Final Blog of 1st 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 2011. New Year's Resolutions anyone?! State whether you have any resolutions and what they are!

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

Have fun, be safe and think before you do!


Due: Sunday 12/25/11 by 11:59p.m.

The United States Enters the War (Blog #17)

German's continued violations of American neutrality drew the United States into World War I on the Allied side in 1917. The American's entry came none too soon for the Allies, who faced a desperate military situation. As U.S. forces poured into Europe the tide turned. The Germans slowly fell back, and in November 1918 the warring parties signed an armistice. The four-year nightmare had finally ended.


Your Assignment:

1). List factors that led the U.S. entry into World War I and then rank your list from most to least significant factors.


Due: Sunday 12/18/11 by no later than 11:59pm

World War I (Blog #16)

When war enveloped Europe, the United States tried to remain neutral. In 1917, however, the U.S. joined the Allied cause. The government quickly moved to mobilize the economy and to build public support for the war. (Watch the following video links below)


*U.S. Neutrality*

*Mobilizing the Nation for War*


Your Assignment:

1) According to the first link, why did the U.S. try to remain neutral, and why did we join the war?
2) According to the second link and your suggestions, what are some things that a government might do to mobilize a nation's economy to meet a national emergency.
3) How might a government also mobilize public support. Why is this important?


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

American History (Blog #15)

Your Assignment:

I am going to open it up for debate on whatever topic you want to blog about. Pick an AMERICAN HISTORY related topic and state your opinion/thoughts on that topic. Then look around at your classmates blogs and comment/reply to their post. Agree/disagree, let them know your opinion/thoughts on their topic. Make sure you pick out 2 of your classmates and respond to their post. (You will get 1 point for your post, and 1 each for your responses to your classmates.) Good luck!


Due: Sunday 12/4/11 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving (Blog #14)

In the spirit of giving thanks, I thought we could have a blog assignment all about being thankful! In this post I would like for you to add a couple of comments on things you are thankful for. Then comment on at least 2 of your classmates posts.

I hope all of your thanksgiving breaks go well!

Check out this link for fun and exciting historical facts about thanksgiving:

http://www.history.com/minisites/thanksgiving/

Due: Sunday 12/4/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Economic Stimulus Theories (Blog #13)

Theodore Roosevelts "square deal" promised to give every laborer and farmer a square deal, no more, no less. T.R.'s theory, with regard to helping the economy, dealt with protecting the consumer through reforms and trustbusting. After T.R.'s Presidency, Taft continued on with this theory of protecting the consumer through progressive reforms. Later on in the 1930's Franklin D. Roosevelt institutes an economic stimulus plan his administration calls the "New Deal". This plan calls for tax money to be spent on infrasturcture similar to that of President Obama's plan.

**Square Deal, TR**

**New Deal, FDR**


Your Assignment:

1.) Discuss the way President Obama and his plan have attempted to stimulate the economy. (Research)
2.) Discuss the other side of the aisle (Repbulicans) and their theory of the best way to stimulate the economy. (Again, research will be necessary)
3.) Which of these do you believe would better suit stimulating the economy.


Due: Sunday 11/20/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Reform under Taft (Blog #12)

Although a financial panic and sharp depression hit the nation in 1907, President Roosevelt remained popular. The Republican nomination was his for the asking, but having served almost two full terms, he chose not to run again. The Republicans then turned to William Howard Taft, who easily won the 1908 election. In some ways, Taft carried on Roosevelt's reform program. But as his term wore on, progressives became more and more unhappy with his actions.


Taft Administration Video


Your Assignment:

1.) Describe the reforms carried out by President Taft.
2.) Explain why Taft lost the progressives' support.
3.) What were the results of the 1912 election.


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

Roosevelt and the Square Deal (Blog #11)

Theodore Roosevelt was the first progressive president of the United States. Taking office after the assassination of President William McKinley, Roosevelt was elected in his own right in 1904. During his two terms as president, he promoted the regulation of big business and helped preserve natural resources for future generations.


Your Assignment:

1.) What was the Square Deal?
2.) How did Theodore Roosevelt fight corruption in business?
3.) Make a parallel connection to the then and now.


Due: Sunday 11/06/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

European and American Debt Crisis (Blog #10)

"As European leaders try to find solutions to the Eurozone's debt crisis, CNN Student News explored how these financial concerns could have an impact far beyond one continent."


Your Assignment:

1) Explain what the message of the above cartoon is.
2) Briefly discuss the European debt crisis and explain how this is relevant to the United States.
3) Comment on 2 of your classmates posts and discuss possible remedies to the situation.


Due: Sunday 10/30/11 by no later than 11:59pm

America the Story of Us (Blog #9)

Your Assignment:

1) Give your thoughts and opinions on the video. Give specific examples of topics addressed in the video and give your thought/opinions on the importance.


Due: Today!

The Progressive Presidents (Blog #8)

From the years 1900-1920 the progressive movement was in full swing. Progressives did not limit their reform to social ills. They also tackled the task of curbing the political power of the privileged few and removing the corrupt political machines that served them.


Your Assignment:

1.) What forms did government corruption take?
2.) What election reforms did progressives support to make government more democratic?
3.) What reforms were enacted in city and state governments during the Progressive Era?


Due: Sunday 10/16/11 by no later than 11:59pm

Civil Service Reform (Blog #7)

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 10/9/11 by no later than 11:59pm

Farmer's Plight (Blog #6)

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 10/2/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Immigration and Urban Life (Blog #5)

Spurred by industrialization, American cities grew dramatically during the second half of the century. With this growth came other changes, and a distinct urban culture developed.


Your Assignment:

1). How did immigration change in the late 1800's?
2). How did some native-born Americans respond to the new immigrants?
3). Relate the immigration issues of the late 1800's to present day in the U.S.


Due: By Sunday 9/25/11 no later than 11:59p.m.

Industries Golden Age (Blog #5)

From 1865 to 1910 the U.S. experienced a surge of industrial growth. With this many advances and progress, as well as problems, followed.
(*Read 6.1 for supplemental information*)


Your assignment:

1) Compare and contrast vertical and horizontal integration and then relate laissez-faire capitalism to our current economic situation.


Due: Sunday 9/18/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

The Lasting Legacy of the Civil War (Blog #3)

As we wrap up discussing the Civil War, one needs only to look at our current age to fully understand how our society has come full circle. The fact is there are still flaws stemming from the Civil War.


Your Assignment:

1). Watch the following video. The Effects of the War on the South

2). Discuss ramification the Civil War had on later events in American History citing specific examples and the correlation between the two.

*You may have to do a little research on events that happened after the Civil War. (Ex. Civil rights movement, etc.)


Due: Sunday 9/11/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

The New South (Blog #2)

After the Civil War was over, many African Americans had a number of different issues they had to over come.





Your Assignment:



1.) Watch the video and explain what black codes were.

**Black Codes**



2). Name three ways African Americans responded to segregation and to the loss of civil and political rights. (Ch. 4, section 3 in your book)





Due: Sunday 9/4/11 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Final Blog of the Year!

Finally, the last blog of the year!! With this last blog I would like for you to tell everyone what your plans are for the summer. Also, you may add jabs at Mr. Hinman, positive comments for Mr. Hinman, how much you liked the blogs and his class, and anything else that comes to mind.

**(Remember the blog posting rules still apply, so do not be rude and also remember this is worth points so get it done!)

Saving Private Ryan (Blog #36)

Your Assignment:

1) Give your thoughts and opinions on the movie. Then respond to 2 of your classmates posts. (If your response is to brief, I will be taking points off of your grade).


Due: Sunday 5/15/11 by no later than 11:59pm

Bin Laden is Dead (Blog #35)

Your Assignment:

1) Click on the following link and pick one of the many topics that is addressed about Osama Bin Laden.
2) Give a summary of that particular aticle.
3) Give your opinions/thoughts on the article.


*Bin Laden*


Due: Sunday 5/8/11 by no later than 11:59pm

Newsreel (Blog #34)

Directly above this weeks Blog is a new widget I placed on our Blog page. It is called a newsreel. This newsreel searches the web for stories pertaining to the topic of your choosing. I chose to search for American History and American Culture.

Also, notice to the right hand side is a poll widget. This widget can be added and a poll questions can be posed.

The last widget you will notice is the "Follow by Email" widget. This allows you to follow the Blogs and get updates regarding new assignments, etc.


Your Assignment:

1) Pick out one of the topics scrolling along the top in the Newsreel and read that article giving a brief summary of the article and your opinions/thoughts on that article.

2) Make sure and vote on the poll questions regarding your EFFORT on the blogs throughout the year.


Due: Sunday 4/31/11 by no later than 11:59pm

WWII Interactive (Blog #33)

*World War II, Interactive*


Your Assignment:

1) Look through the interactive site and examine the site fully.
2) Pick 3 topics addressed in the interactive site and describe those 3 topics in some detail.


Due: Sunday 4/24/11 by no later than 11:59pm

The Price of Victory (Blog #32)

After years of struggle and sacrifice, World War II ended in victory for the Allies. But the price was high. The toll in lives and property was without precedent. Most alarming was the knowledge fully revealed only after the defeat of Germany that Hitler had tried to exterminate all the Jews of Europe. Along with peace came many uncertainties about the future.


Your Assignment:

1.) Discuss some of the cost of WWII.
2.) What were the international consequences of WWII.


Due: Sunday 4/17/11 by no later than 11:59pm

Atomic Bombs Dropped (Blog #31)

American supplies and troops began to make a difference in the war by late 1942. But it would take over two more years of hard fighting to defeat the Axis powers. The Allied invasions of North Africa, Italy, and France and the fierce bombardments of German cities forced Germany to surrender in May 1945. In the Pacific, meanwhile, the United States seized Japanese held islands, including the Philippines. Atomic attacks devastated Japan, and it surrendered in August 1945.


Your Assignment:

1.) Explain the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan in some detail.
2.) Debate the following statement, 'President Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan was a wise one.' (Make sure you include your thoughts/opinions)


Due: Sunday 4/10/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Japanese Internment (Blog #30)

By and large, World War II did not produce the kind of home-front intolerance that occurred during World War I. One tragic exception was the forced relocation and imprisonment, or internment, of Japanese Americans living on the Pacific coast.


*Japanese Internment*


Your Assignment:

1.) Research the internet to find primary and secondary sources on the Japanese internment. After reading and skimming through, tell briefly what the sources you found were about.
2.) State you thoughts and opinions on the internment of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor.


Due: Sunday 4/3/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

WWII, the Home Front (Blog #29)

Although World War II was fought on the battlefields of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, American farms and factories also helped win the war. As the United States mobilized its resources for combat, the entertainment industry helped sustain morale. For Japanese Americans the war resulted in confinement in remote camps. For African Americans, Mexican Americans, and women, the conflict brought both new opportunities and reminders that discrimination and inequality still existed in American society. (p. 407, 16.2)


*Military and Economic Mobilization*


Your Assignment:

1.) How did the United States mobilize for war?
2.) Why were Japanese Americans interned during the war?
3.) What gains did African Americans and Mexican Americans make during the war?


Due: Sunday 3/27/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

World War II (Blog #28)

The German invasion of Poland in 1939 launched World War II. By 1940, much of Western Europe had fallen to Germany, while Japan expanded its hold on Asia. For a time, the United States maintained its neutrality. Lend-lease aid to the Allies, beginning in 1941, however, marked an important step in U.S. involvement in the conflict. (p.400, 16.1)


*Outbreak of World War II*

*United States Enters the War*


Your Assignment:

1.) What obstacles did the United States face when it first entered the war?
2.) In which three battles did the Allies halt Japan's advance in the pacific?
3.) What were two major turning points in the western theater of operations?


Due: Sunday 3/20/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

American History (Blog #27)

Your Assignment:

This last week of Quarter 3, I am going to open it up for debate on whatever topic you want to blog about. Pick a AMERICAN HISTORY related topic and state your opinion/thoughts on that topic. Then look around at your classmates blogs and comment/reply to their post. Agree/disagree, let them know your opinion/thoughts on their topic. Make sure you pick out 2 of your classmates and respond to their post. (You will get 1 point for your post, and 1 each for your responses to your classmates.) Good luck!


Due: Sunday 3/6/11 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Hoover Fails (Blog #26)

When the depression began, many Americans had great faith in Herbert Hoover. His skills as a businessman and as an administrator inspired confidence. Under his direction the government overtook some important measures to fight the depression. But they were not enough to end the crisis. As a result, voters in election of 1932 rejected hoover in favor of his Democratic opponent, Franklin D. Roosevelt.


Your Assignment:

1) What beliefs shaped President Hoover's response to the depression?
2) What effect did the Hoover administration's economic policies have on the depression?
3) Why did Hoover lose the election of 1932?


Due: Sunday 2/27/11 by no later than 11:59pm

Hard Times (Blog #25)

The Great Depression of the 1930's was not the first depression in American history, but it was by far the worst. It lasted for most of the decade, and during that time millions of Americans lost their jobs and sank into poverty. In cities and in rural areas, many people suffered from hunger, homelessness, and despair. Life was not all bleak during the depression, though. Movies, radio, and popular fiction helped lift American spirits.


Your Assignment:

1). How did unemployment affect Americans in the 1930s?
2). What were urban and rural living conditions like during the Great Depression?
3). What did Americans do for entertainment during the period?


Due: Sunday 2/20/11 by no later than 11:59pm

All Quiet on the Western Front (Blog #24)

Your Assignment:

1). Give a summary of the movie, "All Quiet on the Western Front".
2). According to the movie, how does war affect the lives, emotions, and thoughts of those involved?


Due: Sunday 2/20/11 by no later than 11:59pm

Prosperity Shattered (Blog #23)

Throughout the generally prosperous 1920's, isolated voices warned of problems with the American economy. Some people pointed to the farm crisis and to "sick" industries as problems in need of attention. Yet despite these warnings, most Americans believed that the economy would continue to thrive. Then came the stock market crash of 1929. Stock prices plunged, and investors lost billions of dollars. U.S. industries, already showing signs of weakness, almost ground to a halt. (pg. 326, 13.1)

Your Assignment:

1.) Why did many Americans invest in the stock market in the 1920s?
2.) What caused the stock market crash of 1929?
3.) What factors gave rise to the Great Depression?

Due: Sunday 2/6/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Global Impact of WWI (Blog #22)

President Wilson developed a program for a just peace even before the war ended. This program served as the focus of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. Wilson had to compromise on many of the points, but the final treaty included the heart of his peace program-the League of Nations. The U.S. Senate, however, rejected the treaty. Without American membership, the League of Nations proved inadequate to solve the world's postwar problems.


Your Assignment:

1) Do some research in your book and on the internet to find out what the global impact of the war was.


Due: Sunday 1/30/11 by no later than 11:59pm

The League of Nations (Blog #21)

President Wilson developed a program for a just peace even before the war ended. This program served as the focus of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. Wilson had to compromise on many of the points, but the final treaty included the heart of his peace program - the League of Nations. The U.S. Senate, however, rejected the treaty. Without American membership, the League of Nations proved inadequate to solve the world's postwar problems.



*Wilson's Fourteen Points*

*Versailles Treaty*



Your Assignment:

1) What were Wilson's Fourteen points all about?
2) What was the overall outcome of the Paris Peace Conference?
3) What organization today is similar to that of the League of Nations? Research what this organizations mission is today.


Due: Sunday 1/23/11 by no later than 11:59pm

The United States enters the War (Blog #20)

German's continued violations of American neutrality drew the United States into World War I on the Allied side in 1917. The American's entry came none too soon for the Allies, who faced a desperate military situation. As U.S. forces poured into Europe the tide turned. The Germans slowly fell back, and in November 1918 the warring parties signed an armistice. The four-year nightmare had finally ended.


Your Assignment:

1). List factors that led the U.S. entry into World War I and then rank your list from most to least significant factors.


Due: Sunday 1/16/11 by no later than 11:59pm

World War I (Blog #19)

When war enveloped Europe, the United States tried to remain neutral. In 1917, however, the U.S. joined the Allied cause. The government quickly moved to mobilize the economy and to build public support for the war. (Watch the following video links below)


*U.S. Neutrality*

*Mobilizing the Nation for War*


Your Assignment:

1) According to the first link, why did the U.S. try to remain neutral, and why did we join the war?
2) According to the second link and your suggestions, what are some things that a government might do to mobilize a nation's economy to meet a national emergency.
3) How might a government also mobilize public support. Why is this important?

Due: Sunday 1/9/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.