The Gilded Age

Historical Background
The growth of industry and capitalism during this period generated a controversy that is still with us today: is capitalism good for America? This should be a topic that you have heard a little about in today's world as well with the current economic crisis, and the issue of how much the government should regulate the economy.
Assignment
On your blog, you need to pick one of the "Robber Barons" and do a biography of that person. You will need to show how they were able to rise to the top (was it the American Dream or something else), how they were able to consolidate their power, and how the government's policies affected their businesses.
You will need to comment on at least two other students' blogs that did a different person than you and one that did the same person as you. This needs to be more than just "I agree with Moya."
Some possible choices for Robber Barons are Carnegie, Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Morgan. No more than three students can do the same one, so call dibs as soon as possible in a comment to this blog.

The Closing of the Western Frontier

Myth vs. Reality



You should watch clips of a Hollywood western of your choice and prepare a report that contrasts the romanticized Hollywood version with the reality presented in your textbook. You should do this on your blog and comment on three of your classmates' blogs. If you need suggestions then let me know (I've always liked Tombstone).