DIS1 

1.  For several decades Turner’s frontier thesis guided understanding the effect of westward settlement on American character. Read Significance of the Frontier in American History (1893). Once all reading is complete,respond to the following. Make sure to reference specific passages from the document and/or textbook to support your discussion:

• What is the central thesis of Frederick Jackson Turner's essay?
• According to Turner, what character traits emerged as a result of life on the frontier, and how did they contribute to shaping American society and culture?
• Turner states that the frontier was a source of opportunity and agate of escape from the past. What is meant by this, and how did it relate to the American experience of the time?
• What were some of the effects of the closing of the frontier, as described by Turner, and how did it mark the end of an era in American history?
• Identify at least one strength and one weakness of Turner’s thesis.

DIS 2

 Immigration from across the Pacific became targets of anti-immigrant sentiments and fears. Read James D. Phelan, ‘Why the Chinese Should Be Excluded’ (1901). Once all reading is complete respond to the following questions. Make sure to reference specific passages from the document and/or textbook to support your discussion:

• According to the Mayor of San Francisco, what was the state of affairs in California prior to the exclusion of immigrants from China?
• How does Phelan justify extending the exclusion of immigrants from China?
• How does Phelan characterize “the Chinese?”
• Why do you suppose the original Exclusion Act had a ten-year limit?
• Does the language in this document resonate with contemporary attitudes toward immigrants?Why or why not?

DIS 3

 Views on African American responses to systemic racism. Read Booker T. Washington & W.E.B. DuBois on Black Progress (1895, 1903). Once all reading is complete respond to the following questions. Make sure to reference specific passages from the document and/or textbook to support your discussion:

• According to Washington, how should African Americans respond to systemic racial discrimination?
• What does Washington mean when he says that the agitation of questions of social equality is the “extremest folly?”
• What does DuBois think of Washington's plan to uplift African Americans?
• What, according to DuBois, has been the result of following Washington's advice?

DIS 4

1.  Upon achieving the right to vote, women looked ahead to new challenges and opportunities. Read Crystal Eastman, Now We Can Begin (1920). Once all reading is complete respond to the following questions. Make sure to reference specific passages from the document and/or textbook to support your discussion:

• According to Crystal Eastman, what were the main objectives and aspirations of women following the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment?
• What key challenges and barriers faced women in achieving economic independence and equal opportunities?
• How did Eastman address the issue of traditional gender roles, particularly regarding household work and childcare, and what strategies did she propose for changing societal perceptions and expectations?
• How did Eastman propose to ensure women's economic independence during the period when they were raising children, and what role did "motherhood endowment" play in her vision of supporting mothers?

DIS 5

1. Until the attack on Pearl Harbor, American isolationism was widespread. Read Charles A. Lindbergh, America First (1941). Once all reading is complete respond to the following questions. Make sure to reference specific passages from the document and/or textbook to support your discussion:

• What was the America First Committee and what was its primary objective?
• How did Charles Lindbergh view American involvement in European wars, and what arguments did he put forth against intervention in Europe’s conflicts?
• In what ways did Lindbergh draw upon historical precedents and American ideals such as the Monroe Doctrine to support his isolationist stance?
• What was Lindbergh's opinion regarding democracy and the will of the American people when it came to entering a foreign war, and how did he frame it in terms of democratic principles?

DIS 6

1.  Senator Joseph McCarthy rose from obscurity to dominating headlines after his speech in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1950. Read Joseph McCarthy on Communism (1950) and Senator Margaret Chase Smith’s “Declaration of Conscience” (1950). Once all reading is complete respond to the following questions. Make sure to reference specific passages from the documents and/or textbook to support your discussion:

• What were the primary concerns and objectives of Senator Joseph McCarthy in his 1950 speech on communism?
• What was Senator Margaret Chase Smith's perspective on McCarthy's tactics and accusations, and how did she criticize the use of character assassination and fear?
• What strategies did Smith suggest should be employed to address the concerns about communist influence?
• How did McCarthy view the role of the American people and their moral response in the face of the communist threat, and how did he believe it should lead to a moral uprising?
• In contrast, how did Smith view the importance of upholding the Constitution, freedom of speech, and trial by jury when addressing the issue of communist influence?

DIS 7

1.     Disillusioned with limited opportunities, women organized to demand change. Read National Organization for Women, “Statement of Purpose” (1966). Once all reading is complete respond to the following questions. Make sure to reference specific passages from the reading and/or textbook to support your discussion:

• According to the authors of the document—what justifications have been used to prevent women from enjoying equal opportunities and freedom of choice?
• What accounts for the disparity in earning power of women compared to men?
• What areas of the professions are most glaringly dominated by men?
• What is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and why is it important to women?
• What specific recommendations does NOW present that will “enable women to enjoy true equality of opportunity and responsibility in society, without conflict with their responsibilities as mothers and homemakers?”
• What do the authors mean by calling for a “new image of women?”

DIS 8

1. Conservative activist testifies on sexual harassment in 1981. Read Phyllis Schlafly on Women's Responsibility for Sexual Harassment. Once all reading is complete respond to the following questions. Make sure to reference specific passages from the reading and/or textbook to support your discussion:

• What does Schlafly mean when she says "pro-family?"
• What are the larger implications of her assertion that "Virtuous women are seldom accosted by unwelcome sexual propositions or familiarities, obscene talk, or profane language?"
• How would you assess her overall argument regarding sexual harassment in the workplace?
• How do her views on sexual harassment compare with the Me Too movement of contemporary times?