Abitur Q1 Lernzettel - USA

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laws enforcing racial segregation the abolition of slavery did not mean equal rights for African Americans Jim Crow laws effectively segregated black and white people in all areas of society including churches, hospitals, theatres and schools. African Americans were denied the right to vote, go to school, etc. many signs were set up -> such as "Whites only" aim was to ensure that African Americans were unable to influence society in any way contradicting the laws was severely punished Civil Rights Movement( 1954-1968) - social movement by African Americans to end racial segregation, discrimination and racism that took place in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s and gain equal rights protesters seeked after justice and equality famous for using non-violent protests and civil disobedience decisive event was when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for a white man activists of the movements: Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Civil War - The Civil War in the United States began in 1861, after decades of tensions between northern and southern states over slavery, states' rights and westward expansion The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 caused seven southern states to secede and form the Confederate States of America; four more states soon joined them War ended in 1865 with the surrender of the Confederates The conflict was the costliest and deadliest war ever fought on American soil Black Lives Matter Movement - is an international activist movement originating in the African-American community that campaigns against police brutality and racially motivated violence towards Black people - the movement was created by the use of the #BlackLivesMatter on social media after the acquittal of George Zimmermann in the shooting death of the African American boy Travyon Martin Origins: 2013 → inspired by the Civil Rights Movement began after the death of Trayvon Martin, a 17 year-old African American boy who was shot by George Zimmerman, in February 2012; Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges in July 2013 Goals as a result the BLM protests started because of police brutality against black men The #BLM was invented by three women (Alicia Garza; Patrice Cullors; Opal Tometi) to fight against white police brutality, discrimination and racism in the US judicial system to achieve racial justice and equality and safety for PoC in society; to create awareness for racism to remember the people who were killed by the police and get justice for them - to create safe communities to expand the movement nationally and globally to end white supremacy in America and worldwide Development and BLM today since 2012 several other black people were killed by police officers, members of vigilante groups or other white people in 2014 Michael Brown and Eric Garner were shot -> this led to protests again In 2020, the killing of George Floyd by a police officer peaked the global spread of BLM there were consequences as a results of the protests and the brutal behavior towards black people, e.g. police chiefs were fired the police officer who killed George Floyd, Derek Chauvin, was convicted for the murder of George Floyd and sentenced to 22 years of jail in June 2021 Today there is global support for the BLM but also criticism and as a reaction to #BLM other hashtags came to life ➜ #alllivesmatter; #bluelivesmatter (in favor of police officers) #whitelivesmatter BLM Movement vs. Civil Rights Movement The Ku Klux Klan used different strategies to attract attention, be heard and influence change BLM hashtag: less informative, but reached millions of people, information, more subtle civil rights movement was fighting against extreme racism through segregation laws - is an American white suprematist, right-wing terrorist and hate group whose primary targets are African-Americans, Native Americans, as well as immigrants, homosexuals and Muslims Kyle Rittenhouse case they were responsible for the deaths of many black people by lynching since they often had connections to influential people in society, which made it difficult to stop them - protests in Kenosha erupted after Rusten Sheskey, a white Kenosha police officer, shot and wounded Jacob Blake, a Black man, on Aug. 23, 2020 Issue Kyle Rittenhouse, a white 18-year-old, testified that he intended to act as a medic and help protect private property But the night spiraled out of control → Rittenhouse shot and killed two white men and injured a third one was acquitted on all charges on Nov. 19 in his trial Mr Blake said in an interview that if Mr Rittenhouse had been of a different ethnicity, "he'd be gone" Mr Rittenhouse was not immediately arrested after he shot three white men - two of them fatally - despite surrendering to police Reinforces white privileged AMERICA'S CORNERSTONE DOCUMENTS A. Mayflower Compact first political agreement for self-government in America signed on 21. November 1620 aboard the ship Mayflower in Cape Cod Massachusetts foundation for common rules of government was necessary → because the Pilgrims were about to settle in an area outside the jurisdiction of their patent ➜ because several passengers threatened to make their wn rules - The Pilgrim leaders persuaded forty-one of the male adults on board to sign the Mayflower Compact and set up a government in Plymouth Colony ➜ frequently cited as the beginning of American Democracy → influenced the founding of the US Constitutio B. The Declaration of Independence - on 11 June 1776: Congress appointed a committee to draft a formal Declaration of Independence thirteen American colonies announced their freedom from British rule Thomas Jefferson ( one of the appointed members) was asked to write the draft - on 4 July 1776 the Second Continental Congress adopted Jefferson's draft ➜ celebrated as the birthday of the United States "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." equality + idea of human rights that nobody can take away any government needs to accept and respect those rights if not it can be abolished by the people religious origin (creator= God) idea of law that is made for and by people Bill of Rights original Constitution had few guaranties for the protection of individual liberties most Americans felt that a clear statement of these rights was necessary in order to make the document complete Bill of Rights: describes the basic rights of the people and forbids the government from denying these liberties explicitly guarantees freedoms of speech, religion, the press and the right to assemble -> equal rights and opportunities for all Americans regardless of class and background by 15 December 1791, a majority of the states had approved the ten amendments ➜they became a permanent addition to the Constitution and are known as the Bill of Rights (LOOK AT AMENDMENTS) The Constitution written in 1787, ratified in 1788 and in operation since 1789 first three words "We the people " government exists to serve its citizens ➜the citiziens have an active say in how they are governed ➜citiziens have the power to elect the people who govern them ➜ politicians are responsible for representing their needs US government has its three individual branches, which underlines the importance of the separation of powers system declares that each of the three branches has some power over the others, so that no one branch can become too strong federal system Legislative: - made up of two houses full of elected representatives from the States they make proposals for law, known as bills Executive: president and his/her closest advisors (group called the cabinet) received those bills ➜either sign or reject them, turning them into law Judicial: judges settle arguments about how individual laws should be applied - had the right to overrule any laws that violate the constitution Individual citizens able to vote their representatives of the congress (legislative branch) and the president (executive) Creates a representative democracy - Democratic principles today: free and fair elections freedom of expression access to alternative and independent sources of information autonomous and independent associations Indusive citizenship "no adult permanently residing in the country can be denied the rights that are available to citizens - the independence of the judiciary system from the government neutral civil service ||| elected representatives control of the government by members of a parliament which are elected by the citizens ↑ Political parties : The US is basically a two-party state, consisting of the Democratic Party and the Republican Party there are also some smaller parties are typically more successful at local or state level Democratic Party: evolved from the party of Thomas Jefferson formed before 1800 more liberal believes that the government has an obligation to provide social and economic programs favors a higher taxation of the rich stranger obligation to environment ergagement Republican Party: was established in the 1850s by Abraham Lincoln and others who opposed slaver more conservative tends to believe that social and economic programs are too costly to taxpayers encourages enterprise believes that a strong private sector makes citizens less dependent on government The election process: every four years the parties nominate candidates in so-called state primaries at national party conventions state delegates vote for the party's presidential candidate on election day: every citizen has an opportunity to vote in a process of indirect poplar election known as the electoral college, in which the number of electors is based on the population of the state (Wahlmänner) these electors assemble following election day, cast their ballots and officially select the next president The Political System of the United States Constitution of 1787 as the basis ➜system of Checks and Balances : separation of power → prevents any branch from becoming who powerful first-past-the-post voting system in which the highest polling candidate is given all the votes and elected right to vote : every legal citizen over the age of 18, regardless of ethnicity or gender free and secret voting The legislative branch (makes laws) The judicial branch (evaluates laws) Two chambers of Congress meet in the Capitol: the House of Representatives - 435 Representatives (Congressmen, Congress- women) serve for two years and the Senate 100 Senators serve six years. Checks and balances: Each part of the US government can check the others' decisions. Congress can ... - pass/veto/ratify laws and treaties and approve the appointment of justices - regulate commerce, taxes, spending and military expenses and declare war The Supreme Court - nine supreme judges, appointed for life - the highest court of appeal -checks new laws for validity according to the Constitution The executive branch (carries out laws) The Supreme Court can ... - declare executive actions and laws unconstitutional The President - Head of State and Government - Commander-in-Chief of the US Armed Forces and the Cabinet - Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments The President can ... - propose/approve/veto laws - make treaties with foreign governments - nominate Supreme Court judges be impeached by Congress Political Speeches Gettysburg Address Abraham Lincoln- 19. November 1863 Place: Military Cemetery of Gettysburg During the Civil War: 1861-1865 intention dedication and opening" of the cemetery honor the fallen soldiers ➜BUT them losing their lives is not comparable to any words keep alive the spirit of the war in order to achieve the goals of the abolishment of slavery and the American Union ➜ Americans are supposed to keep fighting for freedom reminds the audience of the foundation of liberty and equality Obamas's first inauguration speech 2009-> when he became President of the US addresses the problems and difficulties America has to face and how he wants to solve them ➜wants to reinvent the old American values to create a better future ➜ America was in a crisis due to economic, financial and social issues convinces Americans to assume responsibility for present challenges and using American values to redress the situation Geraldine Ferraro's speech 1984 →she accepted her nomination for the Democratic Vice President as the first female nominee America as the land where dreams can come true for every American stresses her emotional bond and relation to America and its values encourages audience to hold on to the values and beliefs which were passed from eneration to ration, to shape a better future I have a dream" by Martin Luther King Jr. 28 August 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial the speech is a cry for racial equality and for a fairer and equal world in which African Americans will be as free as white Americans praises the the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence compares these documents to a promissory note ➜they contain the promise that all men, including Black men, will be guaranteed what the Declaration of Independence calls 'inalienable rights' → King asserts that America in the 1960s has 'defaulted' on this promissory note raises awareness of problems in the American society regarding civil rights points out reasons why racism and discrimination must be eradicated hope and faith are very important to achieve the aim of equality for everybody and to be united refers to the Bible all men and women are God's children has a dream that one day his children will live in a country where they are judged not by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. King's whole speech emphasizes the equality of blacks and whites and freedom for everyone CURRENT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROBLEMS IN THE US Health care system: Despite spending far more on healthcare than other high-income nations, the US scores poorly on many key health measures ➜ satisfaction with the current healthcare system is relatively low in the US There is no universal healthcare - The U.S. government does not provide health benefits to citizens or visitors Any time you get medical care, someone has to pay for it. Healthcare is very expensive ➜good health care is not affordable for everyone ➜ depends on how much you can pay for your health insuran poor health care system because there is no mandatory health insurance for everyone Racism today: Black citizens have experienced a disproportional amount of police checks and violence, leading to the 'Black Lives Matter' movement → The majority lives in poor neighborhoods and has no opportunity to improve their social status - discrimination and prejudices in society inequality of immigrants ( POC, Asians, Muslims) other minorities who are still fighting for freedom and equality are Native Americans, Hispanics and LGBTQ+ people undocumented immigrants and their children, "dreamers' are longing for the right to remain in the US -> hope to be allowed to attend college or work legally Education system: expensive colleges / universities poor parents can not afford a good education for their children because good schools are often private-> therefore very expensive African Americans often live in poor districts which leads to poor education students from wealthy homes often have much better access to well-funded schools andhigher education than those from poor neighbourhoods Gender inequality American women are still fighting against inequality ➜earning on average just 75 % of American men's wages gender lity and social harassment ➜the 'Me too' campaign encouraged women to speak out against sexual abuse and expose it as systemic Gun laws / gun violence I guns are deeply ingrained in American society and the nation's political debates The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives Americans the right to bear arms to defend his freedom about a third of U.S. adults say they personally own a gun gun violence is ranging from rising murder rates in some major cities to mass ahootings Overwhelming evidence shows that firearm ownership and access is associated with increased suicide, homicide and injuries Despite calls for limiting the right to beat arms, especially after bloody school shootings, many Americans are unwilling to give up their guns - unequal distribution of income and wealth -> high gap between rich and poor people low minimum wages Illegal immigration: illegal immigrants from Latin America live in poor conditions and are exploited climate change is a problem often denied especially by affluent people, who like to keep up their high standard of living Unemployment Corona-Pandemie: many got sick and died; damaged the economy Abortion The pro-choice issue is politically polarised in the US, clashing with the pro-life view that abortion discriminates against unborn children Democrats are more likely to say abortion should be legal than Republicans - And in 1973, the Supreme Court established the legal right to access abortion nationwide - The Texas Heartbeat Act, Senate Bill 8, bans abortion after the detection of embryonic or fetal cardiac activity Q1.2 Living in the American society - the American way of life Manifest Destiny - ,,Manifest Destiny" is used to justify the continued territoral expansion of the borders of the United States, settlement, immigration, exploration - creates reasons to conquer new land and justifies America's ideological need to dominate the continent belief that Manifest Destiny gave them the right and power to settle, plant and farm Indian land idea that the US is chosen to expand its dominion and spread democracy and capitalism across the world -> (e.g. Iraq war " spreading of democracy") Life: Manifest Destiny reflects the prides which characterize American nationalism in the mid 19th century and the idealistic vision of social perfection through God and the church American attitude : - expansion across the Western territories promised the American Dream freedom and independence of seemingly limitless land significant shifts in societal concepts and tradition some ideals, beliefs and values continue to be important in American cuture and for American society The American Way of Life is about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as granted in the Declaration of Independence of 1776 Pursuit of happiness → individual way of pursuing one's dreams and realizing one's good ➜ personal and material success and wealth ➜ optimism and belief in "anticipated" success' Fundamental, inalienable and God-given rights Liberty: -> personal and religious freedom Equality: equal rights for men and women equal rights for people from different ethnicities and social backgrounds living a secure life protected by the law, government and military An open and dynamic society →generally open to new ideas and inventions ➜ open to immigrants of any nationality, provided they contribute positively to the country Individualism central concept in the way Americans see themselves and are viewed by others the idea of self-reliance and responsibility for one's own fate has shaped the American attitude Immigration to the US US is a nation of immigrants with a racially, ethnically and culturally diverse population The US itself on being nation of immigrants which has a long history of successfully absorbing people from across the globe → Nevertheless, the experiences often differ very strongly in terms of success and life in America The legal regime under which they immigrated has changed radically over that time; the politics surrounding those changes have remained contentious, and past immigration policies inform the current political debate ethnic groups: 1. whites descendents of a mixture of different nationalities and celtures (+ Britain, Ireland, Italy, Germany, ...) - reasons for immigration: last centuries war, religious persecution, hunger or poverty 2. Latinos: from all Central and South American countries Hispanics from Spanish-speaking countries illegal immigration across the Mexican-American border 3. African-Americans second largest minority descendents of Africans who were brought to the US as slaves after the abolition of slavery in 1865 they faced segregation and discrimination anti-discrimination laws and programmes have improved the social situation of blacks 4. Asian Americans: diverse group descendants of Chinese railroad workers in the 18th century Irelative newcomers (eg. from Korea, Vietnam or India) Us immigration - timeline: 16 th century first Europeans had begun establishing settlements (+ British, German, Spanish, French) 17th century 1607: the English founded their first permanent settlement in present-day America First settlers from Europe → came for better future and opportunities; to escape poverty, religious and political oppression ➜fled religious persecution in Europe Puritans migrated to the US because of seeking religious freedom → colonial period: involuntary immigrants were the millions of people, who were transported from Africa against their will → put to work as slaves on sugar, cotton and tobacco plantations or as servants to their 'owners', often under horrendous conditions. 19th century: 1882 immigrants from Nothern and Western Europe 1/3 came from Ireland due to massive famine mid-1800s Asian immigrants migrated to the US because of the California gold rush "Chinese Exclusion Act" banned Chinese laborers from coming to America Early 20th century more than 20 million immigrants in a time of industralization and urbanization immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe Changed immigration laws led to more non- Europeans entering the country steadily increasing immigration from Latin America and Asian countries like China, the Philippines or India Asian immigration 1850: 1882 ,,Chinese Exclution Act,, → Chinese immigration was restricted for the next 60 years 1885 - 1907 1900s 1920s 1935 young men from china were recruited as contract labourers (- working as miners, railroad bulders, farmers, factory workers and fishermen) 1965 Japanese, Korean and Indian labourers arrived to replace the Chinese immigrants 1975 Japanese immigration was restricted by an agreement between the US and Japan Korean and South Asian immigrants entered the United states as cheap laborers Sikh immigrants from the Purjabi region immigrated to Canada - the entry of Fillpinos was also restricted Filipinos migrated to the West Coast to work in farms and canneries, filling the continuing need for cheap labor 1910 - 1940: Chinese immigrants were detained at Angel Island in response to the civil rights movement, a large number of Asians were able to come to the United States refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos entered the US after escaping from war, social chaos, discrimination and economic hardship Geographical distribution of different ethnic populations in the USA majority of Hispanics live in the South and West, i.e. in states near Mexico (California, Texas) →in Florida, many Hispanics come from Cuba - majority of African Americans live the Southern states, i.e. Alabama; Mississippi; South Carolina majority of Asian Americans live the West, i.e. California, Nevada Melting pot Definition: - the term is used to describe the cultural integration of immigrants to a certain place and the fusion of nationalities, ethnicities and cultures the melting pot theory of multiculturalism assumes that various immigrant groups ,,melt together", abandoning their individual cultures and eventually becoming fully assimilated into the predominant society damaging concept because immigrants are urged to abandon their ethnic culture ➜ people struggle adapt to the behavior/appearance ➜they feel lonely, left out ➜ differences between people who were born in the US, came later -> Grace → forgo their own culture in order to be socially accepted → As a country of immigration, America used to see itself as "melting pot", where individuals give up their original identity and culture to become Americans Salad bowl - people of different cultures live in harmony but maintain their traditions and their native language components do not melt together but rather keep each element's integrity US: example are second-generation Americans, who seek the AD abroad today the American society is more of a multicultural and diverse society, like a "salad bowl", in which different cultures mix but remain independent → Second generation immigrants have preserved their culture to such an extend that they can return to a country in which they have never lived before themselves The American Dream- Reality, Illusion or Nightmare Definition: The AD is a set of beliefs and ideals in which every American is - in theory - free to prosper and advance socially and financially through hard work Better, richer, and happier life for all citizens of every rank ➜ Everyone is able to attain to the fullest stature The origins of the AD: it is rooted in the Declaration of Independence (1771) ➜ proclaims that all men are created equal" with the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" in the 18th and 19th century, the American Dream was based on morality, honesty and other values (industry, temperence, perserverance etc...). -> the "Ladder of Fortune" The goal (=fruit in the tree) of the A.D. was not only material wealth and success, but also honor, influence, the favour of God, etc. - it was the dream of a land, in which life should be better and richer for everyone, with the opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement dream of social order in which everyone can be recognized by others for what they are and what they are capable of, regardless of the circumstances of birth or position - The American dream has lured millions of all nations to America The Dimensions of the American Dream (Greenline Book) 1. Individual Dimension: - through hard work everyone can achieve a better life economic dream of personal success and prosperity (from rags-to-riches) everyone has the opportunity to a better life personal dream of freedom and self-realization -> personal "pursuit of happiness" 2. Social Dimension/Society: justice, equality for everyone in society; everyone has the same opportunities 3. Political Dimension/Political System: democracy, justice, legal equality; freedom; Bill of Rights 4. Religious Dimension: - America is the promised land Americans (Puritans) are the chosen people by God freedom to exercise one's religion and creed American Dream Today Text: "Is the American Dream Killing us?" According to the author, the death rate among white middle-aged people with low education (i.e no college degree) has increased over the past decades main causes are "deaths of despair" by substance abuse or suicide economists attribute these deaths to a steady deterioration in job opportunities for people with low education, which leads to failed marriages and family problems For these people the AD is unattainable and they feel this as a negative judgement on their lives Text: "Trump is killing the American Dream" According to the author, the AD has been endangered for some time but the Trump administration's racist and classist politics have made it worse Trump's immigration politics were racist ➜ he cut taxes for the rich, imposed more taxes on the working class, took funding away from the public school system and allowed tax savings for private schools For the author it is important for the American society to keep having faith in the AD because otherwise people may turn bitter and hostile toward each other Conclusion in the 18th and 19th century the AD was about morality, honesty, honor, etc. concept of the AD has changed over time - since the 1940s/1950s the AD has meant acquiring material wealth: it is more superficial and it only refers to material wealth - the AD has been endangered for decades many people cannot live up to it believing in the AD has become a nightmare for immigrants because of the racist politics it is much harder for immigrants to achieve the AD, especially illegal immigrants and their children (Dreamers) and African-Americans achieving the AD depends on which class you belong the poor, the working poor, the uneducated and lower working class people have a harder time to achieve the AD It is easier to achieve for the people who belong to the middle or upper classes to move up from a lower class to a higher class (= upward social mobility) is very difficult → income is highly correlated to the money your parents make job opportunities depend on access to good education and not everyone has that ➜vicious circle → dream is stolen by diminishing opportunities to obtain quality public education Nevertheless, the majority of Americans still believe in the AD, even those who belong to the lower classes the AD is a myth or promise that shapes the American identity and common values or beliefs even today nowadays the American dream is questioned by many people,arguing that it is an illusion that contradicts reality in the US LOTTERY INDUS alamy - FF7EG9 STRIKE dolg STOCK EXCHANGE The Significance of Religion in the United States Religion in the United States is remarkable in its high adherence (= Anhängerschaft) level - compared to other developed countries - the First Amendment to the country's Constitution prevents the government from having any authority in religion guarantees the free exercise of religion + separation of church and state majority of Americans report that religion plays a "very important" role in their lives the US has the world's largest Christian population → contains the largest Protestant population in the world in Christians represent 65% of the total adult population Judaism is the second-largest religion in the U.S followed by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam -> each with 1% of the population On social issues the Catholic Church takes strong positions against abortion and same-sex marriage has formed coalitions with Protestant evangelicals while the country is highly religiously diverse, the American national identity and patriotism is often linked to Christianity → examples include the public religious rhetoric of 'God Bless America' → major American holidays: Fourth of July ceremonies; Thanksgiving Puritans English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to purify the Church of England of Roman Catholic practices ➜ convinced, that the Church of England had not been fully reformed and should become more Protestant - Puritans developed as their own informal denomination because of differences of belief between Puritans and Anglicans → to create a more pure or scripturally motivated form of Christianity Today, Puritanism is strongly associated with early colonial America - Beliefs and Principals feeling of being a member of the "god-chosen-people" feeling of the necessity to honor god in order to be blessed and succeed spiritual health and welfare of the community being the most important thing of all Puritan values in American society: puritan work ethic: idea that with hard work, discipline and responsibility one can achieve anything hard work and good deeds would bring rewards, in life and after work is a calling from God - success was seen as a sign of salvation belief in predestination (= Vorbestimmung) prudishness upright morality Negative and positive consequences of the Puritan legacy in the US society today Negative consequences: prudishness and judgements about sexuality Prejudice against minorities/racism people with high moral standards they tend to overrate themselves; judge others more harshly Positive consequences: Belief in hard work, especially Protestants are hard working people belief in the value of good deeds -> charity, foundations, valueof volunteer work high moral standards (at least in theory) Patriotism: Patriotism is the feeling of love, loyalty, devotion, support and/or pride directed toward one's country American patriotism is rooted in conservative values which include honor, loyalty, and bravery → US is known as the most patriotic country in the world Patriotism in the US is decreasing the media blames Trump, but the patriotic sentiment has been waning for years Obamas future goals to keep patriotism alive I↑ 1 America should become and stay a safe, respected and admired country Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is probably the most patriotic holiday for Americans Living in the landscape • escape from mainstream society and stressful life/ pressure of success/ family issues / rues set by society / responsibility →leave one's past behind; seach of new adventures and new values Pro happiness in nature, minimalistic lifestyle → little mass of people and good neighbour connections -calm → little road traffic → healthier air →nature - easy to relax space for duldren cheap housing areas beautiful landscapes easy to be successful →lots of schools many jobs progressive infrastructure shopping possibilities → cultural diversity entertainments Pro long distences to Important places (→→schools, hospitals) lack of resources (eg. medical facilities,...) → Little transit → a few jobs →loneliness Contra noise ->> Contra verschmutzung → environmental pollution high crime rate → homeless people → expensive life → busy trafic 1- lack of community anonymity Experiences of immigrants OUT OF MEXIKO, INTO CERTAINTY Mr. Zannikos - arrived 40 years earlier than Mr.Peralta without legal papers but had the chance to become a legal citizen in 1986 after the last national amnesty (The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986) legalization helps immigrants tremendously achieved the AD, became successful, owns a restaurant children graduated from high school and attended college joined the Labour Union which protected his labour rights Mr. Peralta is not successful arrived 40 years later than Mr. Zannikos without documents and money people have become more prejudiced today the gap between the educational demands of the US economy and the low level of schooling of the immigrants is higher than before immigration policies are stricter it is harder for undocumented immigrants to become legal ( Problem for Dreamers) many undocumented workers -> easily replaced growing conflict in society -> immigrants welcomed or not ! American businesses today profit from cheap labour and worker's exploitation An Immigrant's Dream Candido/America illegal immigrants from Mexiko Candido managed to get low-paid jobs until he got injured they do not have enough groceries because Candido cannot work, America goes to find an illegal job she is full of hope despite the hard situation ➜poor working conditions ,, Children of immigrants seek American Dream abroad" -> article from New York Times Mr. Samir Kapadia second-generation American (born in India, grew up in the US) sees how friends/relatives are more successful in India quits his 9-to-5 job and moves to Mumbai ghly educated educated children of immigrants are moving to their ancestral countries in growing numbers decision to leave: ➜1) pushed by dismal hiring climate →2) pulled by prospects abroad/ better opportunities ➜3) can advance socially and economically better because the economies there are thriving world's less developed countries, who suffered from brain drain, where many highly educated people left their country for better opportunities abroad, experience a reverse flow ➜not bad for the US: young entrepreneurs sow American knowledge abroad build networks that they can carry back to the US Mr Chin Chinese American born in Michigan mother and grandparents from China, wife's parents from Taiwan now in Shanghai, where he started two companies two children, who were born China Mrs Jain Indian American moved to Mumbai to work as a dance instructor parents were confused and angered Grace from the book,,FOB and other plays" by David Henry Hwang Chinese American came from Taiwan as a child when she arrived, she could not speak English very well she tried to fit in with the Chinese Americans, who were born in the US of the the white kids even though she changed her appearance in order to be accepted they did not accept her → felt like an outsider in high school and still feels lonely Dale from the book,,FOB and other plays" by David Henry Hwang second-generation Chinese American comments on the reasons why Chinese people send their children to America and on the fact that the parents' expectations are not met the kids end up staying in America and living the American way of life instead of returning to China/Hongkong/Tawain they grow estranged from their parents 9/11 and its consequences What happened? most horrible terrorist attacks in the US history On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group Al- Qaida with the leader Osama Bin Laden hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States Two of the planes were flown into the twin wers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon in Washington D.C. the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania as it presumably was heading to the Capitol or the White House Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defined the presidency of George W. Bush What were and still are the consequences? Many people died in the Twin Towers and in New York City, and in the planes Many people were traumatized, especially survivors and family members Prejudice and hatred against Muslims and Arabic people ---Islamophobia in the US and globally has risen Global war against terrorism began, which lead to the war in Afghanistan and in Iraq US identity was fundamentally shattered -> They felt vulnerable. The freedom of the country and the American way of life came under attack - The national trauma lasts until today Country has intensified measures to ensure the national security After the attacks, the Bush administration declared a worldwide "War on Terror", involving military operations, new security legislation, efforts to block the financing of terrorism, and the elimination of al-Qaeda Why did this happen? The Islam calls the western world "disbelievers Osama Bin Laden made a declaration of war on the Western world He wants the Muslims to fight against the Western world The Vietnam War (1946-1975) Conflict in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia North Vietnam = supported by Soviet Union, China, communist allies South Vietnam = supported by US, anti-communist allies in 1954, the Americans became involved when they decided to support South Vietnam against the Communist north ( supported by the Soviet Union and communist allies) in 1957, the Vietcong (South-Vietnamese Communists and enemies of the US- supported government) started their fight With support from North Vietnam, the Vietcong formed the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (NLF) over 500,000 American troops helped the South Vietnamese to fight the Vietcong Anti-war movement grew in the US When everyday citizens started protesting - an angry peace-movement was growing, fueled by the reports about the war crimes and the Mio. of soldiers letting their lives Public opinions turned soon against the government Effect: in 1973, a peace treaty was signed by the US, North and South Vietnam and the US withdrew all their military by the end of 1973 in 1975, Saigon fell and the North Vietnamese won the war against the South In 1976, South and North Vietnam were re-united Outcome: the total amount of casualties was around a number of 3 million people The US lost nearly 60,000 soldiers many veterans who returned were not able to adjust to normal life again many couldn't keep their jobs, committed suicide, took drugs or turned criminal, because the brutal jungle war had destroyed their belief in their country and justice lots of soldiers suffering from PTSD Even today, the Vietnam War continues to haunt the American psyche - as numerous movies and books have shown. US military is unwilling to commit ground troops to conflicts, draft ended, peacemovement around the world became stronger The Iraq War: March 2003- December 2011 Participants: Iraq, United Kingdom, United States, Poland, Australia Major events: Battle of Bagdad, First- / Second Battle of Fallujah, execution of Saddam Hussein Causes: U.S. President George W. Bush argued that the vulnerability of the United States following the September 11 attacks of 2001, combined with Iraq's alleged continued possession and manufacture of weapons of mass destruction and its support for terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda, justified the U.S.'s war with Iraq. → They were afraid that these weapons could be used for future terrorist attacks ➜ Later it turned out that Hussein didn't have any of these weapons Iraq was a state of President Bush's "axis of evil" this list were countries that were thought to be responsible for training, supporting or hiding Islamic terrorists or where terrorists could hide unknown and/or have access to weapons - Hussein was a dictator who had committed genocide in his country → Saddam Hussein was caught in 2003, put on trial in Iraq, convicted of genocide and executed in 2006 Consequences today Instable political and social situation -> failing state that is unable to control large parts of the country the state is falling apart; a lot of corruption and nepotism (Neffenwirtschaft) Conflicts between Shiites and Sunnis escalated after Saddam Hussein's death Some people in Iraq today miss the stability of the old dictatorship The war in Iraq and Hussein's execution gave rise to the radicalization of his former followers and to ISIS → The aim/vision of the US to bring democracy, peace and freedom to Iraq ultimately failed → A new war in Iraq started in 2013 and lasted until 2017 → it was a war against ISIS and the US was drawn into this war