Semester II Final

PART A

1. Before doing any research, I predict the three most highly ranked presidents in US History will be Franklin D. Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and John F. Kennedy and the worst might be Donald Trump.

2. The consistent top for presidents are Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Theodore Roosevelt. The president that have gone back and forth between the 4th and 5th spots are Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

3. Barack Obama, being a recent president, is still at 12th place even when there are not those who knew his presidency in 2009 and 2000 because that is not when he served. However, the older presidents such as Lincoln, Washington, and Roosevelt have had more time for people to learn of their legacy and have become more popular, but those who have personally experienced these presidents in office are lessening or deceased. But the legacy of these presidents is continuing to be praised in high schools and colleges which helps them to secure there spot in the top even though those learning do not personally know these presidents. Presidents such as Clinton and Nixon are higher on this list then I would have guest, especially Clinton. Nixon is 28th of this list and honestly suits him because it seems many Americans hate him for his scandal but it could be worse than 28th. But, Clinton is 15th which is shocking because America seems to be very harsh and unforgiving and certain times but in spite of Clinton's mistakes he is still 15th. And the 10 worst on the list I have not even heard of or do not know very much about, possibly some of them were great presidents but the fact that much the population do not know much about them shows in the popularity chart.

4. A majority of the participants are professors from several different colleges with others like journalists and historians as participants also. I think C-SPAN has included this information because it shows that the participants know what they are talking about. This is not a public poll where ignorant people who believe they know much about this topic can vote, it is professionals who have learned and studied this much more than the general public. If C-SPAN had not included this information I would be left asking who participated in this poll and what are their credentials? Since the participants are professionals and experienced it gives me confidence that the list of presidents is accurate.

5. I clicked on the most popular president's name, Abraham Lincoln and it brought me to a more in depth ranking of his presidency. The 10 categories are listed below for president Abraham Lincoln.

Categories	2017 Final Scores	Overall Rankings
		2017	2009	2000
Public Persuasion	92.4	3	2	3
Crisis Leadership	97.8	1	1	1
Economic Management	80.9	2	2	3
Moral Authority	96.2	2	1	2
International Relations	86.4	3	3	4
Administrative Skills	85.6	1	2	1
Relations with Congress	79.5	4	3	4
Vision / Setting an Agenda	97.6	1	1	1
Pursued Equal Justice For All	93.1	1	1	1
Performance Within Context of Times	97.1	2	1	1

C-SPAN, Presidential Historians Survey 2017, Abraham Lincoln

6. All the categories are weighed the same. The categories where Lincoln received high 90's lead him to be in first place while the lower categories such as Relations with Congress, which he received a 79.5, lead him to fluctuate in ranking.

C-SPAN, Presidential Historian Survey 2017, Abraham Lincoln

7. If I decided to make three topics more weighted I would choose Crisis Leadership, Pursued Equal Justice for All, and Moral Authority. I believe part of the reason some the presidents are as high as they are in the list is because they can be remembered as great men that want what is best for the country. One of the biggest presidents that comes to mind is again Abraham Lincoln. He was a great man that put his life and reputation on the line to united the country. A high moral authority is severely important, also uniting the country. The United States is one giant community and we need to learn to work together and not let anything get in the way, a president that focuses on equal justice for all is very important because it lifts up parts the the united community that are being pushed behind and lifts the community as a whole. And lastly, I believe crisis leadership is extremely important because is a small family setting when something goes wrong the family is reliant on the parents to fix the issue. The president in a way is the parent to the United States and when something goes wrong the nation looks to the president to fix it. The president can then try and united the nation to overcome the obstacle and keep on moving.

8. I think my list is somewhat accurate, I focused on more modern presidents. I had thought of Abraham Lincoln but I thought of the fact that not many people will know him personally and have lived during that time period. But, now that I know that professionals participated in the poll I can see how a president like Abraham Lincoln would have been chosen for 1st place. My worst prediction was Donald Trump but he did not appear in the survey because the poll took place several years ago. I said Trump because the nation seems to be split on hatred and acceptance for him. There is no lack of people hating and demeaning and making fun of Trump, I would have thought he would be low on the list because of the amount of people that do not like him. But, since professionals are creating the survey I believe Trump will not be that low because of the more advanced knowledge they have,


PART B

9. "On March 16 we celebrate the anniversary of James Madison's birthday. Madison, traditionally viewed as the Father of the United States Constitution, is also seen by many as a defender of open government. He once wrote, "[a] popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps, both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."1

 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. In a similar vein, he asserted that "the advancement and diffusion of knowledge" is "the only Guardian of true liberty."

The United States Department of Justice, Celebrating James Madison and the Freedom of Information Act

     Open government is an essential part for what the United States stand for. James Madison secured that open government would continue within the Constitution that he fathered. In remembrance for one of the chief creators of the Constitution we reflect on Madison's legacy on his birthday of March 16th. James Madison pushed the notion that knowledge is one of the most important things that a person can hold. Disaster awaits a government that without knowledgeable people or a way to educate them. Ignorance is dependent upon knowledge. Knowledge is the key for people to become their own Governors and hold the power. Madison would say that "the only Guardian of true liberty" requires the "advancement and diffusion of knowledge."  

10. " . . . [K]nowledge of our own history is essential in the making of Americans. The reasons for this belief may be summed up under four main heads. History makes loyal citizens because memories of common experiences and common aspirations are essential ingredients in patriotism. History makes intelligent voters because sound decisions about present problems must be based on knowledge of the past. History makes good neighbors because it teaches tolerance of individual differences and appreciation of varied abilities and interests. History makes stable, well-rounded individuals because it gives them a start toward understanding the pattern of society and toward enjoying the artistic and intellectual productions of the past. It gives long views, a perspective, a measure of what is permanent in a nation’s life. "

American Historical Association, Chapter 2: Why Should Americans Know Their Own History?

     The article by the AHA is more specific by the why it explains how knowledge and history is important. James Madison has only a few of his words included about why knowledge is important. AHA says that knowledge and history makes citizens more loyal and patriotic, more intelligent voters, good neighbors, and good individuals. Madison states that liberty is reliant upon knowledge.

     I strongly agree with the ideas put forth by both articles, especially the AHA. The more I learn about history I gain more of an attachment to the United States. I have never experienced war personally and not much in my life time but the fact that I have learned about those who have given their lives to this country give me pride and patriotism in this country. I could not have obtained this if I did not learn about the events in history. History can allow people to empathize with others and become good neighbors and individuals. Gaining more knowledge of the events in history will only prove to be a positive decision. 

PART C

11. One of the biggest things I feel has improved in my research skills is my use of ".com" versus ".org" or ".gov". It is not perfect of course but I try to look for sources that that contain the ".org" because they are more accurate and scholarly sources. Instead of writing down notes word for word, I try to now write the basic points and not in full sentences. This can also help with plagiarism because I only have the information and not the exact sentences of the sources.

12. I feel I could have done better on this project, I feel like I procrastinated and there was many little parts to this project. But I am happy with my creativity during this project like in the menu with item such as crystal Pepsi and sushi. I am also happy with my invitation, which I put a lot of work into, because again I was creative and made sure to have the picture of the Glienicker Bridge and I also included a Russian translation because some of the guests coming would be fluent in Russian. I felt my guest list was strong because all of the people included were important characters and interlaced somehow. I'm proud of some of my notes like the ones I took while watching my movie, Bridge of Spies. I made sure to write down all the important names and places I heard and saw and it helped me with my later research be more specific. I am also proud of most of my exhibit piece such as the hollow spy coin and U-2 spy place because those are important components within the movie and it was interesting to learn more about them.

13. JC's White House Lock-in Menu was excellent for me. First off, JC included nine item for his menu which was four more than mine and the highest I heard of. Also, all of his items fit the event and setting very well and nothing seems forced. The post has a lot to offer and is very elegant.

Blogger.com, JC's History Adventure, White House Lock-In Menu

14. “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”

- Michelle Obama

The Telegraph, 15 of Michelle Obama's most inspiring quotes about work, marriage and motherhood

This quote is very inspiring to me because everyone feels like they play no large role is the world. The world is so big that why would it care what one person could do or change? Michelle Obama helps you to feel like you are a big part in the world and that you play a large role in history. You can make your own future and change as much as you want and if you have the courage to do something your inspiration can spread to others.

15.

Atomic Heritage Foundation, Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - 1945

The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are important events within American history because America showed its power it a way that secured world peace instead of continuing warfare. 

nasa.gov, NASA History, First Launch

The first launch for NASA marks the moment that the world can advance in a way that one has thought of.

womenshistory.org, National Women's History Museum, Rosie the Riveter

This poster shows the power that women can have within society, everyone need to work together and not focus on gender or color.

5. In-Class Write

1. Important knowledge a person can learn from watching Bridge of Spies is that the United States can be harsh and merciful. When the Russian spy, Rudolf Abel, was captured in the United States what seemed to be the entire country wanted him dead. They knew he was spying on American affairs and was searching to help Russia find a leg up over the United States. Society saw this as unforgivable and wanted him dead so he would no longer be a threat to the safety of Americans. Also, after the American spy, Francis Gary Powers was exchanged for Abel Americans were skeptical and annoyed with Powers because he was captured and could not destroy his evidence or himself and so put the United States in danger. The film shows this near the ending when Powers is being flown back to the United States after the exchange. The other men in the plane either give him dirty looks or ignore him in general and do not answer his questions. This can show how harsh the United States can be by simply wanting a man dead and even partially disgracing an American that returns home.
     However, the United States can have mercy. At this time the Cold War is going on so the United States has to more greatly resort to harshness but there can be mercy. Simply the fact that James B. Donovan took the Abel case and seriously tried to defend him shows how merciful Americans can be. And while Powers was being violently interrogated in the movie, Abel was comfortably living in the United States. Yes, Abel was a prisoner but the United States is more merciful and feed and protected him. And after the spy exchange occurred and Donovan returned home, Americans were proud that he did what he did. Especially that thus time, The United States needed to be harsh but Americans stayed to the American way and tried new things instead of executing or torturing Abel they showed mercy toward him which ended with an outcome that everyone was happy with.

2. People will not learn of the depth of organizations such as the CIA and the tense state the United States was in during the Cold War by just watching the film. The event of the spy exchange between Powers and Abel is honestly microscopic compared to the entirety of the Cold War and the United States. In the film, accomplishing the spy exchange was the only large event focused on and the film had tunnel vision in this regard. If the exchange had not happened not much would have changed. Both nations are focused on personal success and understand the motive behind something like torture to gain information. The nations would have moved on if the exchange had not taken place and focused on more important things.
     The depth of the CIA and the importance of their job is not really touched on in the film. It jumps right into when Powers was recruited for the job of flying the U-2 plane. You do not see how he got there and really where he went. It again jumps to when Powers and others are learning about the U-2 plane and spy equipment. And with James Donovan, he has CIA members with him constantly during his work on the Abel case. They are only there to make sure things go smoothly and they get their man, Powers, back. If the CIA and spies are extremely important within the United States and could possibly find something that turns the tables then I would like to see more of this. I know the movie is focusing on James B. Donovan and his role in the spy exchange but it would be interesting to see more of the importance in spies. Why would it be extremely important to get a spy back that a nation lost besides to keep information safe? And what is that secret information? Bridge of Spies narrowly focuses on James Donovan and you would not learn much detail about other events or organizations.

3. I would add more CIA scenes. Possibly focus on Powers more and how he was inducted into the CIA and how it took a toll on him. What would happen to him and his family? The film makes it seem easy for the men and Powers to sign into the CIA but in a way they are signing their lives away. Was it that easy to become part of the CIA? Things like spies greatly interest me and mostly likely other people too. I would like to understand why spies are as important as they seem. Why is it so important that this spy exchange between Power and Abel take place? There could be scenes of personal struggle in Powers and how he may have regrets joining the CIA. And scenes that go more into depth of what the CIA does and why it is so important. I learned that Powers has a family and a wife back home but they were not in the film at all. The film could include how hard it was to be away from them and how the CIA made this better or worse. James Donovan and his family are introduced and the film show how hard it was for the family when James took the Abel case. Even his wife wanted him to drop the case because it made the entire nation look down on the Donovan family and even shoot at their house.

3. Menu

1. Crystal Pepsi

Flickr, Crystal Pepsi

Crystal Pepsi will be served at the event because of the fact that spies are involved everywhere within the Bridge of Spies. This drink tastes like regular Pepsi but hide that fact with its clear color like how spies are great at hiding things and being transparent. 

2. Coffee

Flickr, Coffee

Coffee will be served at the event because throughout the film, Bridge of Spies, coffee is repeatably consumed and was very popular at the time. In a certain point in the movie James B. Donovan, played by Tom Hanks, gets a cold and tries to help by consuming many fluids like coffee and alcohol.

3. Jelly-Filled Doughnuts

Flickr, Jelly-Filled Doughnut

Similar to the Crystal Pepsi, the Jelly-Filled Doughnut has an outward appearance that does not show what is inside. The outside is a round piece of dough while the inside hides the jelly that cannot be cleanly seen. It is like spies hiding things and having an outward appearance that is different from what is truly going on. 

4. Sushi

Flickr, Sushi

Sushi is a food that people either greatly love or despise. One or the other. In the Rudolf Abel case, most of society wanted Abel dead because of his work as a spy for the Russians but James B. Donovan saw the good in him and realized he was just doing his job just like all Americans. In the Rudolf case, people either greatly wanted Rudolf Abel dead or wanted to see him live. One or the other.

5. Beef Stroganoff

Flickr, Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a traditional Russian meal and correlates with the film, Bridge of Spies, because about half of run time is within Russia. Much of the movie is set in Russia and Rudolf Abel is strong woven with Russian tradition.

2. Exhibit

Exhibit

1. Hollow Spy Coin

Numismatic Bibliomania Society,  SPY MUSEUM ACQUIRES SUICIDE SILVER DOLLAR

The exhibit will have Francis Gary Powers' suicide coin given to him by the the United States Government. Spies usually carried a coin such as this so that if they were caught by the enemy they could prick themselves with the poison covered pin hidden in the coin. Other forms of coins were hollow and used to hide tiny ciphered paper like one confiscated from Rudolf Abel.

2. U-2 Spy Plane

Wikipedia, Lockheed U-2

The exhibit will also house another possession of Francis Gary Powers', his U-2 spy plane. Powers was shot down in this plane and captured by the Russians. It was thought that this plane could fly at a high altitude and remain undetected while surveying Russian land. But in the end, Power was shot down and the plane was destroyed. 

3.  Ciphered Paper found by Rudolf Abel in Hollow Spy Coin

Wikipedia, Hollow Nickel Case

The exhibit will have a ciphered paper confiscated from Rudolf Abel. This small paper was found within a hollow spy coin mentioned in exhibit #1. Spies used these ciphered paper to secretly communicate without anyone being able to figure out what is written.

4. Francis Gary Powers Prison Journal'

Smithsonian, Transcribing Francis Gary Powers' Soviet Prison Diary

The exhibit will include the writings of Francis Gary Powers about his time being held by the Russians and the event when his U-2 plane was shot down. Powers mentions that when his plane was struck by the missile time itself seems to have stopped.

5. Francis Gary Powers Letters to Parents

University Archives, Francis Gary Powers

The exhibit will also include more writing from Francis Gary Powers he sent to his parents. When he writes these, he is currently in U-2 training but we know that later he will be shot down and captured by the Russians.

6. Czech Hedgehog

Wikipedia, Czech Hedgehog

The exhibit will include Czech hedgehogs which played a small but interesting role in the film bridge of spies. As the spy exchange was taking place on Gleinicker Bridge, the bridge was littered with Czech hedgehogs for the purpose that only people could walk along the bridge and no vehicles could be near the exchange. 

7. "The Abel Spy Trial" Lithograph by William Sharp

Albright-Knox Art Gallery, The Abel Spy Trial, 1957

The exhibit will have the lithograph of the Abel spy trail by William Sharp. The lithograph is a primary source that was created by Sharp in 1957 about the Abel trail which seems to show Abel frowning as a men in confronting the judge and pointing at the defense team. This shows how people were so severely against Abel and wanted him taken care of him such as the death penalty.

8.  Letters James Donovan received from Rudolf Abel

The exhibit will have the letters from Rudolf Abel to James B. Donovan. The two grew to become friends and later wrote letters.

1. Invitation

Join Us!

www.canva.com

Evening's Theme: Guests will enjoy a soothing night of conversation while gazing at the starry night from Glienicke Bridge. With strands of lights hanging from bridge top to bridge top, a large tabletop resting along a miniature Czech hedgehog, and incredible refreshments and drinks the night will be perfect for discussion. The events of the spy exchange will a large part of the discussion.



Guest List:

• Tom Hanks - He will be invited to meet the real James B. Donovan and talk with everyone  about how it felt to play James in a major film. Surely he will have questions for all the men involved in the event.

• James B. Donovan - The real man that pulled off the peaceful spy exchange will be invited to talk with all the men involved in the making of  Bridge of Spies and tell them of the personal experiences he had during this event. Most importantly, I believe he would want to meet again with his friend Rudolf Abel and learn of what happened to him and his family.

• Rudolf Ivanovich Abel / William August Fisher - The real spy working for the Russians will be invited to talk with all the men involved in the making of Bridge of Spies and tell them of personal experiences of being a spy employed by the Russians. He can also be reunited with his friend James Donovan talk with him about what happened after they parted ways on Glienicker Bridge.

• Mark Rylance - He will be similar to Tom Hanks, he will be invited to meet the real Rudolf Ivanovich Abel and talk with everyone about how it felt to play Rudolf in a major film. I believe he will also have questions for everyone invited to the event.

• Mortimer W. Byers - The real judge in the Rudolf Abel case will be invited to talk about his thought process and why he made the decisions he did. He will say how greatly the words from James Donovan influenced his decisions and how hard it was to go against the rest of the country in the decision to leave Rudolf Abel alive.

• Austin Stowell - He will be invited to meet the real Francis Gary Powers and talk with the group about how it felt to play Powers in the major film. He can learn from Francis Powers how it actually was to be imprisoned by the Russians and ask the rest of the group questions.

• Francis Gary Powers - The real American spy will be invited to talk about his personal experiences of being an American spy and being imprisoned by the Russians. He can meet the man who played him in Bridge of Spies and talk with and about the men who worked to free him from the Russians.

• David E. Kaiser - A historian that knows much about this topic will be invited to hear the true account of the men in the time period such as James B. Donovan and Rudolf Ivanovich Abel and Mortimer W. Byers. He can tell what history has recorded for this event and fill in gaps that the men might not know such as tell James Donovan that Rudolf Abel was safely returned to his family.

4. Annotated Sources

Sources:

Bridge of Spies (2015), www.IMDb.com

America's History, 9th Edition, Chapter 24, "Cold War America, 1945-1963," Pages 752-758; 763 - To understand the origins of the cold war and events within the time period

Fordham University (www.fordham.edu), "Hall of Honor", James B. Donovan - life and accomplishments James B. Donovan who is an alumni of Fordham University

History.com, Soviets release Francis Gary Powers in exchange for captured Russian spy - facts about the events of when Powers was shot down in the U-2 plane and his time in Russia as well as how he would later be traded for Rudolf Abel

2.10 The Most Fun I've Ever Had

Getty images: Cold War

     The Cold War was an intense situation between many different countries but the reasons for the start and worsening of the Cold War can vary. Some scholars argue that East Europe was the spark to the Cold War others believe it was Africa and South Asia. The United States and Russia both fought over dominance and control of new territories while intervening in countries' politics and economy. This also stirred up many of the countries under the influence of the Untied States or Russia. 

In-Class Writing: Drug Policy

Ty Callahan

Block D

In-Class Writing: Drug Policy

     Use of illegal substances has been a large scale problem recently, especially in the United States. President Richard Nixon's saw this and went so far to target drug abuse as "public enemy number one in the United States." Nixon started the movement, "War on Drugs", in June of 1971, to combat illegal drug use. Around this time, there were events of mass incarceration which was due to the serious sentences of drug possession and drug use. Today, drug abuse is a continuous problem especially with younger generations. I think drug use is and extremely dangerous and needs to be eradicated, but perhaps there is a way to combat this evil in a way that aids the drug offender while also keeping the population at large happy.
     The "War on Drugs" seemed to be an attempt to solve the drug problem, and in a way it was, but many saw through Nixon. Nixon's counsel and Assistant for Domestic Affairs revealed that instead of drug abuse being public enemy number one it was anti-war and blacks who were the real enemies. The War on Drugs was meant to target the anti-war and blacks with the harsh penalties, enforcement, and incarcerations. And it worked. The United States makes up 5% of the world's population, but also makes up for 25% of the incarcerated population. Drug offenders were being incarcerated at immense rates and with harsh and long sentences. And these misguided drug laws and harsh sentencing had unequal outcomes for blacks and people of color. Blacks are far more likely to get longer sentences than whites even if it was the same crime that the two committed. In general, blacks and Latinos are far more likely to be criminalized and stopped, searched, convicted, and harshly sentenced than white people.
     The United States incarcerated 1.5 million people for drug related crimes in 2016 and 80% of those were possession of the drug only. And in the time of War on Drugs, incarcerations went from 50,000 in 1980 to 400,000 in 1997. I see punishment necessary in the relationship between people and drug abuse, the punishment can vary, but someone cannot be allowed to commit a crime and not be punished or the problem will grow. This makes me think that there can possibly be a way to rehabilitate people with drug addictions and lessen the sentences of those found possessing drugs. The answer is not simply to stop arresting drug abusers because of the vast numbers of people being incarcerated.
     Nixon's wife founded the "Just Say No" campaign to educate school children to the dangers of drug use. I believe this is a step down the right path in lessening the control drugs in our culture. Alerting children and teenagers and young adults of the dangers and consequences of drug use will assist to making people not join in doing drug in the first place. Substance use is a serious threat to all ages and damages physical and mental health, but especially for younger people. At a young age brains are still developing and are more prone to damaging effects and life-long problems. Making smart decisions and being impulsive is already a problem for younger people and adding drugs to the mix only amplifies the effects. Teenagers become more impulsive and make more bad decisions. And at this age they are more at risk of falling victim to addiction. Teenager should be focusing on building and educating themselves but instead many gain short and long term cognitive impairment, have a difficulty learning and processing information, receive depression and anxiety, and have problems doing everyday task all because of drug use.
     I believe Richard Nixon's, War on Drugs, was a good thing. Drug abuse is a problem and was in a way trying to be handled through War on Drugs. But when his War on Drugs became War on Blacks is when the conflict arouse. Drug abuse should be handled but in a way that legitimately targets the drugs and not a group of people. I believe drug offenders should be punished but perhaps less seriously then they are now, or those with addictions can be rehabilitated. Education on the consequences of drugs needs to continue to be taught in school. And most of all, all people should receive equal sentences.

EJI, Mass Incarceration

Drug Policy Alliance, The Drug War, Mass Incarceration and Race

AEI, The shocking story behind Richard Nixon's 'War on Drugs' that targeted blacks and anti-war activist

Sources:

Encyclopaedia Britannica, War on Drugs

Criminal Justice Policy Foundation, Drug Policy

Drug Policy Alliance, The Drug War,  Mass Incarceration and Race

EJI, States Rethinking Drug Policy

AEI, The shocking story behind Richard Nixon's 'War on Drugs' that targeted blacks and anti-war activist

Prevent Teen Drug Use: One Choice Prevention, Health Effects of Substance Use

Reflection

2.7: Mid-Semester 2 Reflection (Not Finished Yet)

1. I think the sheer amount of people flooding into the United States and where they were coming from is the most important thing I've learned about immigration in the late 19th century. The people coming from Ireland and Germany greatly shows the influence of the rising power of the United States of America that millions upon millions of people are seeking the America dream and escape from their home country. This shows to me how much the United States has grown as a country and helps me understand why immigration is such a big issue today.

Metrocosm, Here's Everyone Who's Immigrated to the U.S. Since 1820

2. I see the longevity and effort that is required to becoming a citizen of the United States is the most important thing I've learned about immigration. I never knew what exactly was required to become a citizen and live in the United States but now I have researched and discovered what the strenuous task of becoming a U.S. citizens consists of. I can now understand the position of immigrants and how hard it must be to achieve citizenship although it does not condone the actions of those who come into the country illegally. Immigration has been a controversial issue for decades and now I personally understand why and can participate in debates other what is to be done about immigration in the United States.

3. I think the two most challenging aspects of living in urban settings in the 19th century was pollution/health and living spaces. There used to be no system or protocol for the safety of public health. Cities like New York were overrun with smog and pollution with garbage lying on the streets. Housing was not much better, people were crammed into buildings  

Philathorpy in American History & Major Donors Today

1. The word Philanthropy is given the meaning of goodwill toward other people and an effort to promote human welfare. Philanthropy involves charity on a large scale but more than just charitable donations. "Philanthropy is a more strategic process of giving that seeks to identify the root causes of systemic issues and make the world a better place by tackling societal problems at their roots."

2. While Andrew Carnegie was one of the wealthiest men in the world he decided his wealth would be better suited to help others through several philanthropic acts. Carnegie founded the construction of 2,509 libraries which costed over $55 million of his immense wealth. Including this, he also used his wealth for thousands of church organs, colleges, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Carnegie also established the Carnegie Corporation of New York in which he poured $135 million into to promote education and international peace. By the end of his life, Carnegie had distributed $350 million to many heroic places leaving him with $30 million left which he also used to support the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Carnegie said, "The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced", meaning someone who hoards their wealth for personal use and dies is disgraced because they did not do their duty to make the world a better place with through use of wealth and power. Throughout his life, Andrew Carnegie worked incredibly hard for his wealth and status but his eyes were forever fixed on the needs of others and what he can do to make the world a more peaceful place.

Wikipedia, Carnegie Library

3. In his life time, John D. Rockefeller provided more than $500 million to philanthropic actions. Rockefeller used the money for educational causes, such as funding the University of Chicago and Rockefeller University, as well as religious and scientific causes. Throughout his career, Rockefeller was accused of using unethical way to improve his company but later in life he followed in the foot steps of Andrew Carnegie who retired and spent his money for philanthropic causes. I believe the $500 million Rockefeller gave away was more of a donation than an investment. Carnegie seemed more devout in his philanthropy and created corporations to aid the public as well as libraries and schools to encourage education. And Carnegie was determined to use the extent of his wealth and ready to use it all. Both Rockefeller and Carnegie were incredible philanthropists and left an immense influence for others to join and follow but I feel philanthropy came more naturally to Carnegie and he had a plan for using his wealth to help the world instead of only donating his wealth for others to use like Rockefeller.

4. The Carnegie Foundation is continuing to follow in the influence of Andrew Carnegie and contributes to the community such as funding advancements and developments in education. 

5. Some of the top philanthropists today include Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Michael Bloomberg. Michael Bloomberg participated in creating Bloomberg Philanthropies which focuses on public health, arts and culture, the environment, education, and government innovations. At this time, Bloomberg has donated over $6 billion to several causes along with Bloomberg Philanthropies distributing $767 million.

6. The type of philanthropic work I would like to participate in is more like Andrew Carnegie. I would like to help people personally such as volunteering at homeless shelters and assisting the advancement of education.

Sources:

Merriam-Webster, Philanthropy 

Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, Andrew Carnegie: Pioneer. Visionary. Innovator.

History, John D. Rockefeller

Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mike Bloomberg

Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Charity vs Philanthropy?

Progressive Research

Progressive Research

Public Health Movement Pictures

Wikipedia, Edwin Chadwick

The New York Times, How Epidemics Helped Shape the Modern Metropolis

The New York Times, How Epidemics Helped Shape the Modern Metropolis

Revolvy., John Griscom

Wikipedia, 1966 New York City smog

Smithsonian, Doctor's Orders: The Growth of the Public Health Movement