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Journal #9 - Due January 17, 2008

Choose one of the following options.

• The Equal Rights Movement was proposed by Alice Paul shortly after the 19 th Amendment was finally ratified in 1920. Known as the “Alice Paul Amendment” it did pass through Congress in 1972, but failed to be ratified by the necessary ¾ of the states (within the time limit given) and therefore never became a part of the Constitution. (The exact text of the proposed amendment is as follows, “ Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” What do you think can be said about the fact that this amendment was not ratified? What effect would this amendment have today? Why do you think this Amendment was and is objectionable? Do you think it would, and/or should be ratified now? Support your opinion.
• Many people argue that women and men are not equal today, some even arguing that they should not be. In what ways are women and men unequal today in the eyes of society and the law? Should this be changed? Why or why not? If so, what should be done to establish equality?
• The National Women’s Party pushed for change in suffrage while the United States was involved in World War I. Their methods in this time of war included picketing the White House and hunger striking in prison when imprisoned for obstructing traffic. Why did the suffragists use these particular methods? Where they effective? Do you think it was appropriate for them to use these methods in wartime? Why or why not? Be sure to support your statement.

Journal #8 - Due January 11, 2008

The 15th Amendment was quite controversial when debated in 1868 at the Equal Rights Convention. If you were there, with whom would you have agreed Frederick Douglass or Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Be sure to explain your reasoning and support your opinion.

Journal Entry #7 - Due Monday, November 19, 2007

What does it mean to be American?

Journal Entry #5&6 - Due Monday, November 5, 2007

Oral history is incredibly important in understanding the history of immigration. Knowing the stories behind how people came to live here makes this country’s history all the more fascinating and human. Your task is this: interview an adult about their family history focusing on how they/their family came to live in the United States, then write your findings in essay form. The exact content of what you write will be very unique because people do not all share the same pasts, and what you are able to write will depend upon who you interview and what you are able to find out. If at all possible, I strongly encourage you to interview one of your relatives and discover more about your own family history, but you certainly do not have to do so. You may interview any adult. (You’ve got two weekends to contact someone – let me know if you are having trouble finding someone to speak with) How did they or their families come to this country?

Some things you should aim to find out in your interview might be . . .

• When did they/their ancestors come to this country?
• Where did they come from?
• Why did they come?
• How did they get here?
• Where did they first live when they arrived?
• How did they first react to their new place of residence?
• Interesting stories and details!
• Is the way your family got to be in the U.S. important to you? Why/why not?

 

Please note, it is perfectly fine if you are not able to find out the answers to these questions. Find out what you can, ideally more than this, but you may use these as a starting point when conducting your interview.

fter you complete your interview, write an essay summarizing your findings (do not simply write out the questions and answers, pull the information together in a way that is story-like. This write up should be at least a page long (probably more). Don’t forget to include the name of the person you interviewed in your essay. A good essay will be written clearly with your best spelling and grammar, and naturally shall be written in pen (or typed).

Journal Entry #4

How is this class going for you so far? What is working for you and what isn’t? Are you meeting your own expectations of yourself for this class? Why or why not? If not, what will you work on to achieve your expectations?

Journal Entry #3 - Due Thursday, September 27, 2007

Reconstruction had many positive and negative effects on society in the late 19 th century. Naturally, those effects have also been compounded throughout the last century and a half or so. I would like you to consider the long-term effects of the outcome of Reconstruction in the late 20 th century and now in the early 21 st century. How would today’s American society be different had Reconstruction gone more smoothly? Would your life be any different? Why or why not?

Journal Entry #2 - Due Monday, September 24th, 2007

In your opinion, which was the best plan for Reconstruction ( Lincoln’s 10% Plan, the Wade-Davis Bill, Johnson’s Plan, or Congressional Reconstruction)? Explain your answer taking into account what each plan would have done if it had been fully enforced and given the outcomes of such enforcement. Please note, in order to say that one plan is best, you must not only highlight the strength of the plan you choose, but you must also take into account the weaknesses of the other three plans – i.e. you will not only be writing about one plan.

Journal Entry # 1 - Due Thursday, September 13th, 2007

What do you suppose Frederick Douglass meant when he said, “He is a lover of his country who rebukes and does not excuse its sins”? Do you agree or disagree with his statement given the context of his time? Be sure to fully explain your opinion. Now, think of this quote in a context closer to our time. Does your opinion of his statement change? Why or why not?

 

 

 

 

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