HIS/135 

The American Experience Since 1945

HIS135 Week 1 Assignment: Cold War and Communism. 

HIS135 Week 1 Assignment: Korean War. 

HIS135 Week 2 Assignment: The Fabulous Fifties Matrix

HIS135 Week 3 Assignment: Kennedy and Johnson Presidencies. 

HIS135 Week 4 Assignment: 1960’s Diary Entries. 

HIS135 Week 5 Assignment: Social Movements.

HIS135 Week 5 Assignment: The Environmental Movement Matrix. 

HIS135 Week 6 Assignment: Nixon and Watergate.

HIS135 Week 7 Assignment: Interview 

HIS135 Week 8 Assignment: End of the Twentieth Century.  

HIS135 Week 9 Assignment: Terrorism.

HIS135 Week 1 DQ 1 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

Were the government’s actions during the second Red Scare justified? Why or why not?

HIS135 Week 1 DQ 2 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

Review “Origins of the Cold War” in Ch. 27 of American History and summarize the revisionist and post-revisionist interpretations of the Cold War. Does our interpretation of history ever change?

HIS135 Week 2 DQ 1 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

The stereotypical image of the American woman perpetuated by 1950s media was that of a homemaker who wore a dress every day and always made dinner for her children and husband. Which factor do you think was more instrumental in reinforcing this stereotype: consumerism or the educational system? Why do you think so?

HIS135 Week 2 DQ 2 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

During the 1950s, the economically mobile parts of society moved from city centers (urban areas) to areas nearby but outside of cities (suburban areas). Given the advantages and disadvantages of living in the suburbs, do you think this shift was a good idea at the time? Why, or why not?

HIS135 Week 3 DQ 1 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

What do you see as Kennedy’s greatest international achievement and his worst international failure? Did Kennedy’s actions deepen the Cold War or lessen it? Give examples.

HIS135 Week 3 DQ 2 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

Using examples from Johnson’s Great Society programs, answer the following question: How can the historical record help us make informed decisions about modern debates, such as those over immigration and welfare?

HIS135 Week 4 DQ 1 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

What do you think were the two most important accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement from the mid-1950s through the mid-1960s? Why? How influential have they been on modern society?

HIS135 Week 4 DQ 2 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

Many people would argue that history is important to study because, as a society, we can learn lessons from the past. If so, are there lessons from the Vietnam War that have been ignored since the 1960s? Have there been lessons that have been implemented?

HIS135 Week 5 DQ 1 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

In your opinion, have women, including those who are uneducated or from minority groups, achieved equal rights? Why, or why not?

HIS135 Week 5 DQ 2 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

In post WWII America most people in the middle class tended to see themselves as prosperous. After the oil embargo of 1973–74, some of the American middle class began to view themselves as oppressed or burdened by tax laws. Do you think that the change in perception was an accurate view of reality? Why?

HIS135 Week 6 DQ 1 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

How did Nixon manage to achieve diplomatic breakthroughs with China and Russia where other presidents had failed? What conditions made success likely? Does Nixon’s success counterbalance the events of Watergate? How is Nixon regarded today?

HIS135 Week 6 DQ 2 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

Franklin Roosevelt, who is considered one of the greatest presidents of the 20th century, is often compared favorably with Ford and Carter. Given the differences between them, what do you think makes a great president different from an average president?

HIS135 Week 7 DQ 1 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

Ronald Reagan left the United States with a large national debt and a crippling deficit. The debt totaled $2.6 trillion by 1988. Was the effect of Reagan’s economic policies on the 1990s positive or negative?

HIS135 Week 7 DQ 2 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

Describe the position of the New Right. Has there always been a general distrust of a centralized government in our country? What were some of the ways that Reagan was able to garner support from the New Right and other groups such as corporative conservatives and neo-conservatives?

HIS135 Week 8 DQ 1 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

The Internet has had an undisputed effect on the distribution of information. Do you think the political results of this broad distribution of information have been positive? Why, or why not?

HIS135 Week 8 DQ 2 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

What would you consider Clinton’s most important achievement during his presidency? What was his biggest failure? At the end of his presidency, his popularity was higher than it was when he took office. How do you think future generations will view Clinton’s presidency?

HIS135 Week 9 DQ 1 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

Discuss the pros and cons of globalization and its influence on the United States. Have you felt that globalization affects you personally in your community or at your workplace? If so, how? If not, why not?

HIS135 Week 9 DQ 2 (10 different responses A+ Guide)

Describe the debate over civil liberties and national security since 9/11. Which side most closely aligns with your position? In what ways?