Dred Scott and John Brown

Today we went over the Dred Scott decision that you prepared for homework.
We then set some additional context for the rest of the unit by watching 26:51-32:50 of Ken Burns' The Civil War. We used the first part of the notetaking guide that is in your U.S. History folders as we watched.
Make sure that you bring your American Reader to class with you for the duration of the unit.

Fugitive Slaves

Yesterday we discussed the impact of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Today, we'll take a closer look at the stories of fugitive slaves, attempting to understand their experience on the Underground Railroad and beyond. To do so, we'll use this activity:
Fugitive Slave Activity

Here are the groups you'll be working with today.

1. Traia, Aaron, Claire, Kate
2. Andy, Rachel, Matt G.
3. Betsy, Haley, Mason
4. David, Matt F., Wyatt
5. Ben, Marissa, Holden
6. Nicole, Zach, Jake
7. Danielle, Jonah, Ashley
8. Brittany, Sarah, John, Emmett

During the last part of class we'll use this video to review the Kansas/Nebraska Act 

The new assignment sheet is posted. 

Can We Compromise On Slavery?

Today we'll look at the ways that the United States tried to address the issue of slavery from the ratification of the Constitution through 1850.
First, we'll look at this presentation:
Compromises on Slavery
Then we'll  watch a clip from Africans in America:America's Journey Through Slavery (38:13-54:40)
We'll use this study guide to take notes as we watch: Africans in America Study Guide.

HOMEWORK for tonight is to read and take notes from Foner 378-389 

12 Years a Slave

If you're not attending today's field trip to see the film 12 Years a Slave, please complete the assignment linked here: 12 Years a Slave Alternate Activity

Civil Disobedience

Today, we'll explore the Henry David Thoreau's ideas of Civil Disobedience.  In groups, you'll use this worksheet to analyze what he wrote.
Civil Disobedience Analysis 2016

Here are your groups for today:

1. David, Nicole, Emmett, Jonah
2. John, Ashley, Betsy, Matt G., Ben
3. Zach, Jake, Sarah, Wyatt
4. Traia, Matt F, Brittany, Kate, Holden
5. Rachel, Claire, Danielle, Aaron
6. Andy, Marissa, Mason, Haley

Manifest Destiny and the Mexican War

The main focus of our work today will be on the concept of Manifest Destiny and how the Mexican War was a culminating point of that idea. We'll begin by looking at Thomas Gast's painting below and then explore some definitions of Manifest Destiny found at the beginning of this handout.
We'll then review the Texas War for Independence and the Mexican War by using these maps:
American Expansion
Mexican War
We'll then use this packet of evidence to determine whether the ideas of Manifest Destiny justified the Mexican War.

Intro to Women's Rights

With partners, you'll complete the activities listed here: Declaration of Sentiments Worksheet

Partners for today:
Traia-Jake
Andy-John
Betsy-Sarah
David-Brittany
Ben-Jonah
Aaron-Zach
Rachel-Ashley
Haley-Kate
Matt F.-Emmett
Marissa-Danielle
Claire-Nicole
Matt G.-Holden
Mason-Wyatt