Last 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 this year! New Year's Resolutions anyone?! State whether you have any resolutions and what they are!

Merry Christmas from Morgan, Palynn and myself. May God bless you and your family.

Have fun, be safe and think before you do!


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

Current Events / American History (Blog #17)

Your Assignment:

I am going to open it up for debate on whatever topic you want to blog about. Pick a CURRENT EVENTS topic and relate it back to AMERICAN HISTORY giving insight into the historical connection.  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 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Newsreel (Blog #16)

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, American Government and American Culture.

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.


Due: Sunday by no later than 11:59pm

World War I (Blog #15)

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 by no later than 11:59p.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 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 infrastructure similar to that of President Obama's plan during his first two years in office.

**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.
4.) Comment on 2 of your classmates posts


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

Wilson's "New Freedom" Plan (Blog #12)

During the 1912 campaign, Woodrow Wilson pledged to restore opportunity in American life. Once in office, Wilson moved to lower tariffs, reform banking, regulate corporations, and aid farmers and wage earners. As Wilson began his second term in office, progressives could claim some success in their efforts to improve American life. Yet much remained to be done. Progressives had barely begun to clean up government and regulate business, women still did not have the right to vote, and the pledge of equal opportunity for all Americans remained unfulfilled.

Your Assignment:

1.) Imagine you are a public relations adviser to President Wilson. Your task is to develop a media campaign to "sell" to the American public Wilson's reforms for tariff and banking.

Due: Sunday by 11:59p.m.

Reform under Taft (Blog #11)

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 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Roosevelt and the Square Deal (Blog #10)

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 by no later than 11:59p.m.

REMINDER!!!!!

All blogs and blog grades are final on Sunday at 11:59pm as this marks the end of the 1st Quarter.  I suggest you go back and make sure you have completed all 9 Blogs!

Good work this first quarter!  I am proud of your effort!

Last Blog, 1st Quarter!!!! Civil Service Reform (Blog #9)

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 by no later than 11:59pm

Farmers' Plight (Blog #8)

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 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Immigration and Urban Life (Blog #7)

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 no later than 11:59p.m.

Lincoln (Blog #6)

Your Assignment:

1).  Summarize the movie, "Lincoln".
2).  Give your thoughts and opinions on the movie.
3).  Comment on 2 of your classmates posts.


Due:  Sunday by no later than 11:59pm.

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: By Sunday no later than 11:59pm

Lasting Legacy of Civil War (Blog #4)

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: By Sunday no later than 11:59pm

The New South (Blog #3)

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: By Sunday no later than 11:59pm

Reconstruction (Blog #2)

Watch this video and then give a brief summary.

*Reconstruction begins*



1). Explain what the Reconstruction actually was and then explain how the reconstruction affected the North and the South.



Due: By Sunday no later than 11:59pm

Welcome Back / Civil War (Blog #1)

Welcome back for another exciting year! I hope your summer went well and you had time to do whatever it is you do. For this first blog assignment, you are to tell a little bit about your summer. Did you go on vacation, if so where? Work, doing what? Anything that you did this summer that your classmates may, or may not know. If you are new, introduce yourself.



1). Watch both videos below and add a few sentences for each one discussing the main ideas for each.



*Election of 1860



*Emancipation Proclamation





Due: By Sunday no later than 11:59pm

Summer Plans! (Last Blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

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!)


Due: By the end of school!

Comment on Saving Private Ryan (Blog #34)

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:  By Sunday no later than 11:59pm

Saving Private Ryan (Blog #33)

 

Your Assignment:

1)  Do a little research and find out what the movie, "Saving Private Ryan" is all about.  Tell here what you found out, that way you know a little about the movie and are better able to understand what is going on.  Please do not be brief!


Due:  By Sunday no later than 11:59pm

Newsreel (Blog #32)

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, American Government and American Culture.


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) Comment on 2 of your classmates posts.


Due: Sunday 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 no later than 11:59.

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 the bombing of Pearl Harbor.


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

Easter Break! (Blog #29)

I thought we would do a fun Blog for this short Easter week.


Your Assignment:

1) Tell what plans you have for this Easter Break Weekend!
2) State one goal that you have for yourself, your grades, etc for the last 5 to 6 weeks of school!

Due: Sunday by no later than 11:59pm

WWII, the Home Front (Blog #28)

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 by no later than 11:59p.m.

WWII Interactive (Blog #27)

*World War II, Interactive*


Your Assignment:

1). Click on the interactive WWII website and state 3 new things you learned, one from each area on the globe (United States, Europe and Africa & Asia).
2). Summarize the events that led to war. Be very specific, explaining in detail the events.


Due: Sunday by no later than 11:59pm

WWII (Blog #26)

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 by no later than 11:59p.m.

American History (Blog #25)

Your Assignment:

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 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Hoover Fails (Blog #24)

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 by no later than 11:59pm

Hard Times (Blog #23)

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 by no later than 11:59pm

Prosperity Shattered (Blog #22)

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 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Current Events/American History (Blog #21)

Your Assignment:

I am going to open it up for debate on whatever topic you want to blog about. Pick a CURRENT EVENTS topic and relate it back to AMERICAN HISTORY giving insight into the historical connection.  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 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Global Impact of World War I (Blog #20)

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. (*Hint: What are things that may exist today because of WWI. Also, are there events that took place after WWI that were directly related to WWI?)


Due: Sunday by no later than 11:59pm

League of Nations (Blog #19)

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 by no later than 11:59pm