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.