CH#2 - "REVERSALS OF FORTUNE"
CH#2 - "REVERSALS OF FORTUNE"
PLEASE CLICK BLUE BUTTON ABOVE TO COMPLETE THE READING SELF-QUIZ before August 24!
PLEASE CLICK BLUE BUTTON ABOVE TO SUBMIT CHAPTER #2 QUESTIONS
(Please submit answers to the following questions before August 24!)
CHAPTER #2 QUESTIONS
CHAPTER #2 QUESTIONS (write responses on a Google doc and submit using Blue Button above)
NOTE: Questions are not necessarily in chronological order of the reading - so read entire chapter before answering!
1. What factors led to so much war in 1642? What things occurred as a result of this era of conflict?
2. What was so significant about the potato? Does this surprise you? Explain. How did this product contribute to a general crisis in the 17th century?
3. What is the "Little Ice Age"? Explain what happened as a result of this climate crisis. Why was the Little Ice Age combined with the Columbian Exchange such a catastrophic period for the planet? How did paleoclimatologist Ruddiman explain it all?
4. Where do we see the impact of this crisis in contemporary civilization?
5. Mann says, “We are not surprised to find Japanese loggers in Brazil, Chinese engineers in West Africa, or Europeans backpacking in Nepal or dining in New York.” Why did he choose these examples to illustrate his main point?
RECURRING THEMES / QUESTIONS (answer these questions at the end of your assigned reading - but try to think about this question in every chapter and integrate what you learn in each into your final written response!)
In the first few pages, Mann points out an important theme to consider as you read. He notes that when he was a child, the story of Columbus was one of a heroic "discoverer," while today, students hear a very different version of the Columbus story. As you read the assigned chapters, think about the multiple (sometimes contradictory) narratives existing about Columbus's life.
After finishing the assignment - answer this question: People’s perceptions of Columbus have changed in recent times. How and why has this happened? Do you believe Columbus’s actions and intentions were good, evil, or somewhere in between? What complicates our contemporary understanding of Columbus's story? Share your thoughts.
Are there any historical figures or present day people that you feel have also created a new era? Explain who and how?
The first chapter begins with a discussion of monuments. After reading this assignment, what monument would you construct to commemorate the meeting of European culture and American culture. Explain!
Describe the relationship of ecology and economy over time? How is the opposite of what occurred in the 17th c. occurring now? Which era do you think posed / poses a greater threat to the planet?
What role did malaria ultimately play in the creation of the United States?
What was the most surprising thing you learned? Explain.
How might your new-found knowledge and understanding (acquired from the book) impact your study of American history in the coming year? Explain.
DO NOT ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS UNTIL YOU HAVE READ ALL FOUR CHAPTERS!