AMERICAN HISTORYMr. Klapak

WHAT IS HISTORY?

- History tries to account for and understand the past.- It can be a broad view (over centuries) or a narrow view (over one day or hour)

WHY STUDY HISTORY?

- Consequences of past events are still evident today and will continue to influence events in the future.

- Studying history helps us to understand the past and present, as well as to plan for the future.

- Teaches/requires you to be a critical thinker.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONSHOW HAS AMERICA’S HISTORY SHAPED ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CANADA OF TODAY?

- May lead to more questions- Are open-ended; do not have one “correct”

response- Cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no” or one

sentence- WRONG: When did the United States enter World

War One?- RIGHT: To what extent did the United States

respond effectively to World War One?

HISTORICAL THINKING CONCEPTS

• 1. Establishing historical significance• 2. Using primary-source evidence• 3. Identifying continuity and change• 4. Analyzing cause and consequence• 5. Taking a historical perspective• 6. Considering the ethical dimensions of history

1.Establishing Historical Significance• Does the event have serious, long-lasting consequences for many people?

• Does the event reveal or shed light on long-lasting or emerging issues?

• Historically Significant?World War 2Life of Abraham LincolnYour last Math test

2.Using Primary-Source Evidence

• Includes oral testimony, letters, maps, photographs, tv broadcasts, as well as artifacts such as buildings, clothing, or tools.

3.Identifying Continuity and Change• Continuity – what remains the same? – and change – what is different? –

• Thinking about history as specific periods (eg. The Roaring Twenties or Swinging Sixties) can help your understanding. (Then and Now)

4.Analyzing Cause and Consequence

• Causes are often numerous and layered• Human beings create or cause change through actions or

decisions• Actions may result in unintended consequences

• Example 1: Wayne Gretzky’s trade to the LA Kings in 1988.

• Example 2: European exploration of North America in 1500’s

5.Taking a Historical Perspective• Taking a historical perspective means putting yourself in

the shoes of someone in the past – but leaving behind some of the values and beliefs that shape your thinking today

• It does not mean you must agree with the actions or attitudes but it does mean trying to understand them

• Eg) One cultural group:• 1) used baby diapers made out of moss• 2) played soccer at three oclock in the morning• 3) used fish to make runners for a sled

6.Considering the Ethical Dimensions• Historians try to guard against imposing today’s ethical

standards on the past• The need to make an ethical judgement can conflict with

this• Example: Lynchings in the American South after the Civil

War

Know Your American History?• JamestownBoston Tea Party• George Washington Independence Day• Paul Revere Lewis and Clark• Underground Railroad Manifest Destiny• Cotton Gin Abraham Lincoln• Civil War Woodrow Wilson• Cold War JFK• Cuban Missile Crisis 9/11• Patriot Act Electoral College• War of 1812 Tea Party