"Week" of 12/27-1/6 (Extra Credit Post)

Holiday Greetings, History Minions!
 
I hope this post finds you all feeling holly and jolly :)   I wonder how your essay outlines are coming along?
 
Remember your Twitter projects?  Most of them were good, and I was pleased with those of you who really showed analysis of the passages.  Let's continue with a similar activity.
 
To receive credit, you will need a total of two posts that do NOT copy what has already been said.  Yes, your posts should show analysis, not simple regurgitation of facts.
 
You will post a "tweet" of one of the primary source passages you read, from that historical figure's first-person point of view.  You may use any of the passages, including ones you read for extra credit.  You may go back to A Modell of Christian Charity, and the passages from the beginning of the year!  :) 

Stick to Twitter rules: 140 characters or less, including spaces and punctuation.  In other words, you will tweet the reading passage as if you were the author of that passage.
 
Here is an example with only 112 characters to get you started:
 
AbeLincoln (Emancipation Proclamation, 1863) :

I proclaim all slaves in rebelling states are now and forever set free!  The North now fights for a moral cause!

Week of 12/17-12/23 (8th Week of 2nd 9 Wks)

Greeting Minions!

Let's be extra careful about copying from the textbook and Internet this time.  One of you copied word-for-word from the text.  While it should guide you, it's not everything there is to say about the topic.  Besides, you've all read the book, so why recopy it?  Add something new to the conversation.


Which reform movements (1825-1850) made the most impact on the United States?  Keep in mind this is prior to the Civil War!  Did they expand democratic ideals?  Pick one reform movement you read about and explain its economic, political, and/or societal impact. (You could even include the utopian movement, temperance movement, antislavery movement, etc.)

Careful!  Do not restate what's been said already.  Happy Blogging!

Week of 12/10-12/16 (7th Post of the 2nd 9 Wks)

Good afternoon, History Minions!

In what ways did the Market Revolution affect the United States and its citizens?  Discuss the impact of one of the following movements or inventions during the Market Revolution, from 1830-1850:

• Cotton Gin                              
• American System                     
• Steamboat
• Interchangeable Parts               
• Turnpikes                           
• Steel plow

As always, do not repeat what has been said.  Contribute new facts to the discussion :)  Happy blogging!

Week of 12/3-12/09 (6th Post of the 2nd 9 Wks)

Greetings History Minions!

I was impressed with your posts last week!  Way to go :)

Let's do something different this time.  I want you to select a historical figure and write a blog post from HIS or HER point of view.  When you do a reply, be sure to identify WHO you are replying as. :)

Historical figures:

• William Bradford
• Jonathan Edwards
• Benjamin Franklin
• Phillis Wheatley
• Thomas Jefferson
• James Madison
• Alexander Hamilton
• George Washington
• Andrew Jackson
• William Lloyd Garrison
• Harriet Beecher Stowe
• Henry David Thoreau

Topics to discuss:

• State vs. Federal power
• Tariffs
• Slavery
• Westward expansion
• Women's suffrage
• Foreign policy
• Political parties
• Individual liberty
• Industrialization

Week of 11/26-12/2 (5th Post of the 2nd 9 Wks)

Welcome back, my History Minions!

To what extent did political parties contribute to the development of national unity in the United States between 1790 and 1840 ?

First of all, you will need to determine just how unified the nation was, and just how much political parties helped (or hindered) that unity. 

Note the dates, because the nation moved past the Federalist-AntiFederalist debate over ratification of the Constitution.  And again, despite President Washington's admonishments to eschew factions, political parties emerged: Federalists, Democratic-Republicans (who became Republicans), Whigs, and Jacksonian Democrats.  There were others with less national appeal and historic impact, too.

When you answer, be sure to give SPECIFIC examples.  Give events, people, and/or eras to support your opinion.  :)

Here are some things to consider:

• Debate over the National Bank
• Marbury v. Madison
• Alien & Sedition Acts
• Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
• Citizen Genet Affair
• Louisiana Purchase
• War of 1812
• Hartford Convention
• Henry Clay's American System
• Second Bank of the United States
• Era of Good Feelings
• Market Revolution
• Spoils System

Week of 11/19-11/25 (Extra Credit Post!)

History Minions,

Greetings and Gobble, Gobble! I hope you enjoy your holiday and get to spend some quality time with family, fun, and good food!

You spent time reading Benjamin Franklin's and Patrick Henry's opinions of the U.S. Constitution. The Federalists and Anti-Federalists contributed significantly to our political discourse, and even though debate over the Constitution subsided, political parties were here to stay--despite President Washington's best efforts to warn us away in his Farewell Address!

The Federalists were ultimately successful in part because their proactive campaign blanketed the country with essays supporting ratification of the Constitution. Yet even with the support of such notables as George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, ratification was a slow and uncertain process. Let's not overlook how important the Anti-Federalists were!

Question:
Which side was really most persuasive? Explain which side and which argument did the most to support its views. What were the long-lasting effects of this argument?  Use what you know from the text, from the Franklin and Henry pieces, from The Federalist No. 10, and from other primary sources.  (I have provided some primary sources for you!)


Extra “Stuff” for you:
Who were the Anti-Federalists and what did they believe?

http://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/creating-new-government/essays/antifederalists-other-founders-american-constitutional

What primary sources can I look at?
Go to our class website and look at the Homework link  :)   https://sites.google.com/site/macklinshistoryminions/assignments/tobeafederalistorantifederalistthatisthequestion

Week of 11/12-11/18 (3rd Post of the 2nd 9 Wks)

Greetings History Minions!

It was GREAT to see the increased number of responses!  Let's include another group challenge this week!  If ALL of your Study Group members complete both blog posts by deadline, your group will earn extra credit :D

Question:
Anaylze the impact of the American Revolution on African Americans and women during the period 1775-1800.  Select one of the following when you discuss how women's status and African Americans were affected:

• Domestic
• Economic
• Political
• Social

For instance, with women, you might want to explain the rise of Republican Motherhood--what it meant and how the concept affected (white) women (of a certain class).

Happy Blogging! 

Week of 11/05-11/11 (2nd Post of the 2nd 9 Wks)

Greetings, History Minions!

I'm afraid some of you have already forgotten your new goal statements.  Many of you said you were committed to completing the blog post early.  This is a GREAT goal, and one that you should follow through on! :)

If there are 62 students enrolled in this class, then there should be a total of 124 posts.

Here is the new topic, which also deals with the American Revolution.  Select ONE of these three "categories" when you respond, and be sure to explain why your reason helped the U.S. achieve victory.

Analyze the political, diplomatic, and military reasons for the United States victory in the Revolutionary War.  Confine your answer to the period 1775-1783.

Ok, so remember your post should be SUBSTANTIAL and posit factual information.  When you reply to a classmate, you need to ADD A NEW FACT.  Do not recycle or copy what's been said.

ie.  "I agree with your point! Nicely done! It was (___repeated info___)!" 

Get to blogging!  Have a great week :)

Week of 10/29-11/4 (1st Post of the 2nd 9 Wks)

Greetings History Minions!

Welcome to a new 9 weeks!  Now that you are all experts in the art and science of blogging, I am eager to see what you accomplish!  Don't forget that you need two posts a week.  You need a substantial initial post, and then a respectful reply to a peer.  You need fact to support your statement, and you do not repeat what has already been posted.  :)

Question:
Analyze the ways in which British imperial policies between 1763 and 1776 intensified colonial resistance to British rule and their commitment to republican values.  For instance, if you choose to talk about British taxes, then explain a specific act that really fired up the colonists!  Perhaps you want to talk about methods of colonial resistance, or what "republican values" were really important to the colonists.

Happy blogging!

***Note: 11/3/2012***** I have deleted several posts, so check to see if your work appears!  When you reply to a peer, you need to reply with a FACT, and your post cannot simply repeat what has been said.

Week of 10/22-10/25 Extra Credit Post

Greetings, History Minions!

This week is the end of the first grading period, and most of you are finally in the swing of things!  Here is one last chance for extra credit.  The same rules apply: your blog posts should be intelligent, substantial, and supported by fact.  You should offer new information--do not repeat what has been said.  Also, when you post a reply to a classmate, be sure to offer a new FACT.

Select ONE of the following regions when you answer this one :)  Happy Blogging!!

Compare the ways in which ONE of the following reflected tensions in colonial society:

• Bacon's Rebellion (1676)
• Pueblo Revolt (1680)
• Salem Witchcraft trials (1692)
• Stono Rebellion (1739)

Week of 10/15-10/21 (8th Week of 1st 9 Weeks)

Greetings History Minions!

We are getting close to the end of the first 9 weeks!  I really enjoyed reading your comments last time!  You took the time to reply to your peers with a NEW FACT and most of you were very careful NOT TO REPEAT WHAT WAS ALREADY SAID.  Way to go! 

Here's my new question:  The French and Indian War (1754-1763) altered the relationship between Britain and the North American colonies.  Assess this change with regard to ONE of the following things between 1763 and1775:

• Land acquisition
• Politics
• Economics

Remember, you need to contribute new information to the discussion.  When you reply to a classmate, don't forget to use a FACT.  :)

Happy Blogging, History Minions!

Week of 10/08-10/14 (7th Week of 1st 9 Wks)

Greetings History Minions!

I hope you enjoyed the extended weekend--tell Christopher Columbus thanks! 

This week I want you to reflect on what you've been reading and researching.  Even on the eve of the Revolutionary War started, many people here insisted they were loyal British citizens who merely wanted their rights as Englishmen protected.  Do you ever consider what it means to be "American"?  What defining characteristics are considered "American"?  Think about the descriptions of the 13 colonies you've been researching and reading about.  Think about our Puritans, our Quakers, our poor, and our slaveholders.

Blog Question:  Which of the three regions was truly the most "American", and what did that mean?  First, you will have to decide what character and values made a place "American".  Your text offered some discussion of this, and you may wish to begin by re-reading your C notes.  Next, you will have to decide whether the New England, Middle, or Southern Colonies were the most American, and defend your answer with specific fact.  Don't forget that when you reply to a classmate, you need to contribute a new fact, not repeat what was already said.

I look forward to reading your responses!  Tell you what, if all of your Study Group completes both the blog post and response by Saturday 10 pm (a day early), I will excuse your lowest major grade.  :D 

Happy Blogging, History Minions!!

Week of 10/01-10/07 (6th Week of the 1st 9 Wks)

Greetings History Minions!

It's a shame that only two Study Groups were able to meet last week's challenge and complete all their blog posts by Friday.  I hope that you are all up to this week's topic.  Several of you did an exemplary job of NOT REPEATING information and of contributing a new, specific fact to the discussion. :)

Now it's time for everyone to work on this.  Ms. Grosz and I have been patient as you all get used to blogging.  Do not copy directly from the book or an Internet source (as several of you have); instead, analyze and interpret the information for yourself.  You should be able to contribute to the conversation by putting forth your own ideas or summarizing and giving credit to the author.  Do not repeat what has been said; you will have to read your peers' comments first.  Finally, when you reply to a peer, you need to contribute to the discussion.  For instance, instead of "I agree! Excellent point!"  give a good reason WHY you agree and it is an excellent point.

Here's the new blog topic to get you started:
How did economic, geographic, and social factors encourage the growth of slavery as an important part of the economy of the Southern colonies between 1607 and 1775?  Pick one aspect, be specific, and explain.  You might teach one of your classmates something new :)

Happy blogging, Minions!

Week of 9/24-9/30 (5th Post of the 1st 9 Wks)

History Minions! Good afternoon! 

Some of you contributed great comments last week.  Some of you…waited too long.  This week let’s focus on encouraging our Study Group members to get the blog posts done prior to deadline.  In fact, if all of your Study Group members have their two posts done early—let’s say by 10 pm Friday, then you will all receive a big, huge, major bonus!  What kind of bonus, you ask?  How about I excuse your lowest test grade!

What philosophical, ideological, legal, and religious ideas made the biggest impact on the 13 colonies, and in what way?  Select one thing that you think is most important, and prove your case.  For instance, don’t just say “the Enlightenment”.  Instead, explain one aspect of the Enlightenment that you believe was important.  Ah ha, gotcha!  This one will take a little thought, won’t it Minions? 

Happy Blogging! 

Week of 9/17--9/23 (4th Post of the 1st 9 Wks)

What economic, social, and political factors were MOST SIGNIFICANT in shaping the character of the 13 Colonies?

1) Pick ONE region--New England, Middle Colonies, or Southern Colonies.

2) Then share a SPECIFIC e, s, and p factor to explain how it impacted that region.

3) You will need to read through your classmates' posts because no credit will be given if you use the same information. You need to contribute new information to the conversation--wow your classmates with something they had not considered. :)

Just a few reminders you need to post TWO times EACH WEEK. There are some of you who have yet to post anything (Silly Minions! Join the conversation; we won't bite), and some of you are posing your comments, but not responding to others.

I am impressed with your respectful comments to one another. Keep up the great work! If you disagree, that's just FINE. Explain why you disagree because you might just change your classmate's mind.

Have a great week and don't forget that you need to STUDY, STUDY, STUDY daily. See you in class, Minions!!

Week of 9/10-9/16 (3rd post of the 1st 9 Wks)

Last week’s posts look great!  It seems like most of you are getting the hang of things quickly.

So this time I want you to focus your replies a bit differently. Take a look at this question:

Compare and contrast the British, French, and Spanish imperial goals in North America between 1580 and 1763. What factors helped or hindered each  power?

This week everyone should have different answers. Please focus on one or two of these imperial powers and give a specific example that hasn't been used by a classmate. You will not get credit for repeating something a classmate has said.

Have a great week!

Week of 9/3-9/9 (2nd post of the 1st 9 Wks)

Greetings, History Minions!

 

Most of you did an excellent job with the first post, and I can hardly wait to see what you do with the next topic!

I liked the way you replied to your classmates.  It's ok to disagree, too.  Just be respectful and explain WHY you disagree.  You might just teach them something! :)

Here are a couple of quotes to get you thinking:

"American history is larger, longer, more various, more beautiful, and more terrible than anything anyone has ever said about it."
                                            --James Baldwin

"Concealment of the historical truth is a crime against the people."
                                            --Gen. Petro G. Grigorento, letter to a history                                    journal,                                  USSR c. 1975

Why is it important to critically evaluate historical sources and our history books? How does author bias influence our views of history, and can you find examples of it in your reading?? I wonder what we should do about it!

Please keep in mind you should have your posts done by Sunday 10 pm.

Week of 8/27--9/2 (First Blog of the NEW school year!!)

Greetings my new History Minions!

It's a new year and new opportunity to succeed!  I am excited to see what you can do!

Here's how the Blog works.  Each week you submit a substantial post, using what you have learned to support your opinion.  Then you read your peers' blog posts, and select at least one to reply to.  You then post a (respectful) well-reasoned reply to a classmate.  Do not copy or repeat what have already been said; contribute something new.I will moderate all discussions.  I'd do the blog posts early because sometimes when students procrastinate, it is difficult yo think of things that have not been said already.

Let's start things off with a class discussion about...class.  Why is it we all hear how important college is, but so few (especially in low-income areas) go to--and finish--college degrees?  Are students unprepared for college, and if so, then why?  How much responsibility should be placed on the student, the family, the teachers, the school system, and the government?  What concerns, if any, do you have about getting accepted into the college of your choice, AND what are your thoughts about what you expect college will do for you?  What do you wish MacArthur (or your individual teachers) would do more of to help you get college ready?