Monday, September 20th

Advanced American History

1863 was the turning point in the Civil War.  After stunning Union failures at Frederickburg and Chancellorsville, the tide of the war turns in Gettysburg in the east and Vicksburg in the west, and both on the 4th of July.  These events were studied and presented today.

American Studies

1861-62 Presentations.  Ask Mr. Brice for notes if you were absent.

Assignment:  Complete Weapons/Health worksheet for class tomorrow.

Friday, September 17th

Advanced American History

Our presentations on the general course of the Civil War continue today as we finish some of the key events of 1861-62.  We will culminate with Antietam, a strategic Union victory that led to the Emancipation Proclamation and the failure of Britain to recognize the Confederacy.  While not a resounding military victory for the north, Antietam still had a substantial cost.  Today, September 17th is the 148th anniversary of this battle that yet today remains the bloodiest day in American military history.

We also finished class by taking Civil War Quiz #2.  Be sure to make this up within 3 days if absent.

Antietam battlefield image courtesy civilwaracademy.org

American Studies

Project work continues today.  Have presentations ready to go for class on Monday.

Thursday, September 16th

Advanced American History

Discussion and presentations on the course of the war begins today.  Keep in mind the following elements as context for the battles that begin in June of 1861.

• Northern Strategy:  3 pronged attack and the Anaconda Plan
• Leadership strengths:  Northern civilian leadership vs. the effectiveness of Southern military leadership

Finally, we analyzed the first third of the war marked by many key victories for the Confederacy.  Starting with the first Battle of Bull Run, we also examined events like Shiloh, the Clash of the Ironclads, the Peninsular Campaign, Second Bull Run, and Antietam.  

Reminder:  Quiz #2 on Friday

American Studies

Today's class was dedicated to research and work on battle projects.  Presentations are due Monday.

Wednesday, September 15th

Advanced American History

Class time today was devoted to preparation for turning point presentations.  Presentations will begin on Thursday.

American Studies

1.  Quiz #1
2.  Comparison of the North and South at the beginning of the war.

**If absent, be sure to make up the quiz within 3 class days.  See me if you would like to review in ELT.

Tuesday, September 14th

Advanced American History

After the attack on Fort Sumter, many northerners unified around the cause of saving the Union.  Northern enthusiasm was buoyed by expectations for a short war.  Many thought the conflict would only last 3 months.  It would last almost 4 years.  Many were well aware that the north had 70% of the people, 96% of industrial production, and was more varied agriculturally.  However, the difficulty of occupying southern states proved more difficult than expected.

We also introduced the Civil War Turning Points project.  These short presentations will begin Thursday, and will focus on one key battle of the Civil War.

American Studies

The following topics were discussed in class today:

• The hanging of John Brown
• The election of 1860
• Southern Secession
• Fort Sumter

Reminder:  Civil War Quiz #1 on Wednesday!

Monday, September 13th

 Map of the election of 1860 courtesy knoledgerush.com

Advanced American Studies

After taking care of some housekeeping items like returning paperwork and reviewing the quizzes from last Friday, we concluded our discussion of the causes of the Civil War.  Specifically, we examined the election of Lincoln, the resulting secession of southern states, and the war that begins with the firing on Fort Sumter.  If absent, review pages 72-79 in your textbook.

Assignment:  Complete Sumner reading by Tuesday

American Studies

After reviewing the 1850's culminating with John Brown's attack on Harper's Ferry, we analyzed the major players and results of the election of 1860.  Review pages 72-79 in your textbook.

Assignment:  Complete Political Cartoon or illustrated timeline for Tuesday.

 

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.