Discussion Question Guidelines:U.S. History I
Text Link: https://openstax.org/books/us-history/pages/preface
Length:at least 300-word
Questions: 2 – 15
Each discussion should be at least 300 words and contain your opinion on the issue(s) presented. Rather than simply meeting the word-count quota, I would like you take this opportunity to truly engage in the subject matter.
2. Exploration/ Early Colonization
Discussion: Navigating the Meaning of Columbus
In the last couple of decades, certain incidents or moments have become litmus tests for larger historical understandings. The arrival of Columbus to the New World is one such event. Both historians and the public at large have debated the meaning of Columbus’ voyages and his legacy. In this discussion, please explain what you understand to be the actual accomplishments or failures of Columbus, then discuss the legacy of the explorer specifically tied to Columbus Day. Does a man who never stepped into the Continental US deserve a federal holiday? What do you think of the argument for changing the name and focus of the holiday from Columbus to “Indigenous Peoples”? Does changing the holiday dishonor the heritage of Italian-Americans, a group that has also faced discrimination? Or does changing the name servers to recognize and affirm the overlooked history and contributions of Native Americans?
Resources: The Legacy of Columbus
Articles:
1. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/columbus-confusion-about-the-new-world-140132422/
2. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=3892
3. https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/10/14/232120128/how-columbus-sailed-into-u-s-history-thanks-to-italians
4. https://my.tccd.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-11222257-dt-content-rid-61057510_1/courses/2021SP-HIST-1301-86432/Article_Straight%20Talk%20About%20Christopher%20Columbus.pdf
3. Continuing Colonization
Discussion: The Early Years of Jamestown
During the “starving time” at Jamestown, from 1609 to 1610, many colonists died from a variety of problems within the colony. The leadership of Jamestown was fractured, Powhatan Indians continued a raiding campaign against the fort, and there was a significant food shortage. What do you think was the most important failure of the Jamestown colonists or leadership that led to the starving time? Do you believe the primary document is an accurate account of the time? What can we learn from the on-going research at Jamestown and how might this change our understanding of the first sustained English colony in the New World?
Resources: The Starving Time in Jamestown
Articles:
1. http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/6593
2. https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/a-short-history-of-jamestown.htm
3. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/starving-settlers-in-jamestown-colony-resorted-to-cannibalism-46000815/#vxyqD6bmebHX6cLb.99%20
4. https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/a-short-history-of-jamestown.htm
4. Pre-Revolution
Discussion: Sons of Liberty
The Sons of Liberty staged acts of resistance against the British government and agitated for revolution. Their tactics at times have led some to categorize them as a terrorist group. After reviewing the textbook and sources on the Sons of Liberty, the writings of Samuel Adams, and given what was taking place at the time (the Stamp Act, Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, etc.), do you believe that they were a terrorist group or freedom fighters? Please explain why or why not. Do you think their tactics were justified at the time?
Resources: The Sons of Liberty
Articles:
1. https://my.tccd.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-11222283-dt-content-rid-61057525_1/courses/2021SP-HIST-1301-86432/Ariticle_THE%20SEED%20FROM%20WHICH%20THE%20SONS%20OF%20LIBERTY%20GREW.pdf
2. https://www.ushistory.org/declaration/related/sons.html
3. https://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch3s4.html
5. American Revolution
Discussion: Washington’s Military Leadership
The success of Washington during the American Revolution has been attributed to a number of factors. His failures as a military leader have also been widely discussed. Evaluate the leadership of Washington during the Revolution. What do you believe was the most important factor in Washington’s victory? What were the greatest challenges facing the Continental Army during the Revolution? What mistakes were made during the Revolution?
Resources: Washington’s Military Leadership
Articles:
1. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=126
2. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=125
3. https://hbr.org/2014/02/three-decisions-that-defined-george-washingtons-leadership-legacy
4. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/george-washington-spy-letter
6. American Foundations
Discussion: Federalists and Antifederalists
After watching the video and reading the primary source documents written by Federalists and Antifederalists create a new thread where you argue against ratification of the Constitution from the perspective of an Antifederalist. Then respond to one student post from the Federalist perspective. Please feel free to respond to any replies to your original post by defending it at as Antifederalist.
Video: https://vimeo.com/28073227
Articles: Federalists and Anti-Federalists
1. https://my.tccd.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-11222311-dt-content-rid-61057514_1/courses/2021SP-HIST-1301-86432/Benjamin%20Rush_Address%20to%20the%20People%20of%20the%20United%20States.pdf
2. https://my.tccd.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-11222311-dt-content-rid-61057515_1/courses/2021SP-HIST-1301-86432/Federalist%20No%201.pdf
3. https://my.tccd.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-11222311-dt-content-rid-61057516_1/courses/2021SP-HIST-1301-86432/Federalist%20No%2010.pdf
4. https://my.tccd.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-11222311-dt-content-rid-61057517_1/courses/2021SP-HIST-1301-86432/Federalist%20No%2051.pdf
5. https://my.tccd.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-11222311-dt-content-rid-61057518_1/courses/2021SP-HIST-1301-86432/Antifederalist_Richard%20Henry%20Lee.pdf
6. https://my.tccd.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-11222311-dt-content-rid-61057519_1/courses/2021SP-HIST-1301-86432/Antifederalist_Brutus%20II.pdf
7. Early Republic
Discussion: Washington’s Farewell Address
After reading Washington’s Farewell Address evaluate the advice that he gave to the country. What advice did President Washington have for the country? Why would he offer this advice at that time? Have we followed his advice?
Resources: https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp
8. Jeffersonian Era
Discussion: Lewis and Clark
What stood out to you about the expedition of Lewis and Clark? What is the legacy of their findings and exploration of the Louisiana Territory? What do you think was their most important discovery?
Resources: Lewis and Clark
1. http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/into/index.html
2. https://www.history.nd.gov/exhibits/lewisclark/
3. https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/journals/contents
9. War of 1812 and the Era of Good Feelings
Discussion: Francis Scott Key
After reviewing the sources on Francis Scott Key and reading all verses of the Star-Spangled Banner please discuss how much thought you’ve previously given to the story behind our national anthem. Does knowing the background behind the song change your feelings about it? Most Americans only know the first verse, what are your impressions of the other three verses?
Resources: Star Spangled Banner
https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200000017/
Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
10. Jacksonian Politics
Discussion: Cherokees and Seminoles in Removal
Tough Indian Removal is often thought of a having the same effect on all of the Civilized Tribes, this is not necessarily true. Consider how the Indian Removal Act created very different responses from the Cherokee and Seminole Tribes. How did the two tribes attempt to resist the Indian Removal Act? Which tribe’s tactics seem more logical to you? Which tribe was the most successful in retaining their land and why?
Resources: Cherokees and Seminoles in Indian Removal
1. http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/nattrans/ntecoindian/essays/indianremovald.htm
2. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-native-american-slaveholders-complicate-trail-tears-narrative-180968339/
3. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-cherokees-vs-andrew-jackson-277394/
4. https://www.historynet.com/on-removing-seminoles.htm
11. Expanding American Democracy
Discussion: A Controversial War
The Mexican-American war was one of the most controversial wars ever fought in American history. The debate about entering the war was fought in Congress and in the Press. After reviewing the arguments for and against the war, evaluate the American justification for war. What were the Democratic and Whig arguments during the debate about declaring war? Which of the parties made the strongest argument during the Congressional debates? Why do you believe Americans ultimately went to war against Mexico?
Resources: A Controversial War
1. https://www.gilderlehrman.org/sites/default/files/inline-pdfs/Lesson%201%20Polk%20Message%20abridged_0.pdf
2. https://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/speech-on-the-mexican-american-war/
3. https://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/the-war-with-mexico-speech-in-the-united-states-house-of-representatives/
12. Slavery
Discussion: Slave Culture
After reading the first-hand accounts of slaves provided or others available at the North American Slave Narratives Project. Explain what you see as the most important elements of slave culture. How were slaves able to maintain a culture in a system in which they had few legal rights? What challenges hindered the development of slave culture? Why was maintaining a culture important to slaves during the Antebellum era?
Resources: Slave Culture
Video: https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/videos/formation-slave-culture
1. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h3106t.html
2. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=491
3. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=486
4. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=493
5. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=490
6. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=496
7. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2956.html
13. Growing Tensions/ Sectionalism
Discussion: John Brown
After reviewing the sources on John Brown and his raid on Harper’s Ferry please discuss if you think John Brown is a hero or a terrorist. Does his cause determine the answer to this? Think about earlier in the semester when you discussed whether or not the Sons of Liberty were terrorists and the criteria that you used to make that decision. When applying that same criteria to John Brown, does your label for him change?
Resources: Editorials About the Raid on Harpers Ferry
1. http://history.furman.edu/editorials/see.py?sequence=jbmenu&location=%20John%20Brown%27s%20Raid%20on%20Harper%27s%20Ferry&ecode=sccmjb591019a
2. http://history.furman.edu/editorials/see.py?sequence=jbmenu&location=%20John%20Brown%27s%20Raid%20on%20Harper%27s%20Ferry&ecode=ilcpjb591020a
3. http://history.furman.edu/editorials/see.py?sequence=jbmenu&location=%20John%20Brown%27s%20Raid%20on%20Harper%27s%20Ferry&ecode=kyfcjb591021a
4. http://history.furman.edu/editorials/see.py?sequence=jbmenu&location=%20John%20Brown%27s%20Raid%20on%20Harper%27s%20Ferry&ecode=txsgjb591105a
5. http://history.furman.edu/editorials/see.py?sequence=jbmenu&location=%20John%20Brown%27s%20Raid%20on%20Harper%27s%20Ferry&ecode=nytrjb591119a
6. http://history.furman.edu/editorials/see.py?sequence=jbmenu&location=%20John%20Brown%27s%20Raid%20on%20Harper%27s%20Ferry&ecode=ncwhjb591205a
14. Civil War
Discussion: Questionable Means to Victory
After reviewing the sources on the Union army’s use of contraband, recruitment of immigrants, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Sherman’s March to the Sea, please discuss the following: Were these tactics of the Union government and army ethical? What role did they play in the Union victory?
Resources: The Civil War
1. http://www.mrlincolnandfreedom.org/civil-war/military-initiatives/contrabands-freedmen/
2. https://www.kentstateuniversitypress.com/2013/the-emancipation-proclamation/2/
3. https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals_iv/sections/transcript_preliminary_emancipation.html
4. https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation/transcript.html
5. https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/shermans-march-sea
Video: Sherman’s March to the Sea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlMYmJE289w
15. Reconstruction
Discussion: The Lost Cause
After reviewing the sources on the Lost Cause, please discuss the following: How have you previously been taught about the Civil War? How do you think our country today remembers it? What impact do you think the Lost Cause has had on how America, and the South in particular, has remembered the Civil War?
Resources: Reconstruction
1. http://www.freedmen.umd.edu/procamn.htm
2. http://www.mrlincolnandfreedom.org/civil-war/reconstruction/
3. https://www.thoughtco.com/radical-republicans-definition-1773341
4. Video: Congressional Radical Reconstruction
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHSBfaZI6n0&feature=emb_title