Fervent Abolitionist John Brown, executed for his assault on Harper's Ferry in 1859

Photo courtesy umd.edu

Advanced American History

After a brief review, students took the first Civil War quiz.  If absent, this quiz must be made up within the next three days.

Assignment:  Assault in the Senate Reading--Due Tuesday

American History

Today, we continued our look at the 1850's and the path to Civil War.  If absent, be sure to ask for a review of questions on the green sheet associated with Ch. 3 Section 1. 

Thursday, September 9th

 "The Little Giant" -- Illinois Senator and architect of the Kansas - Nebraska Act Stephen Douglas

 Photo courtesy politico.com

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 -- Tomorrow!

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

Wednesday, 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 of sectionalism, 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 green handout.
Reminder: Quiz #1 Friday

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 of sectionalism, 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.

Tuesday, 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.

Monday, 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.

Advanced American History

Both American history and American literature classes are in the auditorium for a two period block.  Here students will be introduced to the nature of the interdisciplinary course with an overview slideshow of the two courses and other activities including quizzes, group trivia and music in history. (note:  Mrs. Koehler and myself have been known to entertain in this intro experience, but you won't see anything like the video above).

Assignment:  Be sure to cover your textbook by Tuesday

American History

Our study of American history continues with an analysis of the nature of historical study.  What does it mean to think "historically?"  Why would you want to?  Through a few informal class activities, we will come to understand how studying our collective past allows us to better understand our present and plan for our future.

Assignment:  Complete oral history interview questions for Tuesday.

Thursday, September 2nd

 

 

Advanced American History

As a precursor to our study of American history, we set out to try to define America and Americans, examined the responsibilities of citizenship, etc.  Questions on John Steinbeck's essay were collected.

Assignment:  Cover Textbook by Tuesday

American History

As part of a discussion of American citizenship, we took a sample citizenship test and examined a few statistics on American knowledge of civics and history.

Assignment:  Cover Textbook by Thursday