Mr. Clark’s History Classes

Middle school students share thoughts on american history

Immigration - in general and personalized

Posted in 7TH GRADE AMERICAN HISTORY, HIST 7-1, HIST 7-3, HIST 7-5 on May 27, 2009 by tclark

1.      Read pages 450-455 of the textbook.  Then answer questions 1, 3,4 & 5 from page 455 on separate paper in complete sentences.

2.     Make a family tree.  Complete as much of it as you can, starting with yourself, your parents, your grandparents, your great-grandparents, etc.  Also try to include the year each person was born (and died, if applicable).

3.      Talk to your parents, grandparents or other relatives to have them help you finish as much of the family tree as they can.  Also, refer back to the “push-pull” factors on page 452 of the textbook, and ask them when and why members of your family came to the U.S.A.  What was the dominant or most important factor in moving to the U.S.A.? Was it a “push” or a “pull” factor? Did coming to the U.S.A. work out the way those family members had hoped?  Explain.   With these questions in mind, please write 2-5 paragraphs about your family’s immigration experience and proofread before posting.

The Surrender at Appomattox

Posted in 7TH GRADE AMERICAN HISTORY, HIST 7-1, HIST 7-3, HIST 7-5 on May 20, 2009 by tclark

Were the terms of the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse appropriate and fair? Or, did the Union let the Confederate army get off too easy? Why or why not?

Write a substantial paragraph to support your answer.

Sherman’s March to the Sea

Posted in 7TH GRADE AMERICAN HISTORY, HIST 7-1, HIST 7-3, HIST 7-5 on May 13, 2009 by tclark

In May 1864, Union General William Tecumsah Sherman invaded Georgia with 100,000 troops.  By September, Sherman had taken Atlanta.  The General then marched his troops to the Atlantic Coast, destroying everything in his path.  Sherman’s tactics are known as “total war,” meaning not just war against an enemy army, but a war against enemy civilians as well.

What do you think of the tactic of “total war”? Do you agree with the old saying “all is fair in love and war”? Explain your thinking.

Please write 2-4 paragraphs.  Proofread and spellcheck before posting.  You may agree or disagree with earlier comments as long as you do so respectfully and explain why.

The Emancipation Proclamation

Posted in 7TH GRADE AMERICAN HISTORY, HIST 7-1, HIST 7-3, HIST 7-5 on May 6, 2009 by tclark

At the beginning of 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation took effect.  It was an order from President Abraham Lincoln freeing all slaves in the rebelling states.  Before that time, Lincoln had said his goal was to preserve the Union, free or slave.

How do you think the Emancipation Proclamation changed the Civil War and how people - northerners and southerners, slaveholders and non slaveholders, felt about the War?

Please write 2-4 paragraphs.  You may agree or disagree with other comments as long as you explain why and do so respectfully.

   

Civil War Technology

Posted in 7TH GRADE AMERICAN HISTORY, HIST 7-1, HIST 7-3, HIST 7-5 on May 1, 2009 by tclark

Review the passages in your text book on the advances in technology that occurred in the Civil War.  Which new technology or technologies do you think were the most significant?  Why?  Do you think that the new technologies helped shorten the War or make it longer.  Explain.

Please write 2-3 paragraphs.  Proofread before posting.  You may agree or disagree with other earlier comments as long as you explain why and do so respectfully.