History Classes 1 May 2008

Current Events

The following stories made up the headlines in the current events portion of today’s classes:

• A bus crash in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula resulted in the injury of 28 people and the deaths of nine others. At least two Canadians were among those injured in the accident. The bus caught fire after rolling several times. The accident is being blamed on the bus hitting a piece of debris.
• The St. John River continues to rise in New Brunswick. Schools have been closed and government buildings closed. Officials are urging evacuations and threatens 1,300 homes. The river is also causing flooding in the state of Maine.
• One person was killed in an early morning school bus accident in Kentucky. The bus collided with a dump truck, it was unclear if the person killed was the driver or a student.
• According to the 2006 census people entering the Canadian labour market have significantly higher education than in 1980. However, Stats Can also reports that the average person starting out only makes $53 per year more than in 1980 meaning that Canadians now make significantly less than in 1980 after adjusting for inflation.
• Investigators are continuing to look into the deaths of hundreds of ducks at Syncrude production facilities in Fort McMurray Alberta. Environmentalists are saying the tragedy could easily have been avoided.
• A young lion, named Boomer, escaped from a home on the reserve of Manuakee in Quebec. The lion is now in custody and decisions regarding possible charges are still being made.

Period One: History 30

Following current events the class completed the final preparations regarding Canadian involvement in World War One. Notes from the previous day on Canada’s move away from Britain were completed and a handout looking at the postwar labour movement was started.

Period Two: History 20

Following current events the class received their World War Two portfolio assignment. The class then watched a historical time capsule on the War in Europe following the video questions relating to the assignment were answered; a further resource package was handed out; and time was given for students to begin planning their portfolio. The details of the assignment are as follows:

Your Portfolio requires you to complete the 6 of the following 10 assignments:

1. Comparative Analysis- Compare and Contrast the opening phases of World War One and Two. Your comparison should include the Fall of France in June 1940.

Focus Questions:

*What differences exist between the opening stages of World War One and Two?

*What similarities exist between the opening stages of World War One and Two?

*Explain the role that new equipment had in changing warfare in 1939-1940.

2. Timeline- Create a timeline of the key events of World War Two. Include all of the significant events for each year of the war. Show either the European or Pacific Theatres of the war. Provide a point of relevant information for each entry. (Minimum 15 points)

3. Propaganda- Propaganda is one of the tools of war. Create a radio broadcast aimed at the enemy. “Tokyo Rose” was famous for such broadcasts. Watch the video on Japanese and American propaganda as a guideline.

4. Profile- Write a profile of a World War II commander. See your previous profiles assignment for the requirements for this entry. Choose from the following commanders: Bernard Law Montgomery, George S. Patton, Marshal Georgy Zhukov, Erwin Rommel, Dwight Eisenhower, General Harry Crerar, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. You may choose a figure of your own, but please ask me first.

5. Position Paper- Write a position paper on the following: Was the bombing of Hiroshima a war crime? Research the question and write a five paragraph formal essay supporting Hiroshima as a war crime or refuting the bombing as a war crime. You will also have to document your sources using the APA format of text citations.

6. Comparative Analysis- List the most important weapons used in World War Two. List the most powerful military weapons available today. What are some major similarities and differences? Write a brief 4-5 sentence statement outlining your conclusions.

7. Profile- Write a 300-500 word account of a Second World War battle such as The Bulge, Dunkirk, Sedan, Stalingrad, Leningrad or Guadalcanal. Include an illustration and relevant quotations.

8. Comparative Analysis- Compare and contrast the portrayal of the war in the two movies depicting events from World War Two. How is the war portrayed in each of them? Is the violence presented in each realistic, which presents a more accurate view of war?

9. Concept Map- Create a concept map showing the atrocities committed in World War Two. Link each concept (noun) with a verb or verb phrase that explains each link.

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People placed in interment Camps

European Jews

Committed against

Allied Prisoners of War

Atrocities of World War Two

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10. Map- Create a map of one of the theatres (large combat area) of World War two. Your first step should be to establish a map key to colour code the axis powers and the allied powers. Use large arrows to show invasions( ). Label only the countries. Use a darkened arrow to show counter attacks ( ) and a (*) symbol to indicate major battles. Your map will be of either the Pacific or European theatres. You will develop your own symbols to indicate atomic warfare, alliances, and other information you believe is significant.

Period Three: History 20/Band

The class started with a jigsaw review quiz on the early European Cold War. The quiz was then graded in class.

The notes on the Cold War in Asia were completed and questions on the Korean War were assigned and are as follows:

The Korean War, Global Forces 3^rd Edition, pp. 161-163, 166

1. Explain the role of the United Nations in the early stages of the Korean War. Why could the UN become involved?
2. Describe the Chinese fears that led to their intervention in Korea in 1950.
3. Summarize the military aspect of the war.
4. Illustrate the impact of the Korean War on the United Nations; and the Korean Peninsula.

The questions are due for Monday’s class.

Period Four: History 30

Following current events the class completed the last three presentations on Canada’s Role in World War One. The class then had the remaining time to world on the handout covering the postwar labour movement.

Period Five: History 10

There were no current events in class today as the time was used to prepare for the election simulation in room 131. The four political parties presented the campaign platforms to two participating grade 12 classes. The question and answer period that followed was the best in all the years that I have done the assignment. Congratulations to all those involved!

The election was won by a very narrow margin by the Great Canadian Party with 36% of the votes. The Awesome Political Party finished second with 26% of the votes; and the Socialist Party of Canada Alliance finished tied with the Party of Tomorrow for third place with 19% of the votes each.