War Songs

How did popular music at the turn of 19th century reflect historical events? 

"The Battleship of Maine" (listen by clicking on the button up above) reflects the particular wartime mood from the period it was penned. Yellow journalism, conspiracy theories, patriots and warmongers provide the backdrop for a story about a soldier stumbling haphazardly through a war he doesn't seem to understand, telling the listener that the supposed justification for his woes is the sinking of the Maine:

McKinley called for volunteers, then I got my gun. First Spaniard I saw coming, I dropped my gun and run; It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus: At war with that great nation, Spain. When I get back from Spain, I want to honor my name, It was all about that Battleship of Maine.2. The blood was a-running, and I was running, too. I give my feet good exercise, I had nothing else to do. It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus: 3. When they were a-chasing me, I fell down on my knees. First thing I cast my eyes upon was a great big pot of beans. It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus:

4. The beans they was greasy, the meat it was fat. The boys was fighting Spaniards, while I was fighting that. It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus:5. What kind of shoes do the Rough Riders wear? Buttons on the side, cost five and a half a pair. It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus: 6. What kind of shoes do the poor farmers wear? Old brogans, cost a dollar a pair. It was all about that Battleship of Maine. Chorus:

The song, performed here by Red Patterson's Piedmont Log Rollers, is often considered to be anti-war. But another version features a brave soldier, honored to stick his neck out for his country, oddly enough reminding us with the same refrain: it's "all about the battleship of Maine." That the same song would be sung by both sides seems only fitting to describe a conflict that was both justified and criticized by the public for being started over the same event.

 Can you think of any contemporary (modern) songs that appeal to our patriotism?

How about 'Anti War' songs?

What in the World?

What should the title of this map be?  Make a key for this map and explain what it means.

Who was Elbridge Gerry and how did he change American politics?

How will Ohio Issue 1 change it back?

US Citizenship

Do you know more about America than the immigrants who want to become citizens? 

Click here to find out.

Are these questions fair?  What questions should we be asking?

What are the steps to become a 'legal' US citizen?  Why does it take so long?

Should millions of illegal immigrants be allowed to stay?

Is immigration good or bad for the USA?  Why?  Take the poll.

What are the 'myths' about immigration?

Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining involves representatives of both labor unions and management in negotiations about the terms of a contract. Today, the procedures to be followed are governed by federal law. This simulation activity is designed to allow students to participate in the process through which workers and big business owners attempted to settle their disputes without resorting to strikes and their potential for producing violent confrontation.

Penny War

Penny Debate: Should the United States keep the penny or get rid of it?

The U.S. Cent, or penny coin, has almost no purchasing power today. The cost of making the pennies (1.26 cents each) is higher than face value, and the melt value of pennies ranges from more than 2.4 cents for the pre-1982 copper pennies, to nearly a full cent for the zinc pennies. However, the penny is a very sentimental coin to most Americans, and many people fear that eliminating the penny would raise prices because things would need to be rounded to the nickel.

Love them or Hate them pennies don't seem to be going away any time soon.

Read this article and then make a 'T' chart showing the pros & cons of the 1 cent coin.

Are pennies still accepted as 'legal tender?'

Has the United States gotten rid of coins in the past?  What was a 'hay' cent?

Are foreign countries like China melting down our old pennies for the copper?

What coins are currently in circulation? Who is on them?  Why? Should we keep them?

Is there an Obama Coin?  How much is it worth?

I Will Fight No More....

Chief Joseph made a promise to his dying father to never give up his peoples land where he would be buried. Joseph never signed a treaty giving this land to the US Government but they took it anyway. In an attempt to keep his people free he made a desperate run to Canada to join up with Sitting Bull. He came up 40 miles short.

Do you wish he had made it?  Why or not?

Labor Day

What did you do this weekend to celebrate Labor Day? Did you grill out or go to the pool? How many of you went downtown to see the WEBN fireworks? But do you know the real history behind this holiday? Watch this video to find out and then answer these questions in your notes:
1) Who proposed labor day?

2) In what American city was it first celebrated?

3) Which President made Labor Day a national holiday? Why?

4) What has happened to America's once great labor force today?