End Of The Semester: Reflection

Wow! You guys have worked very hard this semester! We have covered a lot of material and you have had great attitudes. Thank you for all of your hard work.

For this week's blog, please reflect on what we have studied since August.  In the comments section, discuss the one topic or lesson that has impacted you the most and why.  Please give this some real thought and reflection.

The U.S. Constitution: Our Second Attempt At Creating A Government

As you are going to learn this week, the U.S. Constitution was not the original set of laws for America.  During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress wrote, and the states approved, the adoption of the Articles of Confederation & Perpetual Union. The AOC would serve as our official governing document from 1781-1787 when they were replaced by the Constitution.

The AOC attempted to create a government where the people (states, voters etc.) retained most of the power within the government.  We had just rebelled from a system of government where one man (King George III) and one governing body (Parliament) had full access to all political power, leaving "the people' often helpless.  Naturally, in creating our new government we were going to spread the power around rather than centralize it in the federal government (Congress, President, Supreme Court etc.)  This sounds good in theory, but an essentially powerless central government can get nothing accomplished which causes lots of problems for the states.  Soon the leaders of America were rethinking the effectiveness of the AOC and chose to write a new document where power was more evenly distributed.

This decision to change, but eventually do away with, the AOC came in the summer of 1787.  Men from all over the country convened in Philadelphia (just like they had done in the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses) to author a new governing document.  What emerged from those months of meetings and debates is our Constitution.  Adopted in 1787, the Constitution has withstood over forty different presidents, multiple wars (including the Civil War) and various other crises.  If you think about it, it is fairly remarkable that the AOC last about ten years and the Constitution has lasted 226 years. That was quite an improvement!

For this week's blog, visit this website and watch the videos on The President, The Legislative Branch & The Judicial Branch.  Each video is approximately 20 minutes in length, so you'll need to plan your time accordingly.  In the comments section, you will write three paragraphs.  Each paragraph should be 100 words long and summarize what you learned from each video.  This week's blog will be worth triple the points (150 instead of 50).

Chords Of Change: Music Of The Revolutionary War

This blog will be our last on the topic of the Revolutionary War.  This critical conflict was such a pivotal force in the creation of our country that it took three blogs to cover!

This week you will be examining some popular songs, on both sides of the war, during this time period.  Visit this website, listen to the five songs listed on the left and read the lyrics as you listen.  In the comment section choose two (2) lyrics to quote that really stood out to or that you thought were particularly insightful about this time period.

Valley Forge: The Worst of Times//The Best of Times

Washington and his men spent a difficult winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania from the end of 1777 to the early months of 1778.  One of the strange customs of war from the 18th Century is that armies would basically call a cease-fire when the weather turned cold.  As winter would approach, each army would find a place to hibernate until the fighting would resume in spring.  Washington's choice was Valley Forge.

It is well documented how miserable his men were during this time.  There was little food, adequate clothing or proper shelter to protect the men from the winter winds.  Washington, in display of one of his best qualities, refused to live in comfort while his men suffered.  He remained in the camp until winter thawed out.

As difficult as this time was, the men in Washington's camp received the best training of their "careers" up to that point.  Prussian military leader Friedrich Von Steuben came to the aid of Washington and drilled his men until they were an actual fighting force.  For this week's blog, I want you to read this story, watch part one and part two of this video series and in the comments write about your impression of Washington, Von Steuben and the soldiers in light of their struggle at Valley Forge.

Women & Slaves: Overlooked People Groups of the American Revolution

Like the title of the blog suggests, the role women and slaves played in the American Revolution is often overlooked.  Most people think about Washington, Jefferson, Adams etc. when they think about the 1770s, and those people were important! But, there were other groups who played strategic roles in the fight against Britain.

Visit these two links (women & slaves) and in the Comment section discuss why you think each group chose to play a part in the war.  Do you think they got what they wanted or did they help out and then were forgotten?

The Boston Massacre: A Lesson in Propaganda

Let me catch you up to speed. People from Europe came to America for LOTS of different reasons.  Some came for political asylum, some for religious freedom, some tried to escape their mounting debts back home and some came for the fun of it.  Either way, as time passed and the colonies grew a certain "American Culture" began to develop.  All these different cultures, living thousands of miles from home and across an entire ocean, began to develop a new identity.  It's not that they considered themselves as "Americans".  They did, however, begin to identify with their home colony (i.e. "I'm a Virginian" etc.)  The confusing part is that while this new identity was being developed, the colonists were still fully recognized as British citizens.  That meant the King and Parliament (England's version of Congress) were still in control.  Some colonies had more self-government than others, but all answered ultimately to the Mother Country.

When the French/Indian War started, the colonists needed British troops help to defend their land.  This arrangement worked because England A) hated France and B) wanted to see their colonies survive so they could continue to make a profit off them.  So the war was fought and England won, and then the trouble started.  William Pitt, the British Prime Minister (their version of a president) began taxing the colonies more heavily than they were used to in order to pay off the debt racked up by the French and Indian War.  And who could blame him? England sent her troops across the ocean and paid for much of the war cost up front. You cannot blame them for wanting a return on their investment.  Plus, the colonies belonged to England in the first place, so what's the big deal?

The problem was the colonists had basically been left alone for many decades leading up to the war with France.  They had enjoyed the freedom this "salutary neglect" (fancy phrase :-) )  had brought.  Now they resented England playing a more active role in colonial affairs.  As the reins tightened, many colonists began to advocate more freedom.  It is important to note that the original requests from the colonists were not for independence.  That is a common misconception.  What the colonists wanted, at least in the early years after the F/I War, was their rights as British citizens to be recognized.  To be treated like they would be if they lived in England.  The cries for independence rang out only after their requests for equal rights were ignored.

All of that background leads us to this week's topic: The Boston Massacre.  In March of 1770 an unruly crowd of Bostonians were harassing a group of British soldiers who were guarding a local customs (tax) house.  Heated words were exchanged, the colonists threw sticks, stones and snow balls at the soldiers and shots were fired.  Five colonists were killed and the soldiers were put on trial.  Ironically, John Adams (the cousin of Samuel Adams who was probably the most radical leader of the Sons of Liberty) was hired to defend the British soldiers against their charges of murder.  Amazingly, Adams convinced the jury of the innocence of the soldiers and they were free to go.

First, read this story of the Boston Massacre from the perspective of the Captain of the British soldiers involved in this scuffle.  Then, look at this portrayal of the events by Bostonian silversmith Paul Revere.  Be sure to read the explanation as well as look at the image.  There should be an option at the bottom of the page to view Revere's image in an enlarged view.

Is there any difference in the way the same incident was portrayed by the two sides? If so, why do you think that is?  How could the same story be told two different ways?

The French & Indian War: The War That Made America

So here we are at the close of the first quarter and we find ourselves fighting a war against France.  The British colonists, who are citizens of England but live in North America, have been asked to take up the sword alongside Britain's native allies to fight off the French.  The outcome of this war will basically determine which European country controls North America, so much is at stake.  On top of that, the natives who allied with the British will want to be appeased and/or left alone after the war.  Will potential native conflict lead to trouble in the colonies?

For this week's blog, watch this video and visit this website for more information on the F/I War.  On the website, be sure to read these three articles: Incidents leading up to the F/I War, French & Indian War/Seven Year's War and Treaty of Paris 1763.  In the comments section, please explain why this conflict was so important to the development of America as a country.

Religious Freedom?: Salem Witch Trials

You should know by now that not every colony started in America was founded for religious freedom.  Most people think the thirteen original colonies were all about freedom from religious oppression in Europe, but people also came for adventure, profit, to escape a rocky past, for cheap land etc.  All of that being said, Massachusetts was known for its religious background.  Unfortunately, it was not always positive.

Massachusetts, well actually most of New England, was founded by Puritans.  This religious group took their spiritual life very seriously.  In fact, only church members were allowed to vote in Massachusetts.  Visit this website for a brief description.

The Puritans strict beliefs about the way life should be lived, coupled with their very paranoid attitude about the Devil, led to the infamous Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s.  Salem was not the only Massachusetts town that experienced a witch hunt, but it has become the most notorious due to Salem's tourist industry, a recent revival of interest in witchcraft and a famous play called The Crucible about the trials.

I visited Salem, MA this summer and spent some time at this museum.  When you visit this website, please look at three of the sections on the left side of the screen: 1692 Salem Witch Trials, FAQ & Kids' Questions.  Be sure to watch all of the videos in the Kids' Questions section.

For the comments section this week, reflect on the lifestyle and beliefs of the Puritans, as well as all you learned about the Witch Trials, and discuss whether or not the Salem Trials were legitimate.  Do you think there were witches in Salem?  If not, why do you think the Witch Trials happen?  Can you think of any modern examples where people get caught up in a mass hysteria movement and are blamed/accused of things that are not true?

Thirteen British Colonies: The End Of An Era & The Beginning Of A New One

So France, England and Spain are all competing, albeit in different regions for the most part, for ownership of North & South America.  As you know, England began to lay claim on the Atlantic Coast of North America starting in 1607.  By 1733 all thirteen of her colonies had been established.  Many myths and misinformation are often spread about why these colonies were founded and what life was like for the Europeans who traveled across the ocean to live in them.

For this week's blog, watch this video.  In the comments section, discuss some of the things you thought were true about the original thirteen colonies that maybe you were wrong about after seeing the video?  What did the video teach you that you never knew before watching it?

Jamestown & Plymouth: England's First Two Successful North American Colonies

So America, as we know it, is beginning to take shape.  European rivals are not competing for the land and resources of a "New World": The Americas.  England has taken her place on the Atlantic Coast and by 1733 will establish her original thirteen colonies-which will eventually become the first thirteen American states.

For this week's blog, you are going to take an in-depth look at England's first two successful colonies: Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth (1620).  These two sites will be your main sources of info: Jamestown & Plymouth. Be sure on the Jamestown site to focus on the Jamestown info only by selecting the "Jamestown Settlement" tab on the left side of the page.  On the Plymouth site be sure to look at all the links under "Important Sources" and "Children of Plymouth".

For the comment section this week, please compare and contrast Jamestown with Plymouth.  How were these settlements similar? In what ways were they different?  Think about geography, motive for settlement, religion, politics and the many other things that might separate OR link together these two places.  I'm looking for some advanced analysis here.  Give it some real thought!

Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca: A Conquistador Survivor Story

Cabeza de Vaca was one of four survivors of an exploratory crew led by Panfilo Narvaez in the early 16th Century.  De Vaca wandered throughout the southern regions of America for years before he left North America.  His surviving journals are the seminal (this means most important or the authoritative) documents about the goals, findings and misconceptions of the early Spanish conquistadors.  What I find most interesting about such documents is what attracted future explorers was often misinformation about the continent (like lots of gold, oceans in the middle of North America etc.).  People in Spain would read these records and rush over here, only to find they had been misled.

For this week's blog you are going to read a brief synopsis of De Vaca's travels on this website.  Then you will visit this website and choose ONE of the four journals written by De Vaca about his time spent roaming through America trying to survive.  In your the comments section this week, write about something that surprised you or that you thought was particularly interesting about De Vaca's experience.

Columbus: Hero, Villain or Heroic Villain?

Now that you have your feet wet, let's dig in deeper into this Columbus fellow.  Did you guys know he is one of the most hated men in history (if you ask descendants of Native Americans at least)?  People often ridicule the fact we have a national holiday to celebrate this guy.

Of course, nothing in history is a simple as "This guy is bad" or "This guy was good" etc.  Events are complex and every side usually has some merit/value.

Here's what you are going to do this week.  Watch this video, this video and read this article about the different view points about Columbus.  Consider what you watched last week and the twenty facts you recorded in the comments section (you may want to revisit that post to refresh your memory).  After two weeks of study, what is your opinion on the legacy of Christopher Columbus?  Should we have a national holiday for him? If so, what did he do that deserves such praise?  If not, why not?

Christopher Columbus: There's More To Me Than 1492

And we not stumble upon the first of my favorite topics for this class: Christopher Columbus!  Without giving too much away, the Columbus you think you know is not the whole story.  While he did land in the Americas in 1492, he probably was not the first European to do so.  Also, he certainly did not discover America because there were millions of native people here before he landed.  Depending on who you ask, Columbus was either a great and brave sailor whose "discovery" changed the fate of the entire world for the better OR Columbus was a great and brave sailor whose "discovery" led essentially to a mass genocide of Native Americans and the exploitation of an entire continent by Spain, France and England.  The most likely scenario is that he was some combination of both.

This week you are going to carefully watch the six videos on this website.  Please pay close attention to facts you have never heard before about Columbus and construct your comments around that.  In fact, for your comment section this week make a list of the 20 most interesting things you never knew about Columbus before you watched these videos.

Hohokam: Funny Name//Seriously Talented People

Pre-Columbian America was full of survivors.  Groups of people who found themselves living in difficult situations (geographically especially) who had to find ways to adapt or they would die out.

Enter the Hohokam.  Tucked into the Southwest corner of the continental United States, these people found ways to survive in a harsh desert climate without the aid of any modern convenience.  Spend some time at this website and the links provided on the page to explore the impressive Hohokam people.  In the comment section, describe what impresses you the most about the adaptability of prehistoric cultures.

The Aztec Empire: The Original Nation Builders

Perhaps the most surprising thing encountered by the European explorers of the North American continent was the massive Aztec civilization in modern-day Mexico. The Aztecs are essentially the "grandparents" of today's Mexicans. Based largely in the desert, the Aztecs built their empire around their main city of Tenochtitlan, which was on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco.  Imagine your utter shock, as a "sophisticated European", when you "discover" such a modern empire in the middle of such savage surroundings!  The Aztecs quickly became the prize for Hernan Cortes.  He and his men took down the Aztecs intentionally (warfare) and unintentionally (smallpox) by 1521.

For this week's blog, spend at least thirty minutes perusing this website. Be sure to spend some time on each of the links located on the left-hand side of the page (Timeline, Food, Art etc.).  In the comments section, discuss what you found was the most interesting part of the Aztec culture.  Remember to conclude your comments with your (word count in parentheses).

Welcome Back!: Where in the World Are We?

Hello and welcome to the Saints & Sinners blog for the 2013-2014 school year! I am very excited to be your tour guide through the first half of American history.  This blog will expose you to resources, websites, videos, songs, journals, articles, political cartoons and various other historical items you otherwise might never have seen.  Be sure to keep up with the blog assignments (each one is a quiz grade!).

For starters let's talk about the theories behind the settlement of North America.  If we believe life started in the Garden of Eden, then how in the world did people get to North America?  Numerous theories exist about how people came to live in Canada, the United States and Mexico (collectively known as North America), but which one is accurate?  How can we tell?  Is it possible to ever truly know how the first Americans arrived?

Your assignment for this week's blog is to research possible theories on American migration.  In the comments section describe TWO (2) of the theories you found, which website(s) they were located and of the two you picked which seems the most logical.

Civil War Music: The Sounds of Death

We've finally made it! Our last blog of the year. Once again, reading and working on this blog is one of the highlights of my week because you guys take it so seriously. I really appreciate your comments each week and will miss your class next year.

Let's end with some tunes.  Music is an often overlooked and underestimated piece of the fabric of war.  In the case of the Civil War, we have confederate songs and union songs.  Some songs express lament over the loss of life, some discuss the merits of their side over the other and others were an attempt to remind people of home. Music is something anyone can enjoy.

Music was also used as a means of communication during battle.  Certain melodies and/or drum roll patters would indicate retreat, troop movement or other directives.

This week take a look at this website and learn about how music was used on the battelfield.

Then, go to this site and look at five Union songs and five Confederate songs.  When you click on a song name you will be directed to a lyrics page with an option at the top of the screen to play the song.  Be sure to listen to each song while you are reading the lyrics.

There are multiple parts to the comments section this week.

A) Explain how music was used on the battlefield.  Should fife and drum players feel as proud of the job they did as soldiers? (100 words)

B) Pick one of the Confederate songs you read/listened to AND one of the Union songs you read/listened to and analyze them.  What do you think these songs mean? What did they mean to someone back in the 1860s? Does the "sound" of the song match the lyrics? (100 words for Confederate and another 100 words for Union).

C) Finally, as a way to conclude the year, please discuss what one thing has impacted you the most from all we have discussed this year.  Please meditate on this question before answering. Think about ALL we have read, discussed, seen, listened to, debated etc.(100 words)

The Civil War: Medicine & Women

Two of the most intriguing aspects of the Civil War, to me at least, are the role of women in the Civil War and the role medicine played.  As for women, they were slowly gaining acceptability in society as more than wife/mother, but that change was slow.  In spite of that social status, women played key roles as soldiers, nurses and spies in the war.

I have often said, and you'll probably hear me say this again, that the most dangerous place to be in the battlefield was the hospital.  Well-meaning surgeons spread germs/diseases like doctors today give out suckers and stickers.  The infections received from the "medical care" often proved more fatal than the original wound.  None of this was malicious of course.  The doctors were doing the best they could, with the most up-to-date knowledge and instruments they had, all the while being right next to a raging battle.

For this week's blog, visit this site for more information on Civil War medicine and visit this site for a list of biographies of important Civil War figures.  Read at least 5 biographies of women from this list.  If you're not sure if a name is a female, just click the link and see.  If you're wrong it's only cost you a few seconds and if you're right then you can count it towards your 5 for the blog!

In the comments section answer these two questions:
1) What shocked you the most about the medicine section?
2) Do you think war is an appropriate place for women, regardless of what era we live in?

Why Can't We All Just Get Along?: One Map//Two Countries

When Lincoln was elected in the fall of 1860 many southerners saw this as the beginning-of-the-end.  Mr. Lincoln had gone on record as saying he would not eliminate slavery where it stood but he would attempt to block it from spreading.  The South wasn't buying this at all.  They interpreted this as he may not try to eliminate slavery now but eventually he would. Of course...they were right.  So with his victory eleven states would eventually secede and create the Confederate States of America.

You have studied extensively about different pieces of legislation and other events that divided our country in the years leading up to the Civil War.  For this blog, lets consider exactly how the North and South were different. The Civil War was also made possible because both regions were basically two separate countries already.  They had different demographics, economic systems, major political parties etc.  Please visit this website to begin to get a feel for how the regions were different.  After you've read the main page, be sure to read AT LEAST three of the links under the heading "History Articles" on the right hand side of the page to deepen your knowledge of the conflict.  In the comments section highlight what you've learned and be sure to touch on what made the North and South so different.

A Civil War Is Brewing: Missouri Compromise

I'm back! Thanks to Ms. Harrison for carrying on the blog the past few weeks.  She did a great job keeping this site hopping.  Once again, this blog only works well because you guys take it seriously.  I really appreciate the effort you put in each week.

So, as we look forward to the close of the school year we begin our study of the Civil War.  Over the past few blogs you've discussed slavery in the south, wage-slavery in the north, utopians, Manifest Destiny and various other topics.  This week we will look at the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and its impact on the growing division of America in the early 19th century.

To begin, visit here and here for a brief overview of this legislation.

Now examine the map below.  Consider the following questions before writing your comment this week.     -What was the overall rationale/reasoning for this compromise?
-Was this "geographical solution" the only solution to admitting new states as either slave or free?  If not, what suggestions do you have?
-What is strange about Missouri in relation to this compromise and its location on the map?

Comments: After giving a brief description of the Missouri Compromise, discuss whether or not you think the MC was an effective solution to America's problem of adding new states.  What would have done differently?  Did the MC lead to the Civil War or hold the country together until the Civil War erupted?  In other words, was the Civil War going to happen no matter what, or did the MC help cause the Civil War?

Utopia: Achievable?

The Age of Reform was a time of great societal change,  partially a result of the Second Great Awakening. Through this movement, not only were people called once again to religious fever, but also many radical religious groups formed. In these "Utopian Communities," perfection was sought after. All parts of men and women's lives were governed by their faith; all parts of life were communal and equal. Two examples of these communities were New Harmony, PA and  Oneida, NY. Read about each community. Then, compare and contrast the two settings. Do you think that one community would have been more successful implementing a Utopian Society than the other? How do you think these communities were received by the surrounding population? How do you think  they would be received today?

The Tale of a Forty-Niner

The Gold Rush changed the course of American history. As people flooded West, they had high hopes of striking a gold mine; their spirits were high during the lengthy, treacherous journey across the nation, or by sea. When they reached California, however, their lives in the boom-towns didn't exactly meet their expectations. Read this article to read a personal account of one of the many forty-niners. After you read, summarize the account and then take a minute to reflect on what life must have looked like for Mr. Sheldon Shufelt. Why do you think that Shufelt didn't stay in California? Hypothesize about how he kept his spirits high despite a disappointing season in California.

To Fight or Not to Fight: That is the Question

As you know, we have been talking about Manifest Destiny this week in class. On Thursday we are going to start talking about Texas Independence, and soon after the Mexican American War. Familiarize yourself with this **map and brief summary article so that you have a larger context to understand the war in. Then, spend a few minutes perusing this website. Figure out how the War began. Do you think that the actions that one certain president took were right? Why or why not?

**EDIT: Don't worry about the map. I have copied the summary article into a comment box (comment #3).  Since I am just getting to this change, you will have until Tuesday to complete this blog! - Ms. H

Presidents: Fill in the Blank

In the last section of Chapter 11, four different presidents and their terms are discussed in less than three pages!  Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler and James Polk's presidencies are all briefly touched on, but much is left to the imagination. Your blog assignment this week is to fill in some of these gaps.

Spend 20-30 minutes researching one of these Presidents online. Here is the White House Website which I have found helpful, but feel free to use other text and online sources! Then, write a paragraph about the President that you research which includes his education and what prompted him to run for President (don't forget to include his running mate and party!). Discuss any key events or decisions that are happened during his presidency.

For your final paragraph, try to draw a connection from the legacy of  President you choose to research to our present day government, views on the presidency or way we look at life.

Jackson

Considered common man, Andrew Jackson faced many challenges during his eight years in office, Jackson juggled the Nullification Crisis, the Indian Removal Act, the Spoils System and countless other affairs. Below, there are several videos for you to watch and learn more about this esteemed man. Pick three videos to watch and take brief notes about what you learn (this will be first half of your post).

Then, critique Jackson's presidency in light of what you have seen and read. Do you agree with his decisions? Some of them? Which ones? Why or why not? Do you think that Jackson would be elected in this day and age? Be sure to include specific reasons to justify your critique.

The Corporations 

Indian Removal

Reinventing the Presidency, Part 1 

Reinventing the Presidency, Part 2 

Was Andrew Jackson a Great President? 

What Does America Owe the Slaves? 

Just How Different Were They?: North & South in the 1800s

In Chapter 13, we will be talking about differences between the Northern and Southern States in the 1800's. In the Northern states, the nineteenth century was a time of immigration, industrialization and growth. Many immigrants, women and children worked long hours in factories trying to make enough money to make ends meet while others were climbing up the social ladder of wealth and prosperity. Watch this video to hear more about the tenements that people called home and learn "How the Other Half Lives." What surprises you about this video?

Now, I'm sure you recall that in the 1800's slavery was commonplace in the South. Even though the living conditions of slaves heavily depended on the hearts of their Slave-Master, all of the slaves experienced a rough journey to the Americas. Read this article to discover what the journey to the Americas was like for captured slaves.

For your comment this week, post about the similarities and differences between the experiences of the slaves in the South and the poor living conditions of many in Northern cities. What were the attitudes of the people "above" them?

Necessity: The Mother of Invention

Let's take a step in a different direction.  The next set of chapters we'll be discussing deal with the growth and change of America.  After the War of 1812 we finally become recognized as a legitimate country.  Other world powers begin to notice we've defeated/stood up to the British Empire twice and survived.  Our population was growing and our land claims had doubled thanks to the Louisiana Purchase.  We had now entered into an exciting time of "What is America really going to be?" type questions.  One answer to that query is "Innovators".

Beginning around 1790, America slowly became one of the world leaders in new inventions and technological progress.  The early inventions may not seem very cool or exciting, but they greatly changed the lives of people who could afford them/who worked with them.

Notice the title of this week's blog: Necessity: The Mother of Invention.  I want you to watch this video and use the first 50 words of your comment to explain what that phrase means.

For the second half of your comments, do a web search and find an invention created in America between the years 1790-1865.  Describe the invention and how it changed lives.  Here's the catch-you cannot repeat an invention that someone in the class has already posted.  So it is to your benefit to be one of the first commenters this week!  It'd be cool if you posted a picture of your invention as your avatar this week.

Embargo Act 1807: Diplomatic Solution to a Military Problem

If the Louisiana Purchase and subsequent Corps of Discovery were Jefferson's crowning moments as president, the growing agitation with England and France would be his downfall.  Like Washington and Adams before him, Jefferson maintained neutrality was the best course of action for our young nation.  The problem was we already appeared vulnerable (because we were) to the French and British and our neutrality policies made us seem weaker.  Instead of giving us a break and respecting our rights to neutral trade on the seas, Britain and France continued their policy of impressment.  Also, Britain's strong presence in Canada and our western territories, as well as their growing alliances with the natives, made us uneasy as well.  We were facing a two-front war (home and sea) with a country much more powerful than us and this time there was no way France would bail us out again.

Read this website on the Chesapeake Affair, the Embargo and NonIntercourse Acts and their repeals.  In the comments section, answer this question: Would you have done anything differently if you had been Jefferson? (Put yourself in Jefferson's shoes while answering.  That means...don't assume stuff Jefferson would not have known like "We are going to beat the British in the War of 1812 anyway so it doesn't matter what I do" because there is no way he could have known that.)

Corps of Discovery: The Lewis & Clark Expedition

The purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France ($15 million at $.03 per acre) and the subsequent exploration by the Corps of Discovery is by far the most significant portion of Jefferson's life as president (at least significant in a good way).  You must remember, the money he accrued from Congress to send Lewis & Clark was asked for in secret because he was not sure if he had the power to purchase this land.

As I said in class, this expedition was extremely close to Jefferson's heart.  He was a naturalist (someone who studies nature) as much as he was a politician.  It's kind of like Jefferson lived vicariously through Lewis & Clark.  He wanted to go but he could not so he sent his friends instead.  They had two main goals: document EVERYTHING they saw (nature, geography, climate, rivers, native tribes etc.) and try to find a water passage that connects the Atlantic coast with the Pacific coast.  They did document all they saw but they never found the water passage (because there isn't one!).

For this week's blog two things are required of you.  Spend at least thirty minutes on this website and record the 20 most interesting facts you read.  Be sure to explore every link on the right side of the page EXCEPT "Classroom Resources and A Forum With Ken Burns".  Those parts aren't as critical as the other sections.  Then, write a 100 word response to the following question: "If you were Meriwether Lewis, what would you be the most proud of looking back on your trip once you arrived back in St. Louis in 1806?"

Thomas Jefferson: America's Greatest Mind

Jefferson was an enigma.  Many of his actions did not reflect what he was famous for writing about during his lifetime.  The most glaring contradiction is his ownership of slaves even though he wrote "All Men Are Created Equal" in the Declaration of Independence.  You could excuse it away as "Oh well all wealthy southern planters owned slaves. It was just the way things were" and there might be some validity to that justification.

Another strange contradiction was his hatred of a strong federal government.  Remember, he was the leader of the D-R party who were suspicious of too much power in the hands of a few leaders.  They favored a strict interpretation of the Constitution to make sure people did not just do whatever was convenient while in power.  Trouble is...when he became president he acquired the Louisiana Territory for $15 Million from France even though the Constitution does not mention anything about the president having power to purchase land from a foreign country.  He broke his own rule!

Perhaps the most interesting part of his life was his family.  His wife died after giving birth and soon after he left for France to be our ambassador.  There he had a relationship with a married woman and did not even pick up his daughter when she arrived in France to visit him.  Read these letters he wrote to his daughter while he was in France.  What is your reaction to his fatherly advice?

George Washington:Indian Affairs

I do not mean extramarital affairs.  We cannot forget that hundreds of thousands of natives still inhabited this new country called America.  Of course, it was their land in the first place.

One of Washington's primary goals/concerns while in office was the problem of dealing with irritated/furious tribes who felt encroached upon by Americans (who could blame them?).  Read this article on Washington and his attitude toward the natives.  Do you agree with him?  Does this change your view of him?

First President:First Precedents

George Washington had a tremendous weight on his shoulders when he assumed office in April 1789.  Not only was this experiment in republican government on shaky ground, but history would record his every move as president.  If America was to succeed, it would largely be because of his leadership.  Fall apart and he gets the blame.

Historians tend to categorize Washington's presidency by using the term "precedent".  You know, of course, that precedents are examples set by someone for those who will follow.  Watch this video on GW's precedents.  In the comments section make an argument for the one you consider most important.  That is...if Washington had NOT done (whichever precedent you choose) our country would have been much worse off.

First In Everything: The Legacy of George Washington

As we embark upon the new constitutional era of American history, we begin our presidential history.  Many people are fascinated by everything surrounding our presidents and I understand why.  Think about it...of ALL the men since 1789 that have been eligible to run for president, less than 50 have gained that office.  Let's just say the number of eligible men since 1789 was 100,000,000 (a low estimate by the way), then the percentage of Presidents:Potential Presidents would be .000043% of our population! That's incredible!

So what makes these men (and hopefully one day women) so special? Are the rest of us too dumb to be president? Do those people have more connections and opportunities than the rest of us?  Are we too poor to be president?  Were some of them elected out of sheer dumb luck?  The answer is probably "Yes" to varying degrees to each man we call president.

This leads us right to George Washington.  As our nation's first president under the Constitution, everything he did was going setting a precedent for future leaders.  A precedent is like "setting an example for others to follow".  Think about the pressure that would bring!

We will discuss during Chapter 8 the many legacies Washington left behind.  For now, visit this website for at least 30 minutes and learn as much as you can about the man.  Check every video, picture, artifact and link available and then in the comments section record the 20 most interesting things you learned.

Articles of Confederation: For Dummies

Not that you guys are dummies.  Far from it. It's just the title of the video you'll be watching for this week's blog.  Let's call it..."Articles of Confederation For Those Previously Unfamiliar With This Document".

I will say, this guy (who you should remember from last year's hand signals for the Bill of Rights) is a little zany.  He uses some strange illustrations and voices (but if you recall so do I).  Don't let his weirdness deter you from the really good information he's giving you.

In the comments section this week, use your 100 words to discuss which part of the video was the most informative/cleared up a confusing section for you/was the most interesting etc.

PS-Ignore every time he mentions "the exam" or "multiple choice" or "New York state exams" etc.  He made this video for kids at a different school.  That part does not apply to you obviously.  Do not ignore, however, his clear explanation of the AoC...because, you know, it's the point of the blog.

PPS-At the end of the video he chooses to use a phrase he could have done without.  I wanted you to know that, unlike the Jamestown article from first semester that contained a curse word I was unaware of, I am aware of his poor choice of words.  Some of you may not even notice it while you are watching, and it probably is not as bad as the Jamestown word, but I wanted you to know I'm aware of it.  I'm still assigning this video because of all the great content, his funny teaching style and how well it fits into our current class topics.  If you think you might be offended by it or don't want to hear it, stop the video at the 12:00 mark.  You will not need to tell me whether you did or did not watch the whole thing.  Don't include your opinion on the phrase in the blog etc.  Just handle this with maturity please. Thanks!

The Articles of Confederation: America's First Attempt at Self-Government

Welcome back one and all! I hope you had a restful and rejuvenating Christmas Break. I know I did.

Let's reset the scene, shall we? After years of salutary neglect, the British rulers in England are imposing their will (and their taxes, troops etc) on the colonies.  Infuriated (especially those in New England where the taxes hurt the most), the colonists begin to fight back.  The War for Independence begins in April 1775 and ends with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

While the fighting is taking place, certain men known as the Continental Congress begin to devise a plan for self-government.  What good is it to gain our freedom yet have no plan to take care of each other?  Most people think the Constitution, which is still used to, came first but that is not so.  Agreed upon in Congress in 1777 and ratified in 1781 (making it the law of the land), The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was the first governing body in America.  While it was a step in the right direction, the document left much to be desired and was eventually scrapped for the Constitution.

For this week's blog, you need to visit this site.  There are three main parts to this site: background info, the actual words of the AoC and brief biographies of the "forgotten" confederation presidents.  You need to read each section carefully (this may take you a while) and then answer the following questions in the comments section.

-What were some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles?
-Overall was the AoC a good plan or a waste of time?
-What did you learn, that you didn't know before, about America's "first presidents"?