Choose one of the following essay questions and answer it in a 4-5 page paper. The paper is due on Wednesday, January 4th.
1. Assess the relative responsibility for the coming of the Civil War of each of the following groups:
Abolitionists
Free Soilers
Pro-Slavery leaders
2. Assess the relative responsibility for the coming of the Civil War of THREE of the following people:
Steven A. Douglas
John Brown
Abraham Lincoln
Roger B. Taney
3. "The Civil War was a conflict over the economic direction of the nation. It's coming had nothing to do with the morality of slavery." Assess the validity of the statement above.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Optional Paper
For thoe of you who choose to do a paper before the Christmas break, choose one of the three essay questions below. Answer the question in a 4-5 page essay.
1. "Although historically represented as distinct parties, the Federalists and the Whigs in fact shared a common political ideology, represented many of the same interest groups, and proposed similar programs and policies." Assess the validity of the statement.
2. Jacksonian democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. To what extent do you agree with the Jacksonians' view of themselves?
3. "Although Americans perceived Manifest Destiny as a benevolent movement, it was in fact an aggressive imperialism pursued at the expense of others." Assess the validity of this statement with specific reference to American expansionism from 1800-1850.
**Note: To "assess the validity" means to explain in what ways and to what extent the statement is true or false.
1. "Although historically represented as distinct parties, the Federalists and the Whigs in fact shared a common political ideology, represented many of the same interest groups, and proposed similar programs and policies." Assess the validity of the statement.
2. Jacksonian democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. To what extent do you agree with the Jacksonians' view of themselves?
3. "Although Americans perceived Manifest Destiny as a benevolent movement, it was in fact an aggressive imperialism pursued at the expense of others." Assess the validity of this statement with specific reference to American expansionism from 1800-1850.
**Note: To "assess the validity" means to explain in what ways and to what extent the statement is true or false.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Causes of the Civil War
For Monday, 12/19: The Limits of "Compromise" in the 1850s. Read ages 390-308.
1. How did the territory gained in the US-Mexico War help lead to the Civil War?
2. Why did Taylor invite California to join the union as a free state? Why did this create a crisis?
3. Why couldn’t Henry Clay broker a compromise this time? Who was able to get the compromise passed? Why was he able to pass it?
4. Was it really a compromise? Why?
5. What was the Fugitive Slave Act and why did it cause problems in both the North and the South?
6. What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act? Why did Douglas call for it? Why was it controversial?
7. What was the Free Soil Party? What was their ideology?
8. Why did the Republican Party organize and become so popular so quickly? Who made up the party?
Know the significance of the following: Wilmot Proviso, Zachary Taylor, free soil, popular sovereignty, Omnibus Bill, Millard Fillmore, William Seward, Stephen Douglas, Fugitive Slave Law, personal liberty laws, Franklin Pierce, Gadsden Purchase, Ostend Manifesto, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Republican Party.
For Tuesday, 12/20: The Crisis Escalatesin Kansas and the Court. Read 409-418.
1. What affect did Uncle Tom’s Cabin have on the nation?
2. What was “bleeding Kansas?” Why did it happen? What effects did it have on the rest of the country?
3. Was the Republican Party responsible for the widening the gap between North and South? Why?
4. Why did the Dred Scott Case scare northerners so much?
Know the significance of the following: Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, “Bleeding Kansas”, Lawrence, KS, Pottawatamie Creek, John Brown, “Beecher’s bibles”, John C. Fremont, James Buchanan. Dred Scott v Sandford, Roger B. Taney, Lecompton Constitution
For Wednesday, 12/21: The Secession Crisis. Read 419-432
1. What was the long-term importance of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates? In what ways did Douglas both win and lose because of the debates?
2. What affect did John Brown have on the South? What did northerners think of him?
3. Why did Lincoln’s election cause southern states to secede?
4. How did Lincoln respond to southern states’ secession?
Know the significance of the following: Lincoln-Douglas Debates, “Freeport doctrine”, raid on Harper’s Ferry, election of 1860, Jefferson Davis, Ft. Sumter, Crittenden Compromise
1. How did the territory gained in the US-Mexico War help lead to the Civil War?
2. Why did Taylor invite California to join the union as a free state? Why did this create a crisis?
3. Why couldn’t Henry Clay broker a compromise this time? Who was able to get the compromise passed? Why was he able to pass it?
4. Was it really a compromise? Why?
5. What was the Fugitive Slave Act and why did it cause problems in both the North and the South?
6. What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act? Why did Douglas call for it? Why was it controversial?
7. What was the Free Soil Party? What was their ideology?
8. Why did the Republican Party organize and become so popular so quickly? Who made up the party?
Know the significance of the following: Wilmot Proviso, Zachary Taylor, free soil, popular sovereignty, Omnibus Bill, Millard Fillmore, William Seward, Stephen Douglas, Fugitive Slave Law, personal liberty laws, Franklin Pierce, Gadsden Purchase, Ostend Manifesto, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Republican Party.
For Tuesday, 12/20: The Crisis Escalatesin Kansas and the Court. Read 409-418.
1. What affect did Uncle Tom’s Cabin have on the nation?
2. What was “bleeding Kansas?” Why did it happen? What effects did it have on the rest of the country?
3. Was the Republican Party responsible for the widening the gap between North and South? Why?
4. Why did the Dred Scott Case scare northerners so much?
Know the significance of the following: Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, “Bleeding Kansas”, Lawrence, KS, Pottawatamie Creek, John Brown, “Beecher’s bibles”, John C. Fremont, James Buchanan. Dred Scott v Sandford, Roger B. Taney, Lecompton Constitution
For Wednesday, 12/21: The Secession Crisis. Read 419-432
1. What was the long-term importance of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates? In what ways did Douglas both win and lose because of the debates?
2. What affect did John Brown have on the South? What did northerners think of him?
3. Why did Lincoln’s election cause southern states to secede?
4. How did Lincoln respond to southern states’ secession?
Know the significance of the following: Lincoln-Douglas Debates, “Freeport doctrine”, raid on Harper’s Ferry, election of 1860, Jefferson Davis, Ft. Sumter, Crittenden Compromise
Slavery Today
Slavery is alive and well in the world today. Estimates are that there are somewhere between 10 to 30 million people enslaved around the world today, including the United States. US State Department estimates that up to 17,000 people are "trafficked" into the United States every year to serve as slaves. They are a population hidden from view who are forced into prostitution, farm work, or domestic servitude against their will and without compensation, freedom or rights. To learn more about the tragedy of modern slavery and to take action to end slavery, visit the following sites or view the documentary below which stars the rapper Common.
The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation
CNN Freedom Project
Free The Slaves
"The Girls Next Door" (groundbreaking article about sex slavery in America)
10 Quick Shocking (but not verified by me)Facts About Slavery
The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation
CNN Freedom Project
Free The Slaves
"The Girls Next Door" (groundbreaking article about sex slavery in America)
10 Quick Shocking (but not verified by me)Facts About Slavery
The South & Slavery
For Friday 12/16: Read pages 348-370 (Chapter 16).
1. How did the development of the cotton economy change the South? Consider the economy and demographics.
2. What effect did it have on slavery? What effect might this have had on national politics and the political priorities in the South?
3. Describe the distinct classes that made up white society. How was this social system different from the North’s society?
4. What was slavery like for the average African American in the 1800s?
5. What was life like for free African Americans?
6. Why were there so few slave rebellions in America? How did slaves resist slavery?
7. How did slave culture evolve to help African Americans adapt to and survive the brutality of slavery?
8. How was African American language, music, religion and family different from those of the whites around them? Did these cultural institutions affect America in the long term?
9. What were the first abolitionists like (American Colonization Society)? Why did they not succeed?
10. What was different about William Lloyd Garrison and The Liberator? What affect did they have on the South?
11. Did the North accept the new abolitionists? Why?
12. How did the South defend slavery?
Know the significance of the following: Upper South, Deep South, “Black Belt”, “cavaliers”, planters, Nat Turner, American Colonization Society, William Lloyd Garrison, The Liberator, Elijah Lovejoy, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth
1. How did the development of the cotton economy change the South? Consider the economy and demographics.
2. What effect did it have on slavery? What effect might this have had on national politics and the political priorities in the South?
3. Describe the distinct classes that made up white society. How was this social system different from the North’s society?
4. What was slavery like for the average African American in the 1800s?
5. What was life like for free African Americans?
6. Why were there so few slave rebellions in America? How did slaves resist slavery?
7. How did slave culture evolve to help African Americans adapt to and survive the brutality of slavery?
8. How was African American language, music, religion and family different from those of the whites around them? Did these cultural institutions affect America in the long term?
9. What were the first abolitionists like (American Colonization Society)? Why did they not succeed?
10. What was different about William Lloyd Garrison and The Liberator? What affect did they have on the South?
11. Did the North accept the new abolitionists? Why?
12. How did the South defend slavery?
Know the significance of the following: Upper South, Deep South, “Black Belt”, “cavaliers”, planters, Nat Turner, American Colonization Society, William Lloyd Garrison, The Liberator, Elijah Lovejoy, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth
Monday, December 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Doctrine of Silence (The Obama Doctrine)
Having just discussed the Monroe Doctrine, I think you might appreciate this column from New York Times columnist Roger Cohen. He describes an unspoken "Doctrine of Silence" that the Obama administration is pursuing. Unlike the Bush Doctrine, which called for pre-emptive war against potential threats (the best example being the invasion of Iraq), he claims that Obama is fighting terrorism largely with quiet assassinations and covert operations in places like Iran. While Cohen thinks the policy is wise, he believes it raises real issues of legality and transparency in a democratic government. Read more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/29/opinion/cohen-doctrine-of-silence.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Please share your thoughts on the article and the doctrine in the comments section.
Please share your thoughts on the article and the doctrine in the comments section.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Reading Assignments, 11/29 - 12/13
Tuesday, 11/29. The rise of Jackson and mass democracy. Read pages 256-264.
1. What changes in American Democracy had occurred between 1800 and 1828?
2. What is Jacksonian Democracy?
3. Was Jackson in favor of a strong or weak central government?
4. Explain the nullification crisis.
5. How did Jackson change American politics and the presidency (why is he such a big deal in American history?
Know the significance of the following: Jacksonian democracy, silent ballot, extension of franchise, end of caucus, direct elections, John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, John Calhoun, Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, National Republicans, Peggy Eaton affair, Maysville Road veto, Nullification Crisis, South Carolina Expositionand Protest, Force Bill, Tariff of 1833
Wednesday, 11/30. Jackson re-evaluated. Read pages 264-275. Jackson Memorial Assignment due.
1. Understand the important Supreme Court cases leading to Cherokee removal.
2. Explain the removal of the Cherokees.
3. Explain the causes of the Panic of 1837. Who was to blame. Who was blamed.
Know the significance of the following: Indian Removal, “Five Civilized Tribes”, Cherokee Nation v. Georgia(1831), Worcester v. Georgia(1832), Treaty of New Echota (1835), Trail of Tears, National Bank veto, “pet banks”, Nicholas Biddle, election of 1832, Whigs, Democrats,
The video below shows the Removal of the Cherokees from their view. It is from the PBS series "We Shall Remain."
Thursday, 12/1. Martin Van Buren and the rise of the Second Party System. Read pages 275-286.
1. What was Van Buren’s view of political parties?
2. Why and how did Americans come to settle in Texas? What was the result of the Texan revolution? Why did Texas not become part of the United States in 1837?
3. Who were the Whigs? How and why were they organized?
4. What was the long-term affect of Jackson amd Van Buren on American politics?
Know the significance of the following: election of 1836, Independent Treasury, election of 1840, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, “Tippecanoe and Tyler too”.
Friday, 12/2. Demographics of the new national economy. Read pages 287-297.
1. How did the demography of America change in the early 1800s? How did this affect our culture?
2. How did immigration change in the early 1800s? How did Americans reacty to these changes? What effect did this have on American culture and politics?
Monday, 12/5. Mechanics of the new national economy. Read pages 297-318.
1. What were the most important technological innovations in this period? How did technological innovations affect farming, the economy of the South and slavery?
2. Trace the development of industry from homes to factories. Trace the development of the form of business from the individual proprietor to the corporation.
3. What improvements in technology and changes in law enabled these developments? How did changes in transportation change the Mid-west, the Northeast, and the South?
4. Who were the first groups to work in these new industrial factories, and how were they recruited?
5. How effective were workers in controlling the conditions of their work?
6. How did the workplace, the lives of women and nature of families change due to working in industrial factories?
7. What is the significance of the Supreme Court cases Charles River Bridge v Warren Bridge (1837) and Commonwealth v. Hunt (1842)? (These will be covered in class)
Know the significance of the following: Nativism, “Know-Nothings”, Erie Canal, De Witt Clinton, Robert Fulton, Eli Whitney, general incorporation laws, Lowell system, Charles River Bridge v Warren Bridge (1837), Commonwealth v Hunt(1842)
Wednesday, 12/7. Religious revivalism and the reform movement. Read pages 320-332.
1. What was the Second Great Awakening? What caused it? What were the short and long-term results of the movement?
2. How is the Second Great Awakening related to Jacksonian Democracy?
3. Why were there so many reform movements in this era? What did they have in common?
4. Were these movements trying to make society more free or more controlled? What were the effects of this movement on the people it tried to help, on politics and society, and on women in particular?
5 How are these movements related to Jacksonian Democracy?
Know the significance of the following: Second Great Awakening, Charles G. Finney, Revivals, Unitarians, Mormons, Shakers, public school reform
Horace Mann, McGuffey Reader, penitentiary reform, asylum reform, Dorothea Dix, abolition, temperance , women’s rights, Margaret Fuller, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Seneca Falls Convention, “Declaration of Rights and Sentiments” (1848)
Friday, 12/9. Arts and letters in Jacksonian America. Read pages 332-347.
1. What was Transcendentalism? Does it fit in the general culture of Jacksonian America? Did Transcendentalists challenge or celebrate American society and culture?
2. How did the art and literature of this period in general fit into Jacksonian America?
Know the significance of the following: Hudson River school
Thomas Cole, romanticism, Washington Irving, James Fenimore Cooper, transcendentalism, Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Self-Reliance”, Henry David Thoreau, Walden, “Civil Disobedience", Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter, Herman Melville, Moby Dick
Monday, 12/12. Manifest Destiny. Read pages 371-380.
1. What is Manifest Destiny? How did race and religion figure into the concept of Manifest Destiny? Was Manifest Destiny moral and/or proper?
2. Who owned Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California? What difficulties did they have settling and governing the area?
3. How did Americans first begin to immigrate to Texas? What problems did this create for Mexico and the American immigrants?
4. Why did the Texans rebel? How did the Texans win their independence?
5. Who owned the Oregon Territory? Why? Why were immigrants coming there?
6. Why was the United States able to obtain Oregon without going to war with Great Britain?
Know the significance of the following: Manifest Destiny, John L. O’Sullivan, Oregon & California, Transcontinental Treaty, Adams-Onis Treaty, “54°,40’ Or Fight”, Sutter’s Mill, ‘49ers
Tuesday, 12/13. The US-Mexico War. Review your pervious notes on Texas and read pages 381-389.
1. Why did Texas not become part of the United States rights away? 1. What changes in American Democracy had occurred between 1800 and 1828?
2. What is Jacksonian Democracy?
3. Was Jackson in favor of a strong or weak central government?
4. Explain the nullification crisis.
5. How did Jackson change American politics and the presidency (why is he such a big deal in American history?
Know the significance of the following: Jacksonian democracy, silent ballot, extension of franchise, end of caucus, direct elections, John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, John Calhoun, Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, National Republicans, Peggy Eaton affair, Maysville Road veto, Nullification Crisis, South Carolina Expositionand Protest, Force Bill, Tariff of 1833
Wednesday, 11/30. Jackson re-evaluated. Read pages 264-275. Jackson Memorial Assignment due.
1. Understand the important Supreme Court cases leading to Cherokee removal.
2. Explain the removal of the Cherokees.
3. Explain the causes of the Panic of 1837. Who was to blame. Who was blamed.
Know the significance of the following: Indian Removal, “Five Civilized Tribes”, Cherokee Nation v. Georgia(1831), Worcester v. Georgia(1832), Treaty of New Echota (1835), Trail of Tears, National Bank veto, “pet banks”, Nicholas Biddle, election of 1832, Whigs, Democrats,
The video below shows the Removal of the Cherokees from their view. It is from the PBS series "We Shall Remain."
Thursday, 12/1. Martin Van Buren and the rise of the Second Party System. Read pages 275-286.
1. What was Van Buren’s view of political parties?
2. Why and how did Americans come to settle in Texas? What was the result of the Texan revolution? Why did Texas not become part of the United States in 1837?
3. Who were the Whigs? How and why were they organized?
4. What was the long-term affect of Jackson amd Van Buren on American politics?
Know the significance of the following: election of 1836, Independent Treasury, election of 1840, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, “Tippecanoe and Tyler too”.
Friday, 12/2. Demographics of the new national economy. Read pages 287-297.
1. How did the demography of America change in the early 1800s? How did this affect our culture?
2. How did immigration change in the early 1800s? How did Americans reacty to these changes? What effect did this have on American culture and politics?
Monday, 12/5. Mechanics of the new national economy. Read pages 297-318.
1. What were the most important technological innovations in this period? How did technological innovations affect farming, the economy of the South and slavery?
2. Trace the development of industry from homes to factories. Trace the development of the form of business from the individual proprietor to the corporation.
3. What improvements in technology and changes in law enabled these developments? How did changes in transportation change the Mid-west, the Northeast, and the South?
4. Who were the first groups to work in these new industrial factories, and how were they recruited?
5. How effective were workers in controlling the conditions of their work?
6. How did the workplace, the lives of women and nature of families change due to working in industrial factories?
7. What is the significance of the Supreme Court cases Charles River Bridge v Warren Bridge (1837) and Commonwealth v. Hunt (1842)? (These will be covered in class)
Know the significance of the following: Nativism, “Know-Nothings”, Erie Canal, De Witt Clinton, Robert Fulton, Eli Whitney, general incorporation laws, Lowell system, Charles River Bridge v Warren Bridge (1837), Commonwealth v Hunt(1842)
Wednesday, 12/7. Religious revivalism and the reform movement. Read pages 320-332.
1. What was the Second Great Awakening? What caused it? What were the short and long-term results of the movement?
2. How is the Second Great Awakening related to Jacksonian Democracy?
3. Why were there so many reform movements in this era? What did they have in common?
4. Were these movements trying to make society more free or more controlled? What were the effects of this movement on the people it tried to help, on politics and society, and on women in particular?
5 How are these movements related to Jacksonian Democracy?
Know the significance of the following: Second Great Awakening, Charles G. Finney, Revivals, Unitarians, Mormons, Shakers, public school reform
Horace Mann, McGuffey Reader, penitentiary reform, asylum reform, Dorothea Dix, abolition, temperance , women’s rights, Margaret Fuller, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Seneca Falls Convention, “Declaration of Rights and Sentiments” (1848)
Friday, 12/9. Arts and letters in Jacksonian America. Read pages 332-347.
1. What was Transcendentalism? Does it fit in the general culture of Jacksonian America? Did Transcendentalists challenge or celebrate American society and culture?
2. How did the art and literature of this period in general fit into Jacksonian America?
Know the significance of the following: Hudson River school
Thomas Cole, romanticism, Washington Irving, James Fenimore Cooper, transcendentalism, Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Self-Reliance”, Henry David Thoreau, Walden, “Civil Disobedience", Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter, Herman Melville, Moby Dick
Monday, 12/12. Manifest Destiny. Read pages 371-380.
1. What is Manifest Destiny? How did race and religion figure into the concept of Manifest Destiny? Was Manifest Destiny moral and/or proper?
2. Who owned Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California? What difficulties did they have settling and governing the area?
3. How did Americans first begin to immigrate to Texas? What problems did this create for Mexico and the American immigrants?
4. Why did the Texans rebel? How did the Texans win their independence?
5. Who owned the Oregon Territory? Why? Why were immigrants coming there?
6. Why was the United States able to obtain Oregon without going to war with Great Britain?
Know the significance of the following: Manifest Destiny, John L. O’Sullivan, Oregon & California, Transcontinental Treaty, Adams-Onis Treaty, “54°,40’ Or Fight”, Sutter’s Mill, ‘49ers
Tuesday, 12/13. The US-Mexico War. Review your pervious notes on Texas and read pages 381-389.
2. How did Tyler add Texas to the United States?
3. Why did the United States go to war with Mexico?
4. Did Polk force war with Mexico?
5. Was our war with Mexico a moral and/or wise war?
6. What were the results of the war?
Know the significance of the following: Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Santa Anna, the Alamo, Goliad, San Jacinto, Lone Star Republic, Andrew Jackson, Stephen Tyler, James K. Polk, Nueces River, Rio Grande, Zachary Taylor, Winfield Scott, Santa Anna, Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, Gadsden Purchase
Good Documentary on the US-Mexico War:
Below is a phenomenal song about the US-Mexico War, by the Irish band The Chieftans and a number of Mexican musicians. It is about the San Patricios, a group of Irish immigrants in the US Army who switched sides in the middle of the war and chose to fight for Mexico against the United States.
An article on the San Patricios can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Patricios
Monday, November 14, 2011
Test on Tuesday, 11/22
Test on the Constitution and the Early Republic, Chapters 9-12. Like our last test, there will be multiple choice questions and one essay.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Assignments for 11/10 - 11/18; the Jeffersonian Republic
For Thursday, 11/ 10: Thomas Jefferson, Read 211-225
1. How was Thomas Jefferson different from the two previous presidents?
2. Jefferson has been described as a man of the people, an aristocratic hypocrite, a frenzied radical, a philosopher, a scientist, a pragmatic politician, and a high-minded idealist. Which was he?
3. What was Jefferson’s vision of what America should be? Was he successful in achieving his vision?
4. What was the significance of the Marbury v. Madison case.
5. Why were we able to purchase Louisiana? Did Jefferson violate his principles in purchasing Louisiana? Why did he do it?
Know the significance of the following: Election of 1800,Aaron Burr, James Madison, Monticello, University of Virginia, Albert Gallatin, Marbury v. Madison (1801), judicial review, Louisiana Purchase (1803), Toussant L’Ouverture, Napoleon Bonaparte, William Clark, Meriwether Lewis, Sacjawea
For Tuesday, 11/14: James Madison, Read 225-232
1. Why did the U.S. get into conflict with Great Britain and France?
2. How did Jefferson react to these abridgements of our sovereignty and our citizens’ rights? What were the results?
3. How did Madison react? What were the results?
4. Why did we go to war with England instead of France?
Know the significance of the following: James Madison, Rule of 1756, Impressment, Leopard v. Chesapeake, Embargo Act (1807), Non-Intercourse Act (1809), Orders in Council (1809), Milan Decree (1809), Macon’s Bill #2 (1810), “war hawks”, John Calhoun , Henry Clay
For Wednesday 11/15: War of 1812, Read 233-240.
1. Who should have won the war? What were the most important battles?
2. Why did the war end? Who won?
3. What were the results of the war for the U.S.? What were the results of the war for American Indians? What were the results of the war for the Federalists?
Know the significance of the following: Tenskwatawa (The Prophet), Tecumseh, William Henry Harrison, Battle of Tippecanoe (1811), Battle of Put-In-Bay (1813), Battle of the Thames (1813), Battle of New Orleans (1815), Treaty of Ghent (1814), Hartford Convention (1814)
Interesting documentary that shows the conflict over the MidWest from the eyes of Tecumseh
For Friday 11/17: Monroe, Sectionalism and Nationalism in Era of Good Feelings, Read 242-255
1. Why was this era called the Era of Good Feelings.
2. What caused the Panic of 1819? What effect did it have?
3. What did the Missouri Compromise decide? Why was it so important?
4. What effect did John Marshall have on the Supreme Court?
5. How did the United States acquire Florida?
6. What was the Monroe Doctrine? Why was it so important?
7. Was John Quincy Adams an able diplomat? Why?
Know the significance of the following: James Monroe, Panic of 1819, Missouri Compromise, John Quincy Adams, Adams-Onis Treaty, Monroe Doctrine, John Marshall, Marbury v. Madison (1801), Dartmouth College v.Woodward (1819), McCullough v. Maryland(1819)
1. How was Thomas Jefferson different from the two previous presidents?
2. Jefferson has been described as a man of the people, an aristocratic hypocrite, a frenzied radical, a philosopher, a scientist, a pragmatic politician, and a high-minded idealist. Which was he?
3. What was Jefferson’s vision of what America should be? Was he successful in achieving his vision?
4. What was the significance of the Marbury v. Madison case.
5. Why were we able to purchase Louisiana? Did Jefferson violate his principles in purchasing Louisiana? Why did he do it?
Know the significance of the following: Election of 1800,Aaron Burr, James Madison, Monticello, University of Virginia, Albert Gallatin, Marbury v. Madison (1801), judicial review, Louisiana Purchase (1803), Toussant L’Ouverture, Napoleon Bonaparte, William Clark, Meriwether Lewis, Sacjawea
For Tuesday, 11/14: James Madison, Read 225-232
1. Why did the U.S. get into conflict with Great Britain and France?
2. How did Jefferson react to these abridgements of our sovereignty and our citizens’ rights? What were the results?
3. How did Madison react? What were the results?
4. Why did we go to war with England instead of France?
Know the significance of the following: James Madison, Rule of 1756, Impressment, Leopard v. Chesapeake, Embargo Act (1807), Non-Intercourse Act (1809), Orders in Council (1809), Milan Decree (1809), Macon’s Bill #2 (1810), “war hawks”, John Calhoun , Henry Clay
For Wednesday 11/15: War of 1812, Read 233-240.
1. Who should have won the war? What were the most important battles?
2. Why did the war end? Who won?
3. What were the results of the war for the U.S.? What were the results of the war for American Indians? What were the results of the war for the Federalists?
Know the significance of the following: Tenskwatawa (The Prophet), Tecumseh, William Henry Harrison, Battle of Tippecanoe (1811), Battle of Put-In-Bay (1813), Battle of the Thames (1813), Battle of New Orleans (1815), Treaty of Ghent (1814), Hartford Convention (1814)
Interesting documentary that shows the conflict over the MidWest from the eyes of Tecumseh
For Friday 11/17: Monroe, Sectionalism and Nationalism in Era of Good Feelings, Read 242-255
1. Why was this era called the Era of Good Feelings.
2. What caused the Panic of 1819? What effect did it have?
3. What did the Missouri Compromise decide? Why was it so important?
4. What effect did John Marshall have on the Supreme Court?
5. How did the United States acquire Florida?
6. What was the Monroe Doctrine? Why was it so important?
7. Was John Quincy Adams an able diplomat? Why?
Know the significance of the following: James Monroe, Panic of 1819, Missouri Compromise, John Quincy Adams, Adams-Onis Treaty, Monroe Doctrine, John Marshall, Marbury v. Madison (1801), Dartmouth College v.Woodward (1819), McCullough v. Maryland(1819)
Friday, October 28, 2011
Assignments for 11/1- 11/7; Washington, Hamilton, and Adams
For Thursday: Topic - Washington & Hamilton: Read 190-201
1. Who was Alexander Hamilton?
2. What were Alexander Hamilton’s goals and plans?
3. Know the basic recommendations of the Reports on the Public Credit, Manufactures, and the Bank.
4. Why were they so controversial?
5. Explain the ideological and political differences between the Federalists and the Democratic Republicans (Jeffersonian Democrats).
6. Who were the leaders of each party? What groups supported each party?
7. Why was the Whiskey Rebellion significant? (Think about the recent rebellions.)
8. What threats were there to the nation from American Indians, the British, and the French? How did they resolve each threat? Were they successful in resolving each threat?
9. What were Washington’s feelings about the development of parties? Look to his “Farewell Address.” Do you agree with him?
10. Was Washington a good president? What were his achievements and precedents?
Know the significance of the following: John Jay, Henry Knox, Report on the Public Credit, Report on Manufactures , Bank of the United States, strict interpretation/construction, loose interpretation/construction, Elastic Clause (Art. I, Sec. 8), Whiskey Rebellion, Citizen Genet, Gen. “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Battle of Fallen Timbers (1795), Treaty of Greenville (1795), Jay’s Treaty (1795), Pinckney’s Treaty (1796), Federalists, Democratic Republicans, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison
The Essential Debate Between Fedralists and Democratic-Republicans
For Monday: Topic - John Adams: Read 201-209
1. What was Adams like? Was he a good politician? Was he a good president?
2. Why was Jefferson his vice president? Was this a good situation?
3. Evaluate Adams’ presidency. Pay particular attention to the Alien and Sedition Acts, the XYZ Affair, and the Quasi-War with France.
4. Why was the election of 1800 so important?
Know the significance of the following: XYZ Affair, Quasi-War (1798-1800), Alien Act (1798), Alien Enemies Act (1798), Sedition Act (1798), Naturalization Act (1798)
John Adams at his best and worst in the two videos below:
1. Who was Alexander Hamilton?
2. What were Alexander Hamilton’s goals and plans?
3. Know the basic recommendations of the Reports on the Public Credit, Manufactures, and the Bank.
4. Why were they so controversial?
5. Explain the ideological and political differences between the Federalists and the Democratic Republicans (Jeffersonian Democrats).
6. Who were the leaders of each party? What groups supported each party?
7. Why was the Whiskey Rebellion significant? (Think about the recent rebellions.)
8. What threats were there to the nation from American Indians, the British, and the French? How did they resolve each threat? Were they successful in resolving each threat?
9. What were Washington’s feelings about the development of parties? Look to his “Farewell Address.” Do you agree with him?
10. Was Washington a good president? What were his achievements and precedents?
Know the significance of the following: John Jay, Henry Knox, Report on the Public Credit, Report on Manufactures , Bank of the United States, strict interpretation/construction, loose interpretation/construction, Elastic Clause (Art. I, Sec. 8), Whiskey Rebellion, Citizen Genet, Gen. “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Battle of Fallen Timbers (1795), Treaty of Greenville (1795), Jay’s Treaty (1795), Pinckney’s Treaty (1796), Federalists, Democratic Republicans, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison
The Essential Debate Between Fedralists and Democratic-Republicans
For Monday: Topic - John Adams: Read 201-209
1. What was Adams like? Was he a good politician? Was he a good president?
2. Why was Jefferson his vice president? Was this a good situation?
3. Evaluate Adams’ presidency. Pay particular attention to the Alien and Sedition Acts, the XYZ Affair, and the Quasi-War with France.
4. Why was the election of 1800 so important?
Know the significance of the following: XYZ Affair, Quasi-War (1798-1800), Alien Act (1798), Alien Enemies Act (1798), Sedition Act (1798), Naturalization Act (1798)
John Adams at his best and worst in the two videos below:
Monday, October 24, 2011
Assignments 10/26-10/28
For Wednesday: Using your textbook and the resources found in the Study Guides and Resources page, learn the followingthe following:
1. What is federalism?
2. What does separation of powers mean?
3. Who has the power to declare war?
4. Who controls the military?
5. Who negotiates treaties?
6. Who approves treaties?
7. Who decides the constitutionality of laws?
8. How are federal judges chosen?
9. How are cabinet members chosen?
10. What is the process by which laws are made?
11. What is the process by which amendments are made?
12. What is the Electoral College?
13. How are judges and executive officials removed from office?
14. How are Senators selected and how long are they in office?
15. How are members of the House of Representatives selected and how long are they in office?
For Thursday Read 190-192 and Bill of Rights. Prepare for Chunky Monkey Case (found in the Study Guides and Resources page . Bring copy of Constitution to class for use during class. The Constitution can be found in your textbook or you can bring it in another form.
As you read pages 190-192, consider the follwoing questions
1. Who wrote the Bill of Rights?
2. Why was it written?
3. What basic rights does it protect?
For Friday: Chunky Monkey Assignment due
1. What is federalism?
2. What does separation of powers mean?
3. Who has the power to declare war?
4. Who controls the military?
5. Who negotiates treaties?
6. Who approves treaties?
7. Who decides the constitutionality of laws?
8. How are federal judges chosen?
9. How are cabinet members chosen?
10. What is the process by which laws are made?
11. What is the process by which amendments are made?
12. What is the Electoral College?
13. How are judges and executive officials removed from office?
14. How are Senators selected and how long are they in office?
15. How are members of the House of Representatives selected and how long are they in office?
For Thursday Read 190-192 and Bill of Rights. Prepare for Chunky Monkey Case (found in the Study Guides and Resources page . Bring copy of Constitution to class for use during class. The Constitution can be found in your textbook or you can bring it in another form.
As you read pages 190-192, consider the follwoing questions
1. Who wrote the Bill of Rights?
2. Why was it written?
3. What basic rights does it protect?
For Friday: Chunky Monkey Assignment due
Friday, October 21, 2011
Revolutionary War in New York City
At your leisure, I suggest you watch the episodes of the New York documentary that discuss the Revolutionary War in new York City.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Bonus Discussion #1: Is it Ever Appropriate to Break the Law?
American history is full of instances when Americans have broken laws that they felt were unjust or wrong-headed. From the Boston Tea Party, to the Revolution, to the Civil War, to the Civil Rights Movement, to the current Occupy Wall Street movement, Americans have consciously broken laws as acts of defiance. When and how is it aapropriate to break the law (if ever)?
The quality of your contributions to this discussion can earn you bonus points on your most recent test. Be sure to "sign" your name to each of your comments and do respond to each other's comments. This discussion will last for one week.
The quality of your contributions to this discussion can earn you bonus points on your most recent test. Be sure to "sign" your name to each of your comments and do respond to each other's comments. This discussion will last for one week.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Assignments: 10/13- 10/25
For Thursday: review Notes on Chapter 7 for class discussion.
For Friday: Read pages 140 - 150 and complete 2nd Continental Congress Assignment (to be distributed in class).
for Tuesday: Test on Chapters 1-7.
for Wednesday: Read pages 150-156. Consider the following questions as you read:
1. Who should have won the Revolution and why?
2. What were the most significant events and battles that enabled the Americans to win?
3. Was Washington a great general?
for Thursday: Read pages 156-163. Consider the following questions as you read:
1. Why did the Americans win their independence?
2. What were the most significant events and battles that enabled the Americans to win?
3. Was the Peace of Paris a good treaty for the United States? Why?
By Wednesday, know the significance of the following:
Thomas Paine;“Common Sense"; Battles of Lexington & Concord, 1775; Battle of Bunker Hill, 1775; Benedict Arnold; George Washington; Whigs; Tories; Continental Army; militias; Hessians; Henry Knox; Battle of New York, 1776 ; Battle of Trenton, 1776; Battle of Saratoga, 1777; Gen. Howe; Gen. Burgoyne; Gen. Cornwallis; Joseph Brant; Valley Forge; Friedrich von Stueben; George Rogers Clark; Marquis de Lafayette; Battle of Yorktown, 1781
for Monday: Read pages 166-176. Consider the following questions as you read:
1. How did the revolution change society? Were the changes radical?
2. How did the revolution change the lives of African-Americans, women, and American Indians? Were these changes substantial or incremental?
3. In the new governments, what was kept of English traditions and what was new?
4. What two groups or forces struggled over the form and direction of the new state governments?
5. How was the government under the Articles of Confederation different from our government under the Constitution?
6. What were the Articles of Confederation’s weaknesses?
Know the Significance of the following: Land Ordinance of 1785; Northwest Ordinance of 1787; Shays’s Rebellion
For Tuesday: Read pages 177-189. Consider the following questions as you read:
1. Why did the writers of the Constitution want a new form of government?
2. What role did Shay’s Rebellion play in this decision?
3. How was the new Constitution different from the Articles of Confederation?
4. What groups opposed the Constitution and what groups supported it?
5. Why did it gain ratification?
Know the significance of the following: Philadelphia Convention; James Madison; Virginia Plan; William Patterson; New Jersey Plan; Roger Sherman; Connecticut Compromise; bicameral legislature; separation of powers; federalism; Senate; House of Representatives; Supreme Court; 3/5 Compromise; democratic; republican; Federalists; Anti-Federalists; Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; The Federalist Papers
For Friday: Read pages 140 - 150 and complete 2nd Continental Congress Assignment (to be distributed in class).
for Tuesday: Test on Chapters 1-7.
for Wednesday: Read pages 150-156. Consider the following questions as you read:
1. Who should have won the Revolution and why?
2. What were the most significant events and battles that enabled the Americans to win?
3. Was Washington a great general?
for Thursday: Read pages 156-163. Consider the following questions as you read:
1. Why did the Americans win their independence?
2. What were the most significant events and battles that enabled the Americans to win?
3. Was the Peace of Paris a good treaty for the United States? Why?
By Wednesday, know the significance of the following:
Thomas Paine;“Common Sense"; Battles of Lexington & Concord, 1775; Battle of Bunker Hill, 1775; Benedict Arnold; George Washington; Whigs; Tories; Continental Army; militias; Hessians; Henry Knox; Battle of New York, 1776 ; Battle of Trenton, 1776; Battle of Saratoga, 1777; Gen. Howe; Gen. Burgoyne; Gen. Cornwallis; Joseph Brant; Valley Forge; Friedrich von Stueben; George Rogers Clark; Marquis de Lafayette; Battle of Yorktown, 1781
for Monday: Read pages 166-176. Consider the following questions as you read:
1. How did the revolution change society? Were the changes radical?
2. How did the revolution change the lives of African-Americans, women, and American Indians? Were these changes substantial or incremental?
3. In the new governments, what was kept of English traditions and what was new?
4. What two groups or forces struggled over the form and direction of the new state governments?
5. How was the government under the Articles of Confederation different from our government under the Constitution?
6. What were the Articles of Confederation’s weaknesses?
Know the Significance of the following: Land Ordinance of 1785; Northwest Ordinance of 1787; Shays’s Rebellion
For Tuesday: Read pages 177-189. Consider the following questions as you read:
1. Why did the writers of the Constitution want a new form of government?
2. What role did Shay’s Rebellion play in this decision?
3. How was the new Constitution different from the Articles of Confederation?
4. What groups opposed the Constitution and what groups supported it?
5. Why did it gain ratification?
Know the significance of the following: Philadelphia Convention; James Madison; Virginia Plan; William Patterson; New Jersey Plan; Roger Sherman; Connecticut Compromise; bicameral legislature; separation of powers; federalism; Senate; House of Representatives; Supreme Court; 3/5 Compromise; democratic; republican; Federalists; Anti-Federalists; Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; The Federalist Papers
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Is America Becoming a House Divided Against Itself?
David Gergen writes a very intelligent and insightful article on why American political discourse seems so divisive and our government seems so disfunctional at the following: Is America Becoming a House Divided Against Itself?
Road to Revolution Assignments: 10/4 to 10/11 (UPDATED)
Wed: Read 122-128.
1.What effects did the French & Indian Wars have on the relationship between the colonies and the mother country?
2.Why did the British increase taxes on colonial trade and the enforcement of these taxes?
3.Why did the Writs of Assistance upset American colonists?
4.How was the Sugar Act different from earlier duties? Which group of colonists did it hurt most?
5.How was the Stamp Act different from earlier taxes? Why did this tax cause even more resistance by the colonists?
6.How did the colonists resist the Stamp Act? Why were they successful?
7.What long-term effect might this act and the colonists’ resistance have had?
Thurs: Read 131-139.
1. What were the Towshend Duties? Why did Townshend think they would work? How did the colonists respond? What were the long-term effects of the duties and the response they received?
2. Who was responsible for the Boston Massacre? How was the massacre seen by the colonists and why was it seen that way?
3. What was the importance of the Committees of Correspondence? Why did the Tea Act upset so many colonists?
4. What were the Coercive Acts and how did the colonists react to them?
5. Why did the Coercive Acts bring Americans closer to war?
Tuesday: Read 140-146 and Degler’s article, “A New Kind of Revolution.”
1. What did the First Continental Congress do? How important was it?
2. What effect did Lexington and Concord have on relations with England?
3. Why did the colonists finally declare independence?
4. What is Degler’s main argument? Do you agree with him?
5. Was the revolution conservative or radical?
Note: Please see the corresponding document in the Assignments and Study Guides page to (link to the the right) for "key terms."
1.What effects did the French & Indian Wars have on the relationship between the colonies and the mother country?
2.Why did the British increase taxes on colonial trade and the enforcement of these taxes?
3.Why did the Writs of Assistance upset American colonists?
4.How was the Sugar Act different from earlier duties? Which group of colonists did it hurt most?
5.How was the Stamp Act different from earlier taxes? Why did this tax cause even more resistance by the colonists?
6.How did the colonists resist the Stamp Act? Why were they successful?
7.What long-term effect might this act and the colonists’ resistance have had?
Thurs: Read 131-139.
1. What were the Towshend Duties? Why did Townshend think they would work? How did the colonists respond? What were the long-term effects of the duties and the response they received?
2. Who was responsible for the Boston Massacre? How was the massacre seen by the colonists and why was it seen that way?
3. What was the importance of the Committees of Correspondence? Why did the Tea Act upset so many colonists?
4. What were the Coercive Acts and how did the colonists react to them?
5. Why did the Coercive Acts bring Americans closer to war?
Tuesday: Read 140-146 and Degler’s article, “A New Kind of Revolution.”
1. What did the First Continental Congress do? How important was it?
2. What effect did Lexington and Concord have on relations with England?
3. Why did the colonists finally declare independence?
4. What is Degler’s main argument? Do you agree with him?
5. Was the revolution conservative or radical?
Note: Please see the corresponding document in the Assignments and Study Guides page to (link to the the right) for "key terms."
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Assignments for 9/26-10/3
For Wednesday's class, you should outline an answer to the following question: "Although New England and the Chesapeake region were settled by people largely of English origin, by 1700 the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur." You will turn this outline into an essay that will be due on Monday.
For Thursday's class you should read pages 105-114. For Monday's class read 115-121. Use the following to guide your reading:
French & Indian Wars:
1.Why were the French & Indian Wars fought?
2.Why did most Indians side with the French? Was this prudent? What was the result for the tribes that sided with the French? What was the result for those who sided with the British?
3.Who won the last French & Indian War? Why did they win?
4.What long-term effects did these wars have on the colonies and their relationship with Great Britain?
If you've enjoyed studying this oft-overlooked episode of American history, you can dig a little deeper with this PBS documentary on the French and Indian War:
The Band's "Acadian Driftwood" - the best song ever written about the French and Indian Wars:
For Thursday's class you should read pages 105-114. For Monday's class read 115-121. Use the following to guide your reading:
French & Indian Wars:
1.Why were the French & Indian Wars fought?
2.Why did most Indians side with the French? Was this prudent? What was the result for the tribes that sided with the French? What was the result for those who sided with the British?
3.Who won the last French & Indian War? Why did they win?
4.What long-term effects did these wars have on the colonies and their relationship with Great Britain?
If you've enjoyed studying this oft-overlooked episode of American history, you can dig a little deeper with this PBS documentary on the French and Indian War:
The Band's "Acadian Driftwood" - the best song ever written about the French and Indian Wars:
Thursday, September 22, 2011
New York in the Colonial Era
From time to time I will post parts of the documentary New York by Ken Burns so that you can see teh correlatiosn between what we are studying in class and teh great city you live in. Below is the first part (1/8) of Episode 1. I ask that you watch the first three parts of Episode 1 by Monday. I think it will give you some real insight into colonial life in your city. After watching the episodes please post your reactions to teh film in the comments section of the blog.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
John Winthrop's "Model of Christian Charity" & our Homework for Thursday
http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/winthrop.htm
Remember that our homework for Thursday is to read pages 52-66 on the Middle Colonies.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Were The Puritans Puritanical?
I am posting a link to the Deglar article instead of handing out a paper copy. Please let me know if you have any problems accessing or reading it.
http://www.spokaneschools.org/1800201281131263/lib/1800201281131263/were_the_puritans_puritannical.pdf
http://www.spokaneschools.org/1800201281131263/lib/1800201281131263/were_the_puritans_puritannical.pdf
Southern Culture
As we explore what Southern colonial traditions have survuived and shaped American society, culture and government, I thought it would be valuable to also take a look at what is not part of contemporary Southern culture and society. The op-ed piece published this weekend in the New York Times (link below) about stereotypes of Southerners in American culture is a good start:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/18/opinion/sunday/the-south-aint-just-whistlin-dixie.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/18/opinion/sunday/the-south-aint-just-whistlin-dixie.html
Thursday, September 15, 2011
USA Beats Russia in Rugby World Cup 13- 6!
See Mike Petri (Xavier class of 2002) score the game-winning try in the highlight video below!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The Columbian Exchange
Please see the podcast below. It is an interview (on NPR's Fresh Air) with Charles Mann, the author of the most recent book on how the exchange of plants, animals, and microbes radically changed the course of history for both the Old World and the New World. It's a great example of how unitended consequences are often even more important than intended consequences.
Of course history ofetn informs (or misinforms) and inspires art - here's an example in Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer."
Of course history ofetn informs (or misinforms) and inspires art - here's an example in Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer."
Monday, September 12, 2011
Mark Bingham
As we've talked about in class, history is remembering important events, people, etc. so that we understand the present. I think Mark Bingham is an important person to remember and help us understand heroism and those around us who are often stereotyped in certain ways.
A Prayer to Begin Our Studies
This weekend I heard the following prayer at the memorial Mass for my friend Sean Lugano. I think it puts our response to the attack on our country on 9/11/2001 in the right perspective. I think it's also a good prayer to keep in mind as we begin to study the proud history of our own nation.
This is my prayer, O God of all nations,
A prayer of peace for lands afar mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is,
Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine.
But other hearts in other lands are beating,
With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country's skies are bluer than the ocean,
And sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine;
But other lands have sunlight too, and clover,
And skies everywhere are as blue as mine...
O hear my prayer, thou God of all nations,
A prayer of peace, for their land and for mine.
This is my prayer, O God of all nations,
A prayer of peace for lands afar mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is,
Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine.
But other hearts in other lands are beating,
With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country's skies are bluer than the ocean,
And sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine;
But other lands have sunlight too, and clover,
And skies everywhere are as blue as mine...
O hear my prayer, thou God of all nations,
A prayer of peace, for their land and for mine.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Welcome to AP US HIStory 2011-12!
For Monday's class, be sure to read the Course Outline, the Zinn article and pages 8-18 in your textbook and answer the appropriate questions in your notebook.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Which is More Important, "Balanced" or Accurate Reporting?
Excellent op-ed column by liberal New York Times columnist Paul Krugman on the problems that arise when the media prefernces "balance" over accurate annalysis: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/29/opinion/krugman-the-centrist-cop-out.html
Monday, July 25, 2011
Greatest Song Ever Written About the French & Indian Wars
Great song by The Band about the oft-forgotten displacement of the Acadiens (their descendants in Lousiana are the Cajuns).
Friday, July 22, 2011
Is Compromise the Genius of American Politics?
Read the following article by conservative New York Times columnist David Brooks at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/22/opinion/22brooks.html?_r=1&hp and consider what American politicians did in 1787, 1820, 1832, and 1850 but did not do in 1860. What is the essence and nature of political compromise? Are there times and issues that call for compromise and times and issues when compromise would be wrong or unwise? Should the different sides compromise on the issue of how to handle our current debt crisis?
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