how the big players like imperialism, colonialism, and class struggles shaped them.
So there we were, after World War I, patting ourselves on the back for how well we had blended all these different groups of people. German-Americans had proven their loyalty, and a Catholic had even run for President. But let's not forget that one group of folks still left out in the cold - African Americans. Despite the progress we had made, they were still being denied fundamental rights and opportunities. And let's not forget about the economic struggles after the war. Millions of soldiers and sailors returned to their homes and jobs, farms and factories destroyed, and the government bloated from all the spending. It was a tough time for everyone, but some folks had it worse than others.
The military isn't a cakewalk for anybody. But for African Americans, it was especially rough. They faced a higher rate of draft evasion and insubordination towards their commanding officers compared to white soldiers from World War I through the Korean and Vietnam wars. And during World War I, the only black combat division in the American Expeditionary Force? They had a high number of soldiers running away during battles, ultimately leading to the entire division's removal from the front. And let me tell you; there were plenty of stories of black men faking illnesses or insanity to avoid being drafted during both world wars.
Examining the experiences of marginalized groups, such as African Americans, during World War I is crucial for understanding how they were affected by more significant issues such as imperialism, colonialism, and class and how it shaped the history of our world.
A cartoon published in Puck magazine on January 25, 1899, illustrates the perspective of American imperialists.
KEY TERMS
ASSIGNMENTS
Forum Discussion #5
- Harrison Narcotic Act
- World War One
- Asian Americans in WWI
- Latinos in WWI
- African Americans in WWI
- Women in WW1
- Jews in WW1
- Sinking of the Lusitania
- Marcus Garvey
- Margaret Sanger
- Hot Dog
- Pecos Bill
- Immigration Act of 1917
- Chamberlain-Kahn Act
- The 1918 Flu Pandemic
- Chicago Race Riot of 1919
- 1920's Fashion
- NFL
- Amphetamine
- Country Music
- Harlem Renaissance
- 19th Amendment
ASSIGNMENTS
- Forum Discussion #5
Forum Discussion #5
The Battlefield series is a well-known and successful franchise of first-person shooter video games. It began in 2002 with the release of Battlefield 1942 on Microsoft Windows and OS X. Developed by Swedish company EA DICE and published by Electronic Arts, the series is known for its large maps, emphasis on teamwork and incorporation of vehicle warfare. The games in the series are primarily focused on online multiplayer, making it a popular choice among PC gamers. With over 50 million players worldwide and a total of 11 games and 12 expansion packs released since its inception, the Battlefield franchise has solidified itself as a staple in the gaming industry. Take a look at the gameplay trailer for Battlefield 1, an installment set during the Great War, and try your hand at a round of multiplayer "Team Deathmatch" if you own the game on any platform. Then answer the following:
What are some historical inaccuracies you see within the gameplay? Do you see anywhere that the game developers get an accurate depiction of World War 1? What are the pros and cons of getting your history from a video game?
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
What are some historical inaccuracies you see within the gameplay? Do you see anywhere that the game developers get an accurate depiction of World War 1? What are the pros and cons of getting your history from a video game?
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
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