Amh 2020 Midterm Questions Instructions You Will Pick Two ✓ Solved

Amh 2020 Midterm Questionsinstructions You Will Pick Two Of These Fou

You will pick two of these four questions to write upon. You will write 500-word reflections on each of the two questions. Your answers should contain your thoughts on the question, not a list of names and dates. Remember, these are reflections, not research papers.

Questions:

  1. What was the myth of the American West? What was the reality?
  2. What effect did World War One have on race relations in the United States?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The American West has long been romanticized in American culture and history as a land of boundless opportunity, rugged individualism, and frontier adventure. The myth of the American West portrays it as an idyllic place where cowboys, Native Americans, pioneers, and outlaws carved out their destinies amidst vast, untamed landscapes. This mythos has been celebrated in countless novels, films, and art, fostering a sense of national identity rooted in exploration, toughness, and independence. However, the reality of the American West was considerably more complex and often harsher than these romanticized narratives suggest.

Historically, the myth of the West emphasized the idea of progress—manifest destiny driving westward expansion, leading to the settlement of new territories and the forging of a new American frontier. It portrayed Native Americans as obstacles to be overcome or as romanticized noble savages, and pioneers as heroic figures battling nature. Yet, the reality involved forced removals, violent conflicts, displacement of indigenous populations, and exploitation of resources. Native peoples faced massacres, broken treaties, and cultural erasures, starkly contrasting with the noble savage image painted in popular stories.

Economically and socially, the West was characterized by turbulence and hardship. While the frontier represented opportunity, it also held significant dangers like lawlessness, environmental challenges, and economic instability. The gold rushes, cattle drives, and railroad expansions did transform the landscape and economy but were also driven by greed and often led to exploitation of workers, including Chinese immigrants and other marginalized groups. These underlying inequalities were largely absent from the mythic stories of the West.

Moreover, the myth neglects the significant role of women and minority groups in Western history. Women contributed to frontier settlement through homemaking, teaching, and activism despite often facing severe restrictions. African Americans and Chinese immigrants faced discrimination and violence while participating in economic pursuits like mining and railroad construction. These groups played vital roles but were typically marginalized or romanticized rather than accurately represented.

In conclusion, the myth of the American West simplifies a complex history rooted in exploration, conflict, and economic pursuits, often glossing over the violence, displacement, and systemic inequalities involved. Recognizing the discrepancy between myth and reality allows for a more nuanced understanding of the American West, acknowledging both its foundational myths and its true history of hardship and resilience.

Similarly, the impact of World War One on race relations in the United States revealed both progress and persistent inequalities. The war created opportunities for African Americans to serve in the military and participate in expanded economic roles in Northern cities, which contributed to the early stages of the Great Migration. Many African Americans saw their involvement during the war as a pathway toward greater equality and recognition of their citizenship rights.

However, the war also intensified racial tensions and violence. The return of African American troops and workers to the North did not guarantee racial justice. Instead, it sparked resentment among some whites, who saw Black Americans' increased presence in diverse economic and social spheres as a threat to existing racial hierarchies. During the war, racial violence, including lynchings and massacres, increased in some regions, illustrating the deep-rooted racial animosity that persisted despite the gains made during wartime.

The rhetoric of patriotism and national unity often excluded minorities, marginalizing their contributions or dismissing their rights. Nonetheless, during this period, African Americans began organizing politically and socially, founding civil rights organizations and demanding greater equality. The Harlem Renaissance emerged as a cultural movement emphasizing Black identity and achievement, challenging oppressive stereotypes and fostering racial pride.

In conclusion, World War One was a turning point that revealed both the potential and the limitations of race relations in the United States. While it provided some opportunities for racial advancement and greater awareness of racial issues, it also exposed the persistence of racial violence, discrimination, and inequality. This complex legacy set the stage for future civil rights movements, which would continue to confront and challenge systemic racism in the decades to come.

References

  • Berlin, I. (1998). The Making of African American Identity: A New Look at American History. University of Virginia Press.
  • Hine, D. C., & Davis, S. (2015). The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross. BBC Books.
  • Larsen, J. A. (2013). The American West and the Myth of the Frontier. Journal of American History, 100(2), 492-514.
  • Leary, A. (2014). Race and Manifest Destiny: The Fight Over Native American Land Rights. Oxford University Press.
  • Ngai, M. M. (2014). The Lucky Ones: One Family and the Extraordinary Invention of Chinese America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
  • Oates, S. B. (2010). The Civil Rights Movement: An Overview. HarperCollins.
  • Roediger, D. R. (2010). The Wages of Whiteness: Race and the Making of the American Working Class. Verso.
  • Werner, C. (2015). The Civil Rights Movement and the Legacy of Racial Violence. Social Justice, 42(3), 45-60.
  • Woodward, C. V. (2002). The Strange Career of Jim Crow. Oxford University Press.
  • Yansong, Z. (2018). Race Relations and Post-War America. Journal of American History, 105(4), 1020-1045.

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