Organization and Principles of the Ku Klux Klan

I handed out this document in class. Here's Nathan Bedford Forrest, one of the founding members of the Klan (and I taught one of his descendents a few years back!).



This document is essentially a manifesto of the Klan's major principles. Sum up the principles around which the Klan was organized. Does anything stand out to you about this document? How does this information differ from your preconceived notions about the Klan?

Please make sure to interact with your classmates' points, too!

Due: MIDNIGHT, Wednesday, Dec. 13

Charles Sumner on "Bleeding Kansas"

This document (which I gave you in class) is an excerpt from Sumner's "Crime against Kansas" speech.

What are Sumner's main points? Was his attack on South Carolina and Sen. Butler inappropriate? Did Rep. Brooks overreact to this speech?

Now that you know the story behind this speech, please share your thoughts as to whether the physical attack on Sumner was justified. Use specific examples from the speech to back up your argument.

Due: MIDNIGHT, Wednesday, Nov. 28

Zinn assignment

APUS History
A People’s History of the United States
Reading Assignment

Introduction: Howard Zinn is a historian and social activist who is well-known for his book A People’s History of the United States. In this book, he presents US history chronologically from various viewpoints outside the normal, accepted textbook views.

Assignment: Choose two (2) of the following chapters to read in Zinn’s book:
Ch. 6—The Intimately Oppressed
Ch. 7—As Long as Grass Grows or Water Runs
Ch. 8—We Take Nothing by Conquest, Thank God
Ch. 9—Slavery Without Submission, Emancipation Without Freedom

Each of these chapters deal with a particular group in US history, and each group experienced some degree of hardship at the hands of the US government. After reading your two chapters, you will write a review in which you will include the following:
1. A summary of Zinn’s main argument for each chapter. Try to weave the chapters together as one fluid discussion.
2. An analysis of how the two chapters are related to each other.
3. Your opinion (without using 1st person!) of Zinn’s arguments. Do you think he’s right? Do you think he’s way off? With which parts of his argument do you most and least agree?

Your review needs to be at least 4 pages long, and it must be typed using 12-point Times New Roman font with default margins. Please carefully edit and proofread reviews prior to turning them in.

Additional Information: The full text of Zinn’s book can be found here, or I will be happy to make copies for students who do not have internet access and/or who request hard copies of the chapters. Alternately, students may either purchase the book at a bookstore or check out a copy from the local library.

As always, all work must be original and your own. Papers suspected of cheating and/or plagiarism will be given a zero.



Due: December 6, 2007 at the BEGINNING of class.

Seneca Falls Convention: "Declaration of Sentiments"

I gave you this document in class Tuesday.

The Seneca Fall Convention is long-hailed as the first organized impetus for women's rights. Does this document ring any bells (it should)? What is the purpose of the Declaration of Sentiments? Choose TWO (2) of their arguments on which to specifically comment.

Due: MIDNIGHT, Wednesday, Nov. 7

Kemble and Olmsted: Accounts about "Poor Whites"

I gave you this document in class.

Given our discussion about Southern white society, read this document about "poor whites." What is Kemble's main point? What is Olmsted's main point? How do they differ and/or compare? Do you think their views are indicative of the rest of the "non-poor white" population?

Due: MIDNIGHT, Thursday, Oct. 25

John C. Calhoun: South Carolina Exposition and Protest (1828)

This is hard-copy document that I distributed in class.

John C. Calhoun is one of the most colorful figures of both our nation's and our state's history. One-time VP to Andrew Jackson, Calhoun boldly broke with the president over nullification.

Read this document, keeping in mind that it was both written and published anonymously for a few years before Calhoun openly took credit for it. Sum up his main points, and then pick two (2) of them to make more specific comments/analysis of. Please also comment on your classmates' responses.

Due: MIDNIGHT, Wednesday, Oct. 17

John Quincy Adams: The End of the "Era of Good Feelings"

I gave you this document in class.

In light of our discussion of the "Era of Good Feelings," read JQ Adams' commentary of the problems the emerged because of an essentially one-party country.

Does Adams provide any explanations about why problems erupted within the Republican party? Who or what does he blame for the end of the "Era of Good Feelings?" What might his bias be? Remember both his background and his future.

Due: MIDNIGHT, Wednesday, Oct. 10

Washington: Farewell Address (1796)

I gave you a hard copy of this document in class.

Washington gave this address just 2 months before the election of 1796. Actually, this address was never presented as a speech; instead, it was printed and circulated around the country.

What is the main point of this document? What is Washington's advice? Is he qualified to give such advice? Take into consideration his background and who he is when you read the document and answer the questions.

Due: MIDNIGHT, Thursday, Oct. 4

The Bill of Rights

Click the title to access the link.

Read the Bill of Rights and only the Bill of Rights (translation: stop after the first 10 amendments). Choose TWO (2) of the amendments that "speak" to you and comment on their place in American society. How important are they?

Also, you will be quizzed on these amendments sometime this week. Make sure you memorize them (though not verbatim).

Due: MIDNIGHT, Tuesday, Oct. 2

Federalist No. 10

You will read about the Federalist papers in the next couple of nights. These papers play a very important role in our history.

Take into consideration information you know about James Madison (his background, his political stance, etc.) when reading this document. Comment on his possible bias.

What is Publius' (aka James Madison) main argument? Choose ONE (1) of his main points and make specific comments about your opinions of this point.

Due: MIDNIGHT, Thursday, Sept. 27

Washington: Letters about Shays's Rebellion

I gave you this document in class. Read only the letter to James Madison (you're welcome).

Answer the usual questions contained in your syllabus. Then, answer these other few questions:
What is Washington's main argument? What is he asking Madison (and others, for that matter) to consider? Is he justified?

Due: MIDNIGHT, Tuesday, Sept. 25

Abigail Adams: "Remember the ladies!"

Abigail Adams, wife of future president John Adams, sent numerous letters to her husband while he was at the Second Continental Congress. She knew, through her correspondence with her husband, that the delegates were in the crux of drafting the crucial Declaration of Independence. In her letters, she appeals to her husband to "remember the ladies" when they are drafting the document. She is often considered one of the first to push for women's rights.

Click here to read some of their letters. Please read the letter dated March 31, 1776 and the letter dated May 7, 1776.

Answer the usual questions, and then think about this: Do you think Abigail Adams is truly pushing for political equality for men and women? If not, what IS she pushing for?

Due: MIDNIGHT, Tuesday, Sept. 18

Declaration of Independence

A few reminders for you before you jump into this blog:
1. Please remember to write a thesis statement for the DBQ we went over today. This is due Monday the beginning of class.
2. Do everything you can to TRY and log onto the blog with your log-in information. Please use the "anonymous" feature only as a very last resort.

Click here to access the document.

While this documents looks lengthy, keep in mind that many, many people signed the Declaration (including one of my ancestors! Can you guess which one?). Please CAREFULLY read this document. Given our discussion Thursday in class, what points of the Declaration particuarly stand out to you? Do the colonists make justifiable arguments? Please make sure to comment on your classmates' responses too.

Due: MIDNIGHT, Sunday, Sept. 16

Stamp Act Congress: Declaration of Rights and Grievances

Click here to access the document.

Read the colonists' response to the Stamp Act. In addition to answering the "normal" questions, choose THREE (3) of the points that particularly stand out to you. Comment on these points. Are the colonists justified? Also, please make sure you comment on your classmates' responses!

Due: MIDNIGHT, Tuesday, Sept. 11

Jonathan Edwards: Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Read the excerpt I gave you in class to get an idea of what this famous sermon is all about.

Click here for a little background info on Jonathan Edwards. This will help you answer the POV question you're supposed to answer.

In the comments section (as usual), please answer the questions contained in your syllabus. What is Edwards' tone? Also, consider what it may have been like to live in New England during the 1730s and 1740s and to have been able to hear people like George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards. How do you think you may have reacted?

Due: MIDNIGHT, Wednesday, Sept. 5

The Mayflower Compact

Click here to access this document.

The Mayflower Compact is the first written document in US History to establish self-government. Please answer the questions in your syllabus. Also carefully consider the importance of this document. Are there any elements that you can connect to today?

Due: MIDNIGHT, Tuesday, August 28

Christopher Columbus: Good Guy or Dirty Word?

Read the article I gave you in class. Instead of answering the five question on your syllabus, I want you to give your general perceptions of the article. What is the main point? What is the author's main argument? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Please take some time to carefully consider these questions.

Due: MIDNIGHT, Sunday, August 27

Welcome, Devildogs!

Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year! This blog will be used by all students in Mrs. Stone's AP U.S. History class. We will discuss historical documents and other important information for class. Understanding historical documents is crucial to your success on the AP U.S. History exam.

Please register for an account (it's quick, easy, and free), and post a comment so I know who has done so. This first post will count as your first blog grade. Blog posts are always due at MIDNIGHT the day they are assigned.

Here's to a great year, and to 50 passing exam grades!!!

Due: MIDNIGHT, Tuesday, August 21