Wednesday, October 13th

Advanced American History

As we culminate our viewing of the documentary on the Homestead Steel Strike of 1892, consider the questions that arose from this clash between industrialists and workers.  Many are still relevant today.

• Carnegie owned the steel works.  It was his property.  Did the workers have any right to take over the steel mill.
• Employees always retain the right to quit.  Should they have more rights than that singular right?
• What was the legacy of the steel strike?

Reminder:  Quiz on Chapter 4 (Industrialization in the Gilded Age) Thursday.

Photograph of Homestead PA courtesy of Penn State University

American Studies

Class today was focused on an analysis of the labor movement in America in the late 1800's.  Be sure you understand some early unions and their objectives (Knights of Labor, AF of L, IWW).  Also, be aware of some of the infamous job actions of the 19th century (Haymarket Affair, Homestead Strike, etc.)

Assignment:  Complete Ch.4, Section 3 Handout for class on Thursday

Tuesday, October 12th

 

Advanced American History

After a review of the changing nature of work and the conflict produced in the Gilded Age, we began viewing the documentary 10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America:  The Homestead Strike.  This account of the actions of steelworkers at Andrew Carnegie's Homestead Steel Works would do much to shape the balance of political and economic power in America for the next few decades.

Click the link below to view or review the video shown in class today:

10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America:  The Homestead Strike

Assignment:  Read Text pages 114-121 The Labor Movement.

American Studies

After a review of the changing nature of work and the conflict produced in the Gilded Age, we took a quiz.  Be sure to make this quiz up within three days if you were absent.

Assignment:  Handout related to a text reading 114-121 The Labor Movement.

Monday, October 11th

Advanced American History

After reviewing the concept of industrialists of the Gilded Age being labeled as Robber Barrons or Captains of Industry, we discussed those less fortunate in society during this era.  As the nation moved to an industrial economy, the new work in factories was increasingly unskilled and a steady pool of immigrant labor led to the degradation of wages and working conditions in many industrial cities and factories.  How best to deal with the gap between the rich and poor, industrialists and workers, became a source of substantial conflict in the late 19th century.

Assignment:  Read Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth.  Complete questions on handout.

 

American Studies

After reviewing the concept of industrialists of the Gilded Age being labeled as Robber Barrons or Captains of Industry, we discussed those less fortunate in society during this era.  As the nation moved to an industrial economy, the new work in factories was increasingly unskilled and a steady pool of immigrant labor led to the degradation of wages and working conditions in many industrial cities and factories.  How best to deal with the gap between the rich and poor, industrialists and workers, became a source of substantial conflict in the late 19th century. 

**Review Chapter 4 Section 2 for key elements in this discussion.  Quiz Tuesday!

 

Friday, October 8th

Advanced American Studies

Today, we reviewed some of the economic and social turmoil that resulted from the change from and agrarian society to an industrial one. The new inventions and innovations of the industrial age produced fabulous wealth for some who capitalized on this transition, and dire economic consequences for many who were at the bottom of the economic ladder.

This gap created a difference of opinion about those that benefited from this economic shift. Business titans like Andrew Carnegie were both revered (captains of industry) or hated (robber barrons). Be sure to understand both who some of these business titans were, how they developed such great wealth, and the differences of opinions regarding their actions.

American History

Today, we reviewed some of the economic and social turmoil that resulted from the change from and agrarian society to an industrial one. The new inventions and innovations of the industrial age produced fabulous wealth for some who capitalized on this transition, and dire economic consequences for many who were at the bottom of the economic ladder.

This gap created a difference of opinion about those that benefited from this economic shift. Business titans like Andrew Carnegie were both revered (captains of industry) or hated (robber barrons). Be sure to understand both who some of these business titans were, how they developed such great wealth, and the differences of opinions regarding their actions.

Thursday, October 7th

Advanced American Studies

Our study of the Gilded Age begins today with an analysis of both the explosion of technical innovation that happens in the United States after the Civil War and the reasons for it.  Developments such as steel, railroads, the telephone, electric grids and lights, recorded sound, motion pictures, airplanes etc. create a modern industrial age and thrust the US to the forefront of the global economy for much of the 20th century.  Abundant natural resources, a steady stream of immigrants, capitalism, and a system of patents and legally binding contracts all create a fertile environment for innovation and industrial expansion.

Assignment:  Read text pages 107-113 The Rise of Big Business

Thomas Alva Edison was the most prolific inventor in American history. He amassed a record 1,093 patents covering key innovations and minor improvements in wide range of fields, including telecommunications, electric power, sound recording, motion pictures, primary and storage batteries, and mining and cement technology. As important, he broadened the notion of invention to encompass what we now call innovation-invention, research, development, and commercialization-and invented the industrial research laboratory. Edison's role as an innovator is evident not only in his two major laboratories at Menlo Park and West Orange in New Jersey but in more than 300 companies formed worldwide to manufacture and market his inventions, many of which carried the Edison name, including some 200 Edison illuminating companies. 

Courtesy Thomas Edison Papers -- Rutgers University

American History

Our study of the Gilded Age begins today with an analysis of both the explosion of technical innovation that happens in the United States after the Civil War and the reasons for it.  Developments such as steel, railroads, the telephone, electric grids and lights, recorded sound, motion pictures, airplanes etc. create a modern industrial age and thrust the US to the forefront of the global economy for much of the 20th century.  Abundant natural resources, a steady stream of immigrants, capitalism, and a system of patents and legally binding contracts all create a fertile environment for innovation and industrial expansion.

Assignment:  Read text pages 107-113 The Rise of Big Business

Wednesday, October 6th

Advanced American Studies

After finishing the film Glory, please complete the following reading assignment:
Text pages 100-106.


American History


After finishing the film Glory, please complete the following reading assignment:
Text pages 100-106.  Answer questions 4, 5 & 6 on p. 106.

Wednesday, Sept. 29th - Tuesday October 5th

Advanced American Studies

Wednesday -- Civil War Exam
Thurs - Tues -- To finish the Civil War unit, we will be viewing the film Glory, an account of the 54th Mass. regiment, the first regiment of color in American history.  Colonel Robert G. Shaw volunteers to lead the first company of black soldiers in the Federal Army during the American Civil War. Dealing with the prejudices of both his officers and his enemy, Colonel Shaw strives to lead his men to victory and recounts his tale along the way.

American History

Wednesday -- Civil War Exam
Thurs - Tues -- To finish the Civil War unit, we will be viewing the film Glory, an account of the 54th Mass. regiment, the first regiment of color in American history.  Colonel Robert G. Shaw volunteers to lead the first company of black soldiers in the Federal Army during the American Civil War. Dealing with the prejudices of both his officers and his enemy, Colonel Shaw strives to lead his men to victory and recounts his tale along the way.