AMST Midterm Study Guide PDF
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This document is a study guide for a midterm exam in American Studies. It covers historical texts like letters to the sovereigns and accounts of colonization.
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Texts Author Title Key Points Columbus “ Letter to the C olumbus mistakenly believes he reached Sovereigns” the Indies Notes their initial timidness, but even...
Texts Author Title Key Points Columbus “ Letter to the C olumbus mistakenly believes he reached Sovereigns” the Indies Notes their initial timidness, but eventual generosity and willingness to trade even for invaluable items Highlights the island’s potential for agriculture and trade Requests more supplies and men to further exploit resources and establish a spanish presence Says Natives have no established religion and that they are willing to convert to Christianity e las d “ The Devastation T he Spaniards responded to Indigenous Casas of the Indies” resistance with extreme violence, massacring entire villages, torturing and killing men, women, and children, and setting people on fire. "the Spaniards made a rule among themselves that for every Christian slain by the Indians, they would slay a hundred Indians.” De las Casas consistently juxtaposes the brutality of the Spanish against the teachings of Christianity. For example, he points out the irony of Spaniards hanging Indigenous people in groups of thirteen "in memory of Our Redeemer and His twelve Apostles.” He also questions whether the Spaniards understand the concept of "love for their fellow man." De las Casas refers to the Spanish as “enemies of the human race" because their actions demonstrate a complete lack of humanity and compassion towards the Indigenous population. I ndians of “ Alcatraz C reated to take back the land that was once All Tribes Proclamation” Native land offering to "purchase" Alcatraz Island for $24 in glass beads and red cloth "as long as the sun shall rise and the rivers go down to the sea" is used ironically. It ocks the language of perpetuity often m found in treaties that were ultimately broken by white settlers. The Proclamation lists several similarities between Alcatraz and reservations, including isolation, lack of resources like fresh water and healthcare, limited economic opportunities, and a history of confinement and dependency. The Proclamation argues that Alcatraz, situated at the entrance to the Golden Gate, could serve as a powerful reminder of the history of Native American dispossession and the need for recognition and justice. Winthrop “ A Model of S ermon outlining the Puritan vision for Christian Charity” establishing a new society in the New World Puritan belief that their society was meant to be the model for others Importance of justice and mercy within the community, because the law of nature demands love for one’s neighbors and law of grace extend love to enemies Failure to uphold these ideals will lead to community’s downfall "Knit together as one man" - cooperation is necessary “City on a Hill” refers to the idea that Puritan community should be a model for the rest of the world to follow. And that their success or failure would be a testament to the validity of their beliefs. owlands R he True History of T S he was held captive by Natives for 11 weeks on the Captivity and Constantly relies on her Puritan faith as a Restoration of Mrs. means of survival Mary Rowlandson “Removes” are what she refers to as the various places she was moved to Finds moments of kindness with her captors (ex. One native woman gives her food when she is weak) assachus “Provoking Evils” M M assachusetts General Court passed a law etts “Provoking Evils” in 1675 which pitted General English colonists against Indigenous peoples Court This law reflects the Puritan belief that god was punishing colonists for their declension from their original religious and social ideals Lists a series of offenses (such as drinking, swearing and immodest attire) that the olonists were accused of committing and c which contributed to their declining moral state Law also provides a regulation for how to deal with Indigenous populations, saying that they can be confined to islands for their security The law lists "evils" such as neglect of church discipline, pride in appearance, Quaker gatherings, profanity, excessive drinking, disrespect for authority, idleness, and economic oppression. Native Americans on islands were forbidden from leaving under penalty of death. Colonists were authorized to kill those found off the islands without authorization. The law also made it illegal to remove individuals from these islands without permission from the General Court. anassate C “ Speech at the A rgued that the Iroquois Confederacy had a go Treaty of prior claim to the land in Maryland and Lancaster” Virginia than the English colonists Metaphor: “a rope tied to a mountain” which represented the Iroquois steadfast commitment to their territory and the historical agreements with the Dutch and the English. It represented the growing relationship between the Iroquois and European colonists. The strengthening of the rope and its replacement with silver chain symbolize the increasing intertwining of their fates and the enduring nature of their agreements. Canassatego expresses his concerns with the English’s land dealings and requests the English to recognize the Native claim to land which had not been included in previous treaties The Treaty aimed to establish an alliance between the Iroquois and English Colonists against French encroachment on their shared territories Wampum are woven beads made from shells. He references wampums in the ropes metaphor and uses a wampum belt to signify the binding agreement between the Iroquois and English colonists O’Sullivan Annexation A rgues for the US annexation of Texas and California as a fulfillment of Manifest estiny D Says the annexation is a natural and inevitable process driven by American population growth and the inherent right to self-governance of Anglo-Saxon communities Envisions a vast american empire with first Texas addition then California and a transcontinental railroad to connect the Pacific coast to the Mississippi Valley Claims that Mexico had violated agreements with Texan settlers which justified their rebellion He argued that annexation would actually weaken slavery by shifting slave labor southward, eventually leading to the creation of more slave states Texas could serve as a conduit for emancipated slaves to escape to Latin America Believes European powers cannot compete with the growing population in the U.S. Bilbao a America en L A passionate call for Latin American unity Peligro to resist American imperialism Warned of the “yankee individualism” that threatened to engulf Latin America, urging his countryme to learn from the United States’ successes but avoid its excesses He believed that by embracing a unifying vision of Latin American identity and by cultivating a society based on social justice, beauty, and intellectual pursuits, Latin Americans could secure their independence and create a civilization superior to that of the U.S. With internal unity and cooperation, Latin Americans could overcome the dangers posed by their powerful northern neighbor “Heroic moment” of U.S. history was their creation of a Constitution, embrace of self-governance and free thought, and a haven for freedom and opportunity Highlights the U.S.’s hypocrisy in enslaving african americans and mistreating native americans Solution to the US threat is a formation of the “United States of South America” Says Latin Americans should adopt the useful aspects of North America iliuokala L etter to the House L L iliuokalani protests the U.S. annexation of ni of Representatives Hawaii and its claim to the Hawaiian Crown Lands She says its a taking of her property without due process and without compensation Highlights th econtext of the Spanish American war with its need for a strategic naval base in the Pacific Liliuokalani’s letter shows the hypocrisy of America, fighting on behalf of Cuba and the Phillipines,while seizing Hawaii from the people Urges America to remember their ideals of freedom and self-determination, and recognize their injustice that they inflicted on the Hawaiian people Roosevelt The Strenuous Life S peech that argued for a robust American imperialism Advocating for the nation to actively engage in international affairs and take on responsibilities that come with global leadership He says that a life of ease and indolence weakens both individuals and nations He says that true greatness requires the pursuit of strenuous endeavors including military engagement, economic expansion, and the spread of American values Roosevelt argues that if the Union had prioritized peace over fighting in the Civil War, the nation would have avoided suffering, but also lost the chance to abolish slavery and preserve the union America has a moral obligation to govern the Phillipines James n a Certain O E xplores the idea that Humans are often Blindness in blind to the significance of other people’s Human Beings experiences and perspectives People are so focused on their own duties and responsibilities that they fail to understand the value of other ways of life “A mountain clearing” illustrates how a person’s perspective can shape their interpretation of an event We should not judge others on our own narrow limited understanding of the world Twain o the Person T C ritiques American imperialism Sitting in Darkness America uses the notion of “spreading ivilization” to actually exploit weaker c nations for its own gain Twain uses the example of the Philliphines and China to illustrate how Americas actions contradict its ideas of freedom and equality Uses the anecdote of Rev. Mr. Ament who extorted excessive indemnities from the Chinese for damages caused by the Boxer rebellion. This highlights the hypocrisy and shows religion was used as a tool for colonial gain. Draws a parallel between America’s actions in the Phillipines with the British’s actions in South Africa Rejects pragmatism Minh emands of the D O utline the demands of the Anaamite Annamite People people, colonized by the French Petition to the prime minister of British Empire, expressing the hope that the Annamite people be granted justice and freedom Demands include freedom of speech, assembly, and travel, and a greater role of their own governance. Hope that france will uphold its ideals of liberty and justice by granting the Annamite people their rights Argued that the Annamite people deserved self-determination as part of the new era of justice and law promised by the Allied Powers after their victory in the struggle of civilization against barbarism Seeking self-determination in the wake of World War I Luce he American T A rgues that Americas unique position as a Century powerful and prosperous nation necessitates active engagement in world affairs U.S. has a responsibility to promote freedom, justice, and economic prosperity globally. Envisions an american century characterized by the spread of democratic ideals, economic enterprise, technological innovation, and humanitarian aid, believing that the future hinges on America’s leadership and commitment to these values. 20th century must be an american century because america holds the potential to lead the world to progress and freedom. merican ideals are crucial to shaping the A rest of the world. America should be the “Good Samaratin of the Entire World” by taking on the responsibility of providing aid to those in need oung Y he Sharon T C onservative ideology emphasizing Americans Statement individual liberty, limited government, and for a strong national defense Freedom Advocated for a free market economy, a balanced federal system with strong state powers, and a firm stance against Soviet expansion Argues that government intervention in the market and exceeding its constitutional role undermines individual freedom and national strength Calls for a less aggressive foreign policy approach based on diplomacy and peaceful coexistence Primary purpose of government is to protect individual freedoms Arevalo he Shark and the T G uatemalan president criticizes US history Sardines of intervention in Latin America. US intervention has negatively impacted Latin American development and undermined its sovereignty. Highlights the hypocrisy of the US to claim to act in the best interests of the Latin Americans while exploiting its resources and manipulating its governments for economic gain. US has shifted its founding on freedom and national sovereignty to a “mercantile state” driven by profit and imperialism. “Businessmen mentality” focused on wealth accumulation. Shark and the Sardines are a metaphor representing the power imbalance between the US and Latin American nations. tudents S ost Huron P O utlines group’s vision for a more for a Statement participatory and democratic america Democrati Says that college students must actively c Society engage in social and political change Lays out vision for a new democratic society. Advocating for a transformation of american institutions to reflect the ideals of equality, justice, and individual freedom P romotes non-violence approach to conflict resolution Reagan arewell Address to F R eflects on his time as president the Nation highlighting conservative policies like tax cuts and increased military spending, and efforts to combat communist influence globally. Reagan emphasizes his belief in american exceptionalism and importance of individual liberty Very proud of “Reagan revolution” and calls for americans to remain vigilant against threats to freedom, both domestic and international. Optimistic view of america as a “shining city upon a hill” -- connects to Winthrop’s city on a hill view of puritans. But Reagans views sees it as a symbol of hope and freedom for people around the world. Klein emocracy in D A rgues that globalization, specifically free Shackles market policies promoted by institutions such as the World Bank, undermines democracy Current model of globalization prioritizes corporate interests over the well-being of citizens, often resulting in the suppression of democratic movements and the erosion of national sovereignty Challenges the notion that free markets naturally lead to democracy Klein says that it is the work of active citizens that drives genuine democratic change Bush ational Address N R ationale behind his administration’s “war after 9/11 on terror” Called for the dismantling of Al-Qeada and called for Taliban regime in Afganistan to surrender its leaders Warns that any nation harboring terrorists would be considered hostile by the U.S. Urges nations to join the fight against terrorism vowing that America would emerge from this period stronger than ever Proactive military policy before threats even occur Announced creation of Homeland Security led by Tom Ridge Zakaria eny the Islamic D A rgues that the islamic state is not as State the powerful as it seems Overreaction that Warns against the US being entangled in It Wants another costly and potentially unwinnable war in the Middle East Islamic State’s actions are designed to provoke a strong reaction from western powers Zakaria argues that the Islamic state is using fear and brutality to manipulate public opinion and force governments into overreacting It is important to resist the temptation of falling into the Islamic State’s trap by refusing the engage in costly and potentially ineffective military interventions. irginia V cts Defining A H ow Virginia defined the legal status of General Slavery enslaved people Assembly 1640s to 1680s Children of enslaved women would inherit their enslaved status even if the father was freed Solidified them as property revecoeu W C hat is an E xplorers complexities of american identity r American? in the late 18th century Crevecoeur was a french immigrant that embraced american life America is a “melting pot” where individuals shed their old identities and become americans through their shared experiences and commitment to a new social system based on equality and opportunity Murray n the Equality of O A rgues for women intellectual equality with the Sexes men Challenges the notion that women are naturally inferior to men Says that any observed differences are due to their unequal access to education and opportunities Women are capable of achieving great things if given the same education and encouragement as men Stewart hy Sit Ye There W F ree black woman challenging the racial and and Die? gender inequalities faced by black women Argues that black women are trapped in a cycle of poverty and servitude Black women must actively seek education nd self-imporovement to break free from a these constraints Says black men need to work alongside black women for equality Challenges both blacks and whites to challenge the injustices of slavery and systemic racism e d emocracy in D A rgues that the expansion of european Tocquevill America american society displaces native americans e and creates a growing tension with african americans, leading to the institution of slavery Creates a cycle of dependency for african americans and hinders the development of the South The continued existence of slavery will ultimately lead to a conflict between races He believes that emancipation might also be a source of future conflict orkingm A W ddress of the C ritiqued the capitalist system en’s Party Workingmen’s Argued that capitalism exploited laborers of Party for the profit of owners and was detrimental Charlesto to the liberty and equality promised by the American Revolution wn Workingmen were increasingly reliant on Massachus wages and subject to exploitation by their etts employers Shows the growing disparity between the rich and the poor Critiques the lack of representation for the working class Calls on workingmen to fight for their rights because their interests are not aligned with that of their employers Douglass arrative of the N B rutal realities of slavery Life of Frederick Became a prominent abolitionist Douglass Reflects on his identity as a slave ashingto T W he Atlanta A dvocated for african americans to focus on n Exposition Speech self-reliance and vocational skills because this path would lead to greater social and political progress rather than demanding immediate equality Economic contributions would ultimately win over white southerners, paving the way for improved relations between the races “Cast down the bucket where you are” means to invest in the resources and pportunities at hand rather than seeking o progress elsewhere Hard work and labor should be the primary focus for african americans Carnegie opular Illusions P A rgues that trusts (large corporations about Trust formed by mergers) are ultimately beneficial to society despite popular fears Trusts are driven by natural law of aggregation Trusts lead to cheaper production costs, wider distribution of goods, and a higher standard of living for all Cargenie says trusts stimulate competition because they generate high profits and attract new competitors Improves the lives of the working class by making luxuries more accessible Du Bois f the Training of O C riticizes Washington’s philosophy of Black Men focusing on working as black men rather than education Says that a liberal education is necessary for black men to become future leaders in the fight for racial equality Debs Socialism I nherent problems in capitalism Capitalism leads to exploitation and inequality between the capitalist class and the working class Capitalism is based on the capitalist owning the tools of production and thus having the power to control the wages of workers and the livelihoods of workers Only socialism, in which the working class owns the means of production, can injustice be addressed Lewis Babbitt L ewis delivers a speech to business leaders outlining his vision of the “Standardized American Citizen” who he portrays as successful, hard working, and patriotic. Praises the virtues of efficiency, prosperity, and civic engagement while criticizing liberals and radicals who challenge these views Shows Babbitts engrained belief in american exceptionalism and blind faith in the prevailing social and economic order highlighting the hypocrisy Butler War is a Racket W ar primarily serves the interests of the wealthy elite rather than the common good Corporations and financial interests profit from conflict at the expense of soldiers and civilians Emphasizes the moral and ethical implications of military actions akashim N oncentration C N akashima’s account of his family’s forced a Camp, U.S. Style internment during World War II Exposes the hypocrisy of american democracy in the face of racial prejudice Describes inhumane conditions they endured in concentration camps where basic necessities were scarce and the threat of violence was ever-present His family was labeled “Japs” and stripped of their freedoms Martin ife in the New L E xplores the burgeoning suburban Suburbia landscape of long island in the wake of WWII The rise of planned communities The allure of low-interest mortgages, mass-produced homes, and a perceived escape from the hustle and bustle of city life Martin portrays a picture of a friendly close-knit community where families find a sense of belonging , raising children in a safe environment arringto H The Other America P overty in the U.S. was widespread and n invisible to the wealthy majority Contrasts the “familiar america” of prosperity and abundance with the “Other america” of widespread poverty, hidden in rural areas Unintended consequences of government programs which fail to address the needs of the poor americans Acuna Farm Worker D ifficult working conditions as a farm worker in California Long hours, low pay, and exposure to harmful pesticides Challenges faced by migrant workers Lee Do the Right Thing B lack underrepresentation Immigrants and black tension in rural neighborhoods Working conditions for black americans and i mmigrants are terrible so much so that they cannot manage Historical grievances can escalate into violence Reflects on what it means to “do the right thing” as it relates to injustice ccupy O Declaration O utlines the movement’s goals against Wall Street corporate power, arguing that corporations prioritize profit over people and have corrupted the democratic process Declaration access corporations of various offenses including illegal forclosures, environmental damage, worker exploitation, and political corruption Calls on individuals to join the movement and reclaim their power by engaging in direct democracy and occupying public spaces to challenge these injustices Rubio parking Dynamic S A rgues that american free enterprise system Growth in 21st is the best model of promoting equality of Century America opportunity Emphasizes the need for policies that encourage innovation and investment Importance of expanding markets for american products and services through strategic trade agreements Advocates for reforms that make the United States more attractive destination for investment Importance in creating high-paying jobs and ensuring economic mobility Government intervention should be minimized to avoid hindering economic progress Alarcon y Immigration M D etails the challenges his family faced as Story immigrants Limited access to education and fear of deportation Emphasizes importance of the DREAM act to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children
