Post for #1-9

After watching the video in class on Matthew Perry and the opening of Japan, read this newspaper article from the Lawrence Journal-World and pages 196-200 in your history book.  In the comments, have a discussion on US actions.

Some questions to help get you started would include:

• What were the pros and cons of the US following a path of isolationism?
• How might America have been different if we had not found a new frontier to explore?
• Is it right for countries to try and expand?  Why?  In what circumstances?
• Was the US justified in using "gunboat diplomacy" to get Japan to trade?  Why/why not?

These questions can guide your thought process, but please try to make this as close to a real discussion as possible - don't treat this as a homework assignment where you answer each question.  You don't even have to answer each question.  Simply choose one or two of the topics and explain how you feel about those.  After someone has commented, you can respond as you would if you were having a discussion in class.

You will be given a grade for this discussion.  Since we are just starting to experiment with this format, that will obviously be factored in.  However, things we are looking for are that you: A) participate.  B) make at least two comments (preferably at least one of which responds specifically to another individual's comments.)  C) make quality comments that show you paid attention to/learned something from the video, newspaper, and textbook.  In order to receive credit for your comments, please "sign" your post by putting your number at the end of your comment.  Since we are just using comments on a public blog, you don't need to use your name.

Enjoy!