After the Japanese sunk over 22 Russian naval vessels in two attacks in the Pacific, Japan reigned as the dominant fighting force in the Pacific, threatening the United States' Pacific trade and the newly acquired Philippines. In 1907, a fleet of 16 white-painted battleships, carrying 1,010 officers and 18,978 men, embarked on an journey around the world. It was the most innovative uses of propaganda of its time, revolutionizing combat communications, building lasting relationships through collaboration, and persuading the world to respect the United States. 

The voyage was officially referred to as a "practice cruise", but the real purposes behind the venture were much more serious. The voyage stunned and impressed the world, as the National Tribune reflects: "For Europe and Asia are alike interested in the cruise, by which the naval strength of the United States on the Pacific Ocean will exceed the naval strength of Japan or any other Nation", but the effects of the voyage would long outlive the two year venture.

Throughout the venture, from conception to completion, persuasion was a prominent goal. The voyage was undoubtably a move by the United States to gain global prestige and presence. As Richard Teare writes: "In a climate of tension, [...] Roosevelt launched [...] one of the country's most effective and long-lasting propaganda operations". Tensions were rising in the Pacific, and the German and British navies were steadily growing during this time. However the United States only possessed a small fleet located in the Atlantic and poorly defended settlements and ports in the Pacific. The United States wanted European powers to recognize its naval strength and the Japanese to see its power projection capabilities, so a fleet was built and launched. The plan was not guaranteed to work, but it was sure that the world would learn of the United State's military might. 

 Even more persuasive than the initiation of the voyage were the docking locations of the fleet. The navy entertained hundreds of requests, but it made sure to dock in Japan. In a 1907 article, the National Tribune reports: "Friendly visits to Japanese ports may be encouraged [...] for the purpose of demonstrating to the Japanese [...] the character of our Navy." After sailing thousands of miles and stopping in Japan, the fleet engaged in target practice. Thousands watched as the United States Navy proved that it could cross the world combat ready. An article in Military History states: "Many regard the voyage of the Great White Fleet as a practice in politics as usual: the United States mixing military muscle with diplomacy". 

  Domestically, the success of the Great White fleet was used to persuade Congress to increase the Navy's budget. Politicians, war enthusiasts, and navy officers alike saw the Great White Fleet as an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of a large navy to Congress. General Benjamin F. Tracy, former secretary of the navy, was quoted saying: "A navy that is largely inferior to another is of no use because a larger navy will destroy it at the first onslaught. If I were in Congress, I should vote for four battleships of 26,000 tons each [...] We need them." The Great White Fleet was designed to persuade the world as well as the government of the United States. 

Collaboration was also a goal of the fleet. The battleships stopped in parts of China in an attempt to cool tensions between China and Japan, clearly demonstrate to Japan the United State's intentions to protect its trade, and to foster the relationship between Japan and China. Japanese ships were often encouraged to make an appearance at Chinese ports, representing the geopolitical philosophy of international collaboration that was one of the fleet's purpose. 

The visit to Australia is perhaps the most obvious example of collaboration. While the United States impressed hundreds of thousands of Australian spectators with the might of its navy, the Australians benefited from the message of the United State's visit. Australia, with its newly gained independence, displayed its strategic importance to the United States and showed that it was capable of operating in the diplomatic world. This simple collaboration would lead to years of partnership between the United States and Australia. 

Arguably the most innovative aspect of the journey was its unprecedented take to military communications by the Great White Fleet. For the first time in history, wireless telephones were used on battleships to send and receive orders. Twenty eight of these telephones were installed throughout the Great White Fleet, making the "American Navy [...] the first to possess and adopt the wireless telephone", according to the Washington Times. The use of this communication device made moving supplies, organizing repairs, and directing maneuvers in rough waters much easier. The Washington Times reported: "In the fiercest gales, in storms at night, and in the densest fogs [...] ship may talk with ship or with a dozen ships at once as easily as if they were anchored along a city street". As opposed to the previous method of flag signaling, the wireless telephone was a clear winner. Flag signals only were effective when ships were in sighting distance of one another and visibility was clear, but the telephone allowed operators to talk up to eleven miles apart. The telephone offered a solution tot he long standing problem in the Navy: communication during combat and movements. 

The Great White Fleet truly was an innovative approach to propaganda and diplomacy. The voyage is often referred to by historians, such as Sebastian Lukasik, as "one of the crowning achievements of the Roosevelt presidency". President Roosevelt was able to display America's fierce military capabilities, calm political tensions in the Pacific region and prevent war with Japan, build lasting foreign relationships through collaboration, and impress potential enemies of the United States with its industrial and technological achievements. Although the mission was peaceful,  General Tracy reflected after the conclusion of the journey that "the trip is sure to attach a great reputation to our navy. There is no doubt at all that the experience and competency of our officers and men gained through the cruise will be invaluable to the service". The voyage developed the framework that guided foreign policy into the next century and successfully persuaded Congress to expand the US Navy. As General Tracy stated: "It has taught the public the necessity of a large and powerful fleet. If no other end was served [the cruise] has been invaluable to the American nation in that way". In the years to come, bases in the Philippines, Guam, and Japan would be constructed. 

1. Primary- Library of Congress: National Tribune

Annotation: I used this source to gather information on the purpose for the Great White Fleet’s venture around the world. The article is published on the Library of Congress’ database. This site is an excellent source for legitimate documents on any time period and contains useful information for my topic. I found political, practical, and ideological reasons for sending the fleet to the Pacific.

2. Primary- Library of Congress: Los Angeles herald

Annotation: This article proved to an invaluable source for quotes. I used quotations from General Benjamin F. Tracy as he described the success of the venture shortly after its conclusion in 1909. N one of his comments, General Tracy tries to persuade Congress to increase the size of the Navy. I found this article on the Library of Congress’ archive, a credible source for academic material.

3. Primary- Wireless Phones Make Battleships One Gigantic Chain

Annotation: I used this article to take notes on the communication aspect of the Great White Fleet. The article provided me with information about the wireless telephone, its adoption by the US navy, and the issues it helps overcome. This article was perfect for the objectives of this project. Written by the Washington Times in 1907 and documented on the Library of Congress, this is a legitimate source.

4. Secondary- The U.S. Navy's Great White Fleet served a foreign policy purpose in 1907.

Annotation: This article was posted on EBSCO Publishing and was written by Thomas Lohr in the Military History magazine. Thomas Lohr is a published author of several magazine and academic journal articles. I used this site to better understand the narrative and significance of the Great White Fleet’s voyage. This article helped me with the innovation requirement of the project. 

5. Secondary- A Note on Australian-American Security Relations

Annotation: This a journal article was published in the Australasian Journal of American Studies and was posted on the JSTOR database. Richard Teare, a member of the US Foreign Service for 39 years, wrote the article. Teare devoted much of his career to Southeast Asia studies and held many other important positions in politics. I used this source to find information supporting the political purpose of the Great White Fleet. It went into great detail on how he voyage served as propaganda for the United States and Theodore Roosevelt.

6. Secondary- The Eagle and the Kangaroo: The Great White Fleet's Visit to Australia.

Annotation: This article is posted on the Alabama Virtual Library and was written by Dr. David Stevens, a naval historian published in various journals and magazines. I used this source to learn about how collaboration with the United States helped US-Australia relations and how Australia used the visit to become a major world player. This article really shows that the effects of the voyage long outlived the actual event.

7. Secondary- The Great White Fleet: Reassessing America’s Rise to Power

Annotation: This essay was written by Sebastian H. Lukasik and was published on Auburn University’s research database. Lukasik is a Assistant Professor of Comparative Military History at the U.S. Air Force Air University. Lukasik received a PhD. in history from Duke University and was an assistant visiting professor in the Department of History at Duke before coming to Air University. I used this essay to further my knowledge on the effects of the Great White as it discussed it impact of US foreign policy for the next century.

8. Textbook- pg 604-606

Annotation: The textbook briefly covered the events leading up to the Great White Fleet. This information was already covered in my other sources, but this helped reinforce the facts. I used this source to gain a better understanding on the military and economic reasons behind the voyage as it discussed the Russo-Japanese war and Pacific trade.

The Great White Fleet arrives in San Diego America’s Navy

The Great White Fleet sets sail, the message of “Welcome! Come In” representing its peaceful mission and its move for improved foreign relations. Library of Congress

These images show the course of the Great White Fleet in the Pacific and Europe. The Pacific section is arguably the most important piece of the journey. Library of Congress (top) Library of Congress (bottom)

 

The firepower, weight, and speeds of all the warships are listed, publicizing the US Navy’s might. Library of Congress 

Australians gather to see the Great White Fleet pass by U.S. Naval Historical Center

How do you analyze a political cartoon?

The best way to analyze a political cartoon is to pay attention to the details. Little words in the corners, facial expressions, or even different levels of shading can conote meaning. The meaning of a lot of political cartoons lies in the tinniest features. For example, the placement of characters, exaggeration of physical features, or language used will explain the meaning of the picture. However the broad ideas are also important. Oftentimes, knowledge about world events, pop culture, or important actions is needed to understand the cartoons in the first place. The details then lead the viewer to understand the artists intentions.

According to westirondequoit.org, the best way to analyze a political cartoon is to first recognize the subject of the cartoon. Next, analyze the meaning of the symbols in the cartoon, read the title and caption, and then pay attention to the movement, actions, and changes in the scene. Finally, determine the authors point of view, the purpose of making the cartoon, and then the theme. I learned that the theme, symbols, and captions are important features of a political cartoon. I already knew that the words, actions, title, subject, and author's point of view were important. I plan to follow this guide as I look at political cartoons in the future. The method this blog uses is SCAMS: Symbols, Captions, Activities, Message, Subject.

This political cartoon by Louis Dalrymple is taken from the Library of Congress. Dalrymple is trying to spread support for US involvement in Cuba. The caption reads "The duty of the hour; - to save her not only from Spain, but from a worse fate". The symbol of the frying pan "Spanish Misrule" paints Spain as the antagonist that is harming Cuba, represented by the woman held over the fire of anarchy. The subject of this cartoon is that the US should get involved as it is its "duty".

This political cartoon by Winsor McCay is taken from Tidewater Community College. Winsor McCay is representing an anti-imperialism opinion. Uncle sam, a symbol of the Unites States, gets tangled up on the tree of imperialism while trying to control a wild donkey labeled Philippines. The donkey is a symbol of the Filipinos protesting imperial rule. A man symbolizing Spain walks into the distance with a bag labeled $20,000,000. This cartoon makes the point that only Spain benefited from the transaction, and the US is stuck with a problem. Uncle Sam is entangled and is sweating as he struggles with the donkey. Spain leaves with millions of dollars while the US is labeled as an imperialist nation and must deal with the resistant Filipinos.

This political cartoon by Clifford Berryman is taken from MIT Open Course Ware. The symbol of the big boot represents American presence and the small man to the left represents Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the Philippine opposition. A sign reads "Notice: the US is requested t withdraw PDQ". The word "requested" implies that the Filipinos have no real power to control the United States' presence, and the size of the red and white striped boot compounds this fact. The giant boot of the US States is there to stay, despite any attempts by the Filipinos to remove it. Aguinaldo attempts to wedge the boot away, but it doesn't budge. The subject of the piece is that Aguinaldo's cause is helpless. 

US History- First Semester Summary Activity

Grant Armstrong

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Mrs. Lawson

First Semester Summary Speech

In United States History class this semester, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the resilience of people in hard times. Whether through the oppression of slavery before the Civil and segregation during Reconstruction, or the fight of Native Americans to keep their culture and homelands during Western Expansion, Americans were constantly fighting adversity. The American dream of hope and triumph was created by these figures of the past, and today, I can look at the obstacles in my life and conquer them.  Just as workers in the Age of the City fought against the corruption of immerging business ideals, I can push through the challenges in my life and succeed. Although these heroes of the past are long gone, their legacy is timeless and their lesson remains: greatness is achievable.

However, I was unpleasantly surprised to learn about the hatred and brutality that was shown towards blacks after the Civil War. The history of the United States was arguably at its worst during Reconstruction. Despite hundreds of thousands of soldiers dying to eventually achieve victory, the ideas that helped start the war would plague the country for decades. Groups such as the KKK actively and violently sought ways to intimidate and scare blacks. Jim Crow laws enforced segregation, and African-Americans were treated as unequal. Racism is the scar of our nations past, as I learned.

Ten years form now, I will likely remember the power of movies in the class room. Simply by exercising the skill of empathy, valuable information can be learned from a historically accurate film. I really enjoyed watching Glory and 12 Years a Slave. Although these films did not match the events of history completely, they provided information in a memorable format. I will surely remember the ideology taught by Glory and 12 Years a Slave for years to come.

During the emergence of industrial supremacy in the nineteenth century, native-born Americans struggled to be accepting of immigrants from across the globe. This remains a problem today. Just as immigrants from Europe and Asia were condemned and hated in the past, immigration to the United States today is occasionally looked down upon. Although some may support immigration, there are still opinions that it should cease and even be reversed. Immigrants in modern day society are stereotyped and judged as inadequate, just as in the Age of the City. Even if immigrants have nothing to hide, Americans may suspect the worst. Some Americans today hold the opinion that immigrants cause crime, take jobs, or even illegally enter the United States even though it is not always true. Hopefully this issue disappears in the years to come.

I would name the period of United States History from 1865 to 1920 the “Great Advancement”. On all levels, economic, social, and geographic, the United States advanced in the world. Reconstruction marked the end of the war and the first step towards equality. The settlement of the west made hundreds of thousands of square miles usable, and the Industrial Revolution brought America cities, groundbreaking technologies, and its modern corporation that produced the wealthiest men in history. Child labor and working conditions dramatically changed due to the efforts of worker’s unions and protestors. Despite the many difficulties and obstacles that troubled America during these years, the United States advanced to become a world superpower and a place of progress. 

Thinking About Success

Luck, Opportunity, Skill, Hard work

1. Hard work
2. Skill
3. Opportunity
4. Luck

Hard work is arguably the most important quality for economic success, far more than skill. An unskilled person who works tirelessly is completely able to surpass a skilled person who does very little. Personal skill means nothing if it is not put into action. Opportunity is ranked in the third position because without skill or hard work, opportunities for economic success will never arise or never go far. If a businessman wishes to be successful, he first has to be hard working and skilled before he can properly take advantage of his opportunities. Luck is listed lastly for obvious reasons. Luck is completely arbitrary and impossible to control. Someone may think they are "lucky", but fail time and time again or consider themselves "unlucky" and win the lottery. It is a mindset, rather than some situation changing variable. The existence of luck can even be argued. Every person on this planet makes conscious decisions for some reason or another, so why wouldn't everything happen for a reason?

After reading an article on H&M's approach to Supply Chain Management and Supply Chain Digest's article on the top 10 Supply Chain Innovation, I learned that the business world is largely shaped by new technologies. Successful businesses excel both in marketing and efficiently delivering their products.
IT departments play a massive role in the success of a supply chain, and the internal connection between all business assets is crucial. Formulas that calculate sales potential in new areas and computers that keep track of inventory in real time have reshaped the corporate world. H&M's IT infrastructure allows corporate managers to have access to every step of the manufacturing process, leading to more effective management.
    In order for a business to succeed in the modern world, it must intelligently and quickly understand consumers' needs and provide convenient ways to shop. H&M is excellent at responding to new fashion trends, owing its success to its supply chain. With a network of 30 production offices all located near their individual supplies, H&M can quickly produce new products.
The FedEx Tracking system, the Ford assembly line, and the steel ocean shipping container are all examples of innovations that reshaped the consumption process int he past. Steel containers and tracking systems ensured customer satisfaction, while the Ford assembly line started a breakthrough in fast and cheap automobile production. A business may excel in marketing or customer service, but having well managed logistic is just as important, if not more so.

I would like to learn more about modern Supply Chain Management. I am still curious about the how a supply chain becomes successful.

Supply Chain Management Visual

Dear Father,

It is difficult adjusting to life in the city. Life here is completely different than on our farm. Every day I hear so many different languages and see so many strange things, and I sometimes get lost in the chaos. Not only do I have to get used to a new country and culture, but I have to get used to city life as well. Walking through the streets and neighborhoods on a normal day I see people from all across Europe and Asia. People speak in Russian, German, Chinese, and Danish. There are places where newspapers are sold and plays are performed in our native language. Foods of mixed cuisines are sold in shops and on the streets. I am encouraged to speak English everyday, and the new culture excites me.

From the few moths I've been here, I had noticed how diverse America is. Everyday I see hundreds of young, new faces, and I want to embrace being here. I want to be an American. I wish I could say I missed home, but I love America too much. I am proud to say I am an American. Other immigrants feel the way I do. I hear reports and see arguments between other Europeans who have conflicting ideas and cultures, but mostly we are all bound together by our common experience.

At work in the factory, I am treated differently. People seem to hate me, saying that I don't belong and that I should leave. Native born Americans take an elitist pride in the fact that they we born in the country. There are movements to restrict further immigration. Chinese immigration was banned by the government and people are scanned for literacy tests. Standards and rules are often unfairly applied to me because I immigrated. I miss you, but know that I am enjoying my new life.

Love,
your Son

Early Skyscrapers- Wikipedia

In 1862, Congress enacted the Pacific Railroad Act, tasking the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad companies with the daunting task of constructing a railroad that would span across the continental United States. However, underlying this accomplishment, a brilliant scam was developed that defined history and left the reputation of Congress tarnished.

In the late 1800s, Americans were optimistic about the future and eager for opportunities of success. It was a time of growth, wealth, and prospect as American History writes: “The process of westward expansion had […] renewed American ideas […] and had, therefore, shaped not just the west, but the nation as a whole.” The revolutionary business of railroads was still relatively new to the public by the time of the Transcontinental Railroad, and Thomas Durant, a board member on the Union Pacific, used society’s ignorance to launch his scheme.

Although Union Pacific received land and funding from the government to complete the Transcontinental Railroad, financial difficulty was still present. Congress contractually disallowed the Union Pacific from selling it stocks at underpar rates, yet investors refused to buy at full value until the project was completed. Investing in Railroads was considered very risky, and, oftentimes, companies found it difficult to profit and receive the necessary funding for their business. The majority of railroad funding went towards construction, and owners were not usually paid until its completion. Union Pacific lacked the requisite means to continue long-term construction, and failure looked very possible. In response to their obstacle, the board of the Union Pacific created a company called the Crédit Mobilier to earn profits by selling stocks and bonds.

The new company acted as a middleman, taking stock from the Union Pacific at face value and selling it to investors at lower rates. In order to make up for this problematic loss, Durant exaggerated the construction fees and overcharged the government. The Stark County Democrat described the situation: “The directors of the road were forbidden by law from […] holding other interests of profit. They could not become beneficiaries of their trust [but] they soon found a way to do it.” The process allowed Durant and his insiders to flourish. Approximately $16.5 million was made in profits, and by the time of the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion in mid 1869, Union Pacific stock value had risen 750%. The scandal guaranteed the criminals profits free from the risks of the arising west, and writers at the Stark County Democrat reflect: “They swindled the United States, the bondholders and the stockholders for the benefit of their own close corporation.”

In this time period of expansion and new beginnings, Durant found away to steal a piece of the success for himself and his colleagues. To historians of the time period, Durant’s motives thougts make sense, yet his actions are unforgivable. Rather than worrying about financially detrimental Indian attacks, stalls, and uneducated, reckless workers, Durant scammed his success against the odds. The scheme quickly turned into a political scandal as Congressman Oakes Ames of Massachusetts became involved. Being a member of the House Pacific Railroad Committee, Ames had a financial interest in Iowa railroads, and he wanted the Transcontinental Railroad to involve his interests. Congressman Ames reached out to the Crédit Mobilier, and they agreed. In return, Ames would sell stock to other influential Congressmen at rates far below market value in a means of covering up the criminal workings. Ames’ offer was appealing, and many state members bought into the scheme. According to PBS historians, he “distributed stock to two senators and nine representatives […] Some eventually returned the gift […] [as] all recipients held influence over railroad legislation”. Ames was quoted saying he wanted to sell the stocks and bonds “where they would do the most good to us”. The politicians granted Crédit Mobilier its funding and often overlooked the actual expenses. They were bribed, in a way, to keep quiet. The agreement assured Crédit Mobilier fabulous profits and allowed Congressmen to make money off of an essentially rigged stock.

During the election season of 1872, the New York Sun exposed the Crédit Mobilier scandal and Speaker of the House, Jaimes G. Blaine, established a Congressional Committee to investigate. Many politicians denied involvement, and in an attempt to avoid prosecution, Oakes Ames stated: “We want[ed] more friends in Congress, and if a man will look into the law, he can not help being convinced that we should not be interfered with”. Despite efforts to deceive the Committee, Oakes Ames was removed form Congress along with other members who accepted the stock. Furthermore, the scandal left outgoing Vice President Schuyler Colfax with a reputation for being corrupt and placed James A. Garfield’s political career in jeopardy.

Like many in question, Garfield denied involvement. The Crédit Mobilier crisis was difficult to correct due to the great deal of people involved and the lack of solid evidence. The media led most of the public rage and accusations with frequent articles and political cartoons, yet singling out the actual criminals proved difficult for the Congressional Committee. The Stark County Democrat described the dilemma Congress faced: “The Crédit Mobilier affair is complicated by the most unfortunate contradictions of the testimony which the committee did not undertake to unravel […] Garfield perjured himself in his testimony [as] a man of truth and veracity.” In response to accusations during his election campaign, Garfield responded: “I never received or agreed to receive any stock of the Crédit Mobilier […] nor any profits arising from them”. Garfield eventually avoided serious punishment, yet the remainder of his career was surrounded in controversy.

Through the ideals of western expansion, a scheme boomed. The Crédit Mobilier scandal left the United States government more aware and sensitive to corruption, and exposed the venerability of the stock market. More importantly, its effect on Congress would far outlive the people involved. What started from a simple idea of success would plague the government for years to come and ruin the reputations and integrity of the convicted politicians.

Congressmen, accused of owning Credit Mobilier stock and being involved in the scandal, (right) face the judgement and disgrace of the capitol (left) in this political cartoon. New York Times- Credit Mobilier Scandal

Thomas Durant, a board member of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, created the Credit Mobilier company to scam millions of dollars from the government. Wikipedia- Thomas C. Durant

Congressman Oakes Ames distributed Credit Mobiler stock to members of the House and Senate, causing the scandal to have severe political implications. Wikipedia- Oakes Ames

This political cartoon shows Uncle Sam shaming Durant, Ames, and all of the congressmen involved in the scandal. Mstartzman- Credit Mobilier Scandal 

A train makes its way across a railroad in the 1800s. Seemingly an innocent business of transportation, the railroad construction of Union Pacific had underlying criminal activity. NPR- How Trains 'Railroaded' The American Economy

Sources:

1.Encyclopedia Britannica- Credit Mobilier Scandal

2. PBS- Credit Mobilier Scandal and Politics

3. History- Transcontinental Railroad Background and Risks

4. History- Credit Mobilier Scandal Background

5. Library of Congress Primary Source- Stark County Democrat Newspaper

6. New York Times- Credit Mobilier Explanation and Politics

7. American History: A Survey- Western Expansion and National Feelings

8. History Study Center- Railroad Construction Risks “The Railroad in America” by Douglas Edwards