Reference no: EM133412767

Assignment:

1. Consider TR's remarks about "Americanism" on page 85. According to TR, who can be an American? If we adopted TR's view, who would today be excluded from "Americanism?" What is your response to TR's idea?

2. TR held many views about race that would today be considered outside accepted social thought. Scholar Thomas G. Dyer is quoted on page 89 of writing, "although Roosevelt may have been a moderating force in an age of high racism, he nevertheless harbored strong feelings about the inferiority of blacks, feelings which suggest the pervasiveness of racism and the harsh character of racial 'moderation' in turn-of-the-century America." Contextualize TR's "moderation" in terms of our discussions about the importance of understanding what is ontological in studying the past. Then comment on Meacham's description of TR in terms of his larger argument about "The battle for our better Angels."

3. On page 103, after the discussion of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, Meacham notes that the triumph of women's suffrage was brought about by a century and a half of effort by "those without office." It is often true that Americans look for leadership from elected officials. Reflect upon the power inherent in the people of a democracy. What is the nature of that power? Do you think that power can be (or is) being used today for change? Explain.