Road To The Civil War: Slavery or States' Rights?

This week, you need to research the topic of slavery vs. states' rights. There are two very entrenched camps regarding this issue. Some historians claim the Civil War was caused by slavery and others claim it was all about states' rights.

Write two sentences explaining each side. Then, describe which side you fall on and why.

Utopian Societies: The Shakers

During this era of 19th century reform, a popular movement was the operation of utopian societies. Essentially, leaders of utopian societies would claim that seclusion from the world was the only way to purely live. These communities often included the ideas of communal property and sometimes even shared/open marriages. Some societies even had communal children!

A very interesting example of a 19th century utopian movement were the Shakers. Read this article, which describes the movement and gives a first-hand account of this group.

For the comments...
1-List five facts from the article.
2-Would you have wanted to join the Shakers? Why or why not?

The Age of Reform: Doing Some Good...Finally!

For this week, choose one of the topics below and research it thoroughly.

In the comments section, answer these three questions about your topic.
1. What was the problem this movement was dealing with?
2. How did Americans react to this particular movement?
3. What was the result? Good or bad?

Topics:
Horace Mann & Education Reform
Abolition
The Temperance Movement
Dorothea Dix & Prison/Mental Institutions Reform

Manifest Destiny: American Progress

This painting is titled American Progress and was created by John Gast in 1872. This piece of art is the seminal work representing the term Manifest Destiny. 

For the comments section this week, provide a definition for Manifest Destiny. Then, give at least two (2) examples from American Progress that demonstrate/provide evidence for the definition you posted.

Political Cartoon: King Jackson

                                        This image is a famous political cartoon about Andrew Jackson. Study it carefully. In the comments section, make five observations about the cartoon. Then, explain whether you think this cartoon was created by Jackson supporters or Jackson haters.

Political Parties: Whigs vs. Democrats

The first political factions were the Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans. As we moved into our second generation of leaders, two new parties emerged: Democrats vs. Whigs.

Visit this website and this website to get a feel for what each stood for in the 19th century.

For the comments section, summarize the beliefs of EACH party. Also, which party would you have joined if you were alive back then?

Andrew Jackson: His First Inauguration

So...Jackson is somewhat of a game-changer. He was certainly the first of his kind to hit the national spotlight. As you will see throughout the coming weeks, much of what made him unique and popular also led to his controversial actions while President.

This week, you will read this account of Jackson's 1829 Inauguration. Answer the following questions for the blog:
1) Did Jackson's Inauguration seem "presidential" to you? Why or why not?
2) Why were people reacting this way to Jackson when they had not acted this way for Presidents 1-6?