Join us back on the American History Blog in January 2010!

Have a Great Summer!

Hello to anyone checking this page over the summer. I hope it is a good one and I will see you back here at the end of August 2009! Actually, I will see my new students on the MR.M's EconoBlog - new for the 2009-2010 school year!

Directions for the KIVA Note...

Okay, I will give you 7 points of Extra Credit if you complete an essay about KIVA and the project you did as a class. This needs to be wordprocessed and can be turned in or emailed to me. Here is what needs to be in there:

*What was KIVA, what do they do, what is it all about?
*What did you do for the KIVA project (your group)?
*What is the most important thing you learned during the KIVA project?
*What positive things could you say about the KIVA project-what did you like about it?
*Why KIVA and the KIVA project important?

Okay, once again write an essay that includes answers to these questions.

DUE - Very soon! I will take them Friday 6/5, Monday 6/8, and Tuesday 6/9 - even Wed. June 10th

Questions? Leave me a comment!

Road to Revolution - Timeline from 3rd Period

Road to Revolution - Period 3 on Dipity.

Bloody Butchery - Runaway Fight of the Regulars!

You have a couple of days to read this primary source called a Broadside. Here is a little background info: Broadsides are single-sheet printed documents. They were frequently displayed or posted in public areas such as in taverns, outside meeting houses, or around municipal buildings. A variety of materials were printed on broadsides including poems, government proclamations, songs, and advertisements. Frequently they contained graphic images and a variety of typefaces and symbols. Although often printed on large pieces of paper, they could be of any size. A broadside may be compared to a poster or a handbill advertisement of today.

The American account of the events at Lexington and Concord is recounted in this dramatic broadside. Note the heavy black borders and the coffins that adorn the top of the broadside. Both the graphics and the inflammatory prose are designed to instill sorry and outrage in the reader and to inspire sympathy with the American cause of the rebellion.

This broadside depicts the British troops as attacking the Americans or "provincials" with a "savage barbarity" that included "shooting down the unarmed, aged, and infirm, they disregarded the cries of the wounded, killing them without mercy, and mangling their bodies." This broadside also exonerates the Americans, claiming that "not one instance of cruelty that we have heard of was committed by our victorious militia." Rather the Americans, "listening to the merciful dictates of the Christian religion. They breathed a higher sentiment of humanity."

This broadside was printed in Salem, Massachusetts by E. Russell. Russell was a Boston printer who moved to Salem in 1774 and published the Salem Gazette.

Once again, it will take some time to read but it is a good read. Go to the link at the top right and read what the broadside said. Here are some questions to answer for Thursday:

1. Who is identified as firing first at Lexington? Describe the situation....
2. Throughout this Broadside - The British (Regulars) are accused of doing terrible things..? Come up with a list of these accusations...
3. What is different about Prince Easterbrooks in comparison with all other colonists killed and wounded on April 19th?
4. What age is the youngest person to die on this first day of the war? Who is it?
5. What graphic image is printed on the Broadside? Do you think it had an effect?

Thomas Paine's Common Sense

For homework (due Tuesday) read the excerpts from Thomas Paine's famous political pamphlet titled Common Sense. All you have to do is put them into plain words, words we would use today. I just want you to get a sense of what he was saying. Because what he says fires people up to go ahead and actually declare independence from the British Empire! If you have any questions just leave me a comment. (NO, don't do the play/sketch thing - I crossed it out.

The Unfortunate Demise of young Christopher Snider

Following the series of Acts by Parliament, including the Townshend Acts, the protest movement in the colonies was growing strong. The Boycott of British goods was working. But not everyone agreed with the boycott. There were plenty of people loyal to the Crown. They came to be called Loyalists. Some of these people owned shops that were reportedly still selling British goods.

In Boston, it was common for young boys and teenaged boys to stand outside a business that was supposedly selling British goods. The boys hurled insults, animal dung, and threats at anyone that was intending to enter the business. Of course, this was bad for business as it scared most customers away. Overseeing the boys (and organizing them) were usually members of the Sons of Liberty. These men stood nearby watching the boys and giving approval.

On February 22nd, 1770, a group of schoolboys and members of the Sons of Libery gathered outside the shop of Theophilus Lillie. A sign also went up stating that the Lillie store was violating the boycott. A friend of Lillie's, Ebenezer Richardson, took down the sign thus incurring the wrath of the schoolboys and the men gathered nearby. Richardson fled to his home followed by a growing, hostile crowd. Threats were exchanged including Richardson saying, "By the eternal God, I will make it too hot for you before night." Richardson was threating to shoot. A sailor witnessed the crowd throwing rocks at the Richardson home and went to his aid. The rocks were breaking up the front porch, door, windows, and had hit Richardson's wife and children. The two went to find guns. When they returned, they stood at what was left of the front window but now there were boys in the backyard and to their front. So Richardson and the sailor were be attacked from the rear as well. Richardson knelt down, placed his gun on the windowsill, yelled another threat, and fired. Pellets from his gun hit one of the men, a young man's hand, and ripped open the chest and abdomen of young Christopher Snider (also spelled Seider)who was bending over to grab another rock. He died that very evening. The radicals in Boston made a big deal about the event and a huge funeral was organized and young Christoper was buried in the old Granary Burial ground - the first victim of violence during the troubles leading to the American Revolution.

WRITE A COMMENT - Okay, after reading this account, who is to blame for Christopher's death? What is your thoughts about what happened on that date Feb. 22nd, 1770. Once again, who is to blame for this?

Comment needs to be at least 2 sentences. Let's talk about your point of view tomorrow!

Why Was There An American Revolution?

Using the link to the right (right column) please read the following sections and see if you can answer the revolutionary questions. Copy these onto a word document and let's discuss tomorrow. Give it the title - Why Was There An American Revolution?

Introduction:
*Why do Historians say the American Revolution was the first "modern revolution"?
*How did the revolution touch off an "Age of Revolution"? cite examples
*Take a moment and explain the three fundamentals that the Americans were fighting for.

Why should we care about the American Revolution?
*Until Mel Gibson's Patriot (2000) Why have movies pertaining to the American Revolution struggled in the past?
What four issues of enduring interest are raised in this war?

Why did the American Revolution take place?
Over the course of time, the American colonies began to have a different look and feel about them compared to the home country of Britain. There were common characteristics shared by the colonies that separated them from Britain. In your own words list and share an explanation of what these were.

See you Tuesday - we will see how well you did.

The STop Disasters Simulation for May 7th!

The link is over to the right! Leave a comment for me and tell me how you did and what you thought of the sim. See you Friday!

Washington's Letter to his Mother...

George Washington was there at Braddock's Defeat early in the French and Indian War. What does he say to his mother after the engagement? (The questions will be below by 7th period today).

Bring your responses to these questions to class tomorrow for discussion! C YA

Please - complete sentences...

1. How does Washington describe the King's troops once the fighting began? In your answer include two specific examples...
2. What does Washington have to say about his own Virginia militiamen?
3. The course of American history could have changed dramatically during this battle - why? Get my drift? include your supporting info
4. Honor thy Father and Mother - Does Washington? How do we know?

Colonial America - Early Settlements and Growth of the English Colonies

This is the Study Blog for your next Big Test!

The Test is Thursday, April 30th! You will find various study aids here - I hope they don't disappoint! Let me know if you have any questions... Don't forget to get the study guide from our class website!



Here is a practice M/C quiz for you - 10 questions for now...more to come!

Take my online quiz

Homework for the night of April 7th

Using the Mayflower History website in the right column. Go to the passenger list. Choose any passenger you wish and
1. Tell us a little bit about them
2. Find out what happens to them in life

Share tomorrow on Wednesday.

Homework for tomorrow - Tuesday, April 7th

True Story or Pure Fiction?

Most of you know the basics to the story of the Pilgrims, the Mayflower, and Plymouth. But, how much of the story do you really know? What have you heard? There really is much more to it. So here is what you are going to do. Written below are parts of the Pilgrim story. Using the link to the Mayflower site (located in the right column) I want you to dig a little deeper. Tell me if EACH of these are true stories or pure fiction. If you think it is pure fiction, find out what really happened and make your corrections to the story. Copy these onto a word document first, then complete your work and bring in tomorrow! Have fun! See you tomorrow.

1. The Mayflower began its solo voyage on August 5th. The passengers aboard ship were religious pilgrims seeking to leave behind persecution they experienced in England. Thus, the group was called "Pilgrims". The trip across the Atlantic was rather uneventful and the Mayflower arrived off the Cape Cod area of what is now Massachusetts in November of 1620.

2. During the voyage a young man named John Howland was thrown overboard during a storm after racing above deck from below. While flailing his arms in the pitch black and brutally cold water, he somehow found a rope connected to the sails. He held on and was rescued to the astonishment of all.

3. There were three pregnant women on board the Mayflower. One of the women, Elizabeth Hopkins gave birth during the voyage, right there on board the moving ship, surround by about 100 other people and a bunch of stinky animals. She gave birth to a little girl and named her Atlanticus in honor of the voyage over the Atlantic.

4. There was an incredibly mean sailor on board the Mayflower. He was loud, profane, and abusive towards the pilgrims, constantly, especially when they were above decks getting some exercise. This young sailor went too far one evening when he quarreled with one of the pilgrim leaders, William Bradford. Bradford was pushed over board and lost at sea - the only person to die on the voyage.

5. When the pilgrims arrived in the New World, finally, after a long, long two months at sea; they were found to be in the wrong location. D'oh! Before going ashore most of the passengers were made to endure another month and a half of living in the cramped, stinky hold of the Mayflower! It took the leaders that long to find the spot they wanted to build their plantation/village - which, as you know, will be at a place called Plimoth - Plymouth to you and I today.

Homework for Monday, April 6th

For Monday, visit the Jamestown Interactive website again. This time go to the Powhatan village of Werowocomoco. Just copy the questions on a word document. Here are the questions for you to answer:

Explore Weromocowoco
Do a Fly Over of Werowocomoco - it's cool. What does the woman have to say about her people?

In 1491, about how many native people lived along the east coast of North America?

Finding Powhatan's Village
Check out Identifying Werowocomoco, how did the archaeologist know he had found the village?

Who Were the Powhatan?
Take a look at some of the stories behind these natives. Where is Pocahontas buried?

What is the story behind the hostile chief Opechancanough?

Indian Interactions with Settlers
Listen to Indian Conflict. The historian explains the difference between Indian and European warfare - can you?

Homework for April 2nd - Instructions....

The links for the homework sites are to the right. Please follow the directions below, okay? If you have trouble - try going to Mr. M's assignment page. I will have the links there too.

For Jamestown Interactive:
There will be a series of questions to answer when you tour Jamestown and Werowocomoco. I will post these questions on Mr. M's assignment page. YOU ARE ONLY DOING QUESTIONS FOR THE JAMESTOWN VISIT - WEROWOCOMOCO WILL BE OVER THE WEEKEND.

For Jamestown Online Adventure:
ON YOUR HONOR - play the simulation one time. Just one time. At the end when it gives you your results. Make a copy or write down how you did - i.e. poor, fair, good,etc... for the 4 categories. You will see what I mean... BE HONEST.

For the National Geographic John Smith Experience:
Go to the link and choose John Smith. Go through the story of John Smith and try the games. Quiz on him in class tomorrow.

Jamestowne Archaeological Simulation

Okay, gang, the website is to your right - in the column. It is titled Archaeological simulation!

What you need to do is this:
1. When you go to the site choose the BUILDINGS MODULE simulation, okay?
2. Read the directions-carefully!
3. Make a print out of what you did when you have completed the simulation - you will see where. Your name will be on the print out to turn in tomorrow! Good luck - I didn't get the grant the first time around either...

Leave me a comment if you are having trouble........

Rethinking Roanoke

FIRST, after reading "Rethinking Roanoke" please complete the survey. Here is the link. We will discuss the results tomorrow in class.

Click Here to take survey

SECOND, after completing the reading and survey go to the comments and write a comment that answers this question - "What do you think happened to the Lost Colonists of Roanoke?"

Age of Exploration Quiz Review

Take my online quiz

The following videos came from our discussion of the causes leading to the European Age of Exploration
The World in the 15th Century
Trade with the Far East

The Renaissance

How and Why the Age of European Exploration Begins...

Human Sacrifice among the Maya

Columbus - Conquest of Paradise - 1992

Columbus Sighting Land! October 12, 1492

Explorers Convention 2009

On Wednesday, March 4th, we will hold our annual Explorers Convention! Many of the most renowned explorers and conquistadors will be in attendance. You represent one of these men. On Wednesday, make sure you come ready with the information as stated below and IN COSTUME! That's right - be dressed for the part!Enjoy this years convention by attending a number of intellectually stimulating workshops like How To Be A Kinder, Gentler Conquistador, and Honesty is the Best Policy - We were here for Gold not God!


Follow these directions:

-Open up a new word document on your desktop.
-Copy and paste the questions below to the word document.
-Begin to research the answers to these questions.
-When complete - PRINT AND BRING TO CLASS ON WEDNESDAY!

THE QUESTIONS:

1. What is the name of your famous explorer?
2. What is his nationality? (where was he born)
3. What was he exploring or looking for?
4. What did he find?
5. How many voyages did he make?
6. What became of your famous explorer? (did he die? worshipped as a hero? etc...)
7. What is the major accomplishment he is remembered for?
- Copy and Paste at least one picture of your explorer on the word doc.
- Copy and Paste at least one map of the voyages or places explored on the word doc.

THESE LINKS (right hand side of this blog) WILL HELP YOU COMPLETE THIS TASK. Browse for your explorer. Good luck and see you Wednesday. Questions? email me at bmarkwald@usmk12.org

Coronado's Letter to the King, October 20th, 1541

After reading Coronado's own words describing his journey into what we call the Great Plains, take a moment and answer the questions below. We will discuss them in class tomorrow.

1. Although not mentioned by name, Coronado's monarch was King Carlos I (Charles the first, to you and me). How does Coronado speak to him? How does he acknowledge his monarch? Cite an example.

2. What is a league? How far is 300 leagues?

3. What are the "cows" of Coronado's incredible journey? Why "cows"?

4. Cite a passage from this piece that gives an idea of the amount of these animals.

5. Each group of people Coronado encounters uses these "cows" the same way. Make a list of the practical uses of these animals.

6. What beasts of burden were used to move native people's belongings?

7. At a point in his journey, Coronado receives disheartening information about Quivira. He decides to divide the expedition with the main force staying behind. Coronado forges ahead with only 30 men. (page 216) This could have been disastrous for Coronado - what dangers is he facing according to his account?

8. Out there on the vast and featureless Great Plains, how in the world did Coronado and his men cook the food they ate?

9. What was the difficulty with language Coronado writes about on page 218?

10. In the end, what is Coronado "sure of" in terms of this expansive country?

11. Coronado ends his letter explaining that the stories he was given were false. What does Coronado reveal to the King as the true purpose for the indians to tell him these fantasical stories about wealthy cities and native peoples?

12. Cite examples - in his report to His Majesty what are Coronado's feelings concerning the establishment of settlements in this area?

Mr. Salerno and the Lakota People

Thank you, Mr. Salerno, for sharing your personal experience on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Students, please take a moment to write a comment (click comments) to give your thoughts about Mr. Salerno's presentation about the Lakota people today and the conditions of the reservation. Just write your comment and include your First Name and last initial then choose anonymous. Okay, see you Monday!

Pre-Columbian America Quiz Review Page

Voicethread for the Great Law of Peace


Voicethread for the Migration Theories


Cahokia Mounds video

Ocmulgee Mounds video