The Lenses of History

King Philip’s War, a conflict that occurred in our own backyard, was our focus this week. In your groups, you acted like historians, checking multiple sources and asking questions. We quickly discovered that writers have interpreted this event in a variety of ways. One text identified the war as a “turning point in history,” another text devoted one paragraph to the event, and one completely ignored the war. It is up to each of us to read a variety of sources and then to construct our understanding of the event. The writing and interpretation of events is an ongoing endeavor. The war was recently interpreted by Jill Lepore in her book “The Name of War: King Philip’s War and the Origins of American Identity.”

Next week we will continue to look at the clashes between the colonists and the Native Americans in the French and Indian War. Our first step in exploring this event will be to generate the questions we will need to ask and then develop a list of possible sources to check as we reconstruct this conflict.

As you do your current events assignments, keep an eye open for articles on Native Americans and the challenges they confront today. Our state paper as well as the larger national papers regularly report on Native Americans who are petitioning states or the federal government for recognition.

Congratulations!

This week your first essay assignment was due and over 96% of you turned in the paper on time. That is what I call being punctual! This is a great habit to cultivate. Every employer wants workers who are on time. If you did not turn in the assignment, please come and see me.

Spirit Week

You should also be congratulated on having a terrific Spirit Week. It was fun seeing your crazy outfits and walking through your Hawaiian Paradise. You should be proud of your school and class spirit. Let’s keep up the positive attitude.

Enjoy the game tonight and the homecoming dance. Have a safe and fun weekend and I want to see everyone back on Monday.

Closing Quote

“History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illuminates reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity.” - Cicero

Bonus points for anyone who can identify Cicero, in class, on Monday.