Friday, October 9th

Advanced American History

Today we are finishing our viewing of 10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America:  The Homestead Strike.  You should have an understanding of how this event came to define the conflict between workers and industrialists, and how the rights and expectations of labor in America were in many ways defined for decades by the events in Pennsylvania in 1892.

American History

After a brief review of some famous industrialists of the Gilded Age, we took a quiz on industrialization during the Gilded Age period.  If absent, be sure to make this quiz up within 3 school days.

Thursday, October 8th

Advanced American History

Gilded Age Quiz #1.  If absent, be sure to make this up within 3 days.

In a continuation of our discussion of the social philosophy of businessmen during the late 1800's, we will conclude class with a viewing of the documentary Ten Days that Changed America:  The Homestead Strike. 

American Studies

Class today was devoted to the concept of industrialists as either "Captains of Industry" or "Robber Barrons".  Be sure to know what made people like Andrew Carnegie, John Rockefeller, Richard Sears, Montgomery Ward, JP Morgan, etc. famous and the varying perspectives on these industrial leaders.


Reminder:  Quiz #1 on Thursday

Wednesday, October 7th

child laborer image above courtesy of nps.gov

Advanced American History

After finishing a brief discussion on key industrialists from the late 19th century, we discussed key concepts in the change in work during this era.  The industrial revolution leads to a corporation revolution which in turn has multiple effects on many in the working class, including the proliferation of child labor, long hours, low pay and a host of other abuses.  If absent, be sure to get the class notes.


Assignment:  Read Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth and answer accompanying questions.

American Studies

Our study of industrialization continues today with a look at the philosophies of industrialists.  We will discuss the corporation as a business form as well as the implications of the idea of "social darwinism".


Assignment:  Finish blue handout (text pages 107-113).

Tuesday, October 6th

Advanced American History

Our study of the Gilded Age continues today with the era of industrialization in America.  You should be able to identify the following:

• What factors led to rapid industrialization in America in the latter half of the 19th century?
• What are some examples of innovation from this time period?
• Understand the varying perspectives that lead to industrialists being called both robber barrons and captains of industry

Assignment:  Read text pages 107-113.  Quiz scheduled for Thursday.

American History

Today we are beginning our next unit of study, The Gilded Age.  This era from 1876-1914 includes things like industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political change in the form of progressivism.  After a brief introductory discussion, students will be expected to take a look at text pages 100-106 to understand examples of technological and industrial growth from this era.

Assignment:  Part 1 of blue handout (p. 100-106).   

Monday, October 5th

Advanced American History

Today we begin our study of the Gilded Age.  Mark Twain coined the era between 1876-1914 the Gilded Age to represent the fact that the great wealth of some hid widespread problems for others.  Nonetheless, this is a period of unprecedented inventiveness as the United States becomes a substantial political and economic power.  Millions of new immigrants flood into America's rapidly expanding cities to provide the labor in a rapidly industrializing nation.

Assignment:  Read text pages 100-106.  Suggested notes questions 4,5,6. 

Image of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie above courtesy colombia.edu

Friday, October 2nd

Advanced American History

Civil War exam today!  If absent, this must be made up within 3 school days.

Thursday, October 1st

Advanced American History

DBQ Essay composition in class today.  Please remember to utilize citations from a minimum of 3 of the documents provided.

Reminder:  Civil War Exam Friday!


American Studies

To culminate our study of the Civil War, we will finish the week by viewing the film Glory.  It is the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the first all black regiment to see combat in American history.

If you were absent for yesterday's exam, be sure to make up the test in the next two days!