“Were the Nineteenth-Century Big Businessmen ‘Robber Barons’?” Howard Zinn argues that the big businessmen of the late nineteenth century built up monopolies at the expense of their competitors and the general public, while John S. Gordon makes a case for these same big businessmen as key contributors to American industrial success and better lives for Americans with better products at affordable prices. Briefly summarize the main points that these two authors bring to the table concerning American business success during the Gilded Age. What are Zinn’s strongest and weakest arguments? What are Gordon’s strongest and weakest arguments? Which author is most convincing and briefly explain why? Also, briefly explain why you disagree with the arguments of the opposing side. “Is the United States a Declining Power?” While this question involves more recent American history and the world situation is constantly evolving, it is still a very interesting topic to consider. What are some of Andrew J. Bacevich’s more compelling arguments for a decline in American power? What are some of his weaker arguments? What are some of Fareed Zakaria’s stronger points for his argument that the United States continues to maintain its position as the most powerful nation in the world? What are some of his less effective arguments? Which one is more convincing and briefly explain why? Briefly explain.
