US History Final Exam

John Richardson
G block



Part A

1. Before doing any research, I predict the three most highly ranked presidents in US history will be George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and John F Kennady, and the worst might be William Henery Harrison, Richard Nixon, and Donald Trump. 

2. After looking at c-span.org the presidents who are consistently in the top four are Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln. While there are no presidents that go back and forth between the 4th and 5th spots (Theodore consistently held the number 4 spot) there are others who have swapped places with each other. In 2000 George Washington held the 3rd spot while Franklin D. Roosevelt held the 2nd spot. This switched around in 2009 putting Washingon in the 2nd spot and Roosevelt in the 3rd.

3. Each year this survey was taken in, there are only 4 presidents who remained in the same ranking. Abraham Lincon remained in 1st, Theodore remained in 4th, Thomas Jefferson remained in 7th, and William Howard Taft remained in 24th. In general, if rankings were changed the presidents stayed relatively close to there original rank, however, there have been some that have made notable changes in their 2000 rank to their 2017 rank. Woodrow Wilson started at 6th and dropped to 11th. William J. Clinton started at 21st and rose to the 15th spot. The biggest jump is Ulysses S. Grant starting at the 33rd place and going to 22nd.

4. The majority of the survey participants are college professors. Several are from Perdue and other highly ranked schools such as Notre Dame, Duke, Havard, and Princeton. C-span most likely included this information in order to show that the survey was being taken by highly educated people who can fairly and accurately judge how good a president was. If they had not included this information, I would have wondered who took the survey and how where the people taking the survey qualified to judge something like that. I'd say that the credibility of the results is most likely accurate, but there might be a flaw which is personal opinion through a specific demographic. The people that took the survey all hold very similar job positions and most likely live relatively similar p lives, professionally and financially. When a survey is taken with people all from the same type of background, there is a risk of producing results on what specifically college professors (as an example) think.

5. The 10 categories used to rank the presidents in the survey are as follows:

1. Public Persuasion
2. Crisis Leadership
3. Economic Management
4. Moral Authority
5. International Relations
6. Administrative Skills
7. Relations with Congress
8. Vision / Setting an Agenda
9. Pursued Equal Justice For All
10. Performance Within Context of Times

From C-span.org

6. C-span states that "Each of the ten categories was given equal weighting in arriving at a president's total score." This tells us that one all the categories hold equal value and that one was not going to hold more influence than another. 

7. If I was going to conduct this survey and had to weight three categories, my top three would be Performance Within Context of Times, Pursued Equal Justice For All, and Economic Management. Performance Within Context of Times is important because a president has to be able to adapt to whatever is happening. Adaptability is a skill that every leader needs. If a person can't adapt, they won't be able to progress. Pursued Equal Justice For All is, unfortunately, something that has not always been present in America and even today, the world is experiencing issues regarding equal justice. Justice every country should have. Unequal justice is simply wrong and immoral. Economic Management is important because a president needs to know how to support the economy. The US does not need a 2nd great depression, and seeing that America is in debt, Economic Management is crucial. 

8. My 2 out of 6 of my original predictions fit c-spans list. Lincoln and George Washington were obvious choices to me for the top 3. Both were in the top 3 on the c-span list. I thought John F. Kennady might make the top 3 because of the space race, but he didn't. I wasn't really sure who to pick for the bottom 3. I chose Richard Nixon because of the Watergate scandal, but the actual ended up roughly in the middle of the c-span list. Then I thought of Willam Henery Harrison. He was the only president for a few weeks so I thought that might land him in the bottom 3. It didn't, but he was towards the bottom of the c-span list. Lastly, I chose Donald Trump because of his lack of pursuing equal rights. He was not on the c-span list.


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."

Quote from The United States Department of Justice.

Paraphrase: Today, which is the 16th of March, is also the day James Madison was born, and we are rejoicing for the occasion. Classically, James Madison's reputation got him the name "The Father of the United States Constitution". Not only that but Madison was also known for protecting transparent government.  He spread the message that Government, lacking knowledge and motivation to achieve it, is at a "Farce" and/or a "Tragedy". Where there is the truth, there is a lack of truth. People have to ascertain the truth in order to move forward. He also states this in relation, "Seeking truth is what protects freedom. 

Madison is saying that knowledge is a powerful thing. It can be used for good and bad, but the lack of knowledge is the most dangerous to society. If not the lack of knowledge then the lack of motivation to seek out 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. "

Quote from the American Historical Associaton. 

Both of these quotes are about the importance of knowledge. Each quote talks about how knowledge is necessary to protect what we want to protect and how it can move us forward. Madisons quote is referencing more to current knowledge and transparency. He believes that people should not be kept in the dark about what is happening at that moment. The AHA quote is referring to past experiences. They talk about how knowledge of the past is important when moving forward in society today. I believe both perspectives are valuable. It is dangerous to not seek out knowledge about what is happening presently. It is also important to look at the past and learn from it.  

Part C

11. 

When I went into US history at the beginning of the year, I had taken several history classes in high school before. Most of these classes consisted of reading a textbook and being able to identify what happened in history and what were the causes leading up to that event. It was very timeline based and a lot of it was memorization. I found some of what happened interesting, but overall I found it to be rather pointless. Most of my research before this class was looking at facts on file and finding a long article that talked about what happened. I read the article and picked out the important information and summarized what, for example, caused the silver drain. This style of research changed as I progressed through this year. 

In this class, I learned to think more critically and analytically about why things happen. The timeline structure is not how I research anymore. Everything is a domino effect so it is not enough just to say when things happen. I now know how to seek out what caused an event, but also what that event caused, and so on. When I started researching in this perspective, I then saw the importance of history because so much is connected. 

12. The first thing I am proud of in the film history project is my ability to analyze the culture of business in the 5th blog post. This shows the critical thinking that took place. The 2nd thing I am proud of is my invitation. It took me a while to think of what it should look like, but I figured that it should look like it had been made on a typewriter like a secret message. The 3rd thing I am proud of is my choice of crown roast for the main course. By devouring the crown, it represents Nixon's loss of power. The 4th thing I am proud of is the theme of the party. I think it was clever to make it a scavenger hunt just like the reporters had to search for the clues. The last thing I am proud of is my exhibit. I had to really search for artifacts relating to Watergate, so I am happy about what I found. 

13. I really enjoyed Lily's Dinner menu. I thought it was clever that she related the crushed Oreos to the dirt people were finding of Watergate. Her reasoning behind why she chooses mini sliders as an appetizer is also clever. This might not seem like much but I really liked the creativity liked to the menu. Link

14. “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality…. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This quote is so inspirational to me because it shows how brave he was and confidently he believed in kindness. I think many people today underestimate the power of kindness, and it may be true that kindness itself won't magically solve every issue, but I think I will open the door progress to be made. However, there are many problems kindness alone can solve. When we visited the national lynching memorial and the freedom riders museum, it really opened my eyes to the bravery that the African American community had. It's hard for me to wrap my head around how some people these days can be so hateful and they take pride in it. It disgusts me when I read the comments people in government are making about rape and abortion, lgbt+ rights, and women's rights. Not to mention the racism that is still present today. I think that everyone can learn from Martin Luther King Jr. He not only fought for kindness, but he used kindness to fight for it.

15. Exhibit

NPR

I chose this image from Dr. Kings famous I have a dream speech because it was an iconic moment and a turning point for equal rights in America. This represents progress.

CNN

I chose this image because the White House was lit up in rainbow colors for the legalization of gay marriage in all 50 states. This also represents progress, but there is still so much to change regarding the negative culture of the lgbt+ community in America.

Britannica

I chose this image of the first moon landing because it also represents progress. It represents what teamwork can achieve and the potential of what the US will do next. 

The aspiration of truth, progression, and kindness is how positive change is made. 

Blog Post 5


Several historical facts can be learned by watching All the Presidents Men. These facts include topics directly related to the Watergate scandal, and the culture during the early 1970s. The first thing I noticed is that most business is done over the phone. Back then, the internet didn't exist like it does in the present day. One couldn't just look up the names of people and where they worked. Trying to find out where a person worked and the information on the place they worked all had to be done over the phone. The reporters in the movie had to call several people who each gave them references to various businesses just to talk to a person they wanted to interview. Communication skills seem to be very important because of the way the business world was operating back then.

The film also provides facts directly about Watergate. In fact, it seems like every second of the movie is overflowing with information on this subject. Because the movie is set in the perspective of the reporters from the Washington Post, the viewer is bombarded with all the information that is being uncovered. The viewer gets information on the five burglars who broke into Watergate such as Liddy and McCord. We learn that many of the burglars are former FBI and CIA employees. This shows the viewer that the Watergate break-in possibly went deeper than just the five people who broke in. We get to see specifics in regarding the break-in like the officer discovering the duct tape on the door. The film also reveals that the purpose of the breaking was to bug the headquarters which is important to know because Nixon wanted to get dirt on the Democrats. We learn about the slush funds and how corrupt money was going into the Nixon Campaign. The movie also tells us that Donald Sergretti played a part in trying to mess with the Democrats. Woodward thinks he is onto something but "Deep Throat" says that it goes deeper than Segretti. Because the Watergate scandal is very complicated, every small fact is important to fully understand what really happened.

While the movie provides many facts about Watergate, there is also information that is left out. Most of this information left out relates to the effect Watergate had afterward. One of the last scenes of the movie shows Woodward and Bernstein getting enough confirmation about the White House being linked to Watergate and then they publish a paper. Then the movie cuts to a tv where we see Nixson resigning. We don't get to see a lot about how Nixon tried to conceal the tapes when people were demanding to see them. When he didn't give them up the court knew something was not right. Then he resigned. The following president pardoned Nixon for his crimes.

After all of this, the American people had serious trust issues with the government. People weren't so keen to believe everything they heard because of Watergate. That culture has even lasted to the present day, which is probably a good thing. We don't get to see any of this in the film.  Post-Watergate reforms are also not shown in the movie. These reforms were put in place to try to keep a similar incident from happening, but it actually slowed politics down and made it more prone to personal interests. 

If All the Presidents Men could add 20 extra minutes, I would suggest that they add more to the end and include scenes that catch the viewer up on everything that has happened. My main critique of the movie is that it is extremely difficult to understand. I had to rewatch parts several times to try to understand what was happening. Because there are so many names and situations being thrown at the viewer it is so easy to get lost and mix up people. I had to do a lot of research after I watched the film just to comprehend what happened regarding Watergate. The source of increased confusion might also come from the fact that a lot of dialogue is done over the phone so the viewer can only connect the voice to a person and not a face. The way I would solve this issue is to actually cut down and simplify the film, but if we are free to add 20 extra minutes, then perhaps adding one or two scenes can help. These scenes should include Woodward and Bernstein going over there note together in plain English so that the viewer can be caught up and understand what has happened up to that point. I also think that if there is still time left, the ending could be a bit longer. Maybe it could include more news headlines that depict how Watergate affected the nation moving forward. 

    

Exhibit

Smithsonian.com Where Nixons Troubles Began

This filing cabinet was evidence of the break-in at Watergate. The burglars tried to get into it hoping to find dirt on Daniel Ellsberg. The dent at the top of the cabinet serves as a reminder of the dent Nixon put in the American people's trust.

Washington Post Archives

This piece of paper contains notes that Bob Woodward took regarding his meetings with Felt. Carl Bernstein's annotations are written in pen. This shows us what went into writing the articles before they are published.

Newseum

This artifact of an old Washington Post newspaper released August 9th, 1974 represents the success the reporters from the Washington Post had. Bob and Carl knew what they were doing were right and they had to endure people doubting them, and the lack of evidence, but because of their hard work, justice was served.

Taylor Marsh

Having the red flag Bob Woodward put on his balcony to secretly communicate with "Deep Throat" would be cool to have in the exhibit. This flag is ironic in a way. The flag represents secret communication, but usually, a red flag calls attention to something. The same can be said about the whole Watergate situation. It was secretive, but needed attention called to it.

Typewriter Database

The next object in my exhibit will be Carl Bernstein's typewriter. Having this typewriter in the exhibit is important because it is the object that was used to expose the White House and its connections to Watergate.

Sfgate

The tapes with evidence of Nixon's knowledge of Watergate is the next item in the exhibit. These tapes were part of his downfall because he tried to conceal them when asked to present them. 

National Archives Catalogue

These microphones disguised to look like Chapsticks were found in the safe of Howard Hunt who helped lead the break-in. 

Harry Ransom Center

This is another article from the Washington Post. It looks to be a draft previous from the final. Segretti was one of the people who sabotaged the Democrats and he makes an appearance in the movie.

Menu

MeTV

Ritz crackers will be one of the orderves served. Ritz Crakers can be seen being eaten by Bob Woodward at the beginning of All The Presidents Men. Serving Ritz is a small reference to the movie which can easily be missed, just like some of the information about Watergate can be overlooked.

medical news today

Coffee will also be served. The guests will need a caffeine boost to get through the scavenger. In the movie, the reporters can be seen drinking coffee at the various parlors that they were invited into when interviewing people.  

Taste of Home

The main dish being served is crown roast with apricot dressing. The way this dish resembles a crown represents the power Nixon and his campaign had over America. Most people trusted the government before Watergate so it came as a big shock when the people found out that Nixon was involved. By the end of the party, this dish will be eaten, symbolizing a crown being destroyed, just like Nixon's power over America was destroyed. 

Inspired Taste

For our vegetarian option, we will be serving vegetable spaghetti. Spaghetti sounds like the name Sergretti. Donald Sergretti was in charge of running a campaign to work against the Democrats. He used sneaky tactics including forging letters to make democrat officials look bad. He was being paid by Nixon's lawyer, Herb Kalmbach. 

Easy Good Ideas

The last dish main that will be served may be obvious for a Watergate themed party, but it just had to be served. That would be Watergate Salad. This dessert literally has Watergate in the name. Just like Watergate, it's hard to tell what is inside this dish just by looking at it. Once you dig around and taste it for yourself, you'll find pistachio pudding, pineapples, marshmallows, and whipped cream. 

Business Insider

For a late night snack, McDonald's will be served. In All the Presidents Men, the reporters had to pull some late nights and/or didn't have time to eat a fancy meal. They can be seen grabbing a quick bite to eat at Mcdonalds multiple times in the movie. 

Invitation

My dinner party invitation was sent out on the day that Watergate took place, and the event is being held on the day Nixon resigned. I wanted to have the party on the day he resigned because of the scavenger hunt aspect to it. The guest will participate in a Watergate-themed scavenger hunt. Each team will put their Watergate knowledge to the test and race to gather the clues that tell where President Nixson hid the tapes with evidence of his crimes. Since the goal of the scavenger hunt is to bring President Nixson down, I thought the date should be held on the anniversary of his resignation.


The first person I decided to invite is Bob Woodward. Bob Woodward is one of the reporters that helped uncover Watergates' secrets. Working for The Washington Post, he made it known to the public that The White House was connected to the break-in at The Democratic National Head Quarters. I think he would provide an extremely unique view on what it was like trying to find information on this scandal. Hopefully, his memory will serve him well in the scavenger hunt.

The next person I am going to invite is Robert Redford. Robert Redford is an actor who played Bob Woodward in the movie All the President's Men. The teams for the scavenger will be pared, and I plan to put Bob Woodward and Robert Redford together. I think I will be interesting to see how knowledgable Robert is of Watergate and if his knowledge is correct. It would also be a cool experience for him to meet a person he portrayed in a movie.

The next person I am going to invite is Carl Berstein. Carl Bernstein is also another reporter for the Washington Post who helped uncover info on Watergate. I think it will be interesting to hear Bob and Carl recount their experiences regarding Watergate together. It will be interesting to hear if they thought the movie had an accurate portrayal of what it was like working in the Washington Post.

Dustin Hoffman is another person I am going to invite. Dustin played the role of Carl Bernstein in All The Presidents Men so similarly to Bob and Robert, I think It would be cool for him to meet the person he portrayed on screen. Carl and Dustin will also be paired together for the scavenger hunt.

The party would not be complete without a historian, so I thought who else other than my history teacher Mrs. Lawson would be better suited for this. The answer is nobody. When I think of the word "educated" Mrs. Lawson comes to mind. It seems like there is nothing that she doesn't know or can't figure out regarding historical or political topics. This is why she is the best fit to attend this party. I believe that she will ask the guests very interesting questions which will create great conversations.

Next up on the guest list is Mark Felt a.k.a "Deep Throat". Felt provided vital information to Bob Woodward regarding the scandal. It will be nice for them to reconnect at a dinner party and not at a shady parking garage in the middle of the night.

The next person I will be inviting is Walter Coblenz. He is the producer of All The Presidents Men. I think it will be interesting to hear the conversations regarding how he chose to portray the Watergate scandal and how his choices of elements like lighting, sound, and dialogue style help support themes.

The last person I will invite is President Obama. I think it would be a good idea to have a presidents perspective on the Watergate situation. He could provide insight into the differences between the government in the past and what it looks like to be President in recent times.

Annotated Sources

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