Welcome to the Modern US History Page...Please check this page regularly for updated information and assignments,  If you have any questions or problems with the page, please email Erin at erine@school-one.org.

NOTE:  You may have to access these assignment links by copying and pasting the link into a new page.

Please read the class rules and expectations sheet that is linked here:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IWcLP6z12kBR9tDMYnB6YCYvxWONhbic/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=103951432096539748733&rtpof=true&sd=true

Here is the link to a PDF of A People's History of the United States

https://files.libcom.org/files/A%20People's%20History%20of%20the%20Unite%20-%20Howard%20Zinn.pdf

Remember to scroll down to the right trimester!!!!

Trimester I

Assignment I:  Please read the Afterword of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States.  I would like you to consider his thoughts on the future of the United States and write your assessment of his piece and your thoughts on what he thinks of the future at the time of his writing,  Do you agree with his assessment?  Was he correct in his analysis?  What has "come true" and what has not...discuss your feelings as to "where we are today"  as a nation. You can , if you wish consider the present state of affairs in the country around education and politics.  Please use the link below to access the Afterword. You have to copy and paste the URL in another page.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lY68UzQ8xNIWLhD0cHOZ9RlG2ghSb_IC/view?usp=sharing

This is due Tuesday September 12, 2023

Assignment II:  Or Does It Explode (Chapter 17) Due Tuesday September 19, 2023

The assignment sheet can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bGubpR6iGIGwCytq98nWj0ekSBp-9KGe7WW2POwCpQ4/edit?usp=sharing

Assignment III:  Cuban Missile Crisis Reading- On the Brink

Please read the linked reading on the Cuban Missile Crisis and answer the questions.  The question sheet is at the end of the reading.  This is due Thursday 9/28/23.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JMa1KtPDb1GYLMfMUjC19uiWuMI6Vgid/view?usp=sharing

Essay I - Cuban Missile Crisis:  Due Thursday October 5, 2023

In a thoughtful, well written essay of 4-5 paragraphs answer the following question:  Discuss President Kennedy's handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Do you think he was correct in working towards a diplomatic solution to the crisis as opposed to a military solution?  Did his choice to quarantine Cuba over more of a military response help or hinder the diplomatic solution?  What do the choices he made in this crisis tell us of how he might have handled the growing crisis in Viet Nam?

The documentary we watched in class is on Youtube and is called Peter Jennings: The Cuban Missile Crisis, What the World Didn't Know.

Please email Erin if you have questions or need help!

Vietnam Maps:  Here are links to two sets of maps of Vietnam that may be helpful to you when we are discussing the war.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tXoiZrgeTUUn24TeRbmfV3sRIgjSe4pe/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/173jYMdsUwhEiSm8xaUjWk_BsfKbL2eb1/view?usp=sharing

Here is a link to a timeline of Vietnam History that you may find useful:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16iNMhs_s1EsEjt68YPIx8yeF4B_iHdEH/view?usp=drive_link

Reading #3  America's Vietnam Ordeal - Due Thursday October 19, 2023.  Please read and answer the questions at the end of the reading.  The reading and questions are linked here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uw5zAyF2uAHqthzAN20-jJV0yToqgGz2/view?usp=sharing

Essay #2: President Johnson's Wars - Due Tuesday November 7, 2023

In a thoughtful, well written essay of 4-5 paragraphs answer the following question:  President Johnson had to deal with many events during his Presidency starting with the assassination of President Kennedy.  What do you think were the most important event or events of his Presidency.  How did he handle these events?  What do you think about his style as a politician and how did that style affect his effectiveness as President.   Do you think that Johnson was a good President?  Please email Erin if you have questions or need help!

Supplemental Reading:  I highly recommend that you read the chapter "Surprises" in the Zinn book...it talks about other civil rights movements happening at the time we have been studying that were not covered in our other class materials.

Final Essay :  Please write a standard humanities department essay about one of the following choices.  Please feel free to incorporate your opinions in this essay and see Erin for help if you need it!

1. In a thoughtful and well written essay, choose one subject that we studied in class this trimester and tell me why this particular subject stood out to you, or was something that you did not know before.  Please follow Humanities department guidelines ( 4-5 paragraphs, 6-8 sentences per paragraph) for this assignment.  You are allowed to speak about your feelings on this subject and to use I and me in your essay.  Your opinions count, so feel free to incorporate them into your essay.

2. What is the legacy of Nixon's involvement in the Watergate Scandal?  How do you think this expose of the Nixon administration affected how the public felt about the executive branch and our government in general given the time that this took place?  (Especially given recent events like Vietnam, protests etc)  How should we look at the Presidency and the government as a result of this scandal...should we have all out access to information?  Whose job should it be to monitor what out political leaders are doing...the other branches of the government?...the news media?...should the government self monitor?  

Trimester II

Please read the Pardon speech of President Ford for Thursday November 30.  Please be ready to discuss Ford's pardon in class.

It is linked here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sOI1cxAhosLfaXt5uvNSRb4tr9GJPE0S/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=103951432096539748733&rtpof=true&sd=true

Essay I:  Please write a standard humanities department essay about the following essay question.  This is due Thursday January 14, 2023.  Please feel free to incorporate your opinions in this essay and see Erin for help if you need it!

Based on the documentary The last Days of Vietnam, please write about your reaction to the fall of Saigon...how did the United States handle the ceasefire of the Viet Nam war?  How did the United States react to the violation of the ceasefire by North Viet Nam?  Further discuss how the Americans in Saigon reacted to the imminent take over of Saigon by the North Viet Nam.  How do you think people at home thought about the fall of Saigon as they watched it on the nightly news?  What is the legacy, if any,  of this particular event in out history?

The documentary is on Youtube and is called The Last Days of Vietnam.  Below is the URL for the documentary that you can use to paste into a new page.  Please finish the last 8 or so minutes of the documentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRyiVgHw3fE

Reading I:  Carter-Reagan-Bush The Bipartisan Consensus   Due Thursday January 4, 2024 ( you can hand it in before the Christmas break if you want to get ahead...)

Please read this chapter (roughly pages 563-573 or until Carter and Reagan run against each other) and answer the following questions - Here is the link to the questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZnImdFx4eViRy2i8xC2ciVdOK9wiWfKh5GvOz6abHh4/edit?usp=sharing

You can read this chapter on line at:  https://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/zinncarebu21.html  

Carter:  Crisis of Confidence speech:

The link to the speech is:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eGvOl1kMPS7pSVsFyjBQzMCACrsxEnRw/view?usp=sharing

Essay II

In a well-written response to President Carter's Crisis of Confidence speech, please touch upon the following questions.  What did you think of the use of quotes from his meeting with "ordinary" American Citizens?  What did you think about the tone of the speech...was it an appropriate tone to use in a speech to the American people?  Finally, what did you think of his multi-point plan to change the course of America and solve the major problems that he thinks will help America get out of this phase?  Were these ideas as presented to the US citizens doable...meaning was this plan something that Americans would be able to embrace and accomplish?

This should be a minimum 5 paragraph essay, using department writing standards.  If you wish to quote from the speech, you may use the following as a citation  (Carter COC Speech).  This is due on Tuesday January 16,2024.  If you wish you may turn it in at any time up to and including the deadline.

After watching the first part of the Reagan documentary. complete this essay assignment.  Please read Reagan's Inaugural speech and write an essay discussing Reagan's plans as President.  What are the major themes in his address? What does he see as the major issue to tackle after the Carter administration? What do you agree or disagree with the ideas in his speech?   How does the reality of his first year in office match up with the hopes of his speech?   This is due Tuesday January 30, 2024.

Here is a link to the Address: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kbutbOeVNYypanX_w3cFFpf9X4jbJmMZ/view?usp=sharing 

Written Assignment:  Due Thursday February 15, 2024.  Please read one essay from the packets linked below.  One reading is a series of essays on the Cold War and the other is a series of essays on Science and Technology.  After you have read the essay, you will write a 4-5 paragraph rebuttal/essay.  Discuss your reaction to the reading and what do you agree or disagree with in the essay. What is the legacy of the reading topic for us today?  What impact did the subject of the reading have on the United States and history?  Your essay should follow Humanities Department rules except that I give you permission to express your opinions. Please talk or email Erin if you have any questions if need help.

Here are the links to the essays:

American Decades - the 80s - The End of the Cold War  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18u_aVCUxPBYR4M05QvT2EiUP9LvuwpyX/view?usp=sharing

American Decades - the 80s - Science and Society 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iTmvHjpy2Skgcc3OQbcpb7RLvlgb--2P/view?usp=sharing

Trimester Three

Please read the following article from NPR on the twentieth anniversary of the Gulf War.  With the article and the documentary in mind, write a thoughtful essay of 4-5 paragraphs discussing this war and its affects on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Did this war erase the demons left over from the Viet Nam War?  Is there a true legacy from this war?  What decisions do you think will influence the future of the role of the United States in the Middle East?   You are free to included your own opinions on this essay.  Please use standard Humanities Department guidelines for the essay.  This is due Thursday March 28, 2024

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PX8Lmqlivt-4n0lY8xpAkIXm-hXU8c0c/view?usp=sharing

Frontline documentary on the Gulf War can be found by following this url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vbFGn1QhVs&t=1948s

Here is a link to Bill Clinton's Inaugural Address for you to read and use to help you write the next essay on Clinton's first year in office.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lJRSGTJXbSqRK97N8QDm8OCw4M4Np3Ry/view?usp=sharing

Essay #2:  How did Clinton do in his first year in office?  

Please write an essay that analyzes Clinton's first year in office.  Please remember the things he campaigned on during the Presidential Election of 1992.  You can also use his inaugural speech as a source for his plans in office.  I am interested in how you think he did as president and how his first year in office might foreshadow the outcome of his Presidency.  The essay should follow normal Humanities Department standards and be 4-5 paragraphs in length. I am available to help by email next week.  This essay is due Tuesday April 9,2024

Create an annotated timeline for the Invasion of Afghanistan and the Second Gulf War.  Please try to include notations of how the government was presenting these wars to the American People and the Congress in your timeline.  These could be announcements, speeches made by the President or news coverage.  This is due Thursday May 2, 2024.

George W. Bush Presidency Essay:  Due Thursday May 23, 2024

Please write an essay sharing your thoughts and views of president Bush and his government's "selling" of the second Gulf War to the American People and Congress. What factors did they use to convince people that we should invade Iraq?  Did the war in Afghanistan affect the decision making of Bush and his Cabinet?  Was there any push back to the idea of invading Iraq?  Should the United States have invaded Iraq?  Explain why...yes or no.  You may wish to use your Annotated Timeline to help you with this essay.

If you are finished with the essay early, please read the speech linked below for Tuesday May 21, 2024

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X9DTVqxQIZNcRm-XzaJi7Qziu3EWcMSE6rz68fQNjNI/edit?usp=drive_link

Please do not refer to anything below this line - it is from a previous class _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Essay I:  Please write a standard humanities department essay about one of the following choices.  This is due Thursday December 15, 2022.  Please feel free to incorporate your opinions in this essay and see Erin for help if you need it!

3.   Discuss the Watergate scandal as reported by Woodward and Bernstein.  In a time without a 24 hour news cycle and electronic communications, what was important about how their work uncovered the Watergate scandal.  What standards developed as a result of their reporting if any?  How did their work change the landscape of reporting on the government?  Do you think their work matters today?

4. What is the legacy of Nixon's involvement in the Watergate Scandal?  How do you think this expose of the Nixon administration affected how the public felt about the executive branch and our government in general given the time that this took place?  (Especially given recent events like Vietnam, protests etc)  How should we look at the Presidency and the government as a result of this scandal...should we have all out access to information?  Whose job should it be to monitor what out political leaders are doing...the other branches of the government?...the news media?...should the government self monitor?  

Some documentaries on Youtube that you can reference:

Watergate Plus 30 -  It is in multiple parts...

Watergate All the President's Men Revisited 

Summer of Judgment: The Impeachment Hearings — PBS (1983)

There are probably others as well...just be careful of the source of the video.

Please read Nixon's Resignation speech and the Pardon speeches of President Ford over the vacation.  Please be ready to discuss Ford's pardon in class when we return from vacation on January 3, 2023.

Essay II:  Please write a standard humanities department essay about the following essay question.  This is due Thursday January 12, 2023.  Please feel free to incorporate your opinions in this essay and see Erin for help if you need it!

Based on the documentary The last Days of Vietnam, please write about your reaction to the fall of Saigon...how did the United States handle the ceasefire of the Viet Nam war?  How did the United States react to the violation of the ceasefire by North Viet Nam?  Further discuss how the Americans in Saigon reacted to the imminent take over of Saigon by the North Viet Nam.  How do you think people at home thought about the fall of Saigon as they watched it on the nightly news?  What is the legacy, if any,  of this particular event in out history?

The documentary is on Youtube and is called The Last Days of Vietnam.  We were at the 1:19 mark in the documentary.  It is strongly suggested that you finish the documentary before you write this essay.

Reading I:  Carter-Reagan-Bush The Bipartisan Consensus   Due Thursday January 26, 2023

Please read this chapter (roughly pages 563-573 or until Carter and Reagan run against each other) and answer the following questions - Here is the link to the questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZnImdFx4eViRy2i8xC2ciVdOK9wiWfKh5GvOz6abHh4/edit?usp=sharing

You can read this chapter on line at:  https://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/zinncarebu21.html  

Essay III

In a well-written response to President Carter's Crisis of Confidence speech, please touch upon the following questions.  What did you think of the use of quotes from his meeting with "ordinary" American Citizens?  What did you think about the tone of the speech...was it an appropriate tone to use in a speech to the American people?  Finally, what did you think of his multi-point plan to change the course of America and solve the major problems that he thinks will help America get out of this phase?  

This should be a minimum 5 paragraph essay, using department writing standards.  If you wish to quote from the speech, you may use the following as a citation  (Carter COC Speech).  This is due on Tuesday January 31, 2023.  If you wish you may turn it in at any time up to and including the deadline.

The link to the speech is:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eGvOl1kMPS7pSVsFyjBQzMCACrsxEnRw/view?usp=sharing

Final Written Assignment:  Due Tuesday February 21, 2023.  Please read one essay from the packets linked below.  One reading is a series of essays on the Cold War and the other is a series of essays on Science and Technology.  After you have read the essay, you will write a 4-5 paragraph rebuttal/essay.  Discuss your reaction to the reading and what do you agree or disagree with in the essay. What is the legacy of the reading topic for us today?  What impact did the subject of the reading have on the United States and history?  Your essay should follow Humanities Department rules except that I give you permission to express your opinions. Please talk or email Erin if you have any questions if need help.

Here are the links to the essays:

American Decades - the 80s - The End of the Cold War  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18u_aVCUxPBYR4M05QvT2EiUP9LvuwpyX/view?usp=sharing

American Decades - the 80s - Science and Society 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iTmvHjpy2Skgcc3OQbcpb7RLvlgb--2P/view?usp=sharing

Trimester III

In Class Essay (3/16/23)

Class will first finish the Cold War documentary that we started on Tuesday.  After that is finished you will respond to one of the following prompts.  You are free to include your own opinions in this essay.  Please use standard Humanities Department guidelines for the essay.  Please email me the finished essay or leave it on my table where I sit.  There is paper available if you need it on my table as well.

1.  Based on the Cold War documentary, what did you think about the way the Cold War came to an end?  What role did Mikhail Gorbachev play in the rapid changes happening in the Eastern Block Countries?  Which countries did not embrace these changes and what happened in those countries as a result?  What role, if any, did the United States play in the changes to the governments of the Eastern Block Nations?

2. With the election of George H. W. Bush, the United States had to navigate not only the changes happening in Moscow and the Soviet Union, but also changes beginning to happen in China and other parts of the world.  What role should the United States play in this changing world?  What areas do you think Bush should concentrate on domestically and in terms of foreign policy?  Think about the Reagan era and his legacy as you contemplate Bush's presidency.  I want you to speculate about this as you consider these changes and the decisions the United States may have to make going forward.  

Essay #2

Please read the following article from NPR on the twentieth anniversary of the Gulf War.  With the article and the documentary in mind, write a thoughtful essay of 4-5 paragraphs discussing this war and its affects on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Did this war erase the demons left over from the Viet Nam War?  Is there a true legacy from this war?  What decisions do you think will influence the future of the role of the United States in the Middle East?   You are free to included your own opinions on this essay.  Please use standard Humanities Department guidelines for the essay.  This is due Tuesday April11, 2023.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PX8Lmqlivt-4n0lY8xpAkIXm-hXU8c0c/view?usp=sharing

Frontline documentary on the Gulf War can be found by following this url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vbFGn1QhVs&t=1948s

I am assigning Clinton Inaugural Address for you to read for Tuesday April 11, 2023.   Please read it carefully and take notes of the things that Clinton is going to focus on in his first administration.  We will be talking about this in class.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lJRSGTJXbSqRK97N8QDm8OCw4M4Np3Ry/view?usp=sharing

Essay#3:  Analysis of the Clinton Presidency 

Please write an essay based on your thoughts and analysis of one of the following topics from the Clinton Presidency:  Clinton's reform of welfare or attempt at reform of the Healthcare system,  The enactment of "Don't Ask - Don't Tell" policy in the Military,  his budget and spending reforms and the resulting budget surplus,  his foreign policy actions and reactions to Somalia, Yugoslavia or Al Quaeda Bombings of US Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, and finally the idea that partisanship, attempts to "unbalance" the Checks and Balances of Government, or the legacy of these actions,  is detrimental to the United States Government and the People.  The essay should follow normal Humanities Department standards and be 4-5 paragraphs in length. I am available to help by email.  This essay is due Tuesday May 9, 2023

These websites might be helpful:

https://millercenter.org/president/clinton

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/clinton

www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/william-j-clinton

There is also a chapter on Clinton in Howard Zinn's A People's History of the Uniter States.  

The Final Essay:  Please write an essay sharing your thoughts and views of president Bush and his government's "selling" of the second Gulf War to the American People and Congress. What factors did they use to convince people that we should invade Iraq?  Did the war in Afghanistan affect the decision making of Bush and his Cabinet?  Was there any push back to the idea of invading Iraq?  Should the United States have invaded Iraq?  Explain why...yes or no.  This essay is due Tuesday May 23, 2023

Please do not use anything below this line it is from another  class

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have decided that the Dukakis Democratic Convention speech was too long and not easily found so I am assigning Clinton Inaugural Address for you to read for Monday April 12, 2021.   Please read it carefully and take notes of the things that Clinton is going to focus on in his first administration.  We will be talking about this in class.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lJRSGTJXbSqRK97N8QDm8OCw4M4Np3Ry/view?usp=sharing

Essay #2:  How did Clinton do in his first year in office?  

Please write an essay that analyzes Clinton's first year in office.  Please remember the things he campaigned on during the Presidential Election of 1992.  You can also use his inaugural speech as a source for his plans in office.  I am interested in how you think he did as president and how his first year in office might foreshadow the outcome of his Presidency.  The essay should follow normal Humanities Department standards and be 4-5 paragraphs in length. I am available to help by email next week.  This essay is due Thursday April 29, 2021.

Essay#3:  Analysis of the Clinton Presidency 

Please write an essay based on your thoughts and analysis of one of the following topics from the Clinton Presidency:  Clinton's reform of welfare or attempt at reform of the Healthcare system,  The enactment of "Don't Ask - Don't Tell" policy in the Military,  his budget and spending reforms and the resulting budget surplus,  his foreign policy actions and reactions to Somalia, Yugoslavia or Al Quaeda Bombings of US Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, and finally the idea that partisanship, attempts to "unbalance" the Checks and Balances of Government, or the legacy of these actions,  is detrimental to the United States Government and the People.  The essay should follow normal Humanities Department standards and be 4-5 paragraphs in length. I am available to help by email.  This essay is due Thursday May 13, 2021.

Create a timeline for the Second Gulf War and the invasion of Afghanistan.  Please try to include notations of how the government was "selling" these wars to the American People and the Congress in your timeline.  These could be announcements, speeches made by the President or news coverage.  This is due Wednesday May 19, 2021.

Anything written below this line belongs to prior MUSH classes and not the current class. __________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Post Essay Assignment - Due Monday November 2, 2020

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cyb74p9pZlw5m5oZAvqzdOQaNPfW8KDgZSPjP8g5rpA/edit?usp=sharing

Modern US History Final Written Assignment - Due Monday November 16, 2020

In a thoughtful and well written essay, choose one subject that we studied in class this trimester and tell me why this particular subject stood out to you, or was something that you did not know before.  Please follow Humanities department guidelines ( 4-5 paragraphs, 6-8 sentences per paragraph) for this assignment.  You are allowed to speak about your feelings on this subject and to use I and me in your essay.  Your opinions count, so feel free to incorporate them into your essay.

Trimester II

Ford Pardon of Nixon:  In a well written and thoughtful essay, discuss Ford's decision to pardon Richard Nixon after he left office in August 1974.  Do you agree with Ford's analysis of the situation regarding the way people felt about Nixon and Watergate?  Do you think it was better to declare "the long nightmare" over?  How do you think this decision might influence the new administration regarding President Trump?  This is due Wednesday December 9, 2020

Here is a link to the speech:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sOI1cxAhosLfaXt5uvNSRb4tr9GJPE0S/view?usp=sharing

Reading I:  Carter-Reagan-Bush The Bipartisan Consensus   Due Thursday December 16, 2020

Please read this chapter (roughly pages 563-573 or until Carter and Reagan run against each other) and answer the following questions - Here is the link to the questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZnImdFx4eViRy2i8xC2ciVdOK9wiWfKh5GvOz6abHh4/edit?usp=sharing

You can read this chapter on line at:  https://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/zinncarebu21.html  

Essay #2

In a well-written response to President Carter's Crisis of Confidence speech, please touch upon the following questions.  What did you think of the use of quotes from his meeting with "ordinary" American Citizens?  What did you think about the tone of the speech...was it an appropriate tone to use in a speech to the American people?  Finally, what did you think of his multi-point plan to change the course of America and solve the major problems that he thinks will help America get out of this phase?  

This should be a minimum 5 paragraph essay, using department writing standards.  If you wish to quote from the speech, you may use the following as a citation  (Carter COC Speech).  This is due on Monday January 4, 2021.  If you wish you may turn it in at any time up to and including the deadline.

The link to the speech is:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eGvOl1kMPS7pSVsFyjBQzMCACrsxEnRw/view?usp=sharing

Please research and develop a timeline that highlights the events in President Reagan's life prior to becoming President.  Include entries of events or jobs that has prepared him to be a politician and President.  You should have started this on Wednesday...please complete it this weekend and have it for Monday's class.

1981 Reagan Inaugural Speech -- please read and take notes on what Reagan's priorities are for his first term in office.  Please be prepared to discuss this on Wednesday  January 20, 2021. 

Here is a link to the Address: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kbutbOeVNYypanX_w3cFFpf9X4jbJmMZ/view?usp=sharing 

Final Written Assignments:  Please read one essay from each of the packets linked below.  You will read one essay on the Cold War and one essay on science and society.  After you have read the essay, you will write a 4 paragraph rebuttal/essay discussing your reaction to the essay,  what you agree or disagree about in the essay and what the legacy is for today from that essay subject.  Your essay should follow Humanities Department rules except that I give you permission to express your opinions. Please talk or email Erin if you have any questions if need help.

Here are the links to the essays:

American Decades - the 80s - The End of the Cold War  -- This is due Thursday February 18, 2021

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18u_aVCUxPBYR4M05QvT2EiUP9LvuwpyX/view?usp=sharing

American Decades - the 80s - Science and Society --  This is due Thursday February 25, 2021

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iTmvHjpy2Skgcc3OQbcpb7RLvlgb--2P/view?usp=sharing

Trimester III

Please read the following article from NPR on the twentieth anniversary of the Gulf War.  With the article and the documentary in mind, write a thoughtful essay of 4-5 paragraphs discussing this war and its affects on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Did this war erase the demons left over from the Viet Nam War?  Is there a true legacy from this war?  What decisions do you think will influence the future of the role of the United States in the Middle East?   You are free to included your own opinions on this essay.  Please use standard Humanities Department guidelines for the essay.  This is due Wednesday April 7, 2021

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PX8Lmqlivt-4n0lY8xpAkIXm-hXU8c0c/view?usp=sharing

I have decided that the Dukakis Democratic Convention speech was too long and not easily found so I am assigning Clinton Inaugural Address for you to read for Monday April 12, 2021.   Please read it carefully and take notes of the things that Clinton is going to focus on in his first administration.  We will be talking about this in class.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lJRSGTJXbSqRK97N8QDm8OCw4M4Np3Ry/view?usp=sharing

Essay #2:  How did Clinton do in his first year in office?  

Please write an essay that analyzes Clinton's first year in office.  Please remember the things he campaigned on during the Presidential Election of 1992.  You can also use his inaugural speech as a source for his plans in office.  I am interested in how you think he did as president and how his first year in office might foreshadow the outcome of his Presidency.  The essay should follow normal Humanities Department standards and be 4-5 paragraphs in length. I am available to help by email next week.  This essay is due Thursday April 29, 2021.

Essay#3:  Analysis of the Clinton Presidency 

Please write an essay based on your thoughts and analysis of one of the following topics from the Clinton Presidency:  Clinton's reform of welfare or attempt at reform of the Healthcare system,  The enactment of "Don't Ask - Don't Tell" policy in the Military,  his budget and spending reforms and the resulting budget surplus,  his foreign policy actions and reactions to Somalia, Yugoslavia or Al Quaeda Bombings of US Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, and finally the idea that partisanship, attempts to "unbalance" the Checks and Balances of Government, or the legacy of these actions,  is detrimental to the United States Government and the People.  The essay should follow normal Humanities Department standards and be 4-5 paragraphs in length. I am available to help by email.  This essay is due Thursday May 13, 2021.

Create a timeline for the Second Gulf War and the invasion of Afghanistan.  Please try to include notations of how the government was "selling" these wars to the American People and the Congress in your timeline.  These could be announcements, speeches made by the President or news coverage.  This is due Wednesday May 19, 2021.

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Reading #3  America's Vietnam Ordeal - Due Thursday October 20, 2022.  Please read and answer the questions at the end of the reading.  The reading and questions are linked here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uw5zAyF2uAHqthzAN20-jJV0yToqgGz2/view?usp=sharing

Essay #2: President Johnson's Wars - Due Thursday November 3, 2022

In a thoughtful, well written essay of 4-5 paragraphs answer the following question:  President Johnson had to deal with many events during his Presidency starting with the assassination of President Kennedy.  What do you think were the most important event or events of his Presidency.  How did he handle these events?  What do you think about his style as a politician and how did that style affect his effectiveness as President.   Do you think that Johnson was a good President?  Please email Erin if you have questions or need help!