A Week of Conflict and Compromise

Can you identify the events depicted?

We had a week filled with conflict and compromise. The War of 1812, sometimes refered to as the "Forgotten War," did produce a new name for the President's mansion, our national anthem, and a war hero who would become our seventh president. As our video on the Star Spangled Banner pointed out, while no land was gained by this war, a new and stronger national identity was forged.

This unity was quickly tested with the conflict over Missouri's application to enter the Union as a slave state. Should the new land added through the Louisana Purchase be slave or free? How could the balance of power in Washington be maintained? Was slavery no longer just an economic issue? Did the Missouri Compromise solve the problem or delay the issue for another day?

Upon Your Return

When we return to class, we will continue to move west to California. You will be reading about the War with Mexico from both the American and Mexican point of view. Keep in mind that you know what your final assessment will be so think about how best to design a chart that will show how land was added to the United States from 1783-1855.

This is a friendly reminder that February 27 is a "day one" which means you have a current event due. Keep racking up those points!

Winter Break

While you are enjoying some time to rest I hope you will pause for a moment and remember President's Day. February is the birth month for George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In the past, many states, towns and companies commenorated both days with time off. Today both holidays have been consolidated into President's Day when car dealerships and stores announce special sales and federal, state, and local government offices close. Without strong leadership from our Executive branch, our country would drift. Thank you George and Abe for your steady and strong hand.