Soon we will be studying the Civil War. As we've discussed in class, there were a number of issues that contributed to the sectional conflict between the North and the South, such as the fact that the northern states felt the need for high protective tariffs while the southern states believed that free trade was in their best interests. When causes of the Civil War are discussed nowadays, however, there is one issue that dominates the rest. That is, of course, the issue of slavery.
African slaves came to America with the first white settlers. Slavery was common in each of the colonies, as it was in most west European countries. Over the years, however, many began to question the morality of slavery. In the north, where the amount of agricultural work gradually decreased and was replaced by factory work in the Industrial Revolution, the need for slaves disappeared first. Revivals in Europe led directly to the prohibition of slavery in the early nineteenth century (1800s) and many northeners began to call for an end to slavery in the US.
In the South, however, many believed that raising cash crops was impossible without the cheap labor that slaves provided, and they stubbornly refused to acknowledge the immorality of owning other human beings. Abolitionists in the North believed that the power of the federal government ought to be used to free the slaves, and soon the issue was the most hotly debated topic of the day. Soon the South, feeling that its best interests were no longer being served by remaining a part of the United States, chose to secede (leave the Union), and a war broke out when the North determined to not allow that to happen.
In history class we often have to focus on "political history" - the big names, big issues, and big events of the past. It's important to remember, though, that history is the story of human beings that were just like people today. They lived their lives just as you do, with your individual dreams and problems and familiar surroundings. This week we will study the lives of slaves in America. Follow the link http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/slavery.htm and choose one of the topics then select an essay to read and review.
As usual, your essay must be 200 words long and followed by at least two responses to the essays of your classmates (total 150 words). Thus far your work has been excellent, so I encourage you to keep up the good work. God bless!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Homework 6, Due September 23, 2011
The name of Sen. Henry Clay has already been mentioned several times in our lectures. Sen. Clay owned a large farm near Lexington, KY named "Ashland" which is now a state-owned museum. (Orininally 400 acres outside the city limits, it's now a much smaller parcel of land that is practically downtown on Main Street, just a short distance from Coach Cal's home). Clay was an important figure in Kentucky and Washington, D.C. for decades and earned the title "The Great Compromiser" (in a day before "compromise" was a bad word in politics) and was nominated for president three times (unfortunately losing every time, which prompted his famous saying, "I'd rather be right than be president!").
Far from being the only major contributor, however, Kentuckians have always played an important role in national politics, most notably in the Senate. This week's assignment is for you to research a senator from Kentucky (a list can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Senators_from_Kentucky) and report your findings. Where did the senator come from? What were his major contributions? To what political party did he belong? How long did he serve? What do you find most interesting about the senator?
This is the kind of assignment that some low-down and trifling weasels will be tempted to cheat on. Warning - I have google too, and will find you. And when I do, I'll give you a zero and post a link so everyone can see where you found the stolen information! Hint: if you use the copy/paste function at all, you are probably breaking a law. Don't do it; it's not worth the trouble!
I'd like to point out that, as you look at the list, there are some names that you might be interested in tracing. Kentucky's first senator, John Brown, for instance, set a trend. His descendants (John Browns all, though usually using the middle initial "Y", have been senators, governors, and major business leaders in the state (including one still alive and kicking in Lexington). One of the most interesting Kentucky families was the Crittendens (senators, vice president, and Civil War generals...on opposite sides!). Also the Breckinridges, whose story is similar. In downtown Somerset there's a statue (yes, that one) of Sen. John Sherman Cooper, who was Kentucky's longest-serving senator until Sen Mitch McConnel broke his record. And finally, Sen. Alben Barkley, who went on to be the vice president under Pres. Harry Truman.
NOW (drum roll, please) I wish to make an offer so unbelievable that NO ONE will believe it. You've heard of a homework pass? Please, that's kids' stuff. How about a TEST PASS? That's right, I said TEST PASS, as in "keep on trucking, you get the day off." Too good to be true? You can believe it...it's a real offer. What's the catch, you say? So small, it's hardly worth mentioning, but here goes: Kentucky is home to some important Lincoln sites, as mentioned above. Also, near the KY/TN border in Harrogate, TN on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University (alma mater of great KY author, Jesse Stuart!) is a very impressive Lincoln museum. IF, by October 15, you create an in-person video blog of a visit to one of those three locations (birthplace, childhood home, museum) - and no, old family videos don't count, it must be current - I will exempt you from a 2nd quarter test (semester exam not included) or will DROP YOUR LOWEST SECOND QUARTER TEST GRADE IF YOU TAKE ALL TESTS! If you plan on vacationing near another significant Lincoln site (Gettysburg, Springfield IL, etc) and would like to do the project there, call, email, or text for special permission. The video blog must have educational merit, proving that you've spent some time learning at the site.
Now - give this assignment your best, and God bless!
Far from being the only major contributor, however, Kentuckians have always played an important role in national politics, most notably in the Senate. This week's assignment is for you to research a senator from Kentucky (a list can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Senators_from_Kentucky) and report your findings. Where did the senator come from? What were his major contributions? To what political party did he belong? How long did he serve? What do you find most interesting about the senator?
This is the kind of assignment that some low-down and trifling weasels will be tempted to cheat on. Warning - I have google too, and will find you. And when I do, I'll give you a zero and post a link so everyone can see where you found the stolen information! Hint: if you use the copy/paste function at all, you are probably breaking a law. Don't do it; it's not worth the trouble!
I'd like to point out that, as you look at the list, there are some names that you might be interested in tracing. Kentucky's first senator, John Brown, for instance, set a trend. His descendants (John Browns all, though usually using the middle initial "Y", have been senators, governors, and major business leaders in the state (including one still alive and kicking in Lexington). One of the most interesting Kentucky families was the Crittendens (senators, vice president, and Civil War generals...on opposite sides!). Also the Breckinridges, whose story is similar. In downtown Somerset there's a statue (yes, that one) of Sen. John Sherman Cooper, who was Kentucky's longest-serving senator until Sen Mitch McConnel broke his record. And finally, Sen. Alben Barkley, who went on to be the vice president under Pres. Harry Truman.
NOW (drum roll, please) I wish to make an offer so unbelievable that NO ONE will believe it. You've heard of a homework pass? Please, that's kids' stuff. How about a TEST PASS? That's right, I said TEST PASS, as in "keep on trucking, you get the day off." Too good to be true? You can believe it...it's a real offer. What's the catch, you say? So small, it's hardly worth mentioning, but here goes: Kentucky is home to some important Lincoln sites, as mentioned above. Also, near the KY/TN border in Harrogate, TN on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University (alma mater of great KY author, Jesse Stuart!) is a very impressive Lincoln museum. IF, by October 15, you create an in-person video blog of a visit to one of those three locations (birthplace, childhood home, museum) - and no, old family videos don't count, it must be current - I will exempt you from a 2nd quarter test (semester exam not included) or will DROP YOUR LOWEST SECOND QUARTER TEST GRADE IF YOU TAKE ALL TESTS! If you plan on vacationing near another significant Lincoln site (Gettysburg, Springfield IL, etc) and would like to do the project there, call, email, or text for special permission. The video blog must have educational merit, proving that you've spent some time learning at the site.
Now - give this assignment your best, and God bless!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
For those having trouble leaving comments:
Evidently Google's new settings have caused headaches for blogs everywhere, and I'm sorry it's been so inconvenient for some of you trying to post homework assignments. Follow the steps below (the first one should take care of the problem).
You may have a problem with authentication, and with cookie filtering.
First, try a different login procedure.
1. Login to Blogger using "www.blogger.com".
2. Do not check "Remember me" or "stay signed in".
If that does not help, try a second time..
1. Clear cache, cookies, and sessions (not just cache or cookies) - then restart the browser.
2. Login to Blogger using "www.blogger.com".
3. Do not check "Remember me".
Alternatively, stop filtering "third party cookies", in your browser and on your computer.
You may have a problem with authentication, and with cookie filtering.
First, try a different login procedure.
1. Login to Blogger using "www.blogger.com".
2. Do not check "Remember me" or "stay signed in".
If that does not help, try a second time..
1. Clear cache, cookies, and sessions (not just cache or cookies) - then restart the browser.
2. Login to Blogger using "www.blogger.com".
3. Do not check "Remember me".
Alternatively, stop filtering "third party cookies", in your browser and on your computer.
Homework 5, Due September 16, 2011
This week your assignment is to spend some time in research and reflection concerning the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. First, what are your personal recollections of the day? How did you find out about the attacks, and how did you and those around you respond? Visit the website http://www.history.com/content/9-11 to research the events and response of September 11, 2001.
As you all know, the Bible instucts us to love our enemies. In light of the world-wide terrorism threat, how ought Christians balance the necessity of protecting ourselves and our country with Christ's command that we respond to evil with good? The basic guidelines for this assignment are the same as the ones that have come before: 200 word essay and at least two responses to others (totalling 150 words).
Here's a bonus opportunity for those that are interested: Visit the website http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/index.html and research one of the Native American tribes that the Lewis and Clark expedition encountered along the way. Write a brief essay (150 words) sharing what you find and turn it in during class this week. This will be worth 5 percentage points added to the most recent test grade!
Some of you are waiting to the last minute to do your homework assignments and that has a way of working out in a very negative way sometimes. Let's get right on this assignment - don't procrastinate! Your work so far has been more than exciting - I've truly enjoyed getting to read your opinions and ideas!
As you all know, the Bible instucts us to love our enemies. In light of the world-wide terrorism threat, how ought Christians balance the necessity of protecting ourselves and our country with Christ's command that we respond to evil with good? The basic guidelines for this assignment are the same as the ones that have come before: 200 word essay and at least two responses to others (totalling 150 words).
Here's a bonus opportunity for those that are interested: Visit the website http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/index.html and research one of the Native American tribes that the Lewis and Clark expedition encountered along the way. Write a brief essay (150 words) sharing what you find and turn it in during class this week. This will be worth 5 percentage points added to the most recent test grade!
Some of you are waiting to the last minute to do your homework assignments and that has a way of working out in a very negative way sometimes. Let's get right on this assignment - don't procrastinate! Your work so far has been more than exciting - I've truly enjoyed getting to read your opinions and ideas!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Homework 4, Due September 9, 2011
The job of being president of the United States is one of great significance and responsibility. In addition to proposing and promoting his plans for the country (remember, he can accomplish very little unless he gets the US Congress to agree with his wishes), being the Commander in Chief of US Forces, and working with the UN and other nations to contribute to international affairs, the president is also responsible for being the chief administrator of the country. That by itself is an intense job, and one that requires the assistance of the best and most qualified team he can assemble.
The first president, George Washington, created a group of advisors called a "cabinet." Since Washington is considered such an icon, the name has become a permanent part of our political system. The first cabinet had only three members: Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of War. Today the cabinet consists of many more departments, and the Department of War has a warmer, friendlier name: the Department of Defense. The president nominates men and women to fill the posts as long as he is in office (although most of them only stay a few years) and they must be approved by the US Senate (after long, sometimes nerve-racking hearings that are broadcast live on TV - no pressure for the nominee, huh?).
If you were president, what kind of individuals would you seek to fill cabinet posts? Follow the link http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/cabinet to the White House web site which lists the cabinet-level departments. After reviewing the information available, which three cabinet secretaries have the most important responsibilities today and why do you think so?
Historical setting: George Washington served as president from 1789 to 1797. His Secretary of State was Thomas Jefferson; his Secretary of the Treasury was Alexander Hamilton; his Secretary of War was General Henry Knox. Jefferson and Hamilton were intense rivals, each with very different visions of how the new country should develop. Those two men are the philosophical founders of today's two principal political parties, the Republicans (Hamilton) and the Democrats (Jefferson).
Be sure your essay is at least 200 words, and you must repsond to at least two of your classmates' submissions (total of 150 words). Keep your essays on topic (answer the actual questions that are posed in the assignment!) and read your classmates' responses carefully before providing feedback.
Thanks for your hard work, guys - you're doing a great job!
The first president, George Washington, created a group of advisors called a "cabinet." Since Washington is considered such an icon, the name has become a permanent part of our political system. The first cabinet had only three members: Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of War. Today the cabinet consists of many more departments, and the Department of War has a warmer, friendlier name: the Department of Defense. The president nominates men and women to fill the posts as long as he is in office (although most of them only stay a few years) and they must be approved by the US Senate (after long, sometimes nerve-racking hearings that are broadcast live on TV - no pressure for the nominee, huh?).
If you were president, what kind of individuals would you seek to fill cabinet posts? Follow the link http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/cabinet to the White House web site which lists the cabinet-level departments. After reviewing the information available, which three cabinet secretaries have the most important responsibilities today and why do you think so?
Historical setting: George Washington served as president from 1789 to 1797. His Secretary of State was Thomas Jefferson; his Secretary of the Treasury was Alexander Hamilton; his Secretary of War was General Henry Knox. Jefferson and Hamilton were intense rivals, each with very different visions of how the new country should develop. Those two men are the philosophical founders of today's two principal political parties, the Republicans (Hamilton) and the Democrats (Jefferson).
Be sure your essay is at least 200 words, and you must repsond to at least two of your classmates' submissions (total of 150 words). Keep your essays on topic (answer the actual questions that are posed in the assignment!) and read your classmates' responses carefully before providing feedback.
Thanks for your hard work, guys - you're doing a great job!
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