American History's topics - tribe.net

HBO's "John Adams"

Cush — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:49:15 GMT

Just finished episode one and two, and I have to say that this is starting out to be a remarkable mini-series. There were even a few moments in part 2 where I was moved to tears hearing the words of Adams. To think of how the nation was founded on such high ideals, and now proceeds as if those ideals never existed. It's heart-breaking.

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Also New

Steven-Hymen — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:58:46 GMT

Apparently, it won't take you another two months.

My period is the Revolution, but I'm interested in the whole shabang!

posted in American History - 4 replies

New to this tribe

Pequamo — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 12:34:18 GMT

I hope others will share in a dialogue about the historical perspective of ,' what is America?' I long to hear from those whose
ideas were not formed from the latest news event or political slogan.

posted in American History - 4 replies

Smedley Butler quote

Cush — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:24:49 GMT

Just came across this quote from General Smedley Butler:

"I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested."

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book review: "The Fate of the Country" by Michael Holt

Cush — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:51:29 GMT

Just finished a short little book titled, "The Fate of Their Country". In it, author Michael Holt explores the legislative and political history of American from 1840 to 1860, and how these 20 years led inexoribly toward Civil War.

Of course I was familiar with the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Dred Scott decision, etc. before reading this book, but I have to say that I've never really had a clear idea of how all of them are interlinked. I can see now how the issue of slavery extension into the West was so politically devisive, and how it, in many ways, was the central cause leading to the War.

It is very confusing though trying to keep track of all the politics from the period: Democrats (southern & northern), Whigs (southern & northern), Free-Soilers, the Know-Nothings, and finally the Republicans. Seven essentially separate political parties. From what I could gather, this period really was the genesis of the American two power-party system.

Holt's writing style is a bit scatter-shot, but once you get used to it, this is a fine little piece.

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Introductions

Cush — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 18:21:18 GMT

I can't believe that Tribe went so long without an American history group. Seems like such an obvious topic of discussion. Well regardless, there is one now.

I teach 19th century American history at a secondary school in Colorado, and have always been intrigued by our nation's history. As is evidenced by my selection of Howard Zinn's tome as the main picture of this tribe, you will find that I have a particular affinity for "revisionist" history. Of course, the term "revisionist history" is ridiculous given that we are always revising what we "know" about the past. Regardless, I see nothing pejorative in the term.

I look forward to many vigorous conversations here, and a hearty welcome to all!

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book review: "Overthrow" by Stephen Kinzer

Cush — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:53:53 GMT

I'm currently reading "Overthrow" by Stephen Kinzer. It's quite a remarkable examination of the history of American regime change throughout the late-19th, and 20th centuries. I was particulalrly struck by the almost polite seizure of Hawaii in 1893, and the insane CIA-led coup of Mahammed Mossadeh of Iran in 1953.

It's also a very well written book. Kinzer write as if he is crafting a mystery novel. Whether he is recounting events in Cuba, Iran, or Guatamala, I find myself asking, "Ooooo ... what's gonna happen next?"

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