Final Blog of the Semester (Blog #18)

With this being the last Blog of the semester, I thought we would do something fun!

Your Assignment:

Write a letter to Santa Clause and tell him if you've been naughty or nice. Also include a list of what you want for Christmas. Finally, tell the rest of your classmates where you will be going to celebrate the Christmas Holiday and what you have been blessed with in 2009. New Year's Resolutions anyone?!

Merry Christmas from Morgan and I. May God bless you and your family.

Have fun, be safe and think before you do!

Due: Sunday 12/27/09 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Civil Service Reform (Blog #17)

The abuses of power that seemed to characterize the late 19th century political scene left many Americans deeply troubled. Some people called for political reform. Others-such as industrial workers and farmers-took matters into their own hands, organizing to protect their interests and to win their share of prosperity.


Your Assignment:

1) Write a letter, as Americans living in the Gilded Age, to your senator or representative. Letters should express their views of conditions in government and why civil service reform is needed. Use examples from the text to support your arguments.


Due: Sunday 12/20/09 by no later than 11:59pm

Farmer's Plight (Blog #16)

During the late 19th century, farmers' faced hard times. Falling prices and rising costs led many farmers to join the Grange and Farmer's Alliance movements, which sought economic and political change.

Your Assignment:

Imagine you are selected to speak before a Senate committee on the plight of debt-ridden farmers in the Midwest. Write a compelling description of the problems farmers face. Be as specific as possible.

Due: Sunday 12/13/09 by no later than 11:59p.m.