TimeLine:
Primary Sources:
Summary: This article describes the food poisoning of General J. Madison Drake, his wife and nine other members of his family. Although suffering violent cramps and vomiting they were all out of danger except for the youngest son who had to be confined to bed. This article was only one of the many stories depicting the dangers in the food industry and giving light to a needed reform of policy.
Significance: This article is significant because it demonstrates the hazardous conditions that had to have taken place in the workplace to produce such unhealthy food as well as the contaminated food source the majority of citizens were living off of. Newspaper articles and books such as The Jungle shown light on the serious matter at hand and brought on reform of policy. Student: Megan J. |
Summary: This is an Excerpt from "The Jungle" and illustrates the lack of involvement that our federal government had in our production of food regarding cleanliness. It talks about the disease and waste product that was near the food and sometimes got into the food.
Signigicance: The importance of this is to bring to attention the unheigenic conditions that the food that was consumed was in. This explains the excess amout of disease, sickness, and death that occured during this time as well. It portrays valid reasons as to why the people petitioned and stood up for health regulations and that people were desperate enough at that time to eat that kind of food. Student: Rilley R. |
Summary: This letter is about how Theodore Roosevelt felt about Wilson's assertive response to the sinking of the Lusitania. He felt that Wilson was too aggressive and rash about his decision to enter the war. In addition to that, Roosevelt also theorized on what Abraham Lincoln would have reacted and started criticizing the government and its followers.
Significance: This is significant because it gives an insight on how Roosevelt felt about his government and the US citizens. Also, there was insight on Roosevelt's character as well: of his cynicism about America and his thoughts on how Wilson leads them to war. Student: Priscilla L. |
Summary: First Published in McClure's popular magazine in 1899, this piece was written by a british man discussing America's attempts to colonize the Phillippines and other land that was previously owned by Spain. The poem can be seen as Euro-centric as he makes out other nationalities to be childish and devilish. He explains how it is his duty to help the poor whether they wanted it or not and hints that the rising power that is America should do the same.
Significance: The United States uses the idea of the "White Man's Burden" to intervene in foreign affairs since they feel they are better off than some countries and must use their advantage to assist the less fortunate. The burden became a euphemism for imperialism and Roosevelt was impressed with the poem, saying that it was a good representation of the expansionist point of view. Student: Melissa H. |