Thursday, December 20, 2007

Glory

The following paragraph is taken from another blog. It will help put a historical perspective on the final scene of the movie...

"As far as the assault on Wagner, the movie is pretty accurate. Yes, it incorrectly has the assault coming from the wrong direction, but that really is not essential. Further, it is true that because the 54th had fought so effectively at James Island days before that it won the admiration of the white Federal troops to the extent that it did march through thirteen white Federal regiments, many of whom cheered. Yes, Shaw gave some letters to Edward Pierce the newspaper correspondent before the assault. And yes, Shaw led the assault and was killed largely as shown in the movie. However, unlike in the movie, not all of the 600 men of the 54th were killed—though 272 killed, wounded or captured is surely a significant share for a single engagement. It should be noted that another 1,200 Federal white troops were also killed, wounded or captured at Wagner. Finally, it is true that the Confederate commander at Wagner ordered Shaw’s body to be thrown into a ditch with his dead black comrades as an insult. When Shaw’s parents learned of this act his father wrote Edward Pierce that they could hope for “no holier place” for their son’s body. Indeed, one month later after Wagner fell, they told the Union commander not to move Shaw’s body."

After viewing the film, I hope you have a better understanding of the contributions of African Americans during the Civil War. In your opinion, what was the most memorable and inspiring scene in Glory? Be sure to describe the scene and state your reasons as to why you liked it.


Also, don't forget about your 2 interviews that are due at the end of this quarter. Get them done over break!!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

"The Presidents"


After viewing the film, "The Presidents," you should now have a clearer idea of the influence of the first three American presidents. Reply to this post by identifying 3 significant facts EACH about George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson that you recorded in your notebooks from the film. (You should have 9 total facts.) Remember, your facts should portray Washington's, Adams', and Jefferson's influences on the early government, the presidency, and American policy. (In other words, do not write that George Washington enjoyed dancing and interior decorating in his free time.)

Thursday, October 18, 2007

The U.S. Constitution


"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." - Preamble of the U.S. Constitution

Establishing a "Balance of powers"
As a class, all of you did a nice job of analyzing the Constitution in your textbook to determine what powers belong to each of the three branches of government. Now that we have separated the powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches you must post which power you think is most significant to each branch. In other words, you will state what you think is the most important power of the legislative branch , the executive branch , and the judicial branch. Be sure to include WHY you made your decision.

Friday, October 12, 2007

The First Post


Hello to my favorite sophomore class! We are going to start to use this blog in our class. What do you think?