The majority of the discussion for today was on General Grant, leader of the Union Army towards the end of the Civil War. It was told that he was near the bottom of his class at West Point and due to his drinking he was booted out of the army before the Civil War. The Union Army was in desperate need of soldiers to lead the armies into war with the south the government reinstated Grant.
What was not discussed in class was bits and pieces of what I had heard from my own research on Grant. His father was a very proud man and wanted his son to go to West Point. Grant really was not interested in a military career at all. He went just to please his father but he wanted out as soon as he could. He ended up marrying the daughter of a southern family. For a wedding gift they gave the newlyweds a few slaves. Grant couldn't keep a job. They ended up moving in with his wife's family. No wonder he was tipping the booze bottle more than he should. He was deemed a failure.
Little did Grant know at the time that he was destined for something great. He just had to wait for time to pass for his moment to shine on America. He had to walk in his path of failures before his great moment of leading the north to victory. Many people didn't like him because of his policies and his drinking. It was those policies, however, that helped the nation glue back together.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
July 26 : Day 21: Thoughts On The Movie Gettysburg
Today in class we watched a tidbit of the movie from Gettysburg. I have seen this movie once or twice. Although it is a good movie I do find other Civil War movies to rank up on my favorites list like North and South made for TV movie and Glory. But nonetheless it is still good.
It is hard to imagine the stress these men felt under Chamberlin's orders. They could not move from their post. There was no retreat or no surrender. They were the last in the line of keeping the hill under the Union control. They knew it was up to them to hold the hill "at all costs".
Up to that point the Confederacy has won every battle in the Civil War. The south must of been feeling pretty good about themselves and pictured themselves being somewhat invincible. The North needs a victory. They could feel the South slipping further and further away from America's grasps.
They had been fighting all day. No food, little rest and they were running out of ammunition. The Union is worn down, physically, mentally and emotionally. But somewhere inside of them they found strength to carry on and prevail.
The Union ended up winning that battle. It was one of the more historic battles in the Civil War and a turning point for the war. It must of felt like the Union Army opened up a can of whoop-ass out on the South. It helped give the North morale to continue and win again in other battles.
It is hard to imagine the stress these men felt under Chamberlin's orders. They could not move from their post. There was no retreat or no surrender. They were the last in the line of keeping the hill under the Union control. They knew it was up to them to hold the hill "at all costs".
Up to that point the Confederacy has won every battle in the Civil War. The south must of been feeling pretty good about themselves and pictured themselves being somewhat invincible. The North needs a victory. They could feel the South slipping further and further away from America's grasps.
They had been fighting all day. No food, little rest and they were running out of ammunition. The Union is worn down, physically, mentally and emotionally. But somewhere inside of them they found strength to carry on and prevail.
The Union ended up winning that battle. It was one of the more historic battles in the Civil War and a turning point for the war. It must of felt like the Union Army opened up a can of whoop-ass out on the South. It helped give the North morale to continue and win again in other battles.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
July 25; Day 20: The Start Of The Civil War
We are finally starting topic 4 which is the Civil War. In all of America's history this era would have to be my favorite. I am looking forward to hear our professor's little unknown tidbits on in. This will be a fun and exciting lesson to learn about.
I am not sure why it is my favorite in all of American history. I liked that this generation women were still women and not trying to be like men like in WWII. I like that gentlemen had a suaveness about them. I like hearing about the stories of those who have fought in the war. Camera's were first coming to use and they were being used on the battle scenes so this was the first war where America got to see what really was going on in the battlefield. I can't place exactly what appeals to me about the Civil War. It just does. In doing research for my family tree I do have a past relative that served for the Union Army but died fighting under Grant at the Battle of Vicksburg. Perhaps having a past family member serving and dying in the Civil War is enough personal reason to find interest in it.
In the class I will sit like a sponge and soak up all the information I can. Michigan has it's own ties in it too, like the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis was by General Pritchard's troops and he was from Allegan, Mi., a town I used to live in.
When I was a young girl I remember reading an article in the Saginaw News about an older gentlemen was still trying to clear his grandfather's name - Dr. Samuel Mudd - the doctor who tended to John W. Booth broken leg after he shot Lincoln. I was impressed that someone with that close to that time era was still alive and was living in Saginaw right along with me.
Perhaps it is a little bit of everything as to why I love this time era. Trivia I learned along the way of life implanted itself into my brain and turned it into something I enjoy learning about.
I am not sure why it is my favorite in all of American history. I liked that this generation women were still women and not trying to be like men like in WWII. I like that gentlemen had a suaveness about them. I like hearing about the stories of those who have fought in the war. Camera's were first coming to use and they were being used on the battle scenes so this was the first war where America got to see what really was going on in the battlefield. I can't place exactly what appeals to me about the Civil War. It just does. In doing research for my family tree I do have a past relative that served for the Union Army but died fighting under Grant at the Battle of Vicksburg. Perhaps having a past family member serving and dying in the Civil War is enough personal reason to find interest in it.
In the class I will sit like a sponge and soak up all the information I can. Michigan has it's own ties in it too, like the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis was by General Pritchard's troops and he was from Allegan, Mi., a town I used to live in.
When I was a young girl I remember reading an article in the Saginaw News about an older gentlemen was still trying to clear his grandfather's name - Dr. Samuel Mudd - the doctor who tended to John W. Booth broken leg after he shot Lincoln. I was impressed that someone with that close to that time era was still alive and was living in Saginaw right along with me.
Perhaps it is a little bit of everything as to why I love this time era. Trivia I learned along the way of life implanted itself into my brain and turned it into something I enjoy learning about.
Monday, June 24, 2013
June 24; Day 19: Suprise Of An Exam
Today we had our exam over Topic 3. It covered between the end of the Revolutionary War to the beginning of the Civil War. There was a lot of information covered in that time frame. Our professor said we could use notes to compare Thomas Jefferson Republican style about him to the Federalist style of Alexander Hamilton. Our test time was also moved from 11am to noon so we could have an extra hour of study time.
A couple of us gathered in the lobby about a half hour before class started and we started going over our notes together and asking each other questions about various topics. We noticed it was getting close to 11am but we decided to stay in the lobby to go over the notes. It was comfortable and quiet out in the lobby.
A few minutes after 11am another student came out to the lobby looking for us. She had great news. We are able to work in group to do the exam and that we can take our exam now. This was wonderful news. The class as a whole (or those who were there at 11) were discussing several different questions and how they came to their answers. It was a nice open discussion. We decided instead of talking across the room we slid the tables together so we were in a conference style of seating so we can see each other and talk out the questions.
Some people remembered questions from the study guide. Another person really studied the Native American part and knew it well. Another person studied the first packet and was knowledgeable about that part. It was a nice collective mixture of who knew what. I gave my imput on answers I knew too.
I think this worked out very well. I like working together in groups and getting to know others in class. We do not get much time for group discussions and this worked out nicely. I am looking forward to class tomorrow to go over the results of the exam.
A couple of us gathered in the lobby about a half hour before class started and we started going over our notes together and asking each other questions about various topics. We noticed it was getting close to 11am but we decided to stay in the lobby to go over the notes. It was comfortable and quiet out in the lobby.
A few minutes after 11am another student came out to the lobby looking for us. She had great news. We are able to work in group to do the exam and that we can take our exam now. This was wonderful news. The class as a whole (or those who were there at 11) were discussing several different questions and how they came to their answers. It was a nice open discussion. We decided instead of talking across the room we slid the tables together so we were in a conference style of seating so we can see each other and talk out the questions.
Some people remembered questions from the study guide. Another person really studied the Native American part and knew it well. Another person studied the first packet and was knowledgeable about that part. It was a nice collective mixture of who knew what. I gave my imput on answers I knew too.
I think this worked out very well. I like working together in groups and getting to know others in class. We do not get much time for group discussions and this worked out nicely. I am looking forward to class tomorrow to go over the results of the exam.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
June 20; Day 18. Review For Test 3
Topic 3 went by really fast. We took a test over Topic 2 on Monday and spent Tuesday and Wednesday talking about the War of 1812 and on Thursday we are reviewing for the test on Monday. The professor mentioned that we are not in high school and that we can read the material on our own. He is right on that. All the information we are going to need is right in the text. We are grown ups that can read and manage our own studying skills.
On the other hand I am a bit disappointed in the fact that we couldn't go over some of the material in class. I know it isn't the professor's fault as he is limited on class time and he needs to meet a deadline in a few weeks of covering everything in his class. He tells certain points of history with such zest that it is fun hearing him speak on different topics. I would of liked to hear him speak of Daniel Boone's exploration or Manifest Destiny and heading out west. There is so much history between the ending of the Revolution to the beginning of the Civil War that we zipped right over it. Our professor usually gives hidden trivia about our countries history, that I find interesting, that is not in most history books and I enjoy that. Unfortunally, that wasn't able to happen this time.
I wish his class was a longer class, either in time or extended over the full course of the summer. It would give students, like me, a chance to hear more about our countries history in greater detail.
On the other hand I am a bit disappointed in the fact that we couldn't go over some of the material in class. I know it isn't the professor's fault as he is limited on class time and he needs to meet a deadline in a few weeks of covering everything in his class. He tells certain points of history with such zest that it is fun hearing him speak on different topics. I would of liked to hear him speak of Daniel Boone's exploration or Manifest Destiny and heading out west. There is so much history between the ending of the Revolution to the beginning of the Civil War that we zipped right over it. Our professor usually gives hidden trivia about our countries history, that I find interesting, that is not in most history books and I enjoy that. Unfortunally, that wasn't able to happen this time.
I wish his class was a longer class, either in time or extended over the full course of the summer. It would give students, like me, a chance to hear more about our countries history in greater detail.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
June 19; Day 17: War of 1812
I came home from class and showed my older children a youtube clip we seen in class, "Songs of 1812". It basically explains how Canada was attacked and they returned fire by buring the White House down. They laughed and thought it was funny. Then there was a moment of silence and they look at me asking, "We lost the War of 1812?"
As much as I hate to admit it but I, too, was ignorant of the War of 1812. I did know Dolly Madison saved George Washington's painting. I knew the Star Spangle Banner was written by Francis Scott Key at Fort McHenry but the correct war slipped my mind for a moment. And we, as a family, have listened to Johnny Horton's song, "Battle of New Orleans" over and over again because we love that song. But I never connected that song to the War of 1812.
As much as I hate to admit it but I, too, was ignorant of the War of 1812. I did know Dolly Madison saved George Washington's painting. I knew the Star Spangle Banner was written by Francis Scott Key at Fort McHenry but the correct war slipped my mind for a moment. And we, as a family, have listened to Johnny Horton's song, "Battle of New Orleans" over and over again because we love that song. But I never connected that song to the War of 1812.
In 1814 we took a little trip
Along with Col. Jackson down the mighty Mississp
We took a little bacon and we took a little beans
And fought the bloody British in the town of New Orleans.
I regaled the story of what the professor taught us in class to my children. I told them how we went and burned down their capital in York (which I guess is Toronto) and they came to D.C. and burned down our White House. I asked them what two Michigan cities were taken over by the British and they guessed wrongly. I helped them remember Detroit and Mackinaw were the answers because I knew once I said the answer they would know it. The answer confused them even more. They wondered if the British took those cities then how come they are part of America. I explained that the British gave us back our land and basically gave us a spanking to remind us not to mess with them. We talked about Francis Scott Key and how he sat nervously out at see eagerly waiting to see what flag would be flying after the smoke clears out of the fort. Then they inquired how did The Battle of New Orleans play a part in the war. I couldn't answer them. I thought America sent the British packing in that battle but now I have to do more research on the battle.
Upon looking up extra research I came upon a discussion forum where people were discussing who won the War of 1812. Someone mentioned that they have friends who were still bragging about winning the war (They must of been from Canada). Another guy replied with laughter saying how funny it is that this other guy knows someone who is STILL BRAGGING about winning, after all these years. Most of the comments went on saying that the history books don't like teaching that war the right way and most sidestep the fact that America was acting a little big for its britches in starting a fight we were not yet ready to fight.
I guess I can say I learned new things today. I knew there was a War of 1812 and I knew key facts about the war but I learned new information about how we invaded Canada, about how we lost the war and that America was not yet ready to fight. I like wanting to learn more about our American history so that when I get home I want to learn more about it and sharing the findings with my children.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
June 18; Day 16: Knowing More Than Test Results
Late last night I look over at Chip, my computer. It was taunting me to come over and check on my grades. No, I thought, They probably won't be posted tonight. Like an unknown force I was drawn to Chip to check. To my amazement the grades were posted. I click on the link. My older, honor roll children gather around to see how well "Mom" is doing in school.
I scroll down the list of numbers. I find my number again and with my finger and I follow it across to help my children know which one is mine. I had to roll my eyes at the results. My sweet adorable children roared with laughter at their mom's grade. I don't think they seen a number that low before.
"How can do you so badly?" they teased.
"And you WANT to be a history teacher?" they laughed and danced around me.
I reflected back on the bad day I was having yesterday. Somehow this completed by horrible, bad day. I really wasn't that surprised, just plain feeling. I looked over the class to see how I compared. I noticed that many scored lower than the first test. It still didn't make me feel that much better. Okay, it did a little.
Towards the end of class we reviewed the test. A few more people stayed for a moment longer than last time. A classmate of mine and I started to overlook the exam. Again, there were a few questions off the bat that I knew I had wrong. Great! There isn't going to be anything that I can debate my question about. I started to really feel down about my score. It was deserving. I didn't study as much as I would of liked to. Lesson learned.
Then my classmate noticed we both had a question wrong and she was sure she was right and she went back to review the notes from class. We both approached the professor and made our point as to why we answered the question. He seen how we came to the answer and gave us points for it. Other students were around asking each other questions about how we came to the conclusion to that answer or another. We wanted to know how we got some questions wrong and what the right answers were. The professor was very kind in explaining how some of our wrong answers were wrong and how some could be confusing as to how the question was worded.
This one question I had the wrong answer because I wasn't thinking clearly and after reviewing the question with the professor I realized I did a journal/blog last week on the correct answer over the Battle of Trenton. Even looking at the question I was wondering why I chose to answer it the way I did, knowing it was wrong. But that lead me to inquire more about the Battle of Trenton and where the French came into play during the Revolutionary War.
Overall, I felt better about my grade and I wasn't really expecting any additional points. I learned that talking with other students about the test questions helped me see how we got our answers from different points of view. If there was a question that majority had right and I had it wrong than I know I misread it or just didn't know it. Staying after class to go over the test is doing more than just raising my grade. It is about learning more about the topics in class, it is about connecting with other students to see their point of view, and it is about coming to a conclusion as to why and how we came up with our answers whether we are right or wrong.
I scroll down the list of numbers. I find my number again and with my finger and I follow it across to help my children know which one is mine. I had to roll my eyes at the results. My sweet adorable children roared with laughter at their mom's grade. I don't think they seen a number that low before.
"How can do you so badly?" they teased.
"And you WANT to be a history teacher?" they laughed and danced around me.
I reflected back on the bad day I was having yesterday. Somehow this completed by horrible, bad day. I really wasn't that surprised, just plain feeling. I looked over the class to see how I compared. I noticed that many scored lower than the first test. It still didn't make me feel that much better. Okay, it did a little.
Towards the end of class we reviewed the test. A few more people stayed for a moment longer than last time. A classmate of mine and I started to overlook the exam. Again, there were a few questions off the bat that I knew I had wrong. Great! There isn't going to be anything that I can debate my question about. I started to really feel down about my score. It was deserving. I didn't study as much as I would of liked to. Lesson learned.
Then my classmate noticed we both had a question wrong and she was sure she was right and she went back to review the notes from class. We both approached the professor and made our point as to why we answered the question. He seen how we came to the answer and gave us points for it. Other students were around asking each other questions about how we came to the conclusion to that answer or another. We wanted to know how we got some questions wrong and what the right answers were. The professor was very kind in explaining how some of our wrong answers were wrong and how some could be confusing as to how the question was worded.
This one question I had the wrong answer because I wasn't thinking clearly and after reviewing the question with the professor I realized I did a journal/blog last week on the correct answer over the Battle of Trenton. Even looking at the question I was wondering why I chose to answer it the way I did, knowing it was wrong. But that lead me to inquire more about the Battle of Trenton and where the French came into play during the Revolutionary War.
Overall, I felt better about my grade and I wasn't really expecting any additional points. I learned that talking with other students about the test questions helped me see how we got our answers from different points of view. If there was a question that majority had right and I had it wrong than I know I misread it or just didn't know it. Staying after class to go over the test is doing more than just raising my grade. It is about learning more about the topics in class, it is about connecting with other students to see their point of view, and it is about coming to a conclusion as to why and how we came up with our answers whether we are right or wrong.
Monday, June 17, 2013
June 17; Day 15: Test #2
To make Monday's even more delightful a test was added to my day. I would be lying if I said I was eager to take this test as I was the first test but I would be lying. I didn't feel as pompous as I did with the last test. Perhaps that is a good thing since I didn't do as well as I thought I did, orginally, on the last exam. Having an extremely busy weekend with life stitutations didn't help in the fact of not studying as much as I should have. A few minutes before class began I realized I forgot a report that was due for another class at home which is an hour away. It's no one's fault but my own but the feeling of dread weighed heavily upon me. I couldn't shake it. It made it hard to concentrate on the exam.
I still pushed myself forward and tried to do the best I could. Many of the questions were on the study guide and I was happy that I reviewed those many times. Seeing those questions were like a breath of fresh air. I KNEW what the answer was. I didn't have to think deeply about it. It was one less thing off my mind today.
While erasing one answer (and since I probably second guessed myself I probably got it wrong and my original answer would be the correct one) my eraser popped off the back of my pencil. So this is the type of day I will be having today. Nothing seemed as if it is going to go right.
Overall, I don't think I did too bad. I am not expecting 100% but somewhere in the high 80's would be nice. I am looking forward to tomorrow and seeing what my grade it. Again, I wait with anticipation and high hopes until the next day.
I still pushed myself forward and tried to do the best I could. Many of the questions were on the study guide and I was happy that I reviewed those many times. Seeing those questions were like a breath of fresh air. I KNEW what the answer was. I didn't have to think deeply about it. It was one less thing off my mind today.
While erasing one answer (and since I probably second guessed myself I probably got it wrong and my original answer would be the correct one) my eraser popped off the back of my pencil. So this is the type of day I will be having today. Nothing seemed as if it is going to go right.
Overall, I don't think I did too bad. I am not expecting 100% but somewhere in the high 80's would be nice. I am looking forward to tomorrow and seeing what my grade it. Again, I wait with anticipation and high hopes until the next day.
Friday, June 14, 2013
June 13; Day 14: Crossing of the Delaware on Christmas
I did learn something new in class that day. It was from the Battle of Trenton, the famous Washington crossing the Delaware picture. George Washington only had his army for a period of 2 years. His 2 year time was almost up and all that he had been doing was avoiding battles with the British. The British used another country's army, kind of like rent-an-army, from Hessian, which is now present day Germany to help fight their battles. Washington knew he was getting to the point of no return for the birth of the new country. He had to act very soon or America would be under the British rule forever.
Like many things about history is that different stories are passed down. History is, afterall, His Story. It is someone's interruption of what happened in that moment of time. There is an old example of if someone seen a car accident and 4 people witnessed it then there would be 4 different accounts on what happened depending on the angle they viewd it. The same goes for history. It depends on how a situtation is viewed as to what happened. We can take the different points of view and come up with our own conclusion.
I heard a different reason as to why Washington crossed the Delaware on Christmas eve. Christmas was commonly known back then as a pagan holiday. December 25 is knows as a festival to celebrate the birth of the greek sun-god, Mithra. At the time early Christian's were pressured into celebrating with them, including the exhange of gifts to symbolize good luck. Eventually, Christian's transformed the rebirth of the son, Mithra, into the birth of God's son, Jesus.
Puritian's disagreed with this new celebration of Jesus' birth. They did not celebrate Christmas. It was even outlawed in Boston in the late 1600's. It wasn't until 1870 that Christmas was actually declared a legal holiday in the United States. Slowly, traditions from immigrants (whether being pagan or christian belief) between the 1700's and 1800's helped Christmas slowly merge into what it is today.
The German region did celebrate the pagan celebration of Christmas. Washington knew the army from Hessian (Germany) would be celebrating that night and the next day. He knew their guard would be down. Many in Washington's army probably didn't celebrate it or if they did celebrate Christmas it wasn't as popular as it is today so missing it wasn't too big of a deal. From the professor's added input Washington sent the Hessian army extra alcohol to celebrate with.
The Hessian army was blissfully three sheets to the wind that morning when Washington arrived and we ended up winning the Battle of Trenton. And in the words of Paul Harvey, "That is the rest of the story."
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
June 12; Day 13: 1/3 for the Revoluntionary War
Today in class the professor talked about how one-third of the colonist wanted to break away from British rule. One-third wanted to stay loyal to Britian. The other third he didn't say but I do know the last fact. The other third just wanted to be left alone and to go about their merry ways. They didn't care whose rule governed the country. They just wanted to farm or sell their good.
We talked about how we felt about police coming into the homes in Boston to search them. One person disagreed with how the police did that. Another person agreed saying if they didn't have anything to hide then it shouldn't matter as long as they were searching for the bad guys. This kind of proved the theory of the one-third for the Revolutionary War. I am sure there was someone sitting in their seats that didn't care either way.
I like to dabble on and off with my genealogy. I have traced one branch to the 1750's in North Carolina. Although I am still investigating I think I found a site where my ancestor was listed as a Loyalist. I was really surprised by that. In class, as we talk about the lead up to the Revolutionary War I know I had some past member of my family living through this time and that he was siding to stay under British rule. Like I said I am still cross checking my notes to make sure I have the right person.
At the time no one knew what the outcome of the war would be. We can look back and say we all would be on the Patriot side and fight for freedom. But look at today as our rights are stripped away from us. Would these same people stand up for their rights in what the constitution says? Or would most of them side for having our rights to be taken away for the "good of the people" so that we may be protected by the government?! We should be protected FROM the government!
We talked about how we felt about police coming into the homes in Boston to search them. One person disagreed with how the police did that. Another person agreed saying if they didn't have anything to hide then it shouldn't matter as long as they were searching for the bad guys. This kind of proved the theory of the one-third for the Revolutionary War. I am sure there was someone sitting in their seats that didn't care either way.
I like to dabble on and off with my genealogy. I have traced one branch to the 1750's in North Carolina. Although I am still investigating I think I found a site where my ancestor was listed as a Loyalist. I was really surprised by that. In class, as we talk about the lead up to the Revolutionary War I know I had some past member of my family living through this time and that he was siding to stay under British rule. Like I said I am still cross checking my notes to make sure I have the right person.
At the time no one knew what the outcome of the war would be. We can look back and say we all would be on the Patriot side and fight for freedom. But look at today as our rights are stripped away from us. Would these same people stand up for their rights in what the constitution says? Or would most of them side for having our rights to be taken away for the "good of the people" so that we may be protected by the government?! We should be protected FROM the government!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
June 11; Day 12; A Twist Of Thought On The American Revolution
Since the beginning of class we have listened to the song Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones. As we learn about the 7 Year War we are watching a movie, The Broken Chain, that takes the point of view from the Iroquois. I am learning of looking at the underdog point of view in our history. There are two sides of history. Society passes on history from the winner's point of view and the story from the losing side gets pushed under the run from our history books and lessons.
My daughter showed me a video from an online show she likes watching, Hetalia. The character's names are that of countries. The countries are personified. I don't follow it much so I can't explain in detail about it. This one video my daughter showed me, Hetalia - How To Save A Life, took the point of view from the side of England.
In the video England and America are brothers. Soon America doesn't want to be under the shadow of England and wants to separate from his brother. England tries to keep American close because England is older and knows better of what is going on in the world around. He doesn't think America is knowledge enough to separate on its own. So they fight and tears are shed as America slips further away from the clutches of England.
You almost feel sad for England as America pulls away. The story is personified very well. On the America side we all know the Revolutionary War was needed for the benefit for our country. But on England's point of view it was tearing their country apart.
My daughter showed me a video from an online show she likes watching, Hetalia. The character's names are that of countries. The countries are personified. I don't follow it much so I can't explain in detail about it. This one video my daughter showed me, Hetalia - How To Save A Life, took the point of view from the side of England.
In the video England and America are brothers. Soon America doesn't want to be under the shadow of England and wants to separate from his brother. England tries to keep American close because England is older and knows better of what is going on in the world around. He doesn't think America is knowledge enough to separate on its own. So they fight and tears are shed as America slips further away from the clutches of England.
You almost feel sad for England as America pulls away. The story is personified very well. On the America side we all know the Revolutionary War was needed for the benefit for our country. But on England's point of view it was tearing their country apart.
Monday, June 10, 2013
June 10; Day 11; "The Broken Chain" The Movie
Today in class we watched parts of the movie "The Broken Chain". It gives an insight over The Seven Year War looking at the Iroquois point of view and somewhat of the British.
It really must of been hard being from the 6 Nations (or the Iroquois) at that time. On one side there was New French and on the other side was New England. Both wanted control of the land. The Iroquois sat in the middle feeling the squeeze between both of them. Since this man, William Johnson, became friends of the Iroquois tribe and a go-between with King George of England and the Indian people they sided with the British going against the French.
They must of felt like they were selling themselves out. They liked the items the British had to sell and trade. Slowly, the were transforming themselves into English ways. This worried the leaders. The leaders were even seeing the death of their way of life but were unable to stop it. They were the invisible force behind the British drive helping them win their way to victory. Unfortunately it comes with dire consequences.
I learned a lot about William Johnson and how he befriended the Iroquois and he really respected their way of life. He even married into their tribe and eventually had children. Even though the land was given to him by King George, he insisted on paying the Iroquois tribe for it. I like to think he did that in good kindness or was he really instilling on them the way of British culture of everything having a price. Nothing is given freely.
I would of liked to finish watching the movie but class time ran out. Perhaps on my own will, someday, I will be able to finish watching it.
It really must of been hard being from the 6 Nations (or the Iroquois) at that time. On one side there was New French and on the other side was New England. Both wanted control of the land. The Iroquois sat in the middle feeling the squeeze between both of them. Since this man, William Johnson, became friends of the Iroquois tribe and a go-between with King George of England and the Indian people they sided with the British going against the French.
They must of felt like they were selling themselves out. They liked the items the British had to sell and trade. Slowly, the were transforming themselves into English ways. This worried the leaders. The leaders were even seeing the death of their way of life but were unable to stop it. They were the invisible force behind the British drive helping them win their way to victory. Unfortunately it comes with dire consequences.
I learned a lot about William Johnson and how he befriended the Iroquois and he really respected their way of life. He even married into their tribe and eventually had children. Even though the land was given to him by King George, he insisted on paying the Iroquois tribe for it. I like to think he did that in good kindness or was he really instilling on them the way of British culture of everything having a price. Nothing is given freely.
I would of liked to finish watching the movie but class time ran out. Perhaps on my own will, someday, I will be able to finish watching it.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
June 6; Day 10; Thoughts On Test Results
I woke up Thursday morning eager to find out how well I did in my history exam. I boot up my computer like a child opening up a christmas present excited to see what she received. My gift was my grade. I just knew I was going to like it. My breath ceased when I noticed the grades were posted. I clicked on the link, so excited I could barely move. I can hardly wait to see my grades. The anticipation was held thick in the air. The class list pops up. I scroll down the numbers on the left side of the page. I found mine. My eyes slide over to the right to see my grade. All high hopes and excitment came crashing down as my eyes fell upon my grade. 80! 80? For real?! I was crushed and disappointed. I thought I knew the material. I wasn't expecting 100% but I was thinking more along the range of a low 90's or high 80's. I felt drained. There was no use in crying over spilled milk. My grade is what it is. I just wanted to see what I did wrong and learn from it.
I crawl into class feeling like I wanted to slip into some deep despairing hole. The number 80 kept echoing in my head. I tried to comfort myself by reassuring myself that 80 is still a passing grade. But it wasn't the same and deep down I knew it. The professor mentioned that at the end of class he would go over the test but in the meantime he wanted to start the next lesson on the Revolutionary War. The whole time he sounded like Charile Brown's teacher. Whaa whaa whaaaaa! Wha wha waaa! I kept thinking that perhaps I didn't know history as well as I thought I did or else I would of done better with my grade. I was totally in a ziltchy mood.
The time finally came to check out our grades. Most didn't know what they received yet. When he called out my name to get my results I felt like he was an executioner sealing my fate. I already knew what the scan sheet was going to say. Our professor tells us that we can look over our exam and if there is an error on his part or if we can share with him how we came upon our answer then maybe he would adjust our grade. Yea right, I thought, I don't think my grade can be adjusted. Over half the class left when they got their grade. A small handful stayed behind. I opened up my test and reviewed where I errored.
The first few questions I looked at I realized my mistake. It was me not thinking things out and answering too quickly. I deserved some of the wrong answers.
Out of the corner of my eye I noticed some of the students approaching the professor to inquire about their wrong answer. The professor listened to how the student got their answer and adjusted their grade. Uhmmmm, perhaps I should show him a question or two. Unfortunately, most of my wrong answers seemed deserving. That is until I came upon question number 42.
I crawl into class feeling like I wanted to slip into some deep despairing hole. The number 80 kept echoing in my head. I tried to comfort myself by reassuring myself that 80 is still a passing grade. But it wasn't the same and deep down I knew it. The professor mentioned that at the end of class he would go over the test but in the meantime he wanted to start the next lesson on the Revolutionary War. The whole time he sounded like Charile Brown's teacher. Whaa whaa whaaaaa! Wha wha waaa! I kept thinking that perhaps I didn't know history as well as I thought I did or else I would of done better with my grade. I was totally in a ziltchy mood.
The time finally came to check out our grades. Most didn't know what they received yet. When he called out my name to get my results I felt like he was an executioner sealing my fate. I already knew what the scan sheet was going to say. Our professor tells us that we can look over our exam and if there is an error on his part or if we can share with him how we came upon our answer then maybe he would adjust our grade. Yea right, I thought, I don't think my grade can be adjusted. Over half the class left when they got their grade. A small handful stayed behind. I opened up my test and reviewed where I errored.
The first few questions I looked at I realized my mistake. It was me not thinking things out and answering too quickly. I deserved some of the wrong answers.
Out of the corner of my eye I noticed some of the students approaching the professor to inquire about their wrong answer. The professor listened to how the student got their answer and adjusted their grade. Uhmmmm, perhaps I should show him a question or two. Unfortunately, most of my wrong answers seemed deserving. That is until I came upon question number 42.
According to the text, there were far fewer slaves in the North than in the South because:
a) Northern farmers did not grow a staple crop like tobacco
b)Puritan's were opposed to slavery on religious grounds
c) First generation African slaves could not tolerate the cold climate
d) all the above
I gave this question some thought. Choice A: Yes, that is true. They did have larger farms down south than the north. The north mostly had factories but I never knew of slaves working at factories.
Choice B: From reading Uncle Tom's Cabin I remember reading something about where a person told an escaped slave to find shelter at a Puritan's home because they are against slavery. That could be a correct responce too.
Choice C: I remember the time when my native Mexico born wife of my dad had visited a few times in Michigan during the winter and she cannot seem to warm herself up. Her body is not regulated to our colder climate. Also when my husband travels from Laredo, Tx. to British Columbia and has a 50 degree temperature change in two days he has a hard time adjusting. Just like when we northerner's come out of the winter and the first 45 degree day we are all wearing shorts. In reverse, in the fall going into winter the first 45 degree day we are wearing jackets and hats to keep warm. Being that the question was in reguards to the FIRST GENERATION I could see where they would have a hard time keep up and having a low production especially coming from the west Africian heat. True, it is far fetched but it is still in the ballpark of a possibility. Well, perhaps the parking lot of the ballfield but close enough.
Given my thoughts on the answers I chose D, all of the above. I got it wrong. The correct answer was A. I approached my professor to give him my imput. He didn't like my idea on why choice C could be an answer and we agreed to disagree on that. But he did see how I could of also picked choice B. I reminded him that he said if 2 choices could be an answer than more than likely the answer would be D, all of the above. So he gave me the point for it. I was so excited about that. Getting points for that question made my day. Knowing that bit of trivia about the Puritan's not liking slavery helped my grade even though the professor never really talked about that.
A handful of students gathered around the professor talking over a few more questions. I was able to get a few more right answers that were once wrong by seeing their point of view. I kept feeling better and better about my grade. He said he would post the new grades later on that day.
Late that Thursday night I hopped back on to the computer. Come on, Chip, Chip is what I call my computer, show me the goods! I thought to myself as I booted up my grades. I looked down the list to see my grade. I was expecting perhaps an 84 or a hopeful 86. That is not what I received. To my astonishment I was given a 96! It was well worth going over the test and talking with him about the answers to my test. This is the score I was wanting to see. Now onwards to the Revolution!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
June 5; Day 9; TEST DAY!
Today we took our first history exam. 49 questions. This was the first test I was actually excited about taking. I felt like I knew the information well and I was prepared for it. The night before, I read over my notes and read the 18 pages of lesson one over and over. I even ended up falling asleep on the lesson pages as I kept trying to soak every bit of information into my brain until I could no longer peel my eyelids open.
This was a fun lesson. I felt like I knew more insight into America's history instead of the basic Columbus came over to America and the pilgrims landed on Plymouth rock type of spiel that most history teachers like to give. The professor made the lessons fun and entertaining and information sticks easier in my head that way.
A few classmates printed off the study guide. I didn't even think about doing that. One student handed me her copy so I could quickly go over it and we went over some questions together. Looking over the questions from the study guide I kept thinking, Oh yea! I know this stuff. Overall I feel like I did a good job. It was all multiple choice. I was surprised by that. I was thinking he would of added in a few essay questions to get our opinion on certain situations but I guess not. I was also preparing myself to see the question, "what is the title of one of the songs we watch almost daily on youtube?" or "who sings No No Keshagesh". I made sure I knew the answer but it was not on the exam. There were a few questions where I had to pause and think about it because I couldn't recall the answer. I tried to make the best educated guess as I could by process of elimination. I am looking forward to the results.
June 4; Day 8. Antonio, A Negro aka Anthony Johnson.
I learned something new about America today. The professor told us a story about a man named Antonio, a negro. A small ship was in port doing some selling and trading. A man said he would sell his tobacco and other small items in exchange for some of the men on board to be indentured servants. It was agreed upon and Antonio worked for this man for several years. When he was done serving his time he was granted with 250 acres of land. Antonio eventually married, changed his name to Anthony Johnson, and became a land owner. He even ended up getting indentured servants of his own, some even being white. He was doing pretty good for himself.
This next part was a little fuzzy as when I researched the story later I couldn't find exactly what happened. Three men, two were white and one was black who were indentured servants, escaped from a plantation. I am not sure if it was the plantation was owned by Anthony Johnson or not. The men were captured. The white men were softly punished and given a few extra years to serve out as indentured servants. The black man was harshly punished and was sentenced for life as a slave on the plantation. This was one of the first documented cases of slavery in America. Anthony could tell that a division was starting to take place between the white and black people in that area and it wasn't looking good for the blacks. He packed up his wife and family and moved north to Maryland.
In several web sites I looked at it mentions a strife between an indentured servant, John Casor, and Anthony Johnson where John Casor was sentenced legally to be Johnson's slave for life. This was documented of a black man having a black slave.
After Johnson's death, Mary tried to take over her spouses property but was turned down by the government. Instead, the property was seized by white men and only smaller fields were left for her children. At this time the white men were starting to dominate and set up power in the south.
This next part was a little fuzzy as when I researched the story later I couldn't find exactly what happened. Three men, two were white and one was black who were indentured servants, escaped from a plantation. I am not sure if it was the plantation was owned by Anthony Johnson or not. The men were captured. The white men were softly punished and given a few extra years to serve out as indentured servants. The black man was harshly punished and was sentenced for life as a slave on the plantation. This was one of the first documented cases of slavery in America. Anthony could tell that a division was starting to take place between the white and black people in that area and it wasn't looking good for the blacks. He packed up his wife and family and moved north to Maryland.
In several web sites I looked at it mentions a strife between an indentured servant, John Casor, and Anthony Johnson where John Casor was sentenced legally to be Johnson's slave for life. This was documented of a black man having a black slave.
After Johnson's death, Mary tried to take over her spouses property but was turned down by the government. Instead, the property was seized by white men and only smaller fields were left for her children. At this time the white men were starting to dominate and set up power in the south.
June 3; Day 7, Bacon's Rebellion
I was absent from school on Monday, June 3 having personal obligations to attend to. On my return to class the next day I asked another classmate what was covered in class. She mentioned about a man with the last name of Bacon. Right away I knew who he was, Nathaniel Bacon.
I knew of him and heard about Bacon's Rebellion but I was thankful Jay Leno wasn't around for one of his Jaywalking skits because I could not remember anything about this rebellion or when it was in American history. I knew it was pre-Civil War but I wasn't sure how "pre" I was look for in America's timeline. One way to solve this was to google this later on.
Virginia, at that time, was having some hardships. There was competition of tobacco prices with neighboring colonies of Maryland and the Carolina's. There was small naval wars with the Dutch and many Englishmen died. On top of all that stress, weather was toying with their frustrations with hailstorms on their crops and dry spells after that. This was enough to make the average Virginia farmer to snap mentally.
A group of Indian's raided a farmer's home for non-payment over something he traded with that group of Indian's and the Indian's kill the farmer. Other's heard about this and set out to attack back. Unfortunately, the Englishmen attacked the wrong tribe. Other tribes heard about this and planned to attack right back.
Governor Berkeley wanted to get down to the matter over what had happened and to settle it. Bacon disagreed. Bacon got after another tribal Indian for stealing corn. Berkeley got after Bacon for disobeying direct orders. Over Virginian's took this as a moment of Berkeley taking sides with the Indian's and not with a fellow white Virginian. Several hundred men sided with Bacon and several hundred men sided with Berkeley. Bacon wanted to take matters in his own hands and Berkeley wanted to take matters his own way.
During one of Bacon's temper tantrums over who had control over the colony he ended up setting Jamestown on fire and destroyed several buildings. Shortly after Bacon ended up dying. Berkely gathered up over 20 of Bacon's main supporters and had them hung.
I was thinking Bacon was one of the good guys of America's notable past. Upon further reading he really wasn't all that great. He was rebellious and unyielding. After reading different sites the relationship between Berkeley and Bacon seemed more than an annoying spat. After reading about it I was ready to send them both to a time-out chair.
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