Final Blog of the 1st Semester (Blog #18)

With this being the last Blog of the semester, I thought we would do something fun!

Your Assignment:

Write a letter to Santa Clause and tell him if you've been naughty or nice. Also include a list of what you want for Christmas. Finally, tell the rest of your classmates where you will be going to celebrate the Christmas Holiday and what you have been blessed with in 2009. New Year's Resolutions anyone?!

Merry Christmas from Morgan and I. May God bless you and your family.

Have fun, be safe and think before you do!

Due: Sunday 12/27/09 by no later than 11:59p.m.

National Assembly and the Bastille (Blog #17)

Throughout history economic and social inequalities have at times led people to revolt against their governments.


Your Assignment:

1)Describe the creation of the National Assembly and the storming of the Bastille.


Due: Sunday 12/20/09 by no later than 11:59pm

Summary of Enlightened Ideas (Blog #16)

How did the statement by Prussian ruler Fredrick the Great that a ruler is only "the first servant of the state" highlight Enlightenment ideas about government? Make sure to bring in specific philiosophers and their ideas that explain this quote by Fredrick in detail.


Due: Sunday 12/13/09 by no later than 11:59pm

The French Revolution (Blog #15)

The causes of the French Revolution surround two main areas of interest. Those two areas include social and economic inequalities in the Old Regime.

Your Assignment:

1). Name the three social classes present in France during the late 18th and early 19th century.
2). Explain what groups of people made up each of these classes.
3). State reasons why the classes, and the discord among some, helped lead to the French Revolution.

Due: By Sunday 12/6/09 no later than 11:59p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving (Blog #14)

In the spirit of giving thanks, I thought we could have a blog assignment all about being thankful! In this post I would like for you to add a couple of comments on things you are thankful for. Then comment on at least 2 of your classmates posts.

I hope all of your thanksgiving breaks go well!

Check out this link for fun and exciting historical facts about thanksgiving:

http://www.history.com/minisites/thanksgiving/

Due Date: By Sunday 11/29/09 at 11:59p.m.

American Revolution (Blog #13)

Enlightenment ideas helped spur the American colonies to shed British rule and create a new nation. The revolution created a republic, the United States of America, that became a model for many nations of the world.


Your Assignment:

1.) To better understand the events that led to the American Revolution, come up with 3 causes of the Revolution that led to the break out of the war and explain them in detail.


Due: Sunday 11/22/09 by no later than 11:59pm

Veteran's Day (Blog #12)

Whether it's peacetime or wartime, it's always important to understand that Veterans Day means more than just a program at the school. Patriotism is a value that must be taught and modeled for students and adults alike. By taking some time to give this sentiment even deeper meaning in the classroom, a deeper foundation will be built to be a proud and contributing citizens of our country.


Your Assignment:
*Answer three of the five questions. If you want to answer them all, go right ahead*

What do you think Veteran's Day is for?
Why is it important?
What does the word 'veteran' mean?
Do you have any relatives or acquaintances that are veterans?
Have they heard any first-person stories about wartime?


******Do not forget that these individuals who are fighting right now are heroes who will be honored during future Veterans Day celebrations after finishing their service.******


Due: Sunday 11/15/09 by no later than 11:59pm

Relationship between Ruler and State

Enlightenment ideas spread through the Western World and profoundly influenced government. An "Enlightened" problem-solving approach to government and society prevails in modern civilization today.

Your Assignment:

1.) Explain the relationship between ruler and state. The old idea vs. new idea.

2.) Why must all rulers balance their philosophical goals with practical concerns about support from the people of their state.


Due: Sunday 11/8/09 by no later than 11:59pm

Enlightenment Ideals influece on Democracy (Blog #10)

American democracy was a logical outgrowth of Enlightenment ideas. These ideas formed the basic foundation of the fledgling American Government.

Your Assignment:

Explain some of the enlightenment ideas in 22.2 and how they helped form our democracy that we enjoy today. (Make sure you hit on enlightenment thinkers and what ideals they came up with. Also, explain democracy and how that ties in with these ideals.)


Due: By Sunday 11/1/o9 no later than 11:59p.m.

Core Beliefs of Philosophers (Blog #9)

To understand the views of different Enlightenment philosophers, you will need to identify 3 philosophers and analyze their core beliefs.

Your assignment: Name 3 philosophers and 3 core beliefs. Make sure you explain each core belief.


Due: Sunday 10/25/09 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

The Scientific Revolution (Blog #8)

In the mid-1500's, scientists began to question accepted beliefs and make new theories based on experimentation. Such questioning led to the development of the scientific method still used today.

Your assignment is to answer the following three questions from chapter 22, section 1 on pages 623-628:

1. Why do you think historians use the word revolution to describe this period of change?
2. In what way did Copernicus's theory contradict religious views?
3. How was the scientific method of exploring ideas different from looking to history for answers?

Due: Sunday 10/18/09 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Interactive World History Topic (Blog #7)

I am going to open it up for debate on whatever topic you want to blog about. Pick a WORLD HISTORY related topic and state your opinion/thoughts on that topic. Your topic could be tied to anything that is happening in the world today and relate it back to what took place in history. Then look around at your classmates blogs and comment/reply to their post. Agree/disagree, let them know your opinion/thoughts on their topic. Make sure you pick out 2 of your classmates and respond to their post. (You will get 1 point for your post, and 1 each for your responses to your classmates.) Good luck!

Due: Sunday 10/10/10 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

The English Civil War (Blog #6)

Your Assignment:

Explain the causes and results of the English Civil War.


Due: Sunday 10/4/09 by no later than 11:59pm

Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great (Blog #5)

Peter the Great made many changes in Russia to try to make it more like western Europe. Many Russians today debate whether to model themselves on the West or to focus on traditional Russian Culture.

Two figures in Russian history that played a key role in setting the direction of the country are Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great. As their names suggest there were many who loved and hated each man for different reasons.

Your Assignment:

1.)Compare and contrast both Peter the Great and Ivan the Terrible. (Make sure to include details ranging from when and how they came to power, what were their reigns like, etc.)


Due: Sunday 9/27/09 by no later than 11:59pm

5 Down 4 To Go

After completing 4 blogs, I'm interested to hear from you the students! How do you think the blogs are going? What have you thought has gone really, really well with these assignments? What would you like to see changed? Let me know here. (I will not publish these if it says that you do not want me to. Only I will see your comments, if that is what you want!!)

Due by: Sunday 9/27/09 by no later 11:59pm

Surviving Russian Winters (Blog #4)

Much of Russia's climate is very harsh in terms of cold temperatures and conditions. On page 612 and 613 explains the affects of the Russian Winters. Read these two pages and answer the following questions.

1.) Explain important climatic features of Russia.
2.) Identify Russian methods for coping with their environments.
3.) Do you think climatic factors have become less significant with technological progress, explain.

Due: Sunday 9/18/09 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Maria Theresa and Fredrick the Great (Blog #3)

With the on going power struggle within Europe, two leaders rise to promonance. Your assignment is to compare and contrast the similarities and the differences between Maria Theresa and Fredrick the Great.


Due: By Sunday 9/15/09 no later than 11:59 p.m.

Welcome Back (Blog #1)

1). Welcome back for another exciting year! I hope your summer went well and you had time to do whatever it is you do. For this first blog assignment, you are to tell a little bit about your summer. Did you go on vacation, if so where? Work, doing what? Anything that you did this summer that your classmates may, or may not know. If you are new, introduce yourself.

2 & 3). What are the benefits and drawbacks (good and bad) for a society when a ruler monopolizes (has complete control over) important decision-making, like that of an absolute monarch?


Due: Sunday 8/29/10 by no later than 11:59pm

Final Blog of the Year!!!!!!! (Blog #36)

Finally, the last blog of the year!! With this last blog I would like for you to tell everyone what your plans are for the summer. Also, you may add jabs at Mr. Hinman, positive comments for Mr. Hinman, how much you liked the blogs and his class, and anything else that comes to mind.

**(Remember the blog posting rules still apply, so do not be rude and also remember this is worth points so get it done!)

Due: Sunday 5/17/09 by 11:59p.m.

Europe and Japan in Ruins (Blog #35)

World War II cost millions of human lives and billions of dollars in damages. It left Europe and Japan in ruins. The United States survived World War II undamaged, allowing it to become a world leader.

Your Assignment:

1.) Identify some political consequences of the Allied victory in postwar Europe.
2.) Summarize briefly how defeat and occupation affected political and civic life in Japan.
3.) Describe Japan's postwar constitution.

Due: Sunday 5/10/09 by 11:59p.m.

The Allied Victory (Blog #34)

Led by the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, the Allies scored key victories and won the war. The Allies' victory in World War II set up conditions for both the Cold War and today's post-Cold War world.

Your Assignment:

1.) Explain the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan in some detail.
2.) Debate the following statement, 'President Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan was a wise one.' (Make sure you include your thoughts/opinions)

Due: Sunday 5/3/09 by 11:59p.m.

The Holocaust (Blog #33)

During the Holocaust, Hitler's Nazis killed six million Jews and five million 'non-aryans'. The violence against Jews during the Holocaust led to the founding of Israel after World War II.

Your Assignment:

1.) Why did Hitler begin mass killings of Jews?
2.) What was the difference between a concentration camp and an extermination camp?
3.) Read the quote by Elie Wiesel on page 939, what is the theme?
4.) State your thoughts and opinions on Hitler's Holocaust.

Due: Sunday 4/26/09 by 11:59p.m.

Japan's Pacific Campaign (Blog #32)

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and brought the United States into World War II. WWII established the United States as a leading player in international affairs.

Your Assignment:

1.) Specifically summarize the fighting in the Pacific between December 1941 and April 1942.

Due: Sunday 4/19/09 by 11:59p.m.

World War II (Blog #31)

Using the sudden mass attack called the blitzkrieg, Germany overran much of Europe and North Africa. Hitler's actions set off World War II. The results of the war still affect the politics and economics of today's world. (pg. 925, 32.1)

Your Assignment:

1.) Summarize the events that led to war. Be very specific, explaining in detail the events.

Due: Sunday 4/12/09 by 11:59p.m.

Treaty of Versailles (Blog #30)

After winning the war, the Allies dictated a harsh peace settlement that left many nations feeling betrayed. These hard feelings left by the peace settlement helped cause World War II.

Your Assignment:

1.) On page 861 study "The Treaty of Versailles: Major Provisions"
2.) Which column shows limitations on Germany's colonial power and name specific limitations.
3.) Which column shows limitations on Germany's military power and name specific limitations.
4.) How did these provisions against Germany make ordinary German citizens feel about the treaty?

Due: Sunday 4/5/09 by 11:59p.m.

Views of War (Blog #29)

"When World War I broke out, Europe had not experienced a war involving all the major powers for nearly a century, since Napoleon's defeat in 1815. As a result, people had an unrealistic view of warfare. Many expected the war to be short and romantic. Many men enlisted in the army because of patriotism or out of a desire to defend certain institutions. What the soldiers experienced changed their view of war forever."

Your Assignment:

1.) Read the Primary and Secondary sources on page 857.
2.) What reasons does Woodrow Wilson (Source A) give for entering war?
3.) What emotions does the French poster (Propaganda Source D) try to arouse?
4.) Judging from Sources B and C, what was it like for the average soldier in the trenches? Explain how you think such experiences affected the average soldier's view of war.

Due: Sunday 3/29/09 by 11:59p.m.

Zimmermann Note (Blog #28)

World War I spread to several continents and required the full resources of many governments. The war brought the United States into participation and later on propelled the U.S. to a new position of international power, which it holds today.

Your Assignment:

1.) Research the Zimmermann Note on the internet.
2.) Find a few sentences within the Zimmermann Note and quote them. Find ones that you believe to be the most damaging.
3.) Explain what the note was and why it was so important.

Due: Sunday 3/23/09

New Weapons of War (Blog #27)

One European nation after another was drawn into a large and industrialized war that resulted in many casualties. Much of the technology of modern warfare, such as fighter planes and tanks, was introduced in World War I. (29.2)

Your Assignment:

1.) Research 2 of the new weapons of war and identify what impact they had on World War I.

Due: 3/8/09 by 11:59p.m.

The Great War, 1914-1918 (Blog #26)

The quest among European nations for greater power played a role in causing World War I. By the end of the 20th century, relations among these countries had grown increasingly tense. In Europe, military buildup, nationalistic feelings, and rival alliances set the stage for a continental war. Ethnic conflict in the Balkan region, which helped start the war, continued to erupt in that area in the 1990's.

Your Assignment:

1.) Define imperialism and militarism.
2.) How do these two terms work together to promote war.
3.) What is one argument against militarism.

Due: Sunday 3/1/09 by 11:59p.m.

Karl Marx and the Communist Manifesto (Blog #25)

Along with the Industrial Revolution came problems faced both socially and economically. With Laissez-Faire capitalism being the most prevalent economic model, a change slowly occured in response to the problems that arose due to industrialization. Utilitarianism, which is a backlash to the problems and states that when the government must get involved, then they should get involved for the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people. Socialism, is the next rung on the ladder which increased government control over industries. To finally, communism which is full control by the government in all economic matters.

Your Assignment:

1.) Who is/was Karl Marx
2.) What was the Communist Manifesto
3.) Briefly explain the difference between capitalism, utilitarianism, socialism, and communism

Due: Sunday 2/22/09 by 11:59p.m.

Reforming the Industrial World (Blog #24)

The Industrial Revolution led to economic, social, and political reforms. Many modern social welfare programs developed during this period of reform.

Your Assignment:

1.) Describe the difference between Capitalism and Socialism.
2.) Look at the chart on page 737. Consider the following people from the 19th-century Britain: factory worker, shop owner, factory owner, unemployed artisan. Which of them would be most likely to prefer capitalism and which would prefer socialism? Why?
3.) Which system of economic ideas seems most widespread today? Support your opinion.

Due: Sunday 3/7/10 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Industrialization Spreads (Blog #23)

The industrialization in Great Britain spread to other parts of the world. This Industrial Revolution set the stage for the growth of modern cities and a global economy.

Your Assignment:

1.) Explain what the consequences have been by the uneven spreading of industrialization to certain parts of the world.
2.) Name two countries that are "industrialized" and two that are not.
3.) What are some characteristics of those countries that are industrialized and those that are not.

Due: Sunday 2/8/09 by 11:59p.m.

Industrialization and it Effects (Blog #22)

The Industrial Revolution started in England and soon spread to other countries. The factory system changed the way people lived and worked, introducing a variety of problems.

Your Assignment:

1.) Explain the beginnings of industrialization in Britain. (25.1)
2.) Describe the social and economic effects of industrialization. (25.2)

Due: Sunday 2/1/09 by 11:59p.m.

World Standing of the United States (Blog #21)

With the 44th President of the United States being sworn in on Tuesday, January 20th 2009 the world is watching in anticipation. With Barack Obama being the first African American to occupy the highest office in the United States, let alone the World, other countries are looking to us for guidance.

Your Assginment:

What impact does the first African American being elected for president in the U.S. have on the way the rest of the world views the U.S.? Explain in detail your thoughts.

Due: Sunday 1/25/09 by 11:59p.m.

The Congress of Vienna (Blog #20)

After exiling Napoleon, European leaders at the Congress of Vienna tried to restore order and re-establish peace.

Your Assignment:

Explain what the Congress of Vienna is and what they tried to accomplish. Then research what the United Nations is and what they try to accomplish.

Due: Sunday 1/18/09 by 11:59p.m.

(Welcome Back!!) Napoleon's Empire Collapse (Blog #19)

Napoleon's conquests aroused nationalistic feelings across Europe and contributed to his downfall.

Your Assignment:

1). How did nationalism affect Napoleon's empire?
2). What evidence suggests that Napoleon was not a military genius?
3). Why would the French want Napoleon to return?

Due: Sunday 1/11/09 by 11:59p.m.