I will analyse 2 Gapminder in this artifact.
1. Wealth and Health of Nations
Q: How did the Westward Exapansion and Civil War affected their nations' wealth?
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Gapminder Analysis: This Gapminder talks about the Wealth and Health of nations. In figure 1, the yellow is America’s calibre in the early 19th century. This was “post-escaping Great Britain’s grip” and was right when the nation was slowly climbing up the economic ladder. In figure 2, from 1800-1850, America’s situation remained the same as did her life expectancy. The income per person was extremely erratic and varied in a small range. In figure 3, from 1850-1870, the only perceivable change was the change in the increase of population, however, from 1870-1900, the nation’s life expectancy sky-rocketed. The Civil War occurred in the 1860s so judging from the gap between antebellum and post-bellum, I can conclude that the Nation’s situation had greatly improved. In figure 4, the life expectancy shot up yet again, however the nation’s income per contrast with ones before were extremely low. In 1918 however, the life expectancy plummeted rapidly—mostly likely effects of the Spanish Flu pandemic. In figure 5, America’s population, income per person, and life expectancy increased gradually.
A: The Louisiana Purchase, perhaps the US’ most beneficial purchase doubled the nation’s size. The westward expansion, beginning with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, is otherwise known as the Manifest Destiny. From 1783 to 1815, approximately five million emigrants arrived in the United States on a mission to gain land in the west. This provided American’s with the hope to “spread” democracy around the continent. Transportation evolved and changed rapidly as the westward expansion took place and shaped up. Waterways such as the Eerie Canal were built thus allowing the improvement in efficiency of the shipment of goods—mercantilism was thus more important. In addition to the new trade and transportation, borders were created to further definite boundary lines.
In 1836, the republic of Texas declared freedom from Mexico. Florida was purchased from Spain and a border was created between America and Canada. The Florida purchase was just the beginning of how society was being affected by westward expansion. Due to the fleet of increasing states in the west, the South deemed it ‘smart’ to form slave states. The North believed in free states and many believed that the states should choose for themselves. This was one of the rifts between the North and South which later resulted in a deadly war—the Civil War. The North won a Pyrrhic Victory and put an end to slavery.
The sanguine war between the states produced sweeping changes and events in American society; among those changes was the most significant of all, the Union of the states were preserved. With the ratifying of the US Constitution, specifically the 13thAmendment, ended slavery. U.S Grant became the present of, arguably, the most corrupt administration in American history. Reconstruction of the South began and it sowed the seeds of future racial conflict for over a century to come. Racial prejudice in the South increased rather than decreased, southern animosity towards the North was intensified. Northern Carpet-Baggers and Southern Scalawags took control of the governments of the former Confederate states. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK), primitively designed as an “American Pride” and “patriotic” organisation was organised and thereafter began terrorising African-Americans and those who sympathised with them. After this horrifying turn of values, Nathan B. Forrest not only left the group but denounced it altogether. Racial segregation had fully replaced slavery in the South. Southern states enacted "Jim Crow" laws when reconstruction ended and Southerners regained control of the state governments. The laws reverted the African-American citizens to a life with means very similar to those when enslaved.
Southern African-Americans migrated to the North in large numbers and the South became less agricultural as time progressed. "King Cotton" began to be replaced by industrial and other economic entities. African-Americans were eventually allowed access to education in the South, but the education were those of unequal and segregated schools and systems. African-Americans were finally allowed the right to vote, but that right was severely curtailed by unfair laws, demagogue politicians and intimidation. Civil Rights organisations were formed to seek social and political equity for African-Americans. The Civil Rights Act was passed and a more concerted effort to ensure those rights was undertaken by the Federal government. Southerners reacted to Civil Rights laws, those who supported them and those who tried to ensure adherence to them with violence. Lynching was replaced or augmented by assassinations of Civil Rights leaders and workers. Integration of Southern schools began, segregationists protested vehemently and fought against it. African-Americans began migrating from the Northern cities back to the South. Job opportunities for African-Americans began to improve in the South. African-Americans began winning elections in small Southern towns. African-Americans began winning elections in larger Southern cities and Southern state governments. African-Americans began winning elections in the US Congress and Senate. European-American Northerners began to migrate to the "Sun Belt" states in the South and in the West. Inter-racial relationships and marriages, which were formerly against the law, began to be tolerated and accepted by most Southerners. Outlaw organisations such as the KKK lost the support of most Southerners (and Northerners). European-
This is the first Analysis completed, now I'll start with the second Analysis.2. CO2 emissions in American since 1820
Q: How did the Westward Expansion and Civil War affected United States' CO2 emission rate?
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Gapminder Analysis: In figure 1, from 1820-1850, the CO2 emission rate shot up, since the Louisiana purchase and Lewis and Clark's expedition, they started to industrialise, and by industrialising, their emission increased. Their GDP per capita didn't really change, it increased by an imperceptible amount. In figure 2, from 1850-1900, their emission rate went up and down, sometimes varying, but overall it increasing. Income per person only increased gradually without any big leaps. In figure 3, from 1900-1950, their CO2 emission rate was highly controlled, it went up and down, and varied y a drastic amount, sometimes they stopped changing, but from 1935-1950, their income per person went up a lot, and was a pretty abrupt movement. In figure 4, from 1950-2006, 56 years, their CO2 emission went up a little and down a little, overall the amount didn't change at all, but their GDP per capita kept on increasing. Possible reasons for this is the very much needed restrictions due to pollution. In addition, countries outside America, might give them pressure for emitting so much polluted air into the atmosphere that proved to be hazardous to health.
A: The answer is simple, by expanding west, America allowed themselves to industrialise and thus causing the CO2 emission rate to grow. Industrialisation should be discussed in the context of economic, social and political factors: conditions in which technological innovations have their full impact on the transformation of economy. It is impossible to elucidate industrialisation in Post-Civil War America and not to involve all this vast number of factors that influenced its development. If one would try to define it solely in the context of technological discoveries, it would provide a very superficial explanation; neglecting other factors would eventually lead to the dangerous path of telling historical untruth. The truth is that industrialisation is much more complex, although it could not happen in this form without its technical inventions that made the 21st century world possible. For example, the creation of an industrial society would not take this shape without significant discoveries of new managerial practices that set the basis of modern capitalistic society: the prevailing economic system of nowadays, of which America is the most superb example. Industrialisation after the Civil war was the real industrialisation, the the westward expansion was just opening a road of industrialisation.
Reflection questions:
1)
a. What main topic does the artifact relates to? In what way?
Ans: It definitely relates to the Building of te modern economy. In the first gapminder analysis, I talked about increasinglife expectancy and income per person; well, income per person is a part of an indicator of how developed economically and socially a country is. In Analysis 2, I talked about CO2 emission, and CO2 emission indicates industrialisation which is building of the modern economy, having businesses, making money and having technological life like what we have in the present day.
b. Which other main topic does it also relate to?
Ans: It definitely relates to Urbanisation: construction of the Modern city. From the 2 gapminder Analysis, we can know that United States have developed a lot since the early nineteenth century simple by looking at is income per person and their life expectacy, and this indicates city, that people are modernising and building a modern place to live in. Specifically in Gapminder Analysis 2, I mentioned CO2 emission, which indicates construction, industrialisation and pollution, and almost all of these comes after building a modern city. So it is very clear that it relates to the Industrialisation which is constructing new factories, department store, and apartment stores.
2) Why did you choose this artifact, and how much time did you spend creating and /or processing it?
Ans: I did not choose this artifact, Mr. Kinzer did. However, the content within the artifact is what I can choose. I chose to do things about industrialisation, economy, and business, or even pollution. I have took economic and business studies class both for a term, and so I am very interested in observing the economic trend and overall development of America since it is one of the superpowers in the world and it is where I want ot study in the future. It took me aournd 2 hours and 45 minutes to create this artifact since I will have to choose gapminders, analyse it and process it.
3) What insights and understanding have you gained from the creation and/or processing of this artifact?
Ans: Typically, of course I learned about the overall development of America in both economic and society. Also, we can learn from Ameirca's mistake, such as don't want everything to go too fast, industrialise too fast, and thus ruin the enviornment too much; think more and take less action, have superior prudence. I remember when I was grade 8 in Dulwich, Izzy (my best friend) and I looked at the stock market crash image which we fortunately got, and have to write a pair exam analysis. It is very similar to what I have done in this gapminder Analysis, but somehow more into depth since more information is give.
4) Does this artifact reflect your best work and/or ideas? Why, or why not?
Ans: I think this artifact reflects my best work, the most typical explanation to that might be because I tried my best, and that's my answer. I did not try and rush through the artifact, I did it with care, critical thinking before writing things down. Also, I believe that if I want to do something, I will try my best , otherwise, I'd rather not do it.
5) Rate this artifact on a scale of -5 to 5 (0 is neutral) for the following four criterion.
a. Impact on the quality of your portfolio. 4
b. Impact on your level of enjoyment and happiness. 5
c. Impact on your learning. 5
d. Level of creativity and Originality. 5
6) Any additional comments.
Ans: No comment.
Artifact 5: Primary Source evaluation
Wounded Knee Massacre video
Genocides of Native Americans
Primary Source Evaluation
Massacre At Wounded Knee, 1890
Retrieved from "Massacre At Wounded Knee, 1890"
EyeWitness to History, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com (1998)
on November 20, 2010..
On the morning of December 29, 1890, the Sioux chief Big Foot and some 350 of his followers camped on the banks of Wounded Knee creek. Surrounding their camp was a force of U.S. troops charged with the responsibility of arresting Big Foot and disarming his warriors. The scene was tense. Trouble had been brewing for months.
The Hope of the Ghost Dance
The once proud Sioux found their free-roaming life destroyed, the buffalo gone, themselves confined to reservations dependent on Indian Agents for their existence. In a desperate attempt to return to the days of their glory, many sought salvation in a new mysticism preached by a Paiute shaman called Wovoka. Emissaries from the Sioux in South Dakota traveled to Nevada to hear his words. Wovoka called himself the Messiah and prophesied that the dead would soon join the living in a world in which the Indians could live in the old way surrounded by plentiful game. A tidal wave of new soil would cover the earth, bury the whites, and restore the prairie. To hasten the event, the Indians were to dance the Ghost Dance. Many dancers wore brightly colored shirts emblazoned with images of eagles and buffaloes. These "Ghost Shirts" they believed would protect them from the bluecoats' bullets. During the fall of 1890, the Ghost Dance spread through the Sioux villages of the Dakota reservations, revitalizing the Indians and bringing fear to the whites. A desperate Indian Agent at Pine Ridge wired his superiors in Washington, "Indians are dancing in the snow and are wild and crazy....We need protection and we need it now. The leaders should be arrested and confined at some military post until the matter is quieted, and this should be done now." The order went out to arrest Chief Sitting Bull at the Standing Rock Reservation. Sitting Bull was killed in the attempt on December 15. Chief Big Foot was next on the list.
When he heard of Sitting Bull's death, Big Foot led his people south to seek protection at the Pine Ridge Reservation. The army intercepted the band on December 28 and brought them to the edge of the Wounded Knee to camp. The next morning the chief, racked with pneumonia and dying, sat among his warriors and powwowed with the army officers. Suddenly the sound of a shot pierced the early morning gloom. Within seconds the charged atmosphere erupted as Indian braves scurried to retrieve their discarded rifles and troopers fired volley after volley into the Sioux camp. From the heights above, the army's Hotchkiss guns raked the Indian teepees with grapeshot. Clouds of gun smoke filled the air as men, women and children scrambled for their lives. Many ran for a ravine next to the camp only to be cut down in a withering cross fire.
When the smoke cleared and the shooting stopped, approximately 300 Sioux were dead, Big Foot among them. Twenty-five soldiers lost their lives. As the remaining troopers began the grim task of removing the dead, a blizzard swept in from the North. A few days later they returned to complete the job. Scattered fighting continued, but the massacre at Wounded Knee effectively squelched the Ghost Dance movement and ended the Indian Wars.
Eyewitness to a Massacre Philip Wells was a mixed-blood Sioux who served as an interpreter for the Army. He later recounted what he saw that Monday morning:
"I was interpreting for General Forsyth (Forsyth was actually a colonel) just before the battle of Wounded Knee, December 29, 1890. The captured Indians had been ordered to give up their arms, but Big Foot replied that his people had no arms. Forsyth said to me, 'Tell Big Foot he says the Indians have no arms, yet yesterday they were well armed when they surrendered. He is deceiving me. Tell him he need have no fear in giving up his arms, as I wish to treat him kindly.' Big Foot replied, 'They have no guns, except such as you have found.' Forsyth declared, 'You are lying to me in return for my kindness.'
During this time a medicine man, gaudily dressed and fantastically painted, executed the maneuvers of the ghost dance, raising and throwing dust into the air. He exclaimed 'Ha! Ha!' as he did so, meaning he was about to do something terrible, and said, 'I have lived long enough,' meaning he would fight until he died. Turning to the young warriors who were squatted together, he said 'Do not fear, but let your hearts be strong. Many soldiers are about us and have many bullets, but I am assured their bullets cannot penetrate us. The prairie is large, and their bullets will fly over the prairies and will not come toward us. If they do come toward us, they will float away like dust in the air.' I turned to Major Whitside and said, 'That man is making mischief,' and repeated what he had said. Whitside replied, 'Go direct to Colonel Forsyth and tell him about it,' which I did.
Forsyth and I went to the circle of warriors where he told me to tell the medicine man to sit down and keep quiet, but he paid no attention to the order. Forsyth repeated the order. Big Foot's brother-in-law answered, 'He will sit down when he gets around the circle.' When the medicine man came to the end of the circle, he squatted down. A cavalry sergeant exclaimed, 'There goes an Indian with a gun under his blanket!' Forsyth ordered him to take the gun from the Indian, which he did. Whitside then said to me, 'Tell the Indians it is necessary that they be searched one at a time.' The young warriors paid no attention to what I told them. I heard someone on my left exclaim, 'Look out! Look out!' I saw five or six young warriors cast off their blankets and pull guns out from under them and brandish them in the air. One of the warriors shot into the soldiers, who were ordered to fire into the Indians. I looked in the direction of the medicine man. He or some other medicine man approached to within three or four feet of me with a long cheese knife, ground to a sharp point and raised to stab me. He stabbed me during the melee and nearly cut off my nose. I held him off until I could swing my rifle to hit him, which I did. I shot and killed him in self-defense.
Troop 'K' was drawn up between the tents of the women and children and the main body of the Indians, who had been summoned to deliver their arms. The Indians began firing into 'Troop K' to gain the canyon of Wounded Knee creek. In doing so they exposed their women and children to their own fire. Captain Wallace was killed at this time while standing in front of his troops. A bullet, striking him in the forehead, plowed away the top of his head. I started to pull off my nose, which was hung by the skin, but Lieutenant Guy Preston shouted, 'My God Man! Don't do that! That can be saved.' He then led me away from the scene of the trouble."
References:
Brown, Dee, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (1971); Jensen, Richard, et. al, Eyewitness at Wounded Knee (1991); Utley, Robert M., The Last Days of the Sioux Nation (1963); Wells, Philip, "Ninety-six Years among the Indians of the Northwest", North Dakota History, 15, no. 2 (1948).
Brown, Dee, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (1971); Jensen, Richard, et. al, Eyewitness at Wounded Knee (1991); Utley, Robert M., The Last Days of the Sioux Nation (1963); Wells, Philip, "Ninety-six Years among the Indians of the Northwest", North Dakota History, 15, no. 2 (1948).
Origin / Purpose:
The purpose of this document was to provide a written testimony (report) of the events which occurred on the morning of December 29, 1890. The Sioux chief Big Foot and some 350 of his followers camped on the banks of Wounded Knee Creek, North Dakota. The intended audience was probably either U.S. military investigators or a newspaper journalist who would put the information in line. The author chose this format of reporting style since it recounts the direct testimony of an eye-witness involved in the event. The document “says” what really happened according to the eyewitness’ testimony, to the best of his knowledge. However, we should consider that the amount of time after the fact was not provided. I think it could tell more than what was on the surface because of the quotes that were chosen by the witness to retell. Since the witness Phillip Wells is a mixed-blood Sioux interpreter, he would probably have empathized with the Native Americans on the scene.
Value:
Since the author of this piece is unknown, it is impossible to make, or pass judgment. The time period reflected the absolute end of any organized, armed resistance by Native Americans, and it was the passing of an era. The circumstances of how this piece was created was likely to have been either an official report to the U.S. military of what had occurred, or it was a newspaper article written by someone unknown. The controversies of the piece would involve the facts surrounding the massacre itself: participants, catalyst, triggers, responsibility, alternative actions, conflicting eyewitness accounts, and impaired judgment by the eyewitness giving the account because of personal injury. Likewise, there seems to have been a lot of violence that occurred which would have clouded the events. However, the author was definitely on the side of the U.S. military since he was personally attacked and wounded by the Sioux Indians present. At the time, the destruction and removal to the reservation of all of the Plains Indians was practically completed. Native Americans were reduced to a remnant of what the once had been as proud and independent peoples. This piece details in eyewitness account was to be the last event.
Value Analysis:
The journal entry was written by the witness Phillip Wells, a mixed-blood Sioux interpreter, to provide a written testimony (report) of the bloody events which occurred on the morning of December 29, 1890. It showed that he was rather shocked and unprepared for what had occurred. When he spoke of the traditional beliefs, the involvement of women and children, and the inability for the Indians to adequately defend themselves, it is obvious that he is disgusted or disappointed about the needless loss of human life. Wells also seems aware that he was powerless to stop it and had only to save himself, if only to be alive long enough to let everyone know the truth of the situation.
I think that this source will remain a moving testimony of a vanished people who tried to proudly, yet vainly, defend themselves from encroachment from the white man. The books (especially Bury My Heart at wounded Knee) that were used to cite this testimony remain just as powerful today. They stirred much emotion at the time of their publication and caused a siege at the Wounded Knee Reservation between Russell Means and armed members of the American Indian Movement (AIM).
The eyewitness who provided the report used in this article obviously wrote about what had happened sometime after the event. He was directly involved in what had transpired and was grievously injured during the massacre. It is surprising that he was not more angry or prejudiced against the Indians. I felt that he was too understanding of what they wanted, yet would never receive. In the end, he did not pass judgment which shows that he was probably in agreement with them. The part of the story we can’t tell from this document is what happened to the survivors, if any, and also if any action was taken against the soldiers. It is greatly doubted that anything was done because the Indians’ actions placed all concerned in jeopardy.
We can verify that the content of this article is factual. However, we can only know about the deaths but not about what had triggered the actual events in the first place. It is always the case with massacres throughout history that the living are either the perpetrators or the survivors will be unable to give credence to what has been said. I think that the piece is accurate because of the prevailing prejudice against Native Americans so must apart of this period.
The writer has chosen to leave out any kind of personal or emotional response to what he had witnessed. He tries to tell his side of the story without anger, and seemingly, without regret. I assume he leaves this out because he does not want the U.S. military to think he over sympathises with the Indian cause. Last of all, the blame for the massacre is purposely not addressed, the witness tries to tell what happened without drawing conclusions or taking sides.
Reflection questions:
1)
a. What main topic does the artifact relates to? In what way?
Ans: I think it best relates to the topic Race relations: abolition, segregation, and anti-semitism. This is about the Massacre in Wounded knee, which is the last indian battle fought in the United States America. It is about the two different kind of people fighting for a certain thing for a specific purpose.It's a battle fought on December 29, 1890 at Wounded Knee, South Dakota that was the last major encounter between Native Americans and the U.S. Army. The Army had surrounded a village of Lakota Sioux while attempting to disarm a party of them who had been captured. The accidental discharge of a firearm led to panic, and the Army opened fire on the village, massacring nearly all its inhabitants. The battle is remembered today as one of the great injustices perpetrated against Native Americans by the U.S. government. It incorporates unjustice, unfairness and segregation.
b. Which other main topic does it also relate to?
Ans: I think it can also relate to Human Migration and movement, although not directly; however, when people think of the indians, I think they immediately relate it to the trail of tears which is about the Indians treking west. So in someway, I think it somehow relates to the topic of human migration and movement.
2) Why did you choose this artifact, and how much time did you spend creating and /or processing it?
Ans: Mr. Kinzer chose the Primary Source Evaluation artifact for us, but I chose this article to analyse. I like to read about genocides, and massacre. In addition, I have heard my friends discussing about an essay (analysis) they have to write about the massacre of wounded knee before, so I generally understand the big picture. Fortuitously, there is this article on the primary source evaluation article page, so I chose it. It will also be easier to answer the OPVL questions if you already have a fundamental background knowledge on the topic.
Ans: Mr. Kinzer chose the Primary Source Evaluation artifact for us, but I chose this article to analyse. I like to read about genocides, and massacre. In addition, I have heard my friends discussing about an essay (analysis) they have to write about the massacre of wounded knee before, so I generally understand the big picture. Fortuitously, there is this article on the primary source evaluation article page, so I chose it. It will also be easier to answer the OPVL questions if you already have a fundamental background knowledge on the topic.
3) What insights and understanding have you gained from the creation and/or processing of this artifact?
Ans: I learned that the wounded knee Massacre was the last major armed conflict between the Oglala Lakota and the United States. It was described as a massacre by General Nelson A. Miles in a letter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. I understand the capability of people doing such inhumane things to thier own species - homo saipens. How people's brain can be so brainwashed and blank that they just kill people because everyone else is doing it, or because they believe the indians are subhuman. Just like how the Japanese genocided the Chinese in the Nanking Massacre. This artifact took me around 2 hours to process it.
Ans: I learned that the wounded knee Massacre was the last major armed conflict between the Oglala Lakota and the United States. It was described as a massacre by General Nelson A. Miles in a letter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. I understand the capability of people doing such inhumane things to thier own species - homo saipens. How people's brain can be so brainwashed and blank that they just kill people because everyone else is doing it, or because they believe the indians are subhuman. Just like how the Japanese genocided the Chinese in the Nanking Massacre. This artifact took me around 2 hours to process it.
4) Does this artifact reflect your best work and/or ideas? Why, or why not?
Ans: I think this artifact reflect my best work and ideas. I read between the lines in the primary source, because sometimes what they say are not necessarily what they mean, they are only a shadow or symbol of what they mean. In order to produce a very good promary source evaluation, you will need to gain insights and devote time and energy. Some friend of mine have looked through it and they told me what this artifact needs improvement on, and I changed them. I believe this is the best work I can produce so far; however, there is always improvements to be made.
Ans: I think this artifact reflect my best work and ideas. I read between the lines in the primary source, because sometimes what they say are not necessarily what they mean, they are only a shadow or symbol of what they mean. In order to produce a very good promary source evaluation, you will need to gain insights and devote time and energy. Some friend of mine have looked through it and they told me what this artifact needs improvement on, and I changed them. I believe this is the best work I can produce so far; however, there is always improvements to be made.
5) Rate this artifact on a scale of -5 to 5 (0 is neutral) for the following four criterion.
a. Impact on the quality of your portfolio. 5
b. Impact on your level of enjoyment and happiness. 5
c. Impact on your learning. 5
d. Level of creativity and Originality. 5
6) Any additional comments.
Artifact 6: Idea Page
The main qualities of the American Dream presented in The Great Gatsby are perseverance and hope. Another famous characteristic of the American dream is the idea of success against all odds. This is shown through the life of James Gatz, who focused all his attention to living the dream and becoming an American hero. Ever since he was young, Gatz worked hard on becoming a great man. This is documented in Gatz's copy of the adventures of Hopalong Cassidy, who was another romantic American figure. While showing this journal to Nick, Mr. Gatz professed, "Jimmy was bound to get ahead. He always had some resolves like this or something. Do you notice what he's got about improving his mind? He was always great for that." (Pg. 175) James Gatz connection to the American dream is further illustrated by the fact that his program for self-improvement is right out of Ben Franklin's Autobiography, right down to the smallest details. The content of the schedule and what it was written on sho! was two more of the qualities that are part of being an American hero: hard-working ambition and a thirst for adventure.
The product of all of James Gatz's hard work is the longing Jay Gatsby, who epitomizes one of the main characteristics of the American dream: everlasting hope. Gatsby desire to win Daisy's love is his version of the old American dream: an incredible goal and a constant search for the opportunity to reach this goal. This is shown when Gatsby is first introduced into the novel. It is late at night and we find him "with his hands in his pockets out to determine what share was his of our local heavens." While Nick continues to watch Gatsby's movements he says: "-he [Gatsby] stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward-and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock" (Pg. 21-22) The green light that Gatsby reaches out for symbolizes his longing; his longing for Daisy, for money, for acceptance and no matter how much he has he never feels complete. This green light is part of the American Dream. It symbolizes our constant searching for a way to reach that goal just of in the distance, as Nick described it,"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter-tomorrow we will run faster, stretch our arms farther. And one fine morning-"(Pg. 182) Gatsby's goal gave him a purpose in life, which sets him apart from the rest of the upper class. He is constantly chasing his dream of being with Daisy, from the moment he stretches toward her house to his finial days of life when he patiently waits for hours outside her house even though she has already abandoned her affair with him. Gatsby is a man who has all of the purest traits of the old American hero, hope, perseverance, hard working ambition, and a thirst for adventure, but he loses them by wearing the dream's modern face.
F. Scott Fitzgerald credits the destruction of the American Dream to wealth, privilege, and the lack of humanity that those aspects create. Money is clearly identified as the main culprit in the dream's death. It becomes easily entangled with hope and success and replacing their positions in the American Dream with materialism. This is shown through Gatsby's use of illegal practices and underground connections to make money. His lavish parties, huge mansion, and giant collection of clothing all represent his corruption. His use of status and privilege is demonstrated when his traffic violation is ignored by the police officer. But the worst qualities of the dream's modern face are evident in Tom and Daisy Buchanan, who live without any hopes or regrets because the foundation of their character is money and wealth. Nick describes the Buchanan's as such:"They were careless people, Tom and Daisy- They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made" (Pg. 180-181)An example of the Buchanan's carelessness and lack of regret comes when Nicks runs into Tom one last time. When confronted with Gatsby's death Tom merely responds "I told him the truth What If I did tell him? That fellow had it coming to him" (Pg. 187) Even though Tom admits to the fact that he is responsible for Gatsby's murder and Wilson's suicide, he continues to claim innocence because he has never known guilt or shame as a member of the established elite. This upper class is shown to be made-up of heartless citizens who have achieved success at the cost of dehumanization and the selling of their souls.
There is a sense of hopelessness at the end of the novel to prove that the purity of the American dream is dead with Daisy's baby, Gatsby's death, and Wilson's suicide all examples. The first hint of tragedy begins at the introduction of the Buchanan's daughter. When the girl is brought into the salon Nick observes an obvious disturbance in Gatsby's attitude and thinking,"Gatsby and I in turn leaned down and took the small reluctant hand. Afterward he kept looking at the child with surprise. I don't think he had ever really believed in its existence before." (Pg. 117)Daisy then calls her child an "absolute little dream", crushing all of Gatsby's hopes of recreating the past. Then the replacement of the American dream with materialism is pointed out moments later when Nick and Gatsby try to discern the charm in Daisy's voice. At that moment Gatsby says, "Her voice is full of money", and Nicks reaches a revelation about society: "That was it. I'd never understood it before. It was full of money-that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals' song of it. High in a white palace the golden girl." (Pg. 120)With this revelation all of Daisy's charm and beauty is stripped away and only money is left to be admired. Gatsby then realizes that his dream he has been pursing is not that of love but of money hidden behind a human face. Afterwards, When Gatsby dies, any chance of the old American Dream of surviving in the dehumanized modern world id destroyed with him. All of the hopes and dreams that strengthened and uplifted Gatsby are shattered as he lies in his pool, dazed and confused about the world he is living in and about to leave. After shooting Gatsby, George Wilson, the symbol of the common man who is trying to achieve his own success in the modern dream, commits suicide. The deaths of both the rich and poor man trying to achieve their goals symbolize the death of the old American Dream. The dream is now completely lost and can never be restored. Through the tragic story of Jay Gatsby and his failed attempt to reach his dream, F. Scott Fitzgerald also describes the tragic death of American values. The characters in The Great Gatsby are mere examples of Fitzgerald's message- the old American dream and all of its pure ideals have been replaced with money, greed, and materialism. Nick Carraway conveys this message as an outsider, an honest man from the mid-west who witnessed the whole affair as an observer. The Great Gatsby is not about the life and death of James Gatz, but about what James Gatz stood for. It is about the life and death of the old American Dream.
Reflection questions:
1)
1)
a. What main topic does the artifact relates to? In what way?
Ans: I think this artifact relates to the main topic Nationalism and Liberalism – Creation of Nation state in an indirect way. After America declared Independence from Great Britain, and signed the declaration of independence, they created their new country. My idea page is about the Death of the American Dream which was formed at the beginning when the new country formed. That's how I relate them together.
Ans: I think this artifact relates to the main topic Nationalism and Liberalism – Creation of Nation state in an indirect way. After America declared Independence from Great Britain, and signed the declaration of independence, they created their new country. My idea page is about the Death of the American Dream which was formed at the beginning when the new country formed. That's how I relate them together.
b. Which other main topic does it also relate to?
Ans: I think it relates to bilding of the modern economy too. The American dream is abotu raising family, owning your own home, traveling to new adventures on the open road, starting a successful business. All of these images depend on the personal and economic freedom that Americans take for granted. When government interferes with our freedom, it makes the American dream less attainable for some or all Americans. "The American government is excellent," wrote Henry David Thoreau, "yet this government never of itself furthered any enterprise, but by the alacrity with which it got out of its way."This is the way I relate those two together.
Ans: I think it relates to bilding of the modern economy too. The American dream is abotu raising family, owning your own home, traveling to new adventures on the open road, starting a successful business. All of these images depend on the personal and economic freedom that Americans take for granted. When government interferes with our freedom, it makes the American dream less attainable for some or all Americans. "The American government is excellent," wrote Henry David Thoreau, "yet this government never of itself furthered any enterprise, but by the alacrity with which it got out of its way."This is the way I relate those two together.
2) Why did you choose this artifact, and how much time did you spend creating and /or processing it?
Ans: Again, I am always interested in the pessimistic, negative facet of an event. I talked about the DEATH of the American dream this time. However, in artifact 12's idea page, I will talk about the broad view of the American Dream. I believe that the American dream is not true, it is true only in the heart of people who believe it is true. It took me around an hour to create this idea page. I will need to read through several webpages and take notes then summarise it into this artifact. The notes on the westward expansion on the top of this idea page has nothing to do with the American Dream, they are the notes I took in class.
Ans: Again, I am always interested in the pessimistic, negative facet of an event. I talked about the DEATH of the American dream this time. However, in artifact 12's idea page, I will talk about the broad view of the American Dream. I believe that the American dream is not true, it is true only in the heart of people who believe it is true. It took me around an hour to create this idea page. I will need to read through several webpages and take notes then summarise it into this artifact. The notes on the westward expansion on the top of this idea page has nothing to do with the American Dream, they are the notes I took in class.
3) What insights and understanding have you gained from the creation and/or processing of this artifact?
Ans: I learned that anything that is not based on truism, real things will remain ephemeral, they will not have an everlasting effect. However, the American Dream is not the same, I think it is both ephemeral and everylasting. The Idea of American Dream is not transported and talked about everywhere in the world; however, I think there is a Amerian Dream in everyone's heart. Perhaps the name might not be American Dream, they might be something else.
Ans: I learned that anything that is not based on truism, real things will remain ephemeral, they will not have an everlasting effect. However, the American Dream is not the same, I think it is both ephemeral and everylasting. The Idea of American Dream is not transported and talked about everywhere in the world; however, I think there is a Amerian Dream in everyone's heart. Perhaps the name might not be American Dream, they might be something else.
4) Does this artifact reflect your best work and/or ideas? Why, or why not?
Ans: I think this artifact does relfect my best work and ideas. I thought really carefully about the extended questions, although sometimes the extended terms and ideas might not be what everyone would normally come up or think of when they think of the American Dream, they are really my ideas, what I think of when I think of the American Dream. For example, I think of capitalism when I think of American becuase New York is a very capitalistic, and materialistic place. That's how I came up with that term.
Ans: I think this artifact does relfect my best work and ideas. I thought really carefully about the extended questions, although sometimes the extended terms and ideas might not be what everyone would normally come up or think of when they think of the American Dream, they are really my ideas, what I think of when I think of the American Dream. For example, I think of capitalism when I think of American becuase New York is a very capitalistic, and materialistic place. That's how I came up with that term.
5) Rate this artifact on a scale of -5 to 5 (0 is neutral) for the following four criterion.
a. Impact on the quality of your portfolio. 4
b. Impact on your level of enjoyment and happiness. 5
c. Impact on your learning. 5
d. Level of creativity and Originality. 4
6) Any additional comments.
Ans: No comment.
Ans: No comment.
