AMSCO Login:     

       Alan.vitale@cms.k12.nc.us

​Password:

            West001

 

  Due for Monday, April 6th    APUSH NEWS
  BIG NEWS!!!!!!!
    This week past, we learned the details of the APUSH exam--- Everyone was surprised but these are

     strange times. Thank you for being patient. While I assemble information for the APUSH Canvas page,

     I'll keep things simple for this week. We learned the details of the new exam format for May 15th. Here

      are the major points:
                    1) The exam will involve only a single shortened DBQ that uses 5 documents.
                    2) The exam will be submitted on 1 electronic device of your choice (phone, computer, etc)

                   or even using paper with pictures submitted digitally.  If you need  free, reliable access, call me.  

                    3) The test must be taken within 45 minutes. If you upload 1 sec late, you get a zero.

     Here is a list of changes that was shared with other APUSH teachers in the district. It documents

        the updates discussed by the College Board.... superb info.

     We have a little more flexibility in meeting than regular/honors classes. Accordingly, I will meet with

       you all during your scheduled class time on either Tuesday (B-day) or Wednesday (A Day) this week.

     This allows us to meet to discuss exam changes and the remaining assignments before you "leave" for

     Spring Break at the end of the week. I will use Zoom as Canvas does not accommodate our student

      size. The join code for each session is on my google classroom page.

                Period 4B- Tuesday 3:00 pm  on Zoom
                Period 1A- Wednesday 9:00 am  on Zoom

    I also want to direct you to the College Board videos for APUSH- linked below. These video lessons are

     informative (even though they are currently wrapping up the course from 1945-2020), They will post new

       videos reviewing exam content starting later this week.  Check it, watch it.

    
      Lastly, I am posting two sample DBQ's in the new format. Please look them over. We are going to try

      them shortly. You all have been given a huge gift. in an abbreviated exam.. BUT this exam is going to

      be tricky, with scoring based on the question format. You already have the background to answer most

       questions.... the time we spend now will be focused on mastering the dbq techniques to get the

       maximum number of points.  Your assignment is to look over this sample DBQ and attend the Zoom

       meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday!
 


 Due on Wednesday 3/25   (B-Day Students)   World War II
    1) I will schedule our next B Day Video Meeting today for World War II. As a general note, you can plan

        on two Video meetings per week until the APUSH exam test date on 5/8. I'll post the dates, times

        and Zoom links at the start of each week. When you attend, please be ready to take notes... I have

        attached the WWII terms to help you know which terms are most important. Kara volunteered to

       convert these into a Word document which I'll add shortly. Thank you Kara!

        Today's video meeting will be at 2:45 pm and can be joined at: https://zoom.us/j/116834677


 Due on Tuesday 3/24  (A-Day Students)      The Coming of World War II
    1) I will schedule our A Day Video Meeting today for the Coming of World War II. If you attended the

       one on Monday, its the same content  You should attend A day or B day classes but not both. 

        You'll just get bored.  As a general note, plan on two Video meetings per week until the APUSH

        exam test date on 5/8. I'll post the dates, times &  Zoom links at the start of each week. When you

         attend, please be ready to take notes... I attached the WWII terms to help you know which terms

        are most important.

       Thanks to Kara who volunteered to convert these into a Word document which I'll add shortly. 
        Today's video meeting will be at 9:00 am and can be joined at: https://zoom.us/j/888501690


  Due for Monday 3/23  The Coming of WWII
 
  1) We will have a video webinar meeting on Monday from 2:30 - 4:00 pm using Zoom.  
     We will talk about the game plan for the year, 3rd quarter grades and what to expect for the final exam. 
       You can join the 2:30 pm
video conference at this link.


  Friday Announcements:

    There are major NEW announcements on the AP exams just released at the attached link. 
    https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/coronavirus-updates
    While there will be more details on April 3rd, here is the College Board's new plan for 2020 testing

     in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
  
1) All AP exams have been shortened to 45 minutes of online testing.  The tests will be offered twice: the first time probably close to the original schedule.  A second offering will be given later in the year for students out of school.  I STRONGLY recommend you all take the earlier test date for two reasons.  A) The info will be fresh in your minds.  Experience with students who took the late test shows they almost always do worse.  b) The first administration will almost always be curved against an easier demographic.  In other words, you are more likely to receive a higher score given the competition.  Trust your teacher and your work to date... you'll be ready... I promise.


2) The testing length of 45 minutes mitigates against a couple of question formats: DBQ and possibly LEQ.  It will be almost impossible to finish a DBQ or quality LEQ in the 45 min time limit and still allow for other questions.  That means the Short Answer Questions (1-3 points) and multiple choice are the best remaining question formats.  Multiple choice tends to take a long time given the reading passages so I think the SAQ is the most likely option.  Either way, you have to know your content quickly as there will be no time to look stuff up as some people will invariably try to do.  The College Board know students will try to cheat so come prepared so you can spend all 45 mins working on your response, not flipping through google or a textbook. 

This also fits the way the College Board will have to grade.  LEQ's and DBQ's are graded onsite in giant gatherings of teachers.  SAQ's can be graded remotely by teachers at home. You can guess which way the College Board wants to go. 

3) The APUSH test has been shortened to cover only units 1-7.  That means the exam will stop at 1945, the end of WWII.  We will not cover anything after this until the exam is over.  We will finish up to 2019 afterwards if allowed, but the focus is on what you will see on the exam.


4) There will be a series of guest video lectures by College Board selected instructors starting on Wednesday of next week.  I will link to these.  I want you to watch them.  I will issue questions and points to those who do.  But know that some of your local teachers have been asked for availability by the College Board and you have great resources in your backyard.  You may even see some of them on one of the videos. 

With that being said, things seem to change everyday, but I will resume with a conference call for the 4B AP class at 2:45 on Monday.  1A is welcome to join in. It would be great if everyone were on at once but I don't want to force anyone to choose, so I am scheduling it at a time where 4B APUSH has 100% priority over any other class.  I invited a state senator who is helping craft the response to the the COVID-19 virus but I am not sure if he will be able to make it. Either way, the class will focus on the start of WWII and the join code will be:
https://zoom.us/j/761604108



 Thursday updates:

   1) Thanks for attending the video conference on Thursday at 12:00 pm.  Going forwards, we will hold future 

     video calls during our regular A/B class schedule.  This ensures teachers will not conflict with each other. 

     That means 2 conference calls per class  per week on Zoom:

     APUSH  1A will meet from 9:00 am to 10:45 on the 1st two "A" days of the week, starting next week.

     APUSH  4B will meet from 2:45 am to 4:15 on the 1st two "B" days of the week, starting next week.

     Although it would be nice to organize calls around a set time, its important to be fair to each class so 

     its easiest for everyone if we follow our regular class schedule.  On the bright side, it does provide

     normalcy.  If another teacher is asking you to attend their video call during the above time, just 

     let me know and I'll politely resolve it. 

   2) Please check your grades.  If there is anything I need to change, please tell me right away.  I added

        quite a few grades and expect you to notify me something is missing.  Don't wait as we are unsure

        when they will cut off grading... it could be at any point up to 3/26.


   3) All teachers will be migrating to Canvas over the next week or two.  That means everyone.  It will

      allow CMS to monitor your time spent on each assignment to ensure students are getting their

       required seat time in.   That's a little big brother-ish to me, but you cannot fight city hall and win.

       It means I will have to create a third site on Canvas and switch everything over and stop using

       Google Classroom and this site. I will spend the weekend creating that but if you keep working on the

      assignments posted here, you'll be right on schedule.  We are changing the site, not the work.

    4) If you want to try the AP 1920's and 1930's exam on AP Classroom, do so.  The grade can only help...

       I am not going to post a google classroom test version because... we're not going to be using

       the site for long and I need the time for other projects.  Those of you who took it will see an optional

      grade for the test.


  Hello all,
  I hope you are all enjoying your time at home. I am writing to request you turn in any late or missing   

  assignments by tomorrow (Thursday 3/19) at noon. CMS requested we enter all prior grades so that

  the quarter can close if needed.

  As far as what to do from here, we're learning as we go. Although all new assignments before 3/30 are

  optional, I will take the opportunity to wrap up the unit we've been working on (Unit 7 1900-1945). I

  will set up a video conference call using a software tool called Zoom. It's really easy to use and its

  absolutely free. I'll start the call tomorrow (Thursday 3/19) at 12:00 noon and I'll review the Great

  Depression. With all the craziness right now, it seems a fitting topic somehow. Your attendance on

  the video call is totally optional but as always, I'll do what I can to reward those of you who can manage

  to attend with knowledge and my appreciation. During the call, you'll be able to ask questions of me or   

  classmates... its a cool way to teach.

  You might find it interesting as the material is especially relevant to today. To access it, you'll need to

  click on this link. https://zoom.us/j/453969182

  (Once again, Its free and easy) Bear with me as this is the first time I am trying this. I think we are all are

  still figuring things out but in the meantime, continue working and get me any late assignments you

  have by tomorrow at noon. As before, please share with classmates in case anyone was inadvertently

   unable to receive this.


  Thoughts for the day- Wednesday3/18

  You are living through a historic  event.  Consider this: The US economy is entering a recession, fast.. 

   It's going to be a significant economic challenge.  As company after company shuts down, the

   Federal Reserve just fired its entire monetary arsenal by reducing interest rates to virtually 0%.

   This means that businesses can borrow money with little or no interest.  We can buy a car or a house

   without paying higher rates. Unfortunately, few people are buying a house or a car under these

   conditions.  Earlier today, every major US car manufacturer announced they were suspending all

   manufacturing operations. thanks to a collapse of the car market.  Air travel has come to a halt. 

   Entire states have ordered sporting events, movies and entertainment to cease operations.

   Unsurprisingly, The Federal Reserve's move was not enough & the markets had 2 huge stock

   drops in the last 3 days.  The market is now lower than when Trump took office 3 years ago.

   Restaurants, air carriers and retail stores are running out of cash and will need governmental aid.

   As schools and businesses shut down, the engine of the American economy is suddenly sputtering. 

   Many adults will be sitting at home , unable to work, and perhaps unable to draw a check. It's

    happening now and the unemployment websites of large states including Oregon, New Jersey,

    New York and Ohio already crashed because so many people are trying to file claims after

    being laid off.   Thankfully, the House passed a record aid measure and the President supports it. 

   He proposed 2 billion dollars last week.  We are now proposing 1000 Billion this week. Although key

   Republicans in the Senate are filibustering it, the bill will pass later today.  The House insisted that

    payments be made directly to individuals (as well as businesses) and there appear to be 2

  scheduled payments which will be sent to affected people.  While this is open to fraud, it will put 

   money into the hands of people quickly which will certainly help.  If you lost your job, you should

   look into this.  Why are we encouraging people to remain at home?


  The ultimate fear is that the USA does not have the hospital beds, which is weird given that

  we spend about 50% more per person than the average developed country does on healthcare.  

  Nationally, the USA only has about 800,000 hospital beds.  We have over 320 million people. 

  Those 800,000 beds have to serve all the broken arms, car crash vicims and yes, Coronavirus 

  cases.  We cannot easily handle a  CV-19 surge if people keep infecting each other. Hence we've

  moved to containment.  A little late, but its the plan. Am I critical of the administration? Yes. 

  The tiny nation of Greece has done more COVID-19 testing than the entire United States to date. 

  The US Air Force is flying 500,000 testing kits from Italy today.  Why didn't we accept an offer of

  aid before now?  


  All of this probably should remind you of  FDR and the New Deal. History indicates more 
  will government assistance will be required but the USA is moving in the right direction.
   As part of the attempt to stop the spread it's possible schools will be cancelled for
   the year.   The state of Kansas just  became the first state to do so. That may have been due to 

    Kansas's financial weakness after their supply-side tax plan left their schools underfunded.

       If North Carolina (a much stronger state) follows suit, those of you who have 
   worked hard, turned in your assignments and paid attention will receive the best grade based
   on the work you have turned in.  I mean that... I sincerely adore you guys and miss teaching you. 
   The school district is figuring out how to best proceed for the remainder of this year.  As of now,

   classes are going to continue online and I'll expect your work. 


  I will set up a video call  for late tomorrow  to go over the Great Depression notes at 12:00 pm

   It's optional.  You;ll be able to ask questions and see classmates... its a cool way to teach. 

   You might find it interesting as the material is especially relevant to  today. To access it, you'll need to

   download a copy ofZoom (Its free and easy)  I'll post the meeting code tomorrow morning here and

     on Google Sites.  I think we are all are still figuring things out but in the meantime, continue 

    working and get me any late assignments you have by tomorrow at noon.  


     While school is not meeting, we are still preparing for the AP exam which at last check, is still

     scheduled.   I know you will want to watch the news, sleep in, and relax.  So take some time and

     do all those things.  Then join the Google Classroom for this class. I will still post assignments to this

     site but I can actually receive and grade your work online using Google Classroom's tools.  The join

      code for the APUSH Google class is:    7egf6d4
                      

    We will also take tests using the AP Classroom Assessment feature.  If you have not logged in a while,

     take a second and click hereThe first test is on the Roaring Twenties's and Great Depression and has

    been posted. 


   Due for Tuesday 4/7 and Wednesday 4/8      The  1960's  (JFK and LBJ)
    1) It's a race to the finish line, and we have about 5 classes before exam week, (including today).  Please
       put in the work over the next couple of weeks. There will be time afterwards to focus on other
       classes but I will ask a lot of you for the next couple of weeks. Note: I will be less tolerant of

       missing/late work than at any point this year.  Apologies in advance but I'd rather you know now.

        No excuses please... 
   2) Finish reading Chapter 28 on the 1960's and finish the Study Guide.   
   3) If you missed it in class, watch the Century video on JFK's New Frontier and answer these questions
       I cried when JFK died.  You'll cry if you don't watch this video closely enough before the quiz about it.  
   4) Here are the class notes on JFK and LBJ.  Know these terms.
   5) If you have a second, read this fun article on how the USA miscalculated the blast energy of Lithium 7 
      during Hydrogen bomb testing in the South Pacific.  Note, the tragic results are less than amusing. 
 

  Due for Friday/ Monday (4/3 & 4/6)     Review of Unit 7    (1900-1945) 

     1) Turn in the Cold War DBQ  (Part A  ONLY!!!)  Again, 3-4 pages with outside examples are expected.
   
   Due for Wednesday 4/1 and Thursday 4/2     The  1950's, Cold War, and WWII  Test
  1) Continue the Cold War DBQ  (Part A  ONLY!!!) You need not do Sections B & C. (3-4 DBQ pages are

      ideal )  It is due on Friday. 
  2) Start the Chapter 28 Study Guide on the 1960's.  It's due on Monday/Tuesday. Don't let JFK down

    again by not doing the reading.  

  3) Be ready for the Unit 7 Test today!  Anything from the turn of the 1900's to WWII/Early Cold War

      is fair game.
 

 Due for Monday  3/30 and Tuesday 3/31  The  1950's, Cold War
  1) Read AMSCO Ch. 27 and start your Chapter 27 Cold War Guide.  The key word for the 1950's is

       CONFORMITY.  Most Americans dressed the same, talked the same, and sought the same more

       than at any other time. Watch the following documentary about the 1950's. Its truly worth your

       time.  Then answer these questions.  
  2) Study for the Unit Review test on everything between the 1920's to Start of the Cold War. The test is

      next class.  Please know the following terms (and the readings they came from).

             1920's Terms                1930's Terms           WWII and Early Cold War Terms

  3) Begin work on this DBQ essay. (Part A ONLY) You do not have to do sections B and C.
    
  Due for Wednesday 3/25 and Thursday 3/26   The Beginning of the Cold War and the 1950's Conformity
    1)  Watch this video on the post -WWII years and answer these questions.  (This is my all-time favorite
       documentary for its accurate portrayal of America after WWII... you won't believe some of the footage)
   2) Finish working on the Chapter 26 Study Guide which is due Today! 
   3) URGENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT-This is the last day of the 3rd Qtr for grading purposes.
       Any late work should have been turned in by Wednesday, 3/26.  No exceptions will be made.


  Due for Monday 3/23 and Tuesday 3/24     The Second World War and the Start of the Cold War
    1) If you have the time and are intrigued by WWII, watch this award winning short documentary.
          Very few short clips are as thought provoking or well done.

    2) Turn in the Chapter 25 AMSCO Guide. 
    2) Start the Chapter 26 Study Guide on the Start of the Cold War. (That means you'll probably have to
       read chapter 26 beforehand)  Its due on Next Class


  Due for Thursday 3/19 and Friday 3/20     The Causes of the Second World War 
    1)  The Class Notes for WWII can be found here. 
    2) Here are the powerpoints for both The Coming of WW II and World War II.
    3) Start the AMSCO  Chapter 25 Study Guide its due... next class.


  Due for Tuesday and Wednesday (3/17 & 18)  Roaring Twenties and Great Depression Test 
    1) Study for TODAY'S test on the Great Depression and  1920's.  We have less than 10 classes left before

       the APUSH exam.  Study your class notes for the 1920's and 1930's and know these terms/concepts.
      Please finish your work!  It is not negotiable.   Failure to take the test will result in a 0 and could well

     lead to an Alien invasion.  Don't be the person who ended our civilization. The assignments were listed

    a FULL MONTH in advance to allow you to get ahead before the play/musical/orchestra/dance event

    becomes a priority. Don't wait until the last moment to do it because you know what "Ima gonna say."
    2) The powerpoint on the Great Depression is reviewable here.  Be warned. The PPT has 
         DISTURBING images like Mr. King and Mr. Vitale waiting in the soup kitchen line.
    3) Finish the AMSCO Chapter 24 Guide.  It's due TODAY.  Be aware that each new chapter guide will be

      due every 4 days.  That means you are expected to read 10-15 pages and complete the questions every 

      other class.  We are getting close to the finish line so please don't fall behind!
    4) For those of you interested in the Huey Long "Kingfisher" BBQ speech, its short but entertaining.  
        The "Kingfisher" wanted to tax the rich and redistribute it to the poor under the "Share Our Wealth-

        Every man a King" plan.

  Due for Friday / Monday (3/13 & 16)  Great Depression  (1929-1939)
    1) Read the following article on the Great Depression to avoid having one of your own. IT'S SHORT, unlike
       the actual Depression that lasted 10 years, much like high school in Gastonia.
    2) Continue the AMSCO Chapter 24 study guide and reading. Its due before the test next class.
    3) Finish watching "The Century, Stormy Weather" and answer the questions here.  The stories are  
      heartbreaking. See real video of the Dustbowl,  a little girl whose piggy bank was emptied by her
      parents, view a homeless woman in a fur coat begging for spare change after losing her home, and 
      watch starving rioters attack food trucks because they were so desperate.  Things were pretty bad,

      Please stop asking if Mr. King and I are in the video because we're not. Seriously, stop it.  That guy

      at the 24:00 min mark is not either one of us.
  
  Due for Wednesday/Thursday (3/11 & 12)    The Market Crash and Effects of The Great Depression
    1) Continue the 1930's AMSCO Guide.  It will be due on (Tue-Wed 3/17 & 18) but start now as there

     are daily quizzes by popular request. (100% of the APUSH teachers asked for them by name!)
    
​ Due for Monday 3/9 or Tuesday 3/10  The Roaring Twenties
    1) Turn in your chapter 23 AMSCO guide.  The Roaring Twenties has come to a sudden end. Life will

      get bad, fast.  Welcome to the Great Depression. 

    2) Begin reading ch. 24 of the AMSCO text and start the 1930's AMSCO Guide.

    3) Watch the 1920's Documentary, The Century, Boom to Bust and finish these questions.

    4) Remember the daily quizzes are lurking to make sure you are doing the readings.  I'm sorry,

       but I don't know of a better way to ensure you are completing the assignments.

    Due for Thursday and Friday 3/5 & 6 -  The Roaring Twenties
    1) We will begin the 1920's today... a period of economic growth following WWI which saw major

     changes to US society.  Flappers and Speakeasies livened the urban scene while automobiles and

     airplanes changed travel forever. Electricity spread far and wide and Hollywood began the

       age of the movie star.  Begin Reading chapter 23 in your AMSCO Guide. Start working on the

        ch. 23 Study Guide!  It's due next class on Monday / Tuesday.

  

  Due for Tuesday and Wednesday (3/3 & 3/4)     Imperialism and World War 1 Test

    1) Be ready for the test on IMPERIALISM and WWI TODAY.  To prepare, look over the class notes on

           Imperialism and WWI  carefully! 

    2) Congrats on finishing World War I. To make sure you know it, complete the following study guides

             #1,         and        #2  

    3) Turn in your Blue Book guide for Ch. 8 on WWI.

    4) (Optional) Turn in your Ch. 31 WWI study guide from the textbook if you did it for extra credit.

 

  Due for Friday  and Monday (2/28 & 3/2)      World War 1   (The War to End All Wars)
    1) Continue reading Ch. 8 and filling out the Ch. 8 Blue Book Guide for a brief overview of WWI. 

    2) (Optional)If you'd like more detail and want extra credit, you may read WWI (Chapter 31) reading. 

       If you want to take it on, then fill out the Chapter 31 textbook guide before (3/3 & 3/4).

    3) Watch this great video on WWI and complete the video guide.  Its about 25 mins.

  Due for Wednesday and Thursday 2/26 & 27 - The start of WWI
   1) We will use the Ch. 8 Blue Book Guide for a brief overview of WWI.  Start the study guide for Ch.8.  

        It will be due on Tuesday/Wednesday when you take your Imperialism/WWI test.

   2)  Remember the Review Session at UNC-Charlotte this weekend.  It's in College of Education Bldg

      Room 102 from 9-11:30 am.  It's right across from the Student Union where you can park.  Extra Credit,

      food and prizes will be provided.

​  Due for Monday and Tuesday 2/24 & 25 - Imperialism
    1) Complete the following handout on Imperialism.  It's a perfect match for what you must know for 
       Imperialism!!!  You may use the textbook or the AMSCO Guide to find the answers.  
    2) AFTER watching this video on imperialism, answer these questions.  Sadly, it may take a little 
      stopping and starting to find all the answers... or just adjust the speed.  It's a good thing Youtube comes
      with a pause feature.  Back in my day, we had to reload movie reels onto the projector which we lit

      with a candle.  Many good history students failed because they ran out of wax. You should still watch it

      because it has the exact information you'll see on the AP exam. Plus you get a grade for it.

    3) Be ready for a formal quiz today.

 Due for Thursday and Friday 2/20 & 21 - Imperialism 
   1) Finish Ch. 20 on Imperialism and complete the remainder of the Imperialism study guide.   
   2) We are returning to a diet of quizzes based on readings at the START OF CLASS. Knowing the following
      terms will help your quiz performance:
    Alfred Thayer Mahan       Yellow Journalism      Queen Liliuokalani        Cuban Independence Movement
        Monroe Doctrine          USS Maine      Delome Letter        President McKinley        Battle of Manila


​ ​​ Due for Tuesday 2/18 and Wednesday 2/19   Imperialism 
    1) Begin reading the AMSCO chap. on Imperialism (Ch. 20) & start the first 5 questions of the Imperialism
        study guide.  The remainder is due on Thursday/Friday.

    2) We will use these class notes to cover Imperialism.  Print em if you need em.

    2) Don't forget about the Honor Society Induction on Tuesday after school from 5:30 - 6:30 in the Black

       Box for all new Rho Kappa Members.  Parents are welcome and snacks will be provided.


  Due for Friday and Monday  2/14 & 2/17 Progressive Era and Gilded Age TEST

    1) Test Today.  Please Study.


  Due for Wednesday and Thursday  2/12 & 2/13 Progressive Era  

    1) Complete this brief handout on the Pendleton Civil Service Act. We may not have time to cover 

       everything from the Progressive Era so please read carefully and look up anything you don't know

       from your class notes handout.


  Due for Monday and Tuesday 2/10 & 2/11   Progressive Era/Gilded Age 

    1) To prepare for the test next class on the Gilded Age & Progressive Era, please complete the following:

        Read the Blue Book Excerpt on the Progressive Era.  Then finish the Progressive Era Study Guide.

        Read the Blue Book Excerpt on the Gilded Age.                Then finish the Gilded Age Study Guide.


     2) Look over the notes we took in class from the Progressive Era and Gilded Age


    I appreciate those of you who read and studied the AMSCO guide (Ch. 16 and 21).  Even so, don't forget

     the two Blue book readings and study guides listed above.  They will be the focus for today's

     test.  So please do them!!!  They should be faster and easier than prior assignments.


  Due for Friday 2/7 Progressive Era Review

    1) Study your notes on the Gilded Age and Progressive Era for the test on Wednesday and Thursday of

       next week.  Even though class today was cancelled, you are responsible for the work.  

    2) Instead of the AMSCO guide, continue reading the Blue Book Excerpt on the Progressive Era.  Then

      finish the Progressive Era Study Guide.

    3) If you have time, you may review the video excerpt on Jacob Riis or either of the 2 extra credit videos:

    ​      Immigration Video            Questions
          Urbanization Video           Questions

  Due for Wednesday and Thursday 2/5 & 2/6  Progressive Era

    1)  I encourage you to read the Ch. 21 AMSCO guide on the Progressive Era.  It describes the USA's 

         responses which address rapid urbanization. However, I'd like to try a shorter reading for this time

         period.  Read the Blue Book Excerpt on the Progressive Era.  Then finish the Gilded Study Guide.
         Then tell me if you think it was better or worse than your Textbook or Amsco readings.  Note: 

         the Blue Book study guide is a required assignment worth a lot of points!


​  Due for Monday and Tuesday  (2/3  & 2/4) The Gilded Age Wrap Up

    1)  Please have your chapter 16 Reading and packet FINISHED!!!! (No excuses)  

    2) Have your study guide for the Gilded Age finished.  (No excuses)

    3) We are starting the Progressive Era, a period between 1900 and 1920 which sought to fix
       the problems of the Gilded Age.  We will use these Progressive Era notes in class.  We are moving
       quickly so please ensure you don't fall behind.  Begin reading AMSCO Ch 21 on the Progressive Era. 

       You may take freehand notes that show you read Ch. 21 carefully and skip the usual AMSCO study

       Guide. Instead of turning in the AMSCO guide, read this short chapter from the Blue Book

       and complete these questions on the Progressive Era.  They will be due on test day... next Mon/Tuesday.

    4) If you found the two video links in the packet did not work, you can substitute the following videos

        for an extra credit opportunity.  Each is about 25 minutes of content and will be worth your time.

          Immigration Video            Questions

          Urbanization Video           Questions


  Due for Friday  1/31  The American West Test

    1) Complete the study guide for the Gilded Age and go over your American West Notes in anticipation

       of today's test.  The test will focus on the American West and will be given on Friday!

    2) Remember the Cross of Gold Speech by WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN! It is the most famous speech in

     US political history. The issue was whether to endorse the free coinage of silver at a ratio of 16 to 1.

    (This inflationary measure would have increased the amount of money in circulation and aided cash

      -poor farmers.) After speeches by several U.S. Senators, Bryan rose to speak. The young former

      Congressman from Nebraska aspired to be the Populist/Democratic nominee for president, and he had

       been skillfully, but quietly, building support for himself among the delegates. His dramatic speaking

      style and rhetoric roused the crowd to a frenzy. The response, wrote one reporter, “came like one great

       burst of artillery.” Men and women screamed and waved their hats and canes. “Some,” wrote another

      reporter, “like demented things, divested themselves of their coats and flung them high in the air.” The

      next day the convention nominated Bryan for President.  Sadly, he didn't win the election of 1896 thanks

      to a huge gap in funding (16 million for William McKinley to 1 million for WJB) and  strong opposition

    from the industrial titans of the Republican party. The above link is a recorded copy made years later.


  Due for  Wednesday and Thursday (1/29 & 1/30) The Gilded Age

    1) Start the following handout as a study guide for the Gilded Age Test.
    2) Review this video and finish the assigned questions. Pay close attention as this college professor
      describes both the Industrial titans and the struggle of unions to organize during this period. This really
       is a SUPERB video at explaining the difficult relationship between capital & labor.


  Due for  Monday and Tuesday (1/27 & 1/28) The Gilded Age

    1) Finish reading AMSCO chapter 16 and complete the remainder of the AMSCO study guide for ch 16


  Due for  Wednesday and Thursday (1/22 & 1/23) Intro to the Gilded Age

   1) Begin reading AMSCO chapter 16 reading on the Gilded Age. The period was characterized by rapid

       industrial growth fueled by immigration, technology and a complete disregard for workers' safety.

       Then start sections 1 of the AMSCO study guide for chapter 16.  The remainder will be due by Monday

       and Tuesday ( 1/27 & 1/28) of next week.


  Due for Thursday (1/16)- Wednesday 1/22) Midterm Exams

    NWSA will follow this Exam Schedule for Midterms:

    Thursday Jan. 16th      Friday Jan. 17th          Tuesday Jan. 21nd     Wednesday Jan. 22rd

       Period 1B & 3B           Period 1A & 3A              Period 2B & 4B          Period 2A & 4A

    1) If you wish to review for the APUSH Midterm and you did not attend the review sessions,

        you should answer these questions on the Midterm Review Guide,  
   
  Due for Tuesday 1/14  and Wednesday 1/15   Civil War  Game Ends and American West
    1) Finish reading chapter 17  in your AMSCO guide on the American West. 
    2) Finish the Chapter 17 packet, all remaining sections. 
    3) Good Luck in the Civil War Game! Tuesday is the last day of the 3 day battle. Don't Forget to turn

       in armbands and ration cards in the box outside the classroom at day's end on Tuesday.

    4) If you wish to review for the midterm, I will hold an early morning session from 7:30 am to 8:30 am 

        on Wednesday and a second review from 4:30 to 5:30 pm Wed afternoon. Come if you can make it..

  Due for Friday 1/10  and Monday 1/13  The Civil War Game Begins and the American West
    1) Be ready to start the Civil War Game. on Friday!  It opens with the Confederacy in control on day#1.

         Make sure you bring armband, index cards and questions. Failure to have any will result in your

         immediate demise. Good Luck all.

    2) Read chapter 17  in your AMSCO guide on the American West. 
    3) Finish the Chapter 17 packet, section 1. 

   4) Possible list of spies for the Civil War Game

    Mrs. Sears,     Mr. Lawler,       Mrs. Leeson, (Secretary)    Mrs. Earley, (Secretary)   Mr. Bartkowiak

    Mrs. Brendel,     Mrs. Buckner,      Mrs. Cochran,      Mr. Cornwell,     Mrs. Currie,     Mr. Eudy, 

    Mrs. Fleshman,    Mrs. Halbeisen,     Mrs. Hinson,       Mr. King,       Mr. Koller,      Mr. Lewandowski, 

    Mr.   Lowe,    Mrs. Madsen,      Mrs. McCloud,    Mrs. Medico,     Mrs. Meek,     Mr. Mitchell, 

    Mrs. Newsom,      Mr. Odorizzi,    Mrs. Pacifico,       Mrs. Przystanski,     Mr. Roberts,    Mrs. Rowe, 

    Mrs. Santiago,     Mrs. Stonnell,     Mr. Wilson,    Mrs. Wolfe,     Mr. Sennett, (Testing Coordinator) 

   Mrs. Petere       Mrs. Slater, (Librarian)
    
   Due for Wednesday 1/ 8 and Thursday 1/9   Civil War Game
    1) The Civil War Game  will run for 3 days, starting on Friday of this week and ending on Tuesday

         of next week.  To get ready to play,  you need to write 15 -20 questions .  Spend time thinking of

         good questions as they are the "ammunition" you will use to fight the war. The answer to each must

         exactly match one of the vocabulary terms found on this list.  Questions are due in class so

         don't let your team down. 
        If you need to go over the game rules, click here.   (Note the dates on the rules are advanced a day to

        run from Friday-Tuesday.  If you want a quick review of Civil War Terms, read Chapter 3 in this guide...

         It makes for a fast overview to help understand the terms.

    2) Each student will also need to prepare 4 index "ration" cards as detailed in the rules. Please make Food,

         Uniform, Shoes and Gun cards ready to check off in class.  Presidents will also need a Hat card and

         Officers will need a Sword card.  Cards were handed out in class but any 3 x 5 Index cards will do!

    3) A list of Officers for each class are displayed below and are based on recent test scores.  Each is noted

        for their work in class to date, but if you have questions or concerns, see me.

                                 Class 1A - Confederacy  (The War of the Megans)    Class 4B  Union

    President                  Megan O' Connor                                                       Megan Mann

    Officers:                      Aiden Nance                                                              Maevis Pair

                                        Jake Dodge                                                                Elle Jeter
                                        Rhenna Hatton                                                          Alexa Rennie
                                        Yeilise Gandulla                                                         Anna Palmer
                                        Jude Reali                                                                   Ashley Tutt

                                        August Warren                                                         Anastasia White 

​                                        Ryan Stukes                                                      Aniston Spradley (Union Spy Coordinator)


    4) Begin reading Ch. 17 in your AMSCO guide.  (We're going west before the Midterm)


​  Due for Tuesday 1/7   Rho Kappa Meeting

    1) Members should plan on attending today's brief meeting in the library at 4:25 pm.


 Due over the Winter Holiday Break.

    1)   Complete the holiday packet - answer all questions! Pay particular attention to the short
      answer questions. Please do not ignore this as it will represent an important grade and lost time
      can never be found again.  You should study this content as you will be asked to show you know
      this stuff when we return!!

    2) The Civil War game will be fought as soon as you return from break.  Forewarned is forearmed.


  Due for Thursday 12/19  and Friday 12/20 Reconstruction

    1)  Study for a Major Civil War test today!  Anything in the Chapter 13, 14  or 15 of the AMSCO

         guide is fair game.  

    2) Just to be sure you know your stuff, complete this study guide.  It goes fast if you're on point!

    3) The upcoming Rho Kappa Trip to Charleston is scheduled for February 14-16th of 2020.  
      An itinerary for the trip can be viewed here.  If you wish to attend, the total cost is $450.
      The first deposit is non-refundable -$250, due by Wednesday, January 8th. The second deposit

       of $200 is due by Friday January 17th, 2020.  Checks may be made payable to Dr. J. Morrison.


  Due for Tuesday 12/17  and Wednesday 12/18 Civil War and Reconstruction

    1) Finish Reading Ch. 15 in your AMSCO Book and finish all sections of the AMSCO Ch. 15 study guide

    2) Don't forget about the Rho Kappa meeting today in the library from 4:30pm to 5:30.  We will have a

        college history professor as our guest speaker.  Attendance is required for all Rho Kappa members.


  Due for Friday 12/13 and Monday 12/16 Civil War and Reconstruction

    1) Continue reading Ch. 15 in your AMSCO Book and working on the AMSCO Ch. 15 study guide


  Due for Wednesday 12/11  and Thursday 12/12 Civil War and Reconstruction

    1) Begin reading Chap. 15 of the AMSCO Guide.  Start the Ch. 15 Study Guide.  It will be due on
       Tuesday/ Wednesday before the test. I know its been a fast march to the sea but it gives you time

      to finish the study guide before the Major Civil War  and Reconstruction Test before the break!


  Due for Monday 12/9  and Tuesday 12/10  Civil War and Reconstruction 
   1) Finish Chap 14  sections 4-7 of your AMSCO study guide.

   2) Read the attached pair of short articles and complete the attached 2 worksheets to determine 
      which side had the biggest advantage during the Civil War.  Be sure to list at least 5 advantages
      for both the Union and the Confederates.  (One of the articles was written by a clever student who

        did a great job summarizing the Confederate's positions)   
   3) Click on the following links to review two helpful  powerpoints on  the Civil War and  Reconstruction.
  

   Due for Thursday 12/5  and Friday 12/6   The Civil War 
    1) Finish Chap 14  sections 1-3 of your AMSCO study guide. The rest (sections 4-7) is due next class.
   2) Here is a website showing the sides which fought in the Civil War.  Compare the Union/ Confederate/ 
      Border states to this list of slave and free states. THEN LABEL this map to show the free and slave states. 
     Knowing the geography  of the Civil War will help you understand why the War ended the way it did and

     allow you to pass today's  formal quiz.

  For Tuesday 12/3  and Wednesday 12/4 - Civil War
    1) Finish the take home questions. They answer what you need to know about the Antebellum period. 

    2) Read Chap. 14 in the Amsco Study Guide.   Start sections 1-3 of the chapter study guide.  It will be due

       next class.
    3) To better understand the importance of the spending time together with family over the holidays, 
          enjoy this 2 minute video.  


  Due for Monday 11/22 and Tuesday 11/23 - Antebellum Events Test
   1) Study the Ch. 13 Study Guide and class notes for today's ANTEBELLUM test. 
     2) ABOUT the Irish and German immigrants arriving during this period...  Here is a recent Budweiser 
   commercial showing how German Immigrants tended to be more abolitionist, liberal and had the 
   financial means to move to farms in the Midwest.  They tended to drive reforms like women's rights and     
   education.  It's not by accident that "kindergarten" is a German word. The 2nd video shows how poorer
    Irish immigrants faced rampant discrimination.  They lacked the money to escape their entry ports

     and were often trapped in slums of cities. Interestingly, the Know-Nothing/American (anti-immigrant)

    party were waiting for both groups of immigrants and make appearances in both videos. The content 

    from these videos is fair game for the test and relevent for today if you listen to some commentators.

  Due for Thursday 11/21 and Friday 11/22 - Antebellum Events
    1)  Complete sections 5-8 of the Chapter 13 AMSCO guide.  Please, no excuses...  the holidays are near

       and time is short!  There will be a brief test on the Antebellum events on Monday and Tuesday!
    2)  Study the lecture terms we discussed from the ANTEBELLUM event list. They're on the test!
    3) Enjoy this 2 minute Key and Peele video on Harriet Tubman- who knew?

  Due for Tuesday 11/19 and Wednesday 11/20 Jacksonian Democracy
    1) Your test scores were solid.  We will give Jacksonian Democracy a final run through today before

   moving on to the Antebellum Period & the coming of the Civil War. To put this period in perspective, 

   review the first Presidents and their accomplishments today using this chart.  You don't need to list any

    but the most important events that happened on each President's watch.  Should you need help,

    watch this Youtube video list for a review for any/all presidents.  

    2) We will try using the AMSCO guide for the buildup to the Civil War.  If you have not purchased

     a guide, you can order them here.  You can also access a copy electronically by clicking on the

    red button on the menu bar at the top left.  You will have to enter my id alan.vitale@cms.k12.nc.us and 

    password West001 to view it.  We will start with Chapter 13 (The Union in Peril).  Please read the 15

    pages and finish sections 1-4 of the ch. 13 study guide.  


  Due for Monday 11/18 (only B day)   Jacksonian Democracy

    1) Review Andrew Jackson by watching Crash Course US History and answer these questions.

    2) For an interesting presentation of Jackson's accomplishments, try this.
  

  Due for Thursday 11/14 & Friday 11/15   Test on Expansion, Sectionalism, Reform and JACKSON!

    1) Unit 4 Test Today.  Study the Blue Book guide, paying close attention to the BOLDED TERMS!

    2) We start the Road to the Civil War next week. The ANTEBELLUM period is similar to the era before the 
   American Revolution when a series of events steadily divided the American people.  Pay close attention
   to the order of these 18 Antebellum events​ which steadily drove us apart. By now, you should have

    acquired a copy of the AMSCO GUIDE, and awesome outside resource available for about $20. Start

    reading chapter 13 in your AMSCO guide and begin work on the Ch. 13 Study Guide sections 1-4


  Due for Tuesday 11/12 & Wednesday 11/13   The Champion of the Common Man... Andrew Jackson
    1) To prepare for the test NEXT CLASS on Expansion, Sectionalism, Reforms and Jackson, watch the

        first 28 minutes of this video about Andrew Jackson.  Then answer these questions.
    2)  Complete the following Worksheet about Sectionalism and Nationalism.
    3a) (Optional) Thank you all for your hard work. As a reward, enjoy this little known video of Andrew

       Jackson's daughter playing in a women's soccer match.  She's a brutal chip of the old block.

    3b) (Optional) Another short 3 minute cartoon about Andrew Jackson's past...warning-language!

    4) Don't forget about the National History Honor Society meeting on Tuesday in the Black Box. We will

      watch a movie so be prepared for a pick up around 6:30 pm!

   5)  If you did not get them in class, we are using these notes for the Antebellum class lectures.

    Due for Thursday 11/7 & Friday 11/8 -Early Sectionalism
    1) Finish read the last of the Blue Book Study Guide.  Seriously, read it.  Its short and easy to follow.

     Pay attention to the terms in bold print. You'll need to know them for a formal mini-assessment today. 

     Then finish the remaining sections of the study guide found here. It is due, at long last.
    2) We will watch the following college lecture on Industrialism in America. in class.  If that doesn't

        happen thanks to a random fire drill or alien invasion, please finish these questions.  It's a great

        summary of the growing split between the north and the south presented by a leading college

         professor.


   Due for Monday 11/4 & Wednesday 11/6    Early National Reforms

  1) The 1820-1860 period was known for a series of major social reforms.  Fill out the Reform Chart
       adding details for each movement.  You may read the Blue Book guide, your textbook, or other

       source.
    2) Watch this video on the Reform Movements and answer these questions


  Due for Thursday 10/31 & Friday 11/1 Early Expansion and Reform
    1) Read pgs. 39-46 from the Blue Book study guide.  While easy to follow, it covers the minimum

     you need to know about how the USA was formed before touching on key Reforms. Answer the

     questions at the end of Section 1 and 2.

    2) Then complete section 2.1 and 2.2 of this study guide


  Due for Tuesday 10/29 and Wednesday 10/30 -Early Nationalism, Sectionalism, Expansion & Reform
    1) Watch this short Crash Course video about USA's Expansion and complete these questions.
    3) Finish the chart and color in the map on the attached handout. Check out this website showing the 
        geographical additions. You MUST be able to identify each new territory added to the US and know
         how each was acquired.  We will begin class with a quiz on the territorial additions! 


  Due for Wednesday 10/23 and Thursday 10/24 War of 1812 and Era of Good Feelings

    1) If you have any late work, turn it in by Wednesday 10/23.  I need to get your work entered in a

       timely manner. This is final.  If you need an extra credit opportunity and you are willing to give up an hour

       and half of your time this weekend, see me.

    2) If you wish a final extra credit opportunity, try watching this 90 minute video about the War of 1812. 

        Note it is split into 10 mini-parts.  Then answer the following questions.  Then see me to take a short

        quiz based on what you saw.  If you are sincere about working hard for 90 mins in exchange for a

        real boost, see me for help with your grade at the 11th hour.  If you do not have the time, no worries.

   

  Due for Monday 10/21 and Tuesday 10/22  Test (Rescheduled)

    1) We will take the test today. Study as if you want the last grade of the quarter to matter. The test will

        cover Jefferson and friends like Hamilton, John Adams and King George III.  Have your notebooks

        ready.  

    2) Read and complete the War of 1812 handout
    3) Watch Crash Course  #11 War of 1812 and complete the following questions.
   ​

  Due for Thursday 10/17 and Friday 10/18    Unit 3 Test and  War of 1812 /Era of Good Feelings

   1) Test Today!  Have your notebooks ready:

           a) Early Colonial Notes (Cahokia, etc)
 
        b) Colonial fact sheet 
          c) Late Colonial Notes  
          d) Road to Revolution & American Revolution Notes  
         e) Early American Timeline

    2)Finish the following Pictionary/definitions for the early national period. Take some time to create 

      drawings which show you ACTUALLY know the content!  It is possible to get up to 200% if you show

      creativity and thought.
   3) Watch this video about the 1st five Presidents. You already saw the section about Washington so start

     after the 15 min mark and answer the questions about the 2nd-5th Presidents.  Finish the 3 Reflection

     questions at the end.

    4) The more detailed PPT of the era can be found here and may be worth a look before the test.

    5) If you'd like a chance at extra credit while viewing sample AP exam questions, try the recently

       posted Unit 3  progress check for a bonus to today's test grade.
 
  Due on Tuesday 10/15 and Wednesday 10/16 Jefferson Madison
    1) Remember, I moved the Unit 3 test to Thur/Fri.  If you are out for ACT testing, please make sure to

     study the textbook Ch. 7 through the War of 1812 as we cannot do it together. The test will focus on

      material from the 7 Years War through Mr. Madison's War. Have the following notes COMPLETELY

      filled out and organized in your 3 ring binder.

          a) Early Colonial Notes (Cahokia, etc)
          b) Colonial fact sheet 
          c) Late Colonial Notes  
          d) Road to Revolution & American Revolution Notes  

         e) Early American Timeline

     2) Continue working on the Blue Book Study Guide assigned last class.  It's due next class!

    3) (Optional- cool, short and funny history videos)

      *** To celebrate Jefferson's arch-rival (Hamilton), watch this funny commercial about Aaron Burr. 

      ***Enjoy a funny video about Madison & Jefferson attending college together in an alternate universe.

     ***This video shows how the Louisiana Purchase was actually negotiated using a really bad realtor.

   Due for Friday 10/11 and Monday 10/14  Jefferson and Madison
    1) Given that ACT testing on Wednesday, we will adjust our timetable.  After reconsidering, the Unit 3

       test will be moved to Thursday & Friday (10/17 & 10/18).  However, we will include Jefferson, Madison

      and the War of 1812 on the test. To prepare, read this easy to understand the Blue Book  review guide 

      and begin the following study guide. The questions are easy to understand and the guide is due on

      10/17 and 10/18 before the test. 
    2) (Optional) 

       A) Check out this 4 min interesting clip showing a cabinet face-off between Hamilton & Jefferson. 

      Jefferson's distrust of Northern bankers is expected but you'll see he clearly did not comprehend

       the value of a national bank (BUS).  

       B) Enjoy this fun music video to find out what happened to the French queen during the French

       Revolution- very sad. It was directed by a group of French History teachers. The brutality of the

       Queen's treatment led many Federalists to turn away from the French Revolution. The song is

       strangely memorable... someone should modernize it and release it as a hit single.

  
  Due for Tuesday 10/8 and Thursday 10/10  -- The Critical Period
  1) Watch this movie on President Washington. Watch ONLY the first  15 mins & answer these questions.
  2) The early battle between Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans over power of the new
        nat'l government was a battle of visions for the United States. Finish Ch. 7 (All pages)  
        & complete the questions posed in the prior class:
    a)  What was Hamilton’s vision of the future and how did his plan attempt to accomplish it?  
    b) What was Jefferson’s vision of the future and how was it different from Hamilton’s?
    c) How were Indians treated in the new republic?  Give specific examples.
    d) How did the Haitian slave revolt result in the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase?
    e) How did Jefferson change his policies once confronted by the realities of the presidency?
    f) How did the French Revolution threaten American political stability and commerce?
    g) How did the Federalists seek to hold onto power after the Election of 1800? Were they successful?


  Due for Friday and Monday  10/4 and 10/7    Critical Period
   1) The early battle between Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans over power of the new
    nat'l government was a battle of visions for the United States. Read the 1st half of Ch. 7 (pgs 214-230)

    & answer these questions due Tuesday / Wednesday (not due today, due next class!).

    a)  What was Hamilton’s vision of the future and how did his plan attempt to accomplish it?  
    b) What was Jefferson’s vision of the future and how was it different from Hamilton’s?
    c) How were Indians treated in the new republic?  Give specific examples.
    d) How did the Haitian slave revolt result in the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase?
    e) How did Jefferson change his policies once confronted by the realities of the presidency?
    f) How did the French Revolution threaten American political stability and commerce?
    g) How did the Federalists seek to hold onto power after the Election of 1800? Were they successful?


  2) Read these two documents comparing Alexander Hamilton & Thomas Jefferson and answer 

      the questions in each.  (These ARE due today)
  3) If we did not finish it in class, fill out the chart comparing Federalists to Dem-Republicans.
  4) Optional-Watch this 9 min review video about the 1754 to 1800 Period. It's from Gilder Lehrman, one
      of the best resources for APUSH.  Their videos are really short but focus on themes and essay writing.

       After watching it, check out the timeline feature linked below it-its awesome.  Pay close attention to

        the terms that show up on our Early Nation Class Notes timeline. 
    
  Due for Wednesday and Thursday  10/2 and 10/3        Baby USA and the "Critical Period"
   1) Watch a college professor teach a short 20 minute class on the New System of Government. Then
     answer these questions! She is considered to be one of the best experts on this era. Who knew

     some of the smartest professors in the country could also be women?  Ironically, not the colonists

     who made it impossible for women to attend college during the colonial period. Watch her lesson

     and decide if the colonists were right.
   2) Extra Credit Opportunity:  Watch these 3 short teacher videos  #1    #2   #3  for insight into
      the Critical Period. (AOC-Constitution)  I wish we had time to discuss everything in class but these
     will help! Bring in detailed notes from each video proving you carefully watched them​ and I will add
      up to a 2% test bonus for each set of video notes.  This is optional but strongly advised. 

   3) Don't forget the Rho Kappa Movie Night on Thursday 10/3.  The movie is a documentary about the

     challenges faced by an immigrant seeking citizenship and our students will have the opportunity to

     speak with the director before the movie.  It will meet on the Black Box from 4:25 to 6:30 pm.  Pizza

      will be served and donations accepted.


 Due for Monday 9/30 and Tuesday 10/1   The American Revolution  
    1) Review your Ch. 6 textbook reading, then answer these questions:

      A) Why was Saratoga such an important victory for the Patriot forces?  What did it lead to?
      B) How were the rag-tag Americans able to defeat Great Britain?  What factors were most influential? 
      C) Why were the British so generous to the Americans in the Treaty of Paris? What did our allies gain

           in the Treaty of Versailles? Be specific as to what territories each nation received. 
      D) How did the Pennsylvania Constitution alarm some founding fathers after the war?  How did the

           Massachusetts Constitution alleviate their fears and become a model for other states? 
      E) What happened to the American Loyalists after the Revolution? How was their property distributed? 

      F) Why was the Constitution seen as a revolutionary document as it was being written?  Was it actually

           revolutionary?
    2) Watch this video on the American Revolution.  Its exciting so you won't mind filling out a few questions.
       Plus it will make your brain grow wise.  Like a fortune cookie.

    3) Your review questions are due today.  Answers should be uniquely yours, not a paraphrase of what
      your best friend wrote, unless of course your friend is never wrong and you both don't mind splitting

        your grades 50-50.

  Due for Thursday 9/26 Friday 9/27  Road To Revolution  
     1) Watch this unusual college lecture on the American Revolution and answer these questions
    3) Continue working on the review questions which will be due next class. There is a high correlation 
      rate between these questions and what you will see on the next test.  If you believe in foreshadowing,

       you'll appreciate any extra effort you invest . And you'll avoid letting your homework
       grow into something fearsome with stresses you out. Don't let your assignment turn into this.
      (Footage of homework hunting for procrastinating students)
    
  Due for Tuesday 9/24 and Wednesday 9/25 - French & Indian War  and The Road to Revolution
    1) We will wrap up the 7 Years War today before moving onto today's reading...Ch. 5.  Then answer the 

        questions. After the War ends, life became interesting for the colonists...  (1763 - 1775) represents

         a dozen years where everything went wrong between Britain and the 12-ish American Colonies.
        A) What were the goals of Parliament & King George III in passing new taxes/regulations after
            the end of the 7 Years War in 1763?
        B) What arguments did the colonists use to object to the English Gov't's tax measures?
        C) How did the Townshend Acts dramatically escalate tensions?
        D)  What was so "intolerable" about the Coercive (Intolerable) Acts?
        E)  What were British strengths and weaknesses at the outset of the war?
        F) What were the American strengths and weaknesses at the outset of the war?
 
     2) Begin work on this set of review questions.  There are 40 questions so you'll have until 9/30 & 10/1.
      Your answers can be short but must be accurate. APUSH requires you know your facts.  The days of

      "faking" your way through a test without really knowing studying maybe over unless you're a genius.

      Don't let this assignment hide in the corner, growing wild, waiting to attack you when your back is

      turned. Definitely don't leave this assignment incomplete or this could happen.   (Actual footage of

      homework stalking a former student!)
    3) If you have not ordered the AMSCO guidebook seen here, do so ASAP!

  Due for Friday 9/20 and Monday 9/23 -  Test through the French & Indian War 
   1)  Watch the following video by another teacher on the French and Indian War.  There are a couple
         of minor issues but its a good recap of the French and Indian/ 7 Years War.  Then answer the
         following questions to make sure you are ready for today's upcoming test. 
   2) Complete the following handout showing population growth in the 13 colonies. Use different
     colors for each colony to graph the size of the 13 colonies between 1740 and 1800. I already placed the
      1740 starting totals for each colony on the graph... it is up to you to add the data points for 1760 and
      1780. The 1800 numbers are not included so you will have to PREDICT the growth of each colony based
       on prior 1760-1780 numbers. Feel free to guess but pay attention to the trend for each colony when

        you do!

    3)  We will use the following handout for the coming Road to Revolution in-class notes.


  Due for Wednesday and Thursday (9/18 & 19) British Colonial Development

       1) Finish reading the Chapter 4...  pay close attention to the French & Indian War.  Then
        answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper:
         A) The French & Indian War has been described as an “Inevitable War for Empire”.  Is this statement 
          accurate and was the War's outcome?
         B) What were the conditions of the Treaty of Paris I (1763)?  
         C) What after-effects from the war would haunt the British?  The French?
         D) Why did Chief Pontiac revolt after the French and Indian War?  What was the outcome of his "revolt"?


    2) Define and learn the following terms: 
          Ohio River Valley  - Seven Years/French Indian War - Albany Plan of Union 
        Iroquois Confederation - William Pitt - Ft. Duquesne - Battle of Quebec
        Treaty of Paris I (1763) - Chief Pontiac’s Rebellion - Proclamation Line of 1763


    3) If you missed the video in class today, you can watch it here.  It was on the English Colonies

         and narrated by a college professor.  afterwards answer these questions.   Watching this video

         will helps earn an "A", mad respect, and an imaginary friend named Mr. Vitale. Be the first on your

          block to have one.  If we watched it in class, you do not have to do it!


  Due for Monday and Tuesday (9/16 & 9/17)  British Colonial Development

    1) In the 1700's a religious wave swept over the British Colonies. Read Ben Franklin's account of his
       meeting with one of the movements biggest preachers, George Whitfield.  It's an insightful "take" on 
      the First Great Awakening as seen through the eyes of America's greatest thinker of the age.  Sadly, 

     Ben Franklin was notoriously cheap.  Pay attention to the clash between Franklin's morals and his

     greed as he listened to Whitefield, who tried to talk him into donating for an orphanage in another

    colony. Then answer these questions and decide who won... Franklin's pocketbook or Whitefield's vision?


  Due for Thursday and Friday (9/12 & 9/13) British Colonial Development

    1)  Read Chapter 4 pgs. 114-134 in your textbook.  Answer the following questions on a separate sheet 
       of paper:
          A) What roles did women play in English colonial society? Did those roles differ between northern
               and southern colonies?
          B) Who were the new migrants coming to the colonies in the early 1700’s. Why did they leave Europe
               and Africa and where did they tend to settle?
          C) In what ways did the Enlightenment & the Great Awakening challenge traditional sources of 
               authority? Be specific about what authorities were being challenged by each!
          D) What groups of people were most likely to participate in the Great Awakening and why?

      2) Know the following chapter 4 terms:

              First Great Awakening - Old lights vs New lights -John Edwards and George Whitfield
              Harvard University - William & Mary College - Scot-Irish immigrants - Anglican Church
              Paxton Boys - Regulator Movement - The Enlightenment - John Locke - Ben Franklin

                                                                          Cotton Mather
  
      3) Next set of notes for the coming classes? Try these:   Late Colonial Notes

      4) Walk around in the grass without shoes.  Pet a kitten. Tell your little brother/sister you love
          them, even if you sometimes don't. They won't know and your parents will think you're
          awesome.  Then watch this video and  destroy all the goodwill you earned. 

     5) If you wanted to review your answers to the short answer prompt we discussed in class,

          spend a minute looking over this short analysis, complete with some of your peer's answers.

         There is a perfect answer, an average answer and a poor answer.  Which was most like yours?.


 Due for Tuesday or Wednesday (9/10  & 9/11) - British Colonial Development
    1) Ever wonder what a teacher's writing ability was in college? Wish you could read Mrs. Sears'

        assignments from high school?  I cannot help with that but you CAN read the following paper 

        given to me by Mr. Lawler to understand the connection between Slavery & Sugar in the New

        World. He was pretty good at history before he was an Asst. Principal 
    2)  Read Chapter 3 in the Henretta Textbook (pgs. 80-111) and answer these questions: 

              A) Kindness aside, who was William Penn, and why did he found Pennsylvania?  (pg. 76)
              B) A tough leader named Edmond Andros' enforced the Dominion of New England.

                      What was it and why did it fail?
              C) Read the Map/Chart on pg. 91, which colonies would be the most profitable to the

                       British economy? Which colonies probably were not?
              D) About what percentage of the slaves removed  from Africa were brought to Britain's North

                       American colonies? If not to North America, where did the majority of African slaves go

                       and why?

              E)  How did the Northern colonial economy develop? (pg 94-95)

              F)  Explain the "Triangular Trade" (South Atlantic System) which dominated colonial shipping.
              G  You will find the British allowed salutary neglect to affect their colonies for 100 years.

                       What were its consequences in the colonies? (pg. 98-99)

            H)  !What is the difference between a Royal Colony, a Proprietary Colony and a Joint-Stock Colony?


 Due for Friday or Monday (9/6 & 9/19)​​ -  English Settlement
 1) Finish reading the info for each colony and complete the chart.  It's due today! 
 2) Watch Mr. Pate's video about colonial angst.  Hint, Hint...take notes.  It's only 13 
      minutes long and you should watch the whole thing. Bad things happen to those
     who don't. Remember the girl in the well from the movie "The Ring"?  She's waiting
      for students like the one in the video who turn off the video early.

   3) Don't forget the first Rho Kappa History Honor Society meeting of the year is after school

     on Tuesday (9/11)  from 4:25 to about 5:10 in the library.  Please fill out an application and get it to

      Mr. Vitale if you (or a friend) is interested.

Due for Wednesday or Thursday (9/4 and 9/5)   -Spanish vs. English Settlement
 1) If we did not finish this video  in class, please watch it.  The professor does an
      AMAZING job of describing the differences between the Northern (Mass Bay)
      and Southern (Jamestown and Chesapeake Bay) English colonies. It's 25 minutes
      of incredibly useful info. Then answer these questions.  You'll... appreciate having
      watched it when test day arrives. If it is not playing in your Chrome book browser, watch it on

      your phone or read the transcript of the video right below on the same screen.
 2) Start reading the info sheets for each colony and begin filling in the chart.  We will discuss 
     characteristics of the original 13 (actually 12) colonies.  Fun fact-Delaware wasn't 
     really a colony.  It started as three lowland counties in Penn. Regardless, the chart is

      due on either Friday or Monday (/7 or 9/10). 

   3)  Optional- Bring in a large bag of M&M's or Skittles in exchange for a homework pass so we 
      can do a fun mapping activity that explains immigration to the British Colonies.  


Due for Friday or Tuesday (8/30 and 9/3)   -Exploration and Colonization Test
​    
1)  Textbook readings formally begin with Chapter 2... Read pgs. 40-79  
    2) Answer the following questions:

      a) How did the N. American colonies of the Spanish, Dutch, French and English differ?
      b) Why were death rates so high in early Jamestown (and other southern colonies)?
      c) Explain why Bacon's Rebellion is so important to US history. (pg. 56)
      d) What were the differences between the Pilgrims and the Puritans? (pg. 58)
      e) What were the major differences between the North & Southern English colonies?
      f) What did John Winthrop mean when he called Mass. Bay a "City on a Hill"?
      g) How were the New England Town Meetings a different form of democracy than Virginia's House

           of Burgesses?
      h) What were the long term impacts of King Philip's War on New England?
      I) Why did the leaders of Massachusetts Bay expel Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson?


​   
3) Rho Kappa, the History Honor Society has an interest meeting on Tuesday (9/3) 
       at 8:15 or 4:25 in Mr. Vitale's trailer.  Drop by for a taste of what's to come this year. Officer
        elections will follow  next week at the first regular meeting on 9/11. 
   4) Please order the AMSCO guide (any edition is ok).  It can be found at the following link 
       for about $18.95.  (Although optional,  the AMSCO guide is VERY helpful)

    5) I posted the 1 A grades to powerschool.  They were curved and over half the class received an A

          or B.  If you want to review what you missed and come in for a retake, I'll be in early every day

          from Wed (9/4 to Monday 9/9)  Or you can try this approach.
 
  Due for Wednesday or Thursday 8/28 & 29 -       Exploration and Colonization
  1) We will begin with these class notes on early colonial terms today.
  2) The Colonial Era Powerpoints from class have been loaded here if you wish to
          review them.
   3)  Optional (Extra Credit) - Finish watching the following movie about the Colombian
        Exchange  and complete these questions from class.  Yes, its over an hour, but its
        the BEST review on the discovery of the Americas and it will prepare you for the Unit 
        test. If you have the time, this video is well worth it. 


 Due for Monday or Tuesday 8/26 & 27-      Welcome! 
 
   1) Please finish the summer assignment and have it ready for turn-in today.  The first
         test  is scheduled next Friday/Tuesday and is based on the terms, themes and 
          locations from the summer assignment. 
     2) Please return both the signed syllabus and student information form.
     3) Please sign in at the AP website and enroll in your class section.  Just use the
         join code which matches your class period:   

              
Period 1A - ZKXXE9                Period 4B- 7X4QA7          

        Enrolling at AP Central is NOT optional.  Don't worry. They made me do it too.

    4) Check out this GREAT quizlet of key terms from Chapter 1.  It was created by an APUSH teacher

         so the answers are reliable. 

    If you are lost, confused or just bored, e-mail me your questions at:  
alan.vitale@cms.k12.nc.us



  Due for Wednesday 2/21      World War 1 (The War to End All Wars) 

    1) Congrats on finishing World War I. To make sure you know it, complete the following study guides

             #1,         and        #2  

    2) Turn in your Ch. 31 WWI study guide from the textbook.  Finally.

 

  Due for Wednesday 2/14       World War 1   (The War to End All Wars)
    1) In a switch, we will use the American Pageant textbook for the WWI (Chapter 31) reading.  You can

      still use the AMSCO guidebook if you want to go above and beyond or need guidance, but the above

       textbook reading is NOT optional.  Either way, the Chapter 31 textbook guide is due on Monday, (2/19)

    2) Watch the following video on WWI and complete the video guide.  Its about 25 mins.

2019-20  APUSH Assignments