Thesis Statement

When completed, please write your thesis statement as a response to this blog prompt.  Anyone can comment on and help with another student's thesis statement.

A new Amendment?

In the Weimar Republic, prior to the "reign" of Hitler, the German President was elected by the people for a seven year term.  Do you believe there is an advantage to a longer presidential term in office?  Explain your response, and also discuss whether you would vote to pass an amendment increasing our current four year presidential term in office to seven years, with a limit of serving two terms?  Would this be better or worse for our country?

Was FDR a Dictator in an Age of Dictators?

Make a case that FDR was a dictator--with absolute power in the running of his country, much the same as Hitler and Mussolini.  Explain your response.  You may need to do some independent research to better understand why this is a strong debate.

Historical Figure Facebook

Great job on your Historical Figure Facebook pages.  Please explain why your facebook figure was included on the list of names?  Why would you consider that person important enough to be on the list?

Should the US intervene--In The Great War?

After choosing to remain isolated for the first three years of The Great War, President Woodrow Wilson finally succumbed to popular opinion and asked Congress to declare war on Germany in 1917.  Do you believe it was in the best interest of the United States to enter this war?  Please explain your response--why or why not?.

iMovie Project

I hope you enjoyed this project.  As it moves toward conclusion, please let me know the following:

1. What was the most enjoyable part of the project?
2. What is the most important NEW skill you learned while working on this project?
3. Are you feeling more comfortable with group projects?  Why or why not?
4. Tell me one important fact you learned while researching and making the iMovie.
5. Is there anything that could be done differently to make the project better?  Please explain.

Great Job!!!!!

What Should We Do?

Your group has chosen a direction with the video project--either that the US should intervene in world affairs, or that it should not.  Based on the direction your group has taken, make a case that the US should either provide help or should not provide help to the Philippines following the devastating storm that hit them this past week.  Does the US have the obligation to provide humanitarian aid following a natural disaster?  If so, how much aid should be provided?

Interview Question

What is your best first question for your interviews?  This may be all the script you need, because you can then play off the answer provided by the interviewee.

United States--Intervention or Isolation?

Make a brief case that the US should either intervene in world affairs or should remain isolated.  Explain your response, and use a recent event as an example (for instance, the situation in Syria).

Test Taking

What is the most beneficial test preparation strategy you would share with a student who has a problem with test taking.  What really works for you?

The Teller Amendment

Please explain why you believe Congress passed the Teller Amendment? If you remember, this amendment represented America's promise not to annex Cuba, but rather to allow Cuba to become an independent state.  During this era of imperialism, and America's growth into a world power, why do you think they would pass this amendment?  Analyze carefully, and as you respond consider the U.S. role in the world today.

Manifest Destiny

In anticipation of our discussion on Manifest Destiny, please think carefully and provide an answer to the following:  Do you think America had the right to expand from its original 13 colonies, and build its empire from "sea to sea" and beyond?  As you respond, consider the following information--

1. America had just successfully won a revolution against a country (England) that had expanded its empire colonizing in America, and we did not like being ruled by them;
2. This expansion would be at the expense of Native Americans, who inhabited much of the land to the west;
3. How would America be viewed by the rest of the world? 
4. Feel free to research the concept of "Manifest Destiny" to help with your understanding.

Group Projects

This is the first blog of your Grade 8 History year--Enjoy.  There will be many more:) Please respond to this question:

We will be doing many group projects this year, in history classes as well as other classes.  Please clearly articulate why group projects are important to your education.  As you respond, please incorporate your thoughts on the following:

• What is the strongest skill you offer to your group?
• What needs to happen in order for the group to achieve success together?
• What is the most frustrating part of group projects?
• What would make group projects more enjoyable and fun for you?

Students and the First Amendment

Can you make a case that dress codes violate the First Amendment?  How would you argue that?

Freedom of the Press

Should the press be limited in reporting information if it interferes with national security?  Whose interest is more important--the citizen's right to know, or the government's interest in protecting society?

First Amendment Limitations

Why is it necessary for the government to put limitations on individual rights?   Do you think these limitations are required, or do you believe that the freedoms outlined in the First Amendment should be absolute?  Please explain your response in full detail.

Money For War

The war effort of World War II stimulated the United States economy and helped the nation out of the Great Depression.  

• Why do you think war has this effect?  
• Do you think President Roosevelt should have brought the U.S. into war earlier, to help the economy sooner?

PUNISHMENT!!!

Based on our discussion in class, do you believe Germany was punished too severely following WWI?  Or should they have been punished even more harshly, due to their aggressive and brutal actions during the war (unrestricted submarine warfare; Zimmermann Telegram)?

Research Process

Hopefully everyone can take something from the research process you learned during the course of completing your 5-6 page history paper--and it will help you on future writing assignments.  What is the most important thing you learned during this process about writing a paper?  Would you change anything about the way the process was presented to you?