“Go West, Young Man!”

This week you received a packet on territorial expansion and we began asking how, why and at what expense United States expanded to the West coast. The first major addition was the Louisiana Purchase made in 1804 by President Jefferson. The additional land doubled the size of our country over night! Being a man of science and curiosity, Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark to explore the new acquisition. Some of you already turned in your Lewis and Clark questions, journal entry and map, but if you did not yet turn in the work, finish it over the break and I will collect it upon your return.

While visiting New Orleans in 2004, I was amused by the license plates, which celebrated the bicentennial of the “Corps of Discovery 1804-2004.” Have you ever noticed how much American history you can learn from license plates? How about an extra credit question: Bring in the motto or phrase on a state license plate that helps tell part of our history and be prepared to explain the connection. I will ask you next week for your response.

A Most Peculiar Conflict

We then turned to the War of 1812. The War sometimes has been referred to as the “forgotten war,” but it did produce a new name for the President’s mansion, our national anthem, a stronger sense of national identity, and a war hero who would become our seventh president. Historians have called it a “most peculiar conflict” as no land was lost or gained and the most important battle, the Battle of New Orleans, was fought after the peace treaty was signed.

This new feeling of national 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 Louisiana Purchase be slave or free? How could the balance of power in Congress be maintained? Was slavery no longer just an economic issue?

A link to current events

George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Dwight Eisenhower...what do these men who became President have in common? Does this bode well for Senator McCain? What is it about military experience that attracts the American voter?

The Constitution in Action

Chief Justice John Roberts was in Providence this week to help commemorate the 100 year old federal court building. While he was speaking about the importance of the justice system in America, protesters were marching outside with signs urging the United States to end torture. Long live the First Amendment which gives us the power to disagree with our government!


Happy Birthday George and Abe

On Monday February 18 we celebrate Presidents Day. In the olden days, George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays were separate holidays but in 1971 Congress decided to establish the third Monday in February as a day to remember all Presidents. The study of the men (up to this point) who have held this position has given historians and authors lots to write about. These men have captained the ship of state during calm as well as tumultuous times.

And the winner is....

What 2008 presidential candidate has won a Grammy Award?

R and R

Enjoy your well earned break. You have no homework (unless you are finishing the Lewis and Clark package) but I know you will keep up on current events. Our 2008 election process is becoming more and more exciting. Senator McCain has become the clear front runner for the Republicans and now speculation has begun on whom he will choose as his Vice Presidential running mate. Any recommendations? On the Democratic side, Senator Obama has the momentum of recent victories in the primaries and impressive campaign contributions but Senator Clinton continues to reach out to voters in Ohio, Texas, and even Rhode Island as March 4 primaries loom on the horizon.