420: Unit 2

History 420: United States, 1861-1941, Winter, 2021-22

Part II: Progressive Era

Intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Week 4. No homework during H short block.

10. America in the World

READ: Yawp, 82-96; and 420 Docs, 101-108

To what extent do the facts, as reported in Yawp, support the “patriotic views” promoted by Schweichart and Allen? Consider the motives behind American interventions, the methods used and the impact of US involvement in world affairs. Were Americans unanimous in their foreign policy views?

11. Progressive Origins and Ideals

READ 420 Docs, 108-117 (bottom) &131-133 (Rauschenbusch & Susman)

Use the "phrases" worksheet and your notes to identify the contradictions and tensions in Progressivism. Can these be resolved? As you read the narrative, you will notice it makes several suggestions for doing further exploration. Please follow at least one of these suggestions using a library database. Consult the relevant libguide on the library website.

12. Progressive Presidents

READ 420 Docs, 117-131 (bottom) & 133-136 & Appendix, "Taft Opens Attack on the Third Party, 1912."

New Nationalism vs. New Freedom: which best embodies the values of progressivism? To what extent did the progressive presidents live up to the ideals of progressivism? Is Taft a progressive or a conservative? Use primary documents to answer these questions.

Week 5. H format has homework for short block (unit 14). E format: no short block homework this week.

13. Progressive Diplomacy

READ Yawp, 92-104, 140-146. 420 Docs, 136-140 (bottom) & 143-147.

Read the handout and the documents in chronological order along with the textbook reading. Can progressive ideals be translated into a distinct foreign policy? Was America justified in entering World War I? Is Wilson fighting a Progressive war? Write a paragraph defining the progressive approach to foreign policy. I will ask a few folks to read their paragraph in class, beginning with those who speak less frequently.

14. America in the First World War

READ Yawp, 146-159 & 420 Docs, 140-143

Look back at the Progressive Phrases handout. How did the war transform American society? Was this transformation in keeping with progressive values? What is the Socialist critique of Progressive foreign policy? How would Socialist foreign policy differ? Does Debs deserve to be prosecuted for his Canton speech? Write a paragraph on ways in which Wilson applied progressive aims, methods or beliefs to his foreign policy OR on ways he betrayed them. You may be asked to read your paragraph in class. Keep it short.

Week 6. Go to page 3 of the syllabus for reading assignments.

15. Paper is due.

Intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4