The Watergate

The Watergate is by far one of the most controversial and debatable issues in American history. Despite the fact that many details were hidden from the public, people developed their own ideas surround the scandal of the break in into the Democratic Headquarters committed by members of CREEP. The rumors surrounding the event all have one common detail, President Richard Nixon. Nixion was afraid of being beaten out in the upcoming election in 1972. Although there is no real eveidence that Nixion was directly involved, many of the theories and questions do point to the involvement of Nixion. In order to keep the presidency Nixion could have taken part in planning the break in. In my opinion Nixion was involved in the scandal. Was it wrong? Yes, on all levels. Was it necessary? Could be. However politicians take risks every day. The public doesn't know every aspect on what goes behind closed doors, and the Watergate Scandal is a prime example.

The Vietnam War

The United States intervened in the Vietnam War for several reasons. Some of those reasons were not even know to the American public. If South Korea had fallen in the hand of communists other nations of Asia would have possibly fallen to communists control. America was trying to establish a fair ground for democracy. Historians have argued that American was on a quest for imperialism. However in my opinion the United States did the right thing by invading Vietnam and taking control of the situation, The fight against communism was a fight that lasted several decades. A fight that would still go on for generations to come. The Vietnam War was just one stepping stone in the fight against communism.

Atomic Bomb

President Harry Truman's decision to drop an Atomic Bomb(s) over Japan has been a very controversial issues throughout history. The Bombs dropped in two of Japan's cities incinerated the thousands of people and created ultimate disaster. Truman's reasoning to drop the bombs were that the war needed to end with Japan, and the only way he saw it coming to a fast end was to drop the deviating bomb. However, dropping such a disaster and causing such turmoil rilled up Russia. It was immediately after this event that the nuclear arms race began between the United States and Russia.

In my opinion Truman's choice to drop the atomic bomb was cruel and vindictive. Japan was only days away from surrendering. Despite the Pearl Harbor events, the United States was not rightful for destroying the lives of thousands of people, some including American. Over all Truman's decision to drop the Atomic Bombs was wrong in my opinion.

The Great Depression

Many historians and economist argue over the main cause of the great depression. Even though many of their points are valid, some of them are more valid than others. The Hoover administration blamed economic forces, and believed that the economy would fix itself. On the other hand other organizations believed that the banks could not be trusted, so the group encouraged people to take money out of the banks. Keynesian economists took a more liberal approach and encouraged people to spend money to restore the economy. Finally some economists believed that not enough people did enough to stimulate the economy.

In my opinion many of these factors fueled the Great Depression. Overall it was so many things piling up and creating a larger problem that kept the fire going under the Depression.

Progressivism

The Progressive Era is often argued to be the Era where America became "better". Some historians dispute that the time of reform, governmental changes, and the rise of socialism, was only to benefit the rich. Some political leaders policies were to let the rich get richer, and eventually it would trickle down to the rich. Robert Wiebie argued that it was the efforts of the "new middle class" that was making the American society change. When on the other hand "status anxiety", was taking place to manipulate the American people into thinking all the reforms and changes were making America better. The progressive era was still some what taking place during the 1970s and 1980, or at the the ideals were still going through the minds of progressives. Overall, the "progressive era" was the decline of political parties and the rise of interest groups, the working class, and social movements.

In my opinion the Progressive Era is progressive depending on what historian a person talks to. Many people have different opinions surrounding the era. A women's rights worker would have a different opinion than a segregation reformer. Everyone era had their own opinions surrounding the topic of being "progressive".

The Populists

The Populists were initially developed to help farmers in political matters, but as time went on the Populists gathered more and more ideals and built a foundation for its members beliefs. However disputes among members did occur, having disagreeing with the way most political leaders ran government the Populists had their own way of dealing with issues. One example of their political and ethical stand point comes from the people belonging to the Populists party wanting to develop some sort of agreement of "equality" with the newly freed African Americans, but still remain the white dominance. This is a prime example of the contradictory stand point of most of the members. In my opinion the Populists group was trying to survive in America. The American farm was dwindling and the farmers needed a voice in the public. Overall their intentions were to avoid economic depression. In my opinion most of their actions were justified considering their points, however so points were made in the party that I do not agree with, but in the end everyone disagrees and agrees.

A student finds a letter linked to Thomas Jefferson

Amanda Daddona, a student at the University of Delaware, found a direct letter from Thomas Jefferson tucked in a box in the university library. The first thing that Daddona noticed about the letter was the signature. Getting her master's degree in American History Daddona recognized Jefferson's signature. She also found letters linking to the Bringhurst family, one of Delaware's elite families during the 18th century. In the letter Jefferson appeared to be writing a letter as a tribute to Dickinson. Jefferson calls Dickinson, "One of the men that founded our great nation." Amanda Daddona's last statement was "to hold it in your hand is really quite thrilling."

I think It would be really interesting to come across something with such great historic value. It would be a lost treasure that has been lost for a couple centuries. To think that this letter is older then my grandparents is quite amazing. How many people can say that they held something that Thomas Jefferson held? Not very many in this day in age.