WWI: Influenza

Use this blog to share interesting research regarding the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919.  How did the war contribute to the spread of the flu?  Have we witnessed other huge flu outbreaks through history?  How might a superbug or flu situation impact the globe in your lifetime?

WWI: Struggle for Equality

Our WWI chapter highlights contributions of African-Americans and Mexican-Americans (and women) to the war effort.  How do you think the war impacted their struggles for equality?  Consider the postwar treatment of immigrants (Sacco & Vanzetti) and communists (Red Scare).  Why were these groups targeted?  Are certain ethnic groups targeted today?  Why?

WWI: Wilson & The League of Nations

President Wilson's 14 Points were innovative and idealistic.  Use this blog to discuss advantages/disadvantages to the creation of the League.  Why did the US refuse to join?  What world organization exists today for similar purposes at the League?  How effective is the UN?  Is "global cooperation" more possible today than in 1919?

WWI: Free Speech?

Consider how war changes the "rules" for the herd!  What acts/laws were passed during WWI to limit freedoms?  Why were these acts passed?  See text page 300 for the Schenck Case details.  What laws do we have in place today due to the War on Terror?  Have you heard of the Patriot Act?  Are these laws necessary?  How do you feel about restrictions placed on guaranteed Constitutional freedoms?

WWI: Fighting conditions

What conditions did the soldiers face on the battlefield?  Do some research/examine images from WWI.  Share what you find about the experiences of soldiers in the trenches.  (trench foot may interest you)   What conditions do soldiers face on contemporary battlefields?

WWI: Songs & Sheet Music

Two famous WWI American songs include "Over There" and "Keep the Home Fires Burning".  Examine sheet music and lyrics to these songs by searching online.  What images appear on the covers of the sheet music?  What is the goal of the lyrics?  Do we still create colorful sheet music covers today?  Are songs written about war today?

WWI: Flyboys--Truth and/or Fiction?

Enjoy viewing the Flyboys DVD!  (Fairview Library!)  What was "real" in the film and what was fiction?  How do you know?  How does Hollywood impact the public with movies that portray war?

WWI: Home Front

Do some research beyond the text book.  What are some specific examples of US activities on the Home Front, specifically connected to the war?  Consider sharing movie titles and plots, Red Cross efforts, the draft process, arrests for disloyalty, propaganda etc.  In today's "War on Terror" have Americans had to change behaviors?  Is there more ordinary Americans should be doing in the USA to help win the War on Terror?

WWI: Heroes....you decide!

Use this blog to find the names and contributions of The Great War heroes.   As a starting point you may want to consider researching the following (or find your own "hero").  Share what you find, and feel free to raise questions!  Do we STILL have war heroes in modern times?

• The Lafayette Escadrille is the name of the squadron portrayed in Flyboys.  You can find photos online that include the lion, Whiskey!
• Who was The Red Baron?  How is he viewed by Americans?
• Who was Eddie Rickenbacher?  What is he known for?
• Who is John J. Pershing?  What role did he play in WWI?

WWI: Innovative Weapons of War

Use this blog to share your reseach regarding innovative weapons designed and used during The Great War (World War I).  Were innovations helpful or harmful during the war?  What are examples of modern day weapon/warfare innovations?

1870-1920 USA: Charlie Chaplin & Other big screen stars

Consider the Hollywood stars of the Gilded Age and types of movies made.  Who were these people and what made them so popular?  How do the "stars" compare/contrast with contemporary big screen stars?  How do films of the 1870-1920 Era compare/contrast with today's films?

1870-1920 USA: Progressives

The Progressive movement in the US achieved many goals.  Provide some examples of successful reforms from the era we have been studying.  In what ways is US society progressive today?  What aspects of our society today most need "fixing"?

1870-1920 USA: US becomes a world power.

Why did the US emerge as a world power during this time period?  What are some examples of our "conquests" during the Gilded Age?  Do we still behave in an imperialistic manner today?  Cite some examples.  What are your thoughts re: US foreign policy then or today?

1870-1920 USA: Triangle Building Fire of 1911

http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/triangle/trianglefire.html 

http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/trianglefire/primary/

Check out these primary source links to learn more about the New York Triangle Building Fire of 1911.  Use this blog to share what you learn and/or react to this tragedy.  Do we still have these type of work place disasters in the USA?  Why/why not?  Examples?

1870-1920 USA: The West

How is the "Old West" often portrayed?  (Consider the movie scenes from Tombstone?)  What aspects of the West still linger in the USA today?  Does Erie County have anything "western"?

1870-1920 USA: Gilded Examples

Share examples of how 1870-1920 society was "gilded".  What aspects of our contemporary society might be considered gilded?

1870-1920 USA: Cities

Today we toured Gilded Age Pittsburgh.  Do some research on your favorite city during this time period.  What  was the city like?  What were the major challenges and innovations?  What is the status of your favorite city today?

1870-1920 USA: Unions Then & Now

Both classes heard information pertaining to the early labor union movements in the USA.  Find out if any of these former unions are still in existence today and share some current information/status. 

OR, find a name and facts about ANY union that exists today and comment on how effective you believe unions are today. 

OR, ask some questions of the adults in your life; are they union members?  Why/why not?  What are some current attitudes/opinions about unions?  Share what you have learned without using specific peoples' names.

1870-1920 USA: Johnstown Flood Reactions

Use the blog to share your thoughts re: the 1889 Johnstown Flood. 

IDEA:

• Do additional research on the topic and share your discoveries. 
• What personal reactions do you have to this event?
• Who do you think is to blame and why?
• Did anything surprise you?

Regardless of race, religion etc.

As we leave our Struggle for Equality unit, feel free to use this blog link to share how the unit has impacted you.  Do you notice differences more or less?  How will you respond if confronted with a racist/sexist situation?  Do we each have a role (or even perhaps a responsibility?) to play in promoting "equality" or fairness?  What have you learned/discovered about yourself?  What content was most intriguing/interesting to you?  What questions remain unanswered? 

6-The Women Rebel: Margaret Sanger and the Birth Control Movement

Start by reading the Historical Context.  Read the various primary source documents that follow and the Postscript.  Respond to the article and reflect on specific aspects with which you agree/disagree.  The questions on page 130 may be helpful if you feel "stuck" for ideas.

Issue 16 Has the Women's Movement of the 1970s Failed to Liberate American Women? YES/NO?

You may choose to read the entire article, or just the YES or NO perspectives.  Definitely read the first two page intro "Issue Summary" to get an overview of the issue.  Use this blog to agree/disagree and discuss specific points raised by Graglia and Evans.  One original blog required, plus one response to a peer.

Lois Banner Evaluates the Gains of the Women's Movement (1980s)

Feel free to agree/disagree with Banner as you react to her article.  You may choose to use the three questions (Reviewing the Reading) at the end of the article to frame your responses to Banner's article.