*The American Civil War

The American Civil War is one of the most important events in American history. It is very important that you know why it broke out, and what it led to (AND what it didn't lead to).

HW:
1. Read the following two links:

North and South

Emancipation Proclamation

In addition you should read "The American Civil War" + the text about Abraham Lincoln on page 11 - 14 in the compendium.

2. Explain in your own words what caused the Civil War and how it ended.
3. Choose five words you did not know before, write them down and make new sentences with them.

10CDEF: For Monday 31st of August.

*Abraham Lincoln

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” 

On Monday you guys interpreted this excerpt from The Declaration of Independence (signed 4^th of July, 1776). It is time to jump forward some 75 years and get to know one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history; namely Abraham Lincoln. This is the guy who led U.S.A. through the Civil War (1861 – 1865) - trying to keep the country united while fighting for the freeing of the slaves. He believed that ALL men was created equal – not just the white man. Let’s just call him “Awesome Abe”, because he was truly awesome – THE Freedom Fighter of the 19^th century.

Take a look at the video-clip above. Write down 10 facts you find important to know when it comes to “Awesome Abe” and bring them to class.

10EF: This is homework for Monday 31st of August

*History of Slavery in the U.S.

You now know that president Lincoln freed the slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. But what is the history of slavery in the U.S? Click HERE to learn more about it!

HW:
1. Read the article.
2. Write a short summary using your own words (about half a page).

10EF: This is homework for Wednesday September 2nd
10CD: This is homework for Wednesday September 2nd

*The Declaration of Independence

On Monday we will look into the American Revolution. For that lesson you are to read about the causes of the revolution + see the film clip above. This clip is about The Declaration of Independence. This declaration was actually a letter to King George III (in England) written by Thomas Jefferson. He was part of a committee which included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingstone and Roger Sherman. These five gentlemen have later been called "The Founding Fathers". On the 4th of July in 1776 the declaration was signed by all five (plus many many more "important" men) - a new nation was born!

Homework for 10EF for Monday the 24th: Read page 4 and 5 in the compendium. Then see the film clip above. Why do you think Thomas Jefferson and his crew wrote the declaration to the King in England? Think of what you have read and what you see in the film. Write at least half a page.

Homework for 10CD for Monday the 24th: Read page 4 and 5 in the compendium. Then see the film clip above. Why do you think Thomas Jefferson and his crew wrote the declaration to the King in England? Think of what you have read and what you see in the film. Write at least half a page.

*Star Spangled Banner

The Americans love their flag and their national anthem, and who can blame them when they have singers like Whitney Houston to perform it? (Well, had. Houston sadly passed away in 2012) Listen to this!



Others use the anthem to criticize the government, such as Jimi Hendrix at the Woodstock festival in 1969. Listen how he makes his guitar sound like bombs falling, as a critique against the war the American troops fought in Vietnam. This is probably one of the most famous performances of the song.

Homework for 10EF for Wednesday 26th: Listen to the two perfomances of "Star Spangled Banner". Then read page 7 and 8  in the compendium "American History". What do you believe is the main message of this song? Write half a page.

Homework for 10CD for Wednesday 26th: Listen to the two perfomances of "Star Spangled Banner". Then read page 7 and 8  in the compendium "American History". What do you believe is the main message of this song? Write half a page.

*Meet Mr. George Washington

This week we want you to learn more about George Washington, the first US President (Barack Obama is the 44th, by the way).



Homework for 10 CDEF for 26th of August: Watch the movie above. Afterwards, write down everything you remember. Then discuss the following question (at least half a page):

Would you consider George Washington a freedom fighter? Why/why not?