Civil War

Currently we're learning about the Civil War. Wars are constantly being fought all over the planet, every day, throughout time. There are all kinds of wars including major wars, minor wars, wars about religion, and wars with each other. It is often said that civil wars are the worst of them all.

Questions to Consider:

How might a civil war be worse than other wars? How would you rebuild a country torn apart by war?

Todays Youth: Future of America?

Usually the I keep this blog strictly history and class related, but something has been weighing on my mind for quite some time which I would like some feedback. I'll spare you the "back in my day" speeches, but I've seen some alarming trends in the last ten years as a teacher. I used to think the lack of respect for authority was increasing, but now I truly believe that kids today don't see what is wrong with the way they talk to and treat adults. Over the last 3 years, there has been a jump in missing assignments, tardies, insubordination, profanity, bullying, and harassment. However, in the same time teachers have worked harder than ever to engage students and make connections only to have their spirits crushed by a 14 year old kid. Teachers are trying to relate, incorporating technology in their lessons, trying to get away from lectures, using the Internet as a resource, but this blog being the perfect example clearly these strategies are not working.

Questions to Consider:

What is your opinion of today's youth? What is your opinion of teacher's today? With the understanding that there has to be guidelines and expectations, what should teachers/schools do to better relate to students? In your opinion was is the best overall way to educate and reach kids today?

Chapter 15 Test

Hopefully things are going well for you, but if you're here I'm guessing you're stuck. No problem! Ask anything you're stuck on and I'll do my best to help you out. The Cubs are on tonight so be patient. I might not be as quick as usual to answer your question! Like always, read through the other questions to see if your has already been asked, and don't ask me every single question on the study guide. I'll help you study, but I won't do your work. Good luck tomorrow!

Sacrifices

In the upcoming weeks, we will learn about the causes and beginnings of the Civil War. The Civil War was fought for different causes depending on which side one was on. Northerners were fighting to preserve the Union, and eventually liberate the slaves. Southerners were fighting for their way of life. Most often, fighting for a cause or something you believe in comes with sacrifice.

Questions to Consider:

How much would you be willing to sacrifice for a cause? Are there any causes that are worth losing your life? If so, what kind of causes are worth such a steep price?

What's Radical?

Pictured above is the famous John Brown of Kansas who felt very strongly against the ideals of slavery. He hated slavery with every fiber of his being. He was responsible for the deaths of 5 people in the Pottawatomie Massacre. He tried to lead a slave revolt by capturing an arsenal in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Some people approved of his actions while some called him a radical and a terrorist.

Questions to Consider:

What is the difference between having strong beliefs and being a radical? Is it an act of terrorism if you agree with the principles behind it?

Chapter 11 Test Review

I will answer any and all questions related to Chapter 11 right here! Be patient, I can only answer so fast. Please read all questions before asking because someone might have already asked your question. Try and be as specific as you can when asking so you question is not too broad. Good luck on your test tomorrow!

Is This Really Progress?

Throughout history man has come up with new technologies, inventions, and advancements to improve our way of life. Many inventions have had tremendous impacts on society. Some examples include the wheel, gravity, telegraph, automobile, planes, television, computers, and the Internet just to name a few. Yes there are a lot of great things, but is new really better? There were other inventions like guns, grenades, the cotton gin, and the atomic bomb. Were those positive impacts to society?

Question to Consider:

Are new ways of doing things always beneficial?