Author Archives: cathleen.chao
Immigration for protection
My great uncle was the first member of the family landed in U.S during 1970s. They were afraid the communist party of China might take over Taiwan within a short period of time. Political connection between Taiwan and China was … Continue reading
Protest against violence
“Give Peace a Chance” was a song by John Lennon. The content of the song was a lot more gentle when you compare it with Pearl Jam’s “Bu$hleaguer”. It was staged in a hotel room in Montreal. Per Lennon, “… … Continue reading
Shifts during wartime
1. The World War II effects were varied. Military cost increased. But at the same time, expenditures on military created job opportunities and expanded industrial capacities. The war actually ended depression. “In 1944, at the war’s height, only 1.2 percent … Continue reading
Housing & Great Depression
“Between 1926 and 1933 the number of annual mortgage failures quadrupled, and by the latter date home mortgages were being foreclosed at the rate of one thousand per day. In New York City alone, 186,000 families were served eviction notices … Continue reading
Gender reform in jobs today?
Earlier years, American women had to face multiple gender discrimination. They have been fighting for an equal role in society since 19th century. Job opportunities for female during the 19th century were limited and employers paid less to women than … Continue reading
“Bill the Butcher”
William “Bill the Butcher” Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis) was one of the main character in The Gangs of New York. Per Wikipedia, his real name was William Poole. He was a member of the New York City gang, the Bowery Boys, … Continue reading
NYC Subway
Mass transit emerged in the 19th century to serve the booming population. In 1904 New York City’s first subway opened. Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) was the fastest transit system for the city dwellers in early 1900s. Heavy construction costs … Continue reading
The runaway history
The website “Slavery in New York” clearly described how slaves were first entered and traded in New York. Slave ship documents and pictures posted in the gallery allowed visitors to have a better sense on realities of slavery and the … Continue reading
Barnum’s Museum
Barnum’s Museum has the 3-D exploration features. It allows visitors to catch a glimpse of mid 19th century’s style and artifacts. It’s a modern way of teaching history events. It offers archives and classroom settings for an easy entertainment and … Continue reading
Approaching the Five Points
“Five Points” was written by Tyler Anbinder; it described the 19th century New York City neighborhood. The neighborhood did not differ from the rest of the city in the beginning. However, by 1825, when number of immigrants increased more than … Continue reading