A Fierce Green Fire Summary

Summary
In the film "A Fierce Green Fire" it follows the stories of people who want to help restore and preserve earths natural environments. We meet some people such as one of the co-founders of Green Peace. He talks about how he worked to save whales and other sea animal from being hunted down. He still does this to this day. We also meet a women who helps families move away from a diseased canal. She helped save the lives of these families with the help of the government.
Air Pollution
Since the Industrial Revolution the amount of greenhouse gases mankind has produced has increased rapidly. With all of the fossil fuels we burn the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has gone up dramatically. These greenhouse gases are causing the earth to heat up and are the cause of Global Warming. This has had a big affect on the planet and its environment. Many groups and organizations are trying to help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we produce by making people aware of the issue and telling them how they can be more "green."

Depression Test Outline

I Intro (Leave Blank for now)

II Causes (The causes of the great depression were; Over Speculation, Overproduction and uneven prosperity )

A overspeculation -

Investing without the company being able to support investments

It eventually caused the stock market to crash

B Govt Policy

Hoover had no government policy he just stayed impartial to doing anything

There was nothing in place to buffer the drop in stock and because of this people suffered

C Unstable Econ

The stock market was constantly rising and caused a giant increase in investment

It caused over speculation and the drastic drop in price

1 uneven prosperity

The distribution of wealth was very top sided.

This made it so necessities were expensive and the middle class struggled to afford every day needs.

2 overproduction

When the economy was good, people were buying luxury items on credit that they really

couldn’t afford. Because of this production increased to adhere to the demands of the

people.

3 worker issues / farm issues

Workers were not being paid enough for their work. Farmers had to make a lot of food

during the war, then after they had the resources to make too much. Neither of them

made enough to support themselves and distribution of wealth only added to the problem.

III Effects

A Poverty

Caused the poor to become “more poor” because they lost all of their money.

The poverty only added to the effects of the depression because money wasn’t being

spent. The distribution of wealth became more significant as well.

B Society

No one could afford anything anymore in a time where innovations were immense.

The fear of communism became more prevalent and people felt scared and unwilling to

take risk.

C World

Trade decreased and America raised tariffs trying to increase production to raise money.

Other countries then tried to do the same in order to keep up.

IV Solutions

A Hoover

He had no solution and wasn’t prepared.

Did little to help end the depression at first.

1 Volunteerism

Hoover didn’t want the federal government involved so he asked companies to volunteer to bail/help out banks so that the govt. wasn’t involved.

2 Public Works

Government projects set in place to create jobs for the unemployed workforce.

Projects include Hoover Dam and thousands of other projects including parks.

3 Hawley Smoot Act

Raised tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods.

Affected the U.S economy but destroyed overseas trade.

4.RFC

Reconstruction finance corporation.

Set in place by Hoover; gave money to help bail out local governments.

B Roosevelt

Succeeded Hoover as President.

Started the new deal.

Considered a much better president than Hoover and ultimately helped America arise

from the depression.

1 new deal

Roosevelt’s plan to try anything.

He had an advisor to represent each portion of the workforce to accumulate ideas

and make a stable and fair economy.

a alphabet soup

            example - AAA

Agricultural Adjustment Administration

Tried regulating what was planted on farms

            example - FDIC

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

gave bank members the assurance that the money they put in will be able              to be returned

            example - SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

Regulated the stock market and prevented fraud

            example - CCC

Civilian Conservation Corps

Young unemployed men would be employed by wildlife conservationists to maintain trails

b Criticism?

The right sided conservatives believed that the new deal was doing too much

The left side believed he was not doing enough

2 2nd new deal

a - WPA

Works Progress Administration

created new jobs throughout the economy

b - SSA

Social Security Act

Created unemployment system that offered releif and retirement plans

c - BA

Banking Act

Strengthened the federal reserve

V Criticicism

B Political Criticism (ex. Came from both the Right and Left)

A Conservatives - Still believed he was taking too much power away from the big business companies

B Liberals (ex: criticised the new deal also. They....)

Ex -  The critics of the new deal include Huey Long And Father Coughlin

ex - They both argued that the new deal did not do enough to help the people

VI Effectiveness

A Changes in US - IT taught Americans to be more cautious with money, It also brought about many new acts that created job opportunities

B Unions - Unions brought many new job opportunities that helped the unemployed

C Culture - Brought families closer together and eventually a greater sense of national pride

VII Conclusion

Book Report

"They Call Themselves The K.K.K."  Summary
Santiago Poncy

In Susan Campbell Bartoletti's book, "They Call Themselves The K.K.K.," she recreates and tells the story on the history of the Ku Klux Klan and how they started. She talks about the years before and after the civil war and the atmosphere of the south. Throughout the book she introduces us to some of the people who lived during this time, both freed slaves and clan members. You read the stories these people and some of the events of the K.K.K. through various sources she gathered.
Bartoletti talks about the south before the war and how it was the big agricultural area of the country. This meant they required lots of worker and because of that they were also the center of the slave industry in America. She then moves on to after the war with the freeing of the slaves, and how it hurt the souths economy with the loss in the work force. Abraham  Lincoln created a Reconstruction Plan to help the south, but before he could start he was assassinated. Next she introduces us to Lincolns successor, Andrew Johnson, who took over in rebuilding the south. However, Johnson was from the south so he sided with the southerners more than Congress. She explains how he tried to take away some of the african americans freedom with the black codes, which were a set of laws that restricted african american freedom. They were later overcome by Congress when they passed the Civil Rights Act to negate the Black codes. Because of this, the south started referring to the civil war as The Lost Cause. The white southerners thought that the freed slaves would take control and enslave the white man.
Many of the confederate solders who had returned home were still not fully accepting of this change going on in the south. Bartoletti talks specifically about six confederates who return to there hometown in Pulaski, Tennessee. After coming home filled with resentment and all of the problems with the reconstruction, these six friends decide to make a secrete club. The members of this club ran around town dressed as ghost of the confederates soldiers, harassing african american people. This small little club soon grew into what is known as the Klu Klux Klan. Overtime, the clan became more violent and radical. Bartoletti adds in some stories of people who were attacked by the K.K.K. in some of the chapters of the book. Many of them talk about how they never felt safe even with their freedom.
At the end of the book, Bartoletti give a short history on the K.K.K. and some of the events as time went on. She talks about racism today and also how the black man too has the chance to live the american dream.

Rock n' Roll in the 50s

The creation of rock n' roll was one of the biggest movements ever in the history of music. The roots of rock n' roll came from african american blues and gospel. In the early fifties, as a way to break away from suburban life, teenagers found interest in african american rhythm and blues music.  In Cleveland, Ohio, disk jockey Alan Freed noticed this popularity of african american music in teenagers and decided to start radio show with rhythm and blues music. Just like he thought, the show became a huge hit and spread all over Cleveland. He later came up with the term rock n' roll for this new type of music. Soon rock n' roll boomed as white artist started making music with rhythm and blues sounds. Record labels were looking for young artist who could recreate the african american music. Out of Memphis, Tennessee came Elvis Presley, who was just what they were looking for. Elvis was the first rock n' roll super star who claimed the title of "king of rock n' roll." Beside Elvis many more big names emerged from rock n' roll such as Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Bill Haley.  Teens everywhere would hurry to buy the newest hits from their favorite artists. In the following years rock n' roll was growing even more popular in the younger generations, as well as getting criticized by the older generations. Many thought the type of music wasn't age appropriate for kids to be listening to. Parents thought rock n' roll was vulgar and dangerous. Churches referred to it as Satan's music. It was banned by many radio stations and schools across America. Rock n' roll contributed greatly to create the generation gap in the difference of music between kids and parents. Not only did rock n' roll change music, but also other aspects of culture, like television, dancing, and peoples personal views. Rock n' roll broke through many cultural barriers and lead the way to lots of others.

sources:
http://www.ushistory.org/us/53d.asp
http://www.unc.edu/~refisher/rockandroll.html
"The American Vision: Modern Times" Glencoe Textbook

Radio Show

Sports Radio Show

Hello Everyone and this is the Sports Radio show with your best sports commentary! As you may know, you're here with your host, Patrick Leiphart! We have a very special show tonight with many famous athletes talking and answering questions. First up on the show we have the amazing baseball player, Babe Ruth!

P: So Babe, what's it like being a super star?
B: You know Mr. Leiphart, it's awesome and I love the fans. They are all welcoming and superb and I couldn't ask for anything better!
P: I got another question for ya... How did you get brought up into Baseball?
B: Well you see, I was one of the lucky ones to survive infancy in my family. The only other one that did was my sister. I was living with my parents until I was sent to Mary's Industrial School for Boys when I was six. I would play baseball there and probably played 200 games a summer. I was very good at it and became the star pitcher and hitter. When I was old enough to leave, I signed with the Orioles and played ball for 'em. And from there, I just did what I do best.
P: Wow what an amazing story! I'm astonished! Well I'm glad to have you on the show! Good luck in your career.
B: Thank you very much for having me!

P: Next we have Bobby Jones on the show! Hey Bobby!
B: Hey Mr. Leiphart, Thank you for having me!
P: Of course! So let me ask you a couple questions for our great audience here. What  influenced you to get into golf?
B: Well I was battling some health issues as a child and so I was prescribed to play golf to make me stronger. I immediately loved the game. I won my first child's tournament when I was 6 and continued to get better from there!
P: Wow interesting! I have also heard that not only are you a great golfer, but a great sport!
B: I mean I like to keep the game fair and keep cheatin' out of it. Golf is a wonderful game, no need to ruin it.
P: I understand that you hit a ball wrong when hitting onto the green and called a penalty on yourself?
B: Yes that is true, like I said before, I want to keep things fair.
P: Well thanks Bobby, thank you for coming on the show!

P: Next we have what some say, "the greatest athlete of the world!" Jim Thorpe!
J: Hello there Mr. Leiphart.
P: Hi there, so Jim, what's its like being a Native American athlete?
J: Well you know, Native Americans haven't been treated quite fairly as others but I would say what was more difficult was my childhood. My mom died of birth complications and I argued with my dad a lot. I would run away from school and such until I got into sports.
P: I hear you do many sports like baseball, football, lacrosse, track, and even ballroom dancing! What would you say your favorite is?
J: I love all of them but football is my passion. I play so many positions and it's a good 'ol time when I'm on the field!
P: Well thanks Jim and hope to see you out on the field for who knows what next!
J: Thank you Mr. Leiphart

P: the last guest we have on our show is Jack Dempsey! Hey Jack!
J: Hello Mr. Leiphart
P: I was watching your championship fight and man, you really beat the crap out of that guy! There is a lot of speculation that you had "loaded gloves". What do you think about all the controversy?
J: Well, believe what you believe, but I am saying that I am the champion and I won that fight, no doubt about it. If you think I was wearing "loaded gloves" then think that, but ask my trainer or anybody, I just had my taped hands and regular boxing gloves.
P: Now I hear you have another fight coming up to defend your title against your opponent, Billy Miske. How are you preparing for that fight?
J: I'm working as hard as I can, eating well, and training hard. Nothing can hold me back for this fight!
P: Well thanks Jack! Can't wait for that fight! And that concludes  our show tonight! See you next week! Good Night!

Rosie the riveter

Rosie the riveter is an iconic image that represents women in the workforce during WW2. During WW2 with so many male workers being recruited into the army there was a need for workers in the industrial workforce. Rosie the riveter was created as a government campaign to get women in the work force. She was in newspapers, movies, and posters and became one of the most successful recruiting ads in american history. From 1940-1945 the women workforce increased from 27% to 37%. Rosie also got women to sign up for jobs in the armed forces as well. Many of the military units
sources:
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/rosie-the-riveter

Marcus Garvey

Marcus Garvey was a civil rights activist who lead the "back to Africa" movement in the U.S. during the early 1920s. Garvey was born on August 17, 1887 in Jamaica where he grew up as the youngest of 11 siblings. Growing up he was very interested in reading books, and left school early to be a printers apprentice. He lead a big strike for higher wages while he worked there and later decided to travel South and Central America for the next few years. After his travels he returned to Jamaica and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1914. Two years later he moved to Harlem New York where the UNIA grew and he became a public speaker. In Garvey's biggest movement, "Back to Africa," he tried to persuade African Americans to take pride in their race and go back to there homeland in Africa. In 1919 he founded the Black Star Line that provided transportation from America to Africa, as well as the Negro Factories Corporation to improve the economy in Africa. Later in 1922 Garvey was arrested and deported back to Jamaica for mail fraud with the Black Star Line stocks. In 1935, he moved to London where he lived until he died in 1940. His body was brought back to Jamaica in 1964, where he became the first national hero of Jamaica.

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/garvey_marcus.shtml

Soldier Letter

Dear Family,

These last six months of the war have been rough. Life in the war is extremely hard. Luckily we have an advantage over the Germans with are supplies and are soldiers. We are winning this war. However with Russia withdrawing from the war, the Germans now are able to send all there forces to the western front. There are still days that we spend endless hours fighting in the trenches. Everyday I see countless number of people die. I see the brutality of the attacks, such as the way the poison gas slowly kills the soldiers, or how a shot to the leg could mean it must be amputated. Everyday I hope to survive until the next day. I don't know how long I will be able to keep this up. How are things back home? I hope you all are doing well. Hopefully I will be able to come home soon.  

The Sinking of the Maine

On February 15, 1898 the American battleship the USS Maine exploded, killing 266 people on the ship. No one knows what caused the explosion but many suspect it was the Spanish while others think that the explosion was an accident that happened inside the ship. It is unlikely that the Spanish would've  wanted to make enemies with the U.S. but with America supporting the revolution in Cuba it is possible  could have placed a mine where it would explode and hit the maine. However investigations later on revealed that a mine or torpedo wouldn't be enough to explode the magazines in the ship. The explosion would have to have been an internal explosion. The question is weather or not it was an accident or it was sabotaged. Even today with such little evidence on what happened there is know way to know for sure what caused the explosion.

Sources:
http://www.spanamwar.com/Mainemo1.htm
The American Vision (pg. 308-309)

WWI Causes

1.
a) Militarism- In the early 1900s  there was a big race between nations for the greatest military power. The main competitors were Germany, Britain, and France. This Created tension and conflict between nations and led to alliances.
b) Alliances- Alliances were created in order to keep peace and insure each country had support from other countries. The alliances were between Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary which were the central powers, then there was Britain, France, and Russia which were the allies. When the Archduke was killed, all the countries in the alliances got tangled in the conflict and led to war between the alliances.
c) Imperialism- Germany and Austria- Hungary wanted more land and started to imperialize smaller nations. This angered other countries and created tension for the war.
d) Nationalism- a strong feeling of pride for ones nation. Serbia had lots of nationalism and when Austria- Hungary started to imperialize them it led to them assassination the archduke of austia-Hungary.

2. The spark of the war was the assassination of the archduke of Austria-Hungary. When the archduke was killed the war started with Austria- Hungary and Serbia and all of the alliances got tangled in the war leading to the Great War.

3.
a) Lusitania- was a British passenger ship that was used to transport people across the atlantic. The ship left New York on May 1st, 1915, and was on its way back to britain when it was sunk by a German U-boat. This angered americans and created tension between America and Germany.
b) Sussex Pledge- on May 4th, 1916, a promise made by germany to the U.S.A. stating that they would stop their unrestricted submarine warfare and only sink non- military ships after they were searched and found with military supplies and a safe passage was secured for passengers.
c) Unrestricted submarine warfare- a type of warfare were submarines would sink ships without warning. On January 9th, 1917 Germany broke the sussex pledge and returned to using unrestricted submarine warfare. This angered americans and was a big cause for them joining the war
d) Zimmermann note- In January, 1917 British intelligence intercepted a telegram from Germany to Mexico telling about its plan to start using unrestricted submarine warfare again and also offering Mexico U.S. land if it joined their alliance and declare war on America. Britain shared this with America and it lead them to join in the war.

Armistice 1918

An armistice is an agreement to stop fighting. Most of the time it is referred to as the agreement between Germany and the allies to stop the fighting and put an end to WW1. As the war continued on, the Allies started to get the advantage in the war and started to make there final push to the border. In October as the Allied forces advanced toward the German Border the Central forces started to fall apart. In Germany there sailors were getting tired of the fighting and when they were told they were being sent out to sea again they started a mutiny and started a revolution within Germany. At the end of October Turkey was the first to signed a treaty with the allies, followed by Austria-Hungry on November 3rd. On November 11th the allied forces and the rest of the central forces signed an armistice to end the fighting on the front. They met at 5 am in a railroad car in the french forest close to the frontline to sign the armistice. They agreed that all fighting would stop at 11 am. Also in the agreement Germany took full responsibility for the war and had to pay a debt of $95 million. On top of that they had to give up most of there military weapons and give back the land that they had conquered in the war. This was a important event as it officially ended to the fighting in the war. Six months later the Treaty of Versailles was signed as a peace treaty between nations which was the end to the Great War.

This is a picture of the Soldiers celebrating the armistice.

Source:

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/armistice.htm

Cool History Websites

have fun with history
http://www.havefunwithhistory.com/activities/index.html

history games and animations
http://www.besthistorysites.net/index.php/games-animations

The Jungle

1) What qualities did Sinclair believe a person must have to succeed in Packingtown?
He believed that people that lied and didn't care for the other workers would succeed.
2)According to the passage, what is the plant owner's main goal.
The owners want to get as much work out of the workers as possible.
3) What does Sinclair mean when he says, "...there was no place in it where a man counted for anything against a dollar....?"
   He means that the people in the plant cared for money more than the men they worked with.

Today in the meat packing industry the Federal Meat Inspection Act was passed to insure that no bad or misbranded meat was sold. Inspection of the livestock before and after they are slaughtered are required and must be authorized to be sold.