HIST 1302 TCCD Interpreting the Past Discussion

1st assignment

One of the main jobs of historians is to interpret the past by reviewing primary documents, scholarly secondary sources, and then creating an analysis of this research. Historians of the same time period vary their research in order for the larger picture of the past to be as accurate and complete as possible. In the interest of allowing you, as young historians, to follow your own interests, please select one of the following topics to address.

The Mexican Repatriation: After reading your text and reviewing the assigned materials, submit an analysis of the Mexican Repatriation Program. You might want to consider the following questions, but you are not limited to them: Was this program Constitutional? Why do you believe this particular piece of history has been left out of textbooks and should that be changed? Would a national apology provide any benefits to those affected by the program or others? Could a program like this occur today? Why or why not? What struck you about Ruben Aguilar’s story?

Oymplics as Politics: After reading your text and reviewing the assigned materials, submit an analysis of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. You might want to consider the following questions, but you are not limited to them: Should the U.S. have boycotted the 1936 Olympics in order to protest the rising violence of Germany, or was competing necessary to prove that Hitler’s ideas of the superior race were false? Are the Olympics a way for countries to express their political beliefs, or should they be viewed as sporting events only? Are there any parallels that can be drawn to recent Olympic Games?

This assignment should be at least 300 words and contain your reactions or questions about some specific issue within the historical narrative that you find compelling. For full credit, your paper must not simply sum up the reading or repeat points made there. Rather, I’m looking for you to create your own interpretation, explain the emotional content of the piece, or discuss some original insight. Include citations as needed. Outside research is encouraged, but not required.

2nd assignment

One of the main jobs of historians is to interpret the past by reviewing primary documents, scholarly secondary sources, and then creating an analysis of this research. Historians of the same time period vary their research in order for the larger picture of the past to be as accurate and complete as possible. In the interest of allowing you, as young historians, to follow your own interests, please select one of the following topics to address. The Japanese-American Experience: After reading your text and reviewing the assigned materials, submit an analysis of the Japanese-American experience during World War II.  You might want to consider the following questions, but you are not limited to them: To what extent did the US perceive Japanese-Americans to be a threat to safety and security? Was this perception valid or not? Are you surprised that those within the camp would join the military?Homefront Propaganda: After reading your text and reviewing the assigned materials, submit an analysis of the American homefront during World War II.  You might want to consider the following questions, but you are not limited to them: How were people on the home front encouraged to participate in the war effort? Which of the posters do you think was most effective? In what ways were people’s part in the war impactful? Where can you still see evidence of these behaviors?This assignment should be at least 300 words and contain your reactions or questions about some specific issue within the historical narrative that you find compelling. For full credit, your paper must not simply sum up the reading or repeat points made there. Rather, I’m looking for you to create your own interpretation, explain the emotional content of the piece, or discuss some original insight. Include citations as needed. Outside research is encouraged, but not required.

3rd assignment

Millions of Americans participated in World War II, either through the military or through newly created agencies. After reading the article from First Lady Roosevelt and the data on American participation, please pick one group of Americans to focus your discussion on. Your post should answer the following questions, but you are not limited to them:

Which group of Americans are you focusing on? Consider if this group of Americans had full civil rights in the United States at the time of the war and if not, why would this group be willing to join the war effort? What was the most important contribution to the war effort of your group?

To receive full credit for this assignment your post must:

4th assignment

One of the main jobs of historians is to interpret the past by reviewing primary documents, scholarly secondary sources, and then creating an analysis of this research. Historians of the same time period vary their research in order for the larger picture of the past to be as accurate and complete as possible. In the interest of allowing you, as young historians, to follow your own interests, please select one of the following topics to address.

The War with Japan: Since 1945, Americans have been debating the necessity of dropping the atomic bombs.  Many historians argue that dropping the bombs was necessary to end the war, saved American and Japanese lives, and avoided an invasion of Japan.  Other historians believe Japan would have likely surrendered without the use of the bombs.  After reading the text and viewing the materials provided, please answer the following questions:  Why do you believe the aggression of the Japanese in the World War II-era is less known than the Holocaust?  Do you believe the attack on Nanking and other such Japanese attacks influenced the Americans to drop the bombs?  Was the United States justified in dropping the atomic bombs on Japan?  Why or why not?

Camp Liberation: After reading your text and reviewing the assigned materials, submit an analysis of the liberation of the concentration camps. You might want to consider the following questions, but you are not limited to them:  What themes do you see across the letter and interviews that you reviewed. How were the soldiers emotionally prepared for what they would see? What were the long term impacts on the soldiers? How did soldiers cope with their experiences?