Tuesday - Friday December 20-23

Advanced US History

Tuesday -- Exam Review Guide
Wednesday -- Discussion of Politics of the 1920's (conservatism of Harding, Coolidge, Hoover)
Thursday -- Roaring Twenties Exam
Friday -- Introduce 1920's Project

Calvin Coolidge fishing on the Brule River in WI courtesy wisc.edu

American Studies

Tuesday -- Finish Scopes Trial Video
Wednesday -- Politics of the 1920's -- discussion
Thursday -- Exam Review
Friday -- 1920's Exam

Monday, December 19th

Advanced American History

After the holiday, I will begin the process of meeting with groups to discuss NHD progress.  You should be have the following ready for these meetings:

1. A defense of your paperwork organization system
2. At least 5 sources and a bibliography begun in MLA or Turabian format.
3. evidence of active research
4. A project ready thesis statement

Also note that we will be taking field trips to UWGB on Jan. 11th and 12th.  You will be on campus one of those days.

UWGB's Cofrin Library courtesy about.com

Thursday/Friday December 15th-16th

Advanced American History

One of the significant cultural clashes of the 1920's was the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925.  This case, spread by the new mass media, was a tremendous clash between the forces of modernism and secularism and the forces of traditionalism and conservative values.  To illuminate this clash, we viewed the documentary 10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America:  The Scopes Trial.

Assignment:  Read "The War Against Demon Rum"

American Studies

Thursday:  Discussion of text 11.1 "A Booming Economy."  Special attention was paid to the factors that contribute to the expansion of the US economy.

Friday:  Quiz #1.  Following the quiz, we examined the social and cultural tensions of the 1920's.  This included conflict over education, evolution, immigration, prohibition, etc.

Wednesday, December 14th

Advanced American History

The discussion today shifts from the modernization, urbanization and the booming economy of the twenties, to the social tension and upheaval of the age.  Many in America felt the nation was abandoning its traditions and this manifests itself in a backlash against science, urbanization, immigrants, diversity, etc.

We finished class with a quiz on the topics of the past few days.  If absent, be sure to make this up within 3 school days.


American Studies

To further introduce the 1920's, explore the website www.1920-30.com - A Historical Snapshot of Life in the 1920's.  


Assignment:  Webquest using the website above.

Monday / Tuesday December 12th - 13th

Advanced American History

The focus of class both Monday and Tuesday this week has been an introduction to life in the 1920's.  After an introductory activity highlighting some of the individuals and events of the "fabulous decade" we began to examine the 1920s as a decade of significant social tension.  The decade saw tremendous modernization.  Mass culture was created by the new technologies of radio and film.  A consumer culture was created as advertising and disposable income united the nation in a set of shared consumer tastes and desires.

Despite this rapid modernization, the twenties was also characterized by significant social tension, as many people--especially in rural areas--felt traditions were under assault by modern values.

Assignment:  Read Chapter 11.3.  Complete handout on social tension.




American Studies


Early this week we transition from the tragedy of the great war to the "Roaring Twenties."  After a brief period of uncertainty, Americans were swept away in a period of unprecedented prosperity and modernization.  After the industrialization of the gilded age, progressive policies combined with the labor shortages of WWI produced an American society where large numbers of Americans now had disposable wealth and leisure time.  This combined with new technologies led to the development of a culture of entertainment, fads and follies, new music and trends. 

1927 Cartoon Steamboat Willie courtesy Disney Animation

Friday, December 9th

Advanced American History

Today we transition from the tragedy of the great war to the "Roaring Twenties."  After a brief period of uncertainty, Americans were swept away in a period of unprecedented prosperity and modernization.  After the industrialization of the gilded age, progressive policies combined with the labor shortages of WWI produced an American society where large numbers of Americans now had disposable wealth and leisure time.  This combined with new technologies led to the development of a culture of entertainment, fads and follies, new music and trends.  

American Studies


WWI Exam.  If absent, be sure to take the exam within three school days.

Tuesday-Thursday December 6-8

Advanced American History / American Studies

The "Big Four" at Versailles in 1919 courtesy Britanica.com

Over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, class discussion focused on the Versailles Peace Conference at the culmination of the Great War.  Together, we analyzed Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points for peace, contrasted Wilson's vision with that of the European leaders at the conference (DL George, G. Clemenceau, V. Orlando) and discussed the finalized version of the treaty of Versailles.  Rather than achieving Wilson's vision for a "peace without victory,"  this document will punish and humiliate Germany, lead to economic ruin, the rise of fascism and the Second World War.  Finally, we also analyzed Wilson's vision for a League of Nations, and why the United States failed to enter this organization.

Advanced History -- "Quest" Thursday
US History -- Exam Friday

Monday, December 5th

Advanced American History

After finishing The Lost Battalion, we began a discussion of the impact of WWI on the homefront in 1917-1918.  Unprecedented government action was taken, from the establishment of powerful organizations like the War Industries Board and the Committee on Public Information.


American Studies


Quiz #2.  Be sure to make up quiz within 3 days if absent.

Friday, December 2nd

American Studies

We continued our discussion of "the war effort" today by analyzing propaganda developed by the Committee on Public Information from WWI.  Special attention was given to tactics used to generate patriotism, dehumanize the Germans, etc.  Take a look at these few examples below:

Thursday, December 1st

Advanced American History

For the next few days, we will be viewing the film The Lost Battalion.  Please read the overview of the events on which the movie was based below:

On October 2nd, 1918, units of the 77th "Liberty" Division from New York advanced into the dense terrain of the Argonne Forest in France. 

History was made over the next 6 days as this unit, the "Lost Battalion", refused to surrender even though they were completely surrounded, constantly attacked, low on ammunition and supplies, had no food, shelter and limited access to water. Of the over 600 men first trapped in the "pocket", only around 200 walked out. They received 3 Congressional Medal of Honors (CMO), many Distinguished Service Crosses (DSC), and many other awards. Their leader, Major Whittlesey, was declared one of the three most important members of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) by General Pershing, Commander of the AEF. Two airmen received CMO's for their involvement in the event, the first attempted air resupply drop in military history. Others trying to relieve the battalion also received the DSC. A carrier pigeon, Cher Ami, received international acclaim for heroically delivering a message. 

Major Charles Whittelsey of the Lost Battalion (on left)

American Studies


The impact of WWI on American society was discussed today.  In particular, be able to organize the events of 1917 - 1918 in the following categories:

Mobilization                 Opposition to the War             Social Change

Wednesday November 30th

Advanced American History

Today's class was dedicated to discovering a bit of the basics regarding the weapons, tactics and conditions of WWI.  Complete the "trench journal" assignment by friday using the website www.firstworldwar.com

Assignment:  WWI webquest and NHD Contract due Friday


American Studies

1.  Discussion of the causes of US entry into WWI.  They include:

• U boats and the sinking of the Lusitania
• the belief that the world could be made safe for democracy with an allied win
• cultural and economic ties to the allies
• the Zimmerman note

2.  WWI Quiz #1 -- Remember to make up the quiz within 3 days if you were absent!

Tuesday, November 29th

Advanced American History

After the discussion Monday of the causes of WWI, we discussed America's aims of neutrality and why we ultimately enter the war in 1917.  We discussed these as the reasons why America abandons neutrality in favor of war:

1.  U-Boat Warfare and the sinking of the Lusitania
2.  After the Russian revolution, many in the US naively believe that the war is one to make the world safe for democracy, that the monarchies of central Europe can be defeated and replaced and democracy can spread.
3.  Cultural and Economic ties to the Allies -- for example, the US did business to the tune of $3.2 billion with England and only $1 million with Germany.
4.  The Zimmerman Note

Assignment:  Complete NHD Contract by Friday

Monday, November 28th

Advanced American History

The Great War, from 1914-18, resulted in 18 million deaths, disrupted the world economy, and led to the rise of Communism in Russia and Fascism in Germany and Italy.  We began this short unit with a discussion of the causes of the First World War, from nationalism, imperialism and militarism to a complex system of alliances and historical tensions on the European continent.

Assignment:  Read Text 282-91.  Complete Map of Europe in 1914.  Quiz Tuesday!

Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria Hungary courtesy history.com

American History


We continued our discussion of WWI today with an extensive look at the causes of WWI.  Specifically, know how the "isms" discussed in class contribute to global war.

Nationalism -- Extreme national or ethnic pride
Imperialism -- Nationalistic countries compete for colonies, sparking ethnic tensions around the globe.
Militarism -- Countries stockpile new industrial age weapons

Tuesday 11/15 - Monday 11/21

Advanced American History

The following tasks/activities are scheduled this week:

Tuesday -- Finish Gilded Age Exhibitions

Wednesday -- Complete NHD topic checklist.  This is due at the beginning of class Thursday!

Thursday -- Presentation by Michaels on Nigeria

Fri/Mon -- NHD Research


American History

Tuesday -- Causes of WWI discussion

Wednesday -- Job Shadowing presentation by Karri VDL

Thursday -- Presentation by Michaels on Nigeria

Fri/Mon -- The Lost Battalion

On October 2nd, 1918, units of the 77th "Liberty" Division from New York advanced into the dense terrain of the Argonne Forest in France. 

History was made over the next 6 days as this unit, the "Lost Battalion", refused to surrender even though they were completely surrounded, constantly attacked, low on ammunition and supplies, had no food, shelter and limited access to water. Of the over 600 men first trapped in the "pocket", only around 200 walked out. They received 3 Congressional Medal of Honors (CMO), many Distinguished Service Crosses (DSC), and many other awards. Their leader, Major Whittlesey, was declared one of the three most important members of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) by General Pershing, Commander of the AEF. Two airmen received CMO's for their involvement in the event, the first attempted air resupply drop in military history. Others trying to relieve the battalion also received the DSC. A carrier pigeon, Cher Ami, received international acclaim for heroically delivering a message. 

Major Charles Whittlesey of the "Lost Battalion" (on left)

Monday, November 14th

Advanced American History

Exhibitions begin today!  Expect to present all the speeches to the state legislature, dramatic performances and artwork today.  After each round of presentations, voting will take place.  Be sure to keep track of voting totals, as they will be necessary to finalize the interest group that proves most successful tomorrow.

Reminder:  NHD topics finalized by Thursday!

American Studies

Trench Journal work concludes today.  Be prepared to turn in projects first thing tomorrow.

Thursday, November 10th/Friday, November 11th

Advanced American History

In my absence, you have been working on the Gilded Age Exhibitions as well as topic selection for NHD. Please keep the following points in mind:

• Exhibitions will be conducted beginning Monday, Nov. 14th
• NHD topics/contracts are due November 17th

American railroad artillery detachment posed on a 14in. rail gun near Bassons, Gironde, France after the war.
Online source: http://www.worldwar1.com/pharc005.htm

American Studies

As I have been absent for the past few days, we have accumulated a number of tasks that need to be completed.  All of the following are due Monday, November 14th:

• WWI Map
• p. 282-291 questions
• Trench Journal

Use the following websites for the creation of your trench journal (either on-line or hard copy):

www.firstworldwar.com

http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc

http://nhd.weebly.com

Wednesday/Thursday November 2nd - 3rd

ALL CLASSES!

Wednesday:  Exam Review
Thursday:  Gilded Age Exam

**Be sure to review the study guide distributed in class, past quizzes and notes, and relevant sections of your textbook on pages 100-239.

Tuesday, November 1st

Advanced American History

Image of "Fighting" Bob LaFollette courtesy wisc.edu

The progressive movement at the onset of the 20th century did much to shape modern America.  While there was not one set of characteristics that defined all progressives, most shared a belief that government should be more active and social problems were susceptible to government legislation.  Progressive ideals were represented in things like the works of muckrakers, the settlement house movement, actions in places like Wisconsin by people like Bob LaFollette, and on the national level with individuals such as Teddy Roosevelt.




American Studies


Same topic as above.

Monday, October 31st

Advanced American History


Our final topic for the Gilded Age period is a look at the progressive era of the early 20th century.  Some progressives fought for things like women's suffrage, others fought end to child labor, enact prohibition, or bring about political reform.  All progressives believed that the government should be more active in creating a more fair, equitable and just society.  This was a significant departure from the prevailing philosophies of the era.


In class today we viewed part of the A&E Biography on Teddy Roosevelt.  Pay close attention to the progressive reforms he initiated, and how he created the modern presidency.


Assignment:  Read text 233-39




American Studies


Our focus today was on urbanization and accelerating immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  15 million new immigrants flooded into America between 1890 and 1914, and this combined with the "closing of the frontier" in 1890 combined to produce a massive workforce and a steady supply of labor as well as a host of social problems.  This combination led to a period of nativist backlash and launched the progressive movement.


Assignment:  Read text 128-133, questions 4, 5, and 6 on pg 133.

Tuesday, October 25th/ Wednesday October 26th

Advanced American History

Tuesday -- Hrs 3/4:  Complete reading of primary documents entitled Frederick Law Olmstead Accepts the Urban Challenge and Jacob Riis How the Other Half Lives.  Note their unique focus on urban development, and how many of the optimistic assumptions of Olmstead in 1870 are not realized by 1890 when Riis publishes his account of tenement life.

Hr 5:  Notes on immigration/urbanization 

Wednesday -- NHD Topic selection work.

American Studies

Monday -- Text assignment based on pages 160-68 (Westward Expansion and American Indians)
Tuesday -- Discussion of text assignment and analysis of changing federal policy directed at Native Americans in the 19th century.  You should understand the impact of changing policies from forced Removal, to Reservations, to Assimilation and Allotment.
Wednesday -- A&E Biography -- Sitting Bull

photo of Sitting Bull courtesy pbs.org

Monday October 24th

Advanced American History

After a brief discussion of topic selection for NHD, our attention returned to the Gilded Age, specifically the rapid urbanization and accelerating immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  15 million new immigrants flooded into America between 1890 and 1914, and this combined with the "closing of the frontier" in 1890 combined to produce a massive workforce and a steady supply of labor as well as a host of social problems.  This combination led to a period of nativist backlash and launched the progressive movement.

Assignment:  Read 212-19 (The Drive for Reform)


American History

Read text 160-68 and answer the five questions related to westward expansion and federal indian policy.   Be prepared for a quiz tomorrow!

Thursday, October 20th / Friday, October 21st

Advanced American History

Introduction to National History Day!  NHD is an extensive research project, where you will have the opportunity to select a topic of your choice that relates to a theme, research the context and topic utilizing a variety of primary and secondary sources, build an historical argument, and create a website, paper, documentary, performance or museum style exhibit.

Every year, over a half million students from around the country participate in NHD.  Regardless of your future plans, NHD will benefit you by making you a better researcher, reader, writer, and a more complex thinker.  Also, should you choose to enter competitions with your project, you may have the opportunity to meet and compete with students from around the region, state and country.  See the following sites for more details:

www.nhd.org
www.wisconsinhistory.org/teachers/historyday/


American Studies

Continue Muckraker project work (due Friday at the end of class)

Wednesday, October 19th

Advanced American Studies

Class today contained the following activities:
1.  Review of Federal Indian Policy as a consequence of westward expansion throughout the 19th century. The shift in policy from removal to reservations and finally the crushing failure of assimilation and allotment was discussed.
2.  QUIZ #2
3.  Introduction to immigration during the Gilded Age.

Assignment:  Read 128-142 in preparation for Monday


American Studies 

Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed societal problems in the Gilded Age era.  Alone or with a partner, we began an assignment today where you should assume the role of a muckraker from the era, research a problem area, and finally compose an article exposing the problem and advocating for reform.  Muckrakers include:

Nellie Bly
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAWbly.htm
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/trianglefire/
http://newdeal.feri.org/library/d_4m.htm

Jacob Riis
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/1900/peopleevents/pande11.html
http://tenant.net/Community/LES/jacob4.html
http://www.masters-of-photography.com/R/riis/riis.html

Upton Sinclair
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/Jupton.htm
http://www.boondocksnet.com/editions/jungle/jungle_060609.html

Ida Tarbell
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/rockefellers/peopleevents/p_tarbell.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/rockefellers/sfeature/sf_6.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/rockefellers/sfeature/sf_7.html

John Spargo
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5571
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/childlabor/index.html

Lincoln Steffens
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/Jsteffens.htm
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/article_display.cfm?HHID=211


These articles are due at the end of class Friday.

Tuesday, October 18th

Advanced American History

After a review of the populist movement in the 1890's, we shifted our focus to another issue during the Gilded Age, westward expansion and the impact on native people.  With the expansion of railroads, the desire for farmland, the discovery of gold and silver, and massive immigration, conflict arose between American Indians and white settlers during much of the 19th century.  Compounding difficulties for native people, the federal government established a series of ineffective policies to deal with this conflict, from a system of reservations midcentury, to allotment and assimilation in the later part of the 19th century.

Assignment:  Read 160-68 (questions).  Quiz Wednesday!

American History

Today we finished our summary of the populist movement and the Wizard of Oz as a political allegory for the events and people of the late 19th century.  There is out of class assignment today.

Monday October 17th

**NOTE**  Daily posts will return.  I mistakenly thought weekly updates would be sufficient.  If you have questions on the previous week, please see me.


Advanced American History


Our attention today turned away from the plight of the urban industrial worker during the Gilded Age to the rural farmer and the populist movement.  Be able to understand the following questions for upcoming quizzes and tests:

1.  What were the problems farmers were facing in the 1890's?
2.  Who were the populists and what were their demands?
3.  What was the outcome and significance of the election of 1896?


Moreover, as we have seen in current events from protests on Wall Street to political debates between modern Republicans and Democrats over tax policy, poverty, wealth distribution, etc., the legacy of the populist movement of 110 years ago can still be seen today.

image of William Jennings Bryan courtesy washington.edu

American History


Be able to answer the aforementioned questions.  Finally, we discussed the Wizard of Oz as a political allegory, written with the Populist movement in mind.  

Monday October 3rd - Friday October 7th

Andrew Carnegie (industrialist and philanthropist)
courtesy wisc.edu

Advanced American History

Monday:  Finish the film Glory.


Tuesday:   As we move from the Civil War and the period of Reconstruction to the later quarter of the 19th Century, the United States will be transformed at an unprecedented pace, as the country will rapidly urbanize and industrialize.  This massive transformation will create tremendous wealth and build modern America, but it will also generate massive political, social and economic challenges.  This contrast, led Mark Twain to coin the era the "Gilded Age."
Assignment:  Read Text 107-113

Wednesday:  To introduce the period of industrialization, we analyzed patent drawings from some notable inventions from the late 19th century.  This led to a discussion of what factors promoted this period of ingenuity and innovation in America (natural resources, immigrants, laissez-faire economic principles, etc.)

Thursday:  Industrialization led to new businesses (the rise of the corporation), new businessmen (titans like Carnegie and Rockefeller), and new challenges (as work moves from skilled to unskilled in a new industrial era).  Class today was devoted to this discussion, and there was a fairly substantial lecture/notes session today.  If absent, be sure to review Ch. 4, sec 1/2 in your text

Friday:  Assignment -- Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth and associated questions (due Monday).

Assembly line at Ford Rouge Plant courtesy wisc.edu

American Studies


Monday:  Finish Reconstruction assignments -- text 87-91 and webquest at www.pbs.org/reconstruction

Tuesday:  Exam Review.  Be sure to complete study guide for Extra Credit points!

Wednesday:  Civil War Exam

Thursday:  As we move from the Civil War and the period of Reconstruction to the later quarter of the 19th Century, the United States will be transformed at an unprecedented pace, as the country will rapidly urbanize and industrialize.  This massive transformation will create tremendous wealth and build modern America, but it will also generate massive political, social and economic challenges.  This contrast, led Mark Twain to coin the era the "Gilded Age."

Friday:  Review Civil War Exams

Monday Sept. 26th - Friday Sept. 30th

Camp Randall postcard courtesy 28thwisconsin.com

Advanced American History

Monday:  Today we analyzed a few primary sources from the Civil War era.  After a reading of the Gettysburg address, we also took a look at a poster from Milwaukee in 1863 identifying draft dodgers.  Finally, we viewed a clip from Ken Burns on Lincoln's Assassination.
Assignment:  Read text 87-91 (Reconstruction)

Tuesday:  In the decade following the Civil War, the nation needed to deal with the political challenges that arose from an assassinated president, the aftermath of war, and the liberation of 4 million slaves.  The period of Reconstruction was highlighted by political clashes between radicals and moderates, reconciliation between north and south, and also an unfortunate legacy of segregation and violence in the south.

Wednesday:  Civil War Exam

Thursday/Friday:  To culminate our study of the Civil War, we will view the film Glory.  This film highlights the exploits of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first soldiers of color to see combat in the Civil War.

Lee and Grant at Appomattox courtesy nps.gov

American Studies

Monday/Tuesday:  Finish Glory.


Wednesday:  Today we will resume class presentations on turning points in the Civil War.  The focus today is on the year 1863, and key turning points like Gettysburg and Vicksburg.

Thursday:  No class -- Wisconsin Education Fair

Friday:  1864-65 Presentations / Assassination of President Lincoln.
Assignment:  Read text 87-91.  Complete Reconstruction Handout.

Monday Sept. 19th - Friday Sept. 23rd

Dead confederates at Dunker Church -- Battle of Antietam Sept 1862

Courtesy art.com

Advanced US History

Monday
After returning and discussing recent quizzes, we examined both the advantages and disadvantages of the North and South at the onset of war, as well as the Northern strategy for victory (anaconda plan, Richmond, Tennessee, and Mississippi).  Class concluded with a reading of a famous primary source from Sullivan Ballou, a union soldier killed at the First Battle of Bull Run.

Tuesday
Presentations begin today with a number of early setbacks for the Union, key battles in 1861-62.  Battles include First and Second Bull Run, Shiloh, Peninsular Campaign, and Antietam).

Wednesday
Quiz #2
1862-63 Presentations Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg

Thursday
Class today focused on the Battle of Gettysburg.  We discussed the three days of battle, and how Pickett's charge represented the "high water mark" of the war.  Lee's retreat on July 4th marked the last time the confederates would attack on union soil.

Friday
1864-65 Presentations.

image courtesy soldierstudies.org

American Studies


Monday
Continue work on Civil War Presentations -- Presentation Lab


Tuesday
Class discussion of a comparison of north and south, northern strategy for victory, etc.
Assignment:  Weapons/Medical Care in the Civil War worksheet

Wednesday
1861-62 Presentations.  These early battles were, in many cases, major setbacks for the union and cast doubt on whether or not the war was worth fighting and if the Union could be preserved.

Thursday
Quiz #2

Friday
"Glory" -- this film focuses on the exploits of the 54th Massachusetts regiment, the first regiment including soldiers of color in American history.

Week of Sept. 12th - 16th

photo of A. Lincoln courtesy whitehouse.gove

Advanced American Studies

Monday -- After reviewing the decade preceding the Civil War, we took our first quiz.  If you were absent for this quiz, you have 3 days to make it up.

Assignment:  Read 72-79.  Complete "Assault in the Senate" reading for Thursday.

Tuesday --  Today's focus was on the election of 1860.  The splintering of national parties left Abraham Lincoln as the winner of the 1860 election, and his ascendancy will set off a wave of secession across the south.

Wednesday -- Student Services presentation in presentation lab

Thursday/Friday --  Introduction of Turning Points project and work time in the writing lab.

American History

Monday-- We are continuing our look at the decade that led to Civil War, from the Compromise of 1850 to the publishing of Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1852 and the subsequent events that divide north and south like the Kansas Nebraska Act, the Dred Scott case, and John Brown's raid.

Tuesday -- After reviewing the decade preceding the Civil War, we took our first quiz.  If you were absent for this quiz, you have 3 days to make it up.

Wednesday -- Student Services presentation in presentation lab

Thursday --  Today's focus was on the election of 1860.  The splintering of national parties left Abraham Lincoln as the winner of the 1860 election, and his ascendancy will set off a wave of secession across the south.

Friday --  Introduction of Turning Points project and work time in the lab.  Project will be due Tuesday.

Friday, September 9th

Advanced American History

Our discussion of sectionalism and tensions between North and South continues today with a discussion of some of the key events and individuals that lead to Civil War in the 1950's.  You should understand the following:

• How and why the Compromise of 1850 produces unintended consequences that lead to conflict.
• How the Kansas-Nebraska Act produces tensions, leads to the formation of the Republican party, etc.
• The impact of things like the Dred Scott Case, Uncle Tom's Cabin, etc.

Reminder:  Quiz #1 -- Monday!

American Studies

After checking your homework for today, we reviewed the concept of Sectionalism, the Abolitionist Movement, and problems of the early 1800's between North and South.  We also began work on questions from Chapter 3, Section 1 (p. 66) that summarize some of the key events leading to war in the 1860's

Thursday, September 8th

Advanced American History

The Civil War did not happen in a vacuum, there were dozens of causes and decades worth of division between northern and southern regions in the United States. Today, we explored this idea ofsectionalism, the development of slavery as an institution in the south, the triangle of trade and the growing diversity and economic power of the north. All of these factors drove a wedge between north and south that would inevitably lead to the outbreak of war.

Assignment: Read Chapter 3 Section 1. Answer questions on handout.
Reminder: Quiz #1 Monday

American Studies

The Civil War did not happen in a vacuum, there were dozens of causes and decades worth of division between northern and southern regions in the United States. Today, we explored this idea ofsectionalism, the development of slavery as an institution in the south, the triangle of trade and the growing diversity and economic power of the north. All of these factors drove a wedge between north and south that would inevitably lead to the outbreak of war.

Assignment: Read pages 44-48. Answer Questions 2, 4 & 5.

Wednesday, September 7th

Advanced American History

Today we begin our first unit, a discussion of the American Civil War.  As we begin the examination of some of the root causes of the Civil War, consider these statistics:

• 3 million served
• 620,000 were killed (2% of the population)
• it is the bloodiest conflict anywhere in the world in the 19th century
• it is the bloodiest conflict in American history
• 4 of 10 who served were killed or wounded
• One soldier killed for every 6 slaves freed

Between 1861 and 1865, in the words of David McCullough, "Americans made war on each other and killed each other in great numbers, if only to become the kind of country that can no longer conceive how that was possible"

If absent or for review, please view the introductory piece by Ken Burns found above.

Assignment:  Read text pages 44-48  

American Studies

To finish our introduction to the study of American history, we discussed our oral history results about high school students of a generation or two ago.  After completing this, we introduced the first unit of study for the school year, The Civil War.  If absent or for review, please view the introductory piece by Ken Burns found above.