Historians Disagree
Melting Pot or Salad Bowl?
1960–1975
American history, since it’s beginning , has been a mix of cultures. Yet, historians and sociologists
have disagreed about the extent that different groups have blended together.
Historian A – the Melting Pot
This historian believes that different groups in America have blended together – like putting
different ingredients in a soup and having them all melt together. They believe that over time
groups have become more similar to each other than different. They believe that this melting
together causes everyone to become Americans. For example, a historian who believes this
theory would point out that though people come to America from all over the world, almost
everyone in this country speaks English – something that unites everyone.
Historian B – the Salad Bowl
This historian believes that while America has been a mix of cultures – each culture has remained
distinct and has not blended in with the others. They say America is more like a salad bowl – every
group is in the bowl together, but each group is distinct, like tomatoes, carrots, or anything else in
the salad. An historian who believes this theory might point to the fact that while everyone goes to
school, ethnic groups still tend to sit next to people of their own race or ethnicity at lunch time.
If you agree with the first historian, you believe that American history is primarily a history of how
different groups have combined to share a common culture.
If you agree with the second historian, you believe that people who live in America retain ethnic,
racial, and religious differences that make them as different as they are the same.
Looking for Evidence
Look at the section titled “Forces of Change” that deal with the historical period of the 1960’s .
This exhibit is made up of 26 boxes made by individuals who were alive during this time period.
Each one of them has chosen objects to represent what that time meant to them. Look carefully
at the exhibit and see what objects would an historian who believed in the Melting Pot theory
choose to prove that his analysis of America is correct. What objects would an historian who
believes America is more like a salad bowl choose?
Forces of Change
Evidence that Historian A (melting pot) would use to prove he/she is correct
Object or placard in the Museum
1.
2.
Why this indicates Historian A is correct
Object or placard in the Museum
Why this indicates Historian A is correct
3.
Evidence that Historian B (Salad Bowl) is correct
Object or placard in the Museum
Why this indicates Historian B is correct
1.
2.
3.
Your Own Conclusion
After examining the evidence, and also considering my own experience and what I’ve learned in
class, I tend to agree with Historian ______________
because _______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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Change: Negative or Positive?
1869–1930
History is a study of change over time. While all historians recognize that change occurs, some
tend to highlight what was positive, while others focus on more negative aspects of the change.
A perfect example of this is when the Transcontinental railroad was completed, connecting
California with the rest of the nation. There is no doubt that railroads introduced major change to
the region – but whether this change was for the better or worse, depends on what evidence an
historian chooses to observe.
Historian A – Change for the better
This historian would argue that while there were certainly some aspects of the railroads, such as
the accumulation of enormous politic and economic influence in the hands of a few, that were not
positive, generally the railroads helped to create progress in California.
Historian B – Change for the worse
These historians would argue the other side. They would say that while some changes might have
been positive – for instance greater ability to move people and goods to and from California, overall,
the influence of the railroads and their owners, did more harm than good.
Looking for Evidence
Look at the section titled “The Railroad Brings People” to find support for either Historian A or
Historian B. When you are finished collecting the evidence, draw your own conclusions.
The Railroad Brings People
Evidence that Historian A (change for the better) is correct
Object or placard in the Museum
Why this indicates Historian A is correct
1.
2.
3.
Evidence that Historian B (Change for the Worse) is correct
Object or placard in the Museum
Why this indicates Historian B is correct
1.
2.
3.
Your Own Conclusion
After examining the evidence, and also considering my own experience and what I’ve learned in
class, I tend to agree with Historian ______________
because _______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
The Good War?
1941–1945
World War II has often been referred to as “The Good War”. When historians use this term they
mean that unlike other wars in American history, such as Vietnam, American were united during
World War II. They agreed on the goals of the war and they fought in a united way to defeat both the
Nazi’s in Germany and the enemies in Japan.
Other historians claim that World War II, like all other wars, exposed and increased some tension in
American society. They argue that all groups were not treated the same and therefore did not have
the same sense that World War II was the “good war.”
Historian A – Supports “The Good War” interpretation.
Historian B – Is critical of “The Good War” interpretation.
Looking for Evidence
Look at the exhibit titled “Off to War”, including the tape recordings, to find evidence for both
Historian A and Historian B. When you have finished, draw your own conclusions.
Off to War
Evidence that Historian A is correct: World War II should be called “The Good War”
Object or placard in the Museum
Why this indicates Historian A is correct
1.
2.
3.
Evidence that Historian B is correct: World War II should not be called “The Good War.”
Object or placard in the Museum
1.
2.
3.
Why this indicates Historian B is correct
Your Own Conclusion
After examining the evidence, and also considering my own experience and what I’ve learned in
class, I tend to agree with Historian ______________
because _______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Prosperity or Problems?
1945–1950
1950–1960
The period after World War II is looked at differently by different historians. One group of historians
sees the 50’s as a time of increasing prosperity. They note that soldiers were returning home from
the war, happy to be at peace, and there was tremendous growth and prosperity in the United States.
The other group of historians argues that the first group is blind to some of the obvious problems
of the 50’s. They point to continuing tensions in American society. They argue that these tensions
were even greater after people came home from fighting a war for democracy. They also point to a
growing reliance on an economy based in the military-industrial complex.
While both positions are true – for example there were more jobs and there was continuing discrimination, historians interpret the past by choosing to emphasize some aspects rather than others.
Historian A — The 50’s were a time of peace, growth and prosperity.
Historian B — The 50’s were a time when problems within American society festered, causing
even larger issues in later years.
Looking for Evidence
Look in the following gallery, including the tape recordings, to find evidence that could be used by
either Historian A or Historian B.
Building Modern California
Evidence that Historian A is correct: The 50’s were a time of prosperity
Object or placard in the Museum
1.
2.
Why this indicates Historian A is correct
Object or placard in the Museum
Why this indicates Historian A is correct
3.
Evidence that Historian B is correct: The 50’s were a time of increasing tension within the
United States.
Object or placard in the Museum
Why this indicates Historian B is correct
1.
2.
3.
Your Own Conclusion
After examining the evidence, and also considering my own experience and what I’ve learned in
class, I tend to agree with Historian ______________
because _______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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