1. Take off with history! Welcome to May 1! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1851: The Great Exhibition Hall opened in London inside the Crystal Palace. It boasted 8 miles of tables and 10,000 exhibitors, showing the latest technology. If such an exhibit was open today, what “latest and greatest” things would be on display? Natural rights: The ownership of natural features such as the water. When people in the West purchase property, they often also need to purchase water rights or their land is dry. For what circumstances would water be necessary? 1883: Buffalo Bill (William Cody) performed his first Wild West Show. Although the cowboy was only in existence (officially) for about 20 years, there were many appealing elements about that icon. What is interesting about the life of a cowboy in your view? “When I joined Custer I donned the uniform of a soldier. It was a bit awkward at first but I soon got to be perfectly at home in men's clothes.” Calamity Jane (born on this date in 1852) What kind of clothing to you find most comfortable?

2. Take off with history! Welcome to May 2! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : Who was born on this date? The year was 1892. My real name was Manfred von Richthofen. My nickname had a color in it. Snoopy (the cartoon dog) fought me all of the time! Cultural identity: Characteristics which persons of a given culture feel stand for their group. For instance, Girl Scouts have a uniform that is consistent with most Girl Scouts. What do Americans use to stand for them? 1863: Some days are quite unfortunate. Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Johnson was injured by his own troops. He died 8 days later. Pen a possible letter to his wife that does not lie but also does not indicate he lost his life because of one of his own! What happened on this date? The year was 1933. It was seen and recorded in the local newspaper. The country is Scotland. The creature is not always thought to be real but many believers were added this day!

3. Take off with history! Welcome to May 3! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1915: Britain had a three problems during World War I (according to the chancellor): Germany, Austria and Drink. It seems that the persons building the ammunition were behind schedule because of their drinking. Make a list of 10 excuses they might come up with. Class: Group or type of people. This sorting is usually based on income and often called socioeconomic level. What “class” would you most like to be a part of? What might you need to do to be part of that group? 1948: All Americans realize that African Americans were granted full citizenship in 1865 at the end of the Civil War. However, it was not until this date that it became illegal to keep African Americans from buying certain properties. If you had money to buy property, where and what would you buy? What was added on this date? The year was 1921. The location was West Virginia. When people went to purchase goods, the price was more than listed. The experience was so taxing!

4. Take off with history! Welcome to May 4! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1979: The first female British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, is sworn in on this date. She made great changes to England but was also quite outspoken. She would often offend people who’s help she needed. What is problematic with that? Federalist: Federalists were supporters of the constitution and favored a strong central government. Others favored stronger rights afforded to the states. Why is it valuable to have a strong national government? 1776: Rhode Island may be small but mighty! The state declared it’s independence from England two months prior to the nation’s declaration. Where is Rhode Island? What states border it? Horace Mann, Educator born on this date in 1796, once said: “Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men, the balance-wheel of the social machinery.” What does he mean by “the great equalizer”?

5. Take off with history! Welcome to May 5! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1818: Karl Marx, founder of communism, was born on this date. Communism is a governmental type in which all persons work and all share equally. What is valuable about earning your own money and spending it as you choose? Budget: A plan as to how money will be spent. Maintaining a budget means that the bills get paid, you get to eat and (if you are lucky) you can plan some fun events. How do you budget the money you receive? 1956: Jim Bailey sets a new record in the mile and breaks the four minute barrier with a time of 3:58.6. Interpret what those numbers mean. Do you like to run? Why or why not? “The theory of Communism may be summed up in one sentence: Abolish all private property.” -Karl Marx How do you react to Marx’s position?

6. Take off with history! Welcome to May 6! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1889: The Paris Exposition opens. It’s most prominent feature was the newly constructed Eiffel Tower. This structure has survived for over 120 years. What might be the reason for its longevity? Mercantilism: The belief in commercialism and trade. America boasts of many business opportunities for hard working, innovative persons. What kind of business would you like to develop? 1936: On this date in 1937, the Hindenburg, becomes engulfed in flames and 36 die. It was the largest airship ever constructed (800 feet in length which is almost 3 football Fields) and Hitler was especially proud of it (it was German made). How do you think this impacted future airship travel? In 1915, an actor named Orson Welles was born. He was quite talented and he narrated a radio program that terrified many Americans at home because he made it sound so real. What was the title of the radio play? (or what was it about?)

7. Take off with history! Welcome to May 7! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1867: What a blast! Alfred Noble invented dynamite. He hoped that such a powerful explosive would be a deterrent to war. In his will, he funded the annual Nobel Prizes in the pursuit of peaceful endeavors. Who in our world today do you feel strives most for peace? Developed countries: Countries that have established governments and social patterns. Besides the United States, what other developed country do you respect and why? 1769 - 1789: George Washington certainly saw a lot of changes on this date. 1769 was when Washington took resolutions to the British, complaining about taxes. 1789 was the inaugural ball Celebrating his becoming the first U.S. President. What major events occurred between these two years? Two of the most fabulous musicians of all times were born on this day, 7 years apart. Brahms (1833), German composer, lulled people with his lullabies and sonatas. Tchaikovsky (1840),Russian composer, bowled listeners over with his big sound, including the Nutcracker and Swan Lake. What type of music and artists do you like best?

8. Take off with history! Welcome to May 8! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1541: Hernando de Soto, explorer from Spain, discovered the Mississippi River. What river(s) are located near where you live? What kinds of recreation do people in your area do there? Prime Meridian: A line through Greenwich, England which is the zero value for longitude. All other lines of longitude are in degrees greater than zero east or west of that line. What is the difference between longitude and latitude? 1886: Coca Cola is first sold. Its hard to imagine life without carbonation! What do you like best about carbonated beverages? Peter Benchley is a name that most are not familiar with but he wrote a book that a movie was made from. His story made people fearful of getting in the water. What was the movie called and what was terrifying the water?

9. Take off with history! Welcome to May 9! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1671: Captain Blood, an Irishman, was caught trying to steal the crown jewels from the Tower of London. Needless to say, the British were not pleased! Create a scenario for why this clever thief was caught! Globalization: The process of establishing an exchange of products or ideas on an international basis. What would be the advantage and disadvantage of this process? 1868: Reno, a town in northwestern Nevada, is officially named after General Jesse Lee Reno, a Union officer in the Civil War. What is the origin of your town’s name? What is this man’s claim to fame? My name was James Barrie. I was born in 1860. I love to write. I just loved Wendy! I created a young boy who could fly and never grew up!

10. Take off with history! Welcome to May 10! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1940: Winston Churchill is promoted to British Prime Minister. He came in with a difficult job; he needed to defend Britain and lead the fight against Adolf Hitler. How does the pattern of life change when you are in a war, especially one that is brought to your shores? Popular sovereignty: The system in which governmental power is maintained because the people want the government to continue. What do you admire most about our country and the way it is run? 1869: On this date, the transcontinental railroad is completed at Promontory Point, Utah. This ended, for the most part, wagon trains, the Pony Express and the mystique of the “wild” west. With a quicker system of travel, what kinds of changes began to take place? (Use your knowledge or imagination!) Winston Churchill once said: “You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.” Describe a time you stood up for something that you knew would make some people upset.

11. Take off with history! Welcome to May 11! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1989: Kenya asks the world’s nations to ban the sale of ivory. The African elephants were facing extinction. Why would someone justify ignoring the ban? Quota: A set number of required items or persons. Businesses often set target quantities for production but also, in these times of equality, quotas are established to insure businesses hire mixed ethnic and gender employees. What fields today still seem to be male dominated? 1647: Peter Stuyvesant became governor of New Amsterdam. He was Dutch and this early colony city grew and as it grew, it changed its name. What is the name of this city today? Salvadore Dali, famous Spanish painter, was born on this date in 1904. One of his paintings is shown here. Describe what you see. Do you think it is symbolic and if so, of what?

12. Take off with history! Welcome to May 12! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1957: Watching the races can be dangerous! Fourteen people were killed while watching races in Spain. The race is called the “Thousand Miles” Race. If you were a driver, besides driving, what would you do to stay focused? Industrialization: The development of capitalism. When a place develops industry, people have a place to work. What industries provide jobs where you live? 1847: You can imagine the tedium of the journey west by wagon train. “How far have you gone?” you wonder. William Clayton felt the same way and in this year, invented the odometer. How could you use an odometer on a trip with your family? Florence Nightingale, born in this day in 1820, served selflessly as a nurse. She once said: “I think one's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results.” So what do you believe that you can translate into action?

13. Take off with history! Welcome to May 13! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1981: Pope John Paul II was shot on this date while motoring through Rome in an open car. Popes historically feel compelled to get out and meet the people. How do you think we could keep them safer? Democratic Capitalism: A business atmosphere that is run fairly for all businesses. What would be some guidelines that you think would make your local businesses better? 1864: A Confederate soldier is the first person to be buried in Arlington Cemetery. The image of the cemetery is a powerful view. Share your reactions. Who am I? I was born in 1950. I am a blind musician. One of my songs is “Superstition”. I am African American. My last name could be synonymous with awe!

14. Take off with history! Welcome to May 14! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1862: The Swiss have historically been in the forefront of the timekeeping industry. In this year, the chronograph was patented. This allowed time to be determined to the split-second. What are some of the many uses of this time piece? Community: A group of people, bonded together via geography and/or industry. What is the population where you live? What is the largest community you know of? What is the smallest? 1804: Lewis and Clark leave Missouri. There are 28 men and one woman. Despite the distance traveled, all but one returned safely in the 2 year, 4 month expedition. Who was the woman on this journey? Who am I? I am from Germany. I was born in 1686. You will not know my first name but you will recognize my last name. I invented the mercury thermometer. The temperature system was named for me.

15. Take off with history! Welcome to May 15! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1981: Does Mexico have a lot of bugs? They sure did on this date! Twenty million Volkswagen Beetles rolled out of the factory in Puebla, Mexico. What makes this little car so appealing? Antebellum America: The period of time following the Civil War. The South really struggled during this time. With much destruction, freed slaves with limited skills, and industries dependent on slave labor, what might be some of the specific issues related to each of these problems? 1856: San Francisco is a marvelous town to visit but in this year, it was a Gold Rush boom town and lawlessness ruled the day. The people of San Francisco took the law into their own hands and many criminals were hung. Is it ever okay to take the law to your own hands? Support your feelings. Emily Dickenson was a fabulous poet. She published over 800 poems by the time she died on this date in 1886 but only five had ever been published. If you became a writer, what would be your genre and writing style?

16. Take off with history! Welcome to May 16! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1943: The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising was another tragic element of World War II. The Jews, tired of being starved out, staged a rebellion. Unfortunately, thousands more died as a result with the Germans only sustaining a casualty rate of 300. Why do you think the Jews were not successful? Industrial Revolution: The period of history in which many businesses established themselves. Industry evolved the life of the people from rural/agriculture to city life. What is fun about living in a city? 1869: America’s favorite pastime begins on this date: the first professional baseball game. What sports do you play? What sports do you enjoy watching? Who are your favorite teams? William Seward was born on this date in 1801. While he was secretary of state, he purchased a piece of property for $7,200,000. His purchase was originally referred to as “Seward’s Folly”, implying it was a waste of money. Time has proved his decision wise. What did he buy?

17. Take off with history! Welcome to May 17! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1814: Norway becomes a limited monarchy. Even today, there is a monarch but the monarch has little authority. What appeals to people with a monarchy? Segregation: The separation of individuals, based on ethnic, heritage or gender issues. Although America has made great strides in limiting segregation, this practice still continues in some areas. Why do you think it takes so long for change to become permanent? 1854: Racial segregation was dealt a severe blow on this day. Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka ruled that it was unconstitutional to segregates students by race. Imagine if you were African American, attending a formally all white school during the next school year. What would have been your thoughts? Edward Jenner, born on this date in 1749, began the move toward vaccinations. Vaccinations are shots that prevent certain diseases from ever happening. There is controversy, however. Not every child responds well to vaccines. Why are vaccines usually mandatory? Should people have a choice?

18. Take off with history! Welcome to May 18! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1981: India becomes the 6 th country to have successfully tested nuclear weapons. Nuclear power can be harnessed for good but a great deal of fear still exists concerning nuclear energy. What do people fear? Grid: Perpendicular lines that provide a framework of location, using latitude and longitude. Today we can navigate with a GPS in lieu of a map but the GPS has its limitations. What do you miss if you don’t have a map? 1860: The Republican Party officially nominates Abraham Lincoln for president. By 1865, he had served as president, he survived a Civil War but not an assassin’s bullet. If you were Lincoln and had a glimpse of the future, what would you have done? Name the major continents and oceans of the world.

19. Take off with history! Welcome to May 19! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1935: T.E. Lawrence, also known as “Lawrence of Arabia”, passed away on this day after a life time of service to England. Lawrence spent much time in Arabia and the writings he penned of his experience made the events come to life! What is the best thing ever written, in your estimation? Fragmentation: The splitting apart of a group, often with opposing viewpoints. What topics seem to be quite fragmented today? 1715: As early as 1715, Americans realized that our natural world would cease to exist as we know it if we did not protect it. What life creatures are on the endangered list currently? Malcolm X, born on this day in 1925, worked throughout his life to impact rights for minorities. He once said: “If we don’t stand for something, we may fall for anything.” What did he mean?

20. Take off with history! Welcome to May 20! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1498: Vasco de Gama becomes the first European to reach India by water. What was the great allure of India in this period of time? Concurrent powers: Powers shared by the federal and state governments. Both agencies play a part in things such as education, roads and criminal prosecution. Why do you think these areas have shared powers? 1862: The Homestead Act was approved. Which of the following was NOT one of the Provisions: 1.You received 160 acres. 2.You had to be over 21 and male only. 3.You had to cultivate the land. 4.You had to live there for at least 5 years. 5.The fee was $10. Who am I? I was a inventor. I went into business with a Reno tailor. We developed a line of clothing that was sturdy. We used rivets in the stitching. The clothing bears my name.

21. Take off with history! Welcome to May 21! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 427 B.C.E.: Plato, one of the three greatest Philosophers of all times, was born on this date. Two other ancients were also renowned philosophers. Who were they? Anti-federalists: Persons who, in the 1880’s, crusaded for stronger states rights. Those who supported a stronger federal government won out and the constitution was formed. What would be problematic if states have more power than the government? 1881: The Red Cross is founded. It was established to help those who had been victims of war or natural disaster, regardless of what side they were on. Give examples in the past few years of what the Red Cross has been involved in. “I have an almost complete disregard of precedent, and a faith in the possibility of something better. It irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent. I go for anything new that might improve the past.” -Clara Barton (one of the co-founders of the Red Cross) What do think of her statement?

22. Take off with history! Welcome to May 22! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1939: Italy and Germany create an alliance That would later be known as the Axis Powers. Think geography. Why did Hitler want the Italian leader, Mussolini, as an ally? Manifest Destiny: The belief, in the 1800’s, that the United States had a right to the land between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. How could you refute this belief? 1843: The first major wagon train left Missouri on this date to establish life in the wild west (Oregon, to be exact!). This group numbered a thousand. Imagine the difficulties of the sheer numbers. What would be challenges to the group? Who am I? I was a quirky physician. I had a keen sense of the criminal mind. I was annoyingly intelligent. I worked with a friend who was also a doctor. I was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who was born on this day in 1859.

23. Take off with history! Welcome to May 23! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1915: Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary. Think geographically. Where is Austria-Hungary in relationship to Italy? Medieval: The period of time between ancient times and modern times. Describe what life was like during that time. 1911: On this date in New York City, the Public Library (the largest marble building in the United States) was dedicated. With the advent of the internet, readers and audiobooks, libraries are evolving their role. Draw a sketch of a library of the future. Label the key elements. What was created in 1827? It was New York City. It was designed for very small people. Its purpose was to educate and entertain. Games, field trips and naps were all part of the day.

24. Take off with history! Welcome to May 24! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1543: Nicholas Copernicus dies. This Polish astronomer theorized that the earth revolved around the sun and that the shifts of the earth created the seasons. What is your favorite season and why? Pre-agricultural society: Groups that were hunter gatherers. Each day, the quest for dinner was on. How did agriculture change that lifestyle? 1958: Two major press services in the United States merge to create an International news agency. We receive news the moment it happens and from all over the world. What is good and bad our instantaneous access to news? What was open on this date? The year was 1883. The location was Massachusetts. It connected New York City and the town in Massachusetts for which this structure was named. No longer was the East River a problem.

25. Take off with history! Welcome to May 25! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1944: Frank Oz was born. This Englishman was the inspiration for the Muppets and later shows like Sesame Street. Who was your favorite character on either show and what did you like about them? Desertification: The process by which fertile land loses its fertility via poor farming or drought. Many desert areas used to be great lakes. How would we know that? 1787: This marks the first meeting of 55 delegates, given the task of writing the Constitution of the United States. This document has lasted since then (with slight adjustments via amendments!). Imagine what you need to think about when writing a document that can last centuries. What do you need to think about? What was the excitement of the day? It won several awards. It introduced us to a variety of different futuristic creatures. It instilled a fondness for robots. It made also made us realize that we had power within. Battles could be fought with light!

26. Take off with history! Welcome to May 26! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1521: Martin Luther is banned from the meetings of the church because of his beliefs. He was the catalyst in the break from the Catholic Church. Those who followed him were called Protestants. (notice the word protest in there!) What church groups are part of this protest group? Tribal government: Governments run by indigenous peoples that have their own set of laws within a larger nation. What do the Native Americans govern that may be different from the national government? 1864: Abraham Lincoln added the Montana Territory. He wanted to bolster the Union by adding more free states. Montana is a beautiful state. Describe Montana geographically and Its climate. Who was born on this date? The year was 1907. He was a big man. He was well loved. He starred in many westerns. He was nicknamed the “Duke”.

27. Take off with history! Welcome to May 27! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1703: Peter I of Russia established the capital – St. Petersburg. Although the city bears his name and sounds somewhat vain, he was instrumental in making Russia a world power. What do you think it takes to be a world power? Think outside the box! Reservation system: The policy that placed Native Americans in designated, self- contained areas so that their native land could be used by the expanding United States (and not by the Native Americans). Make a list of all that is wrong with this policy. 1647: People have always feared those that were different. In this year, the first “witch” was executed in Salem, Massachusetts. What fears do people have of today? (Think of those who are different) What famous structure does this refer to? The year was 1937. It took 5 years to build. It was the longest of its kind until 1964. It is located on the west coast. Its name starts with a natural element and ends with a door in a fence.

28. Take off with history! Welcome to May 28! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1908: Ian Fleming was born on this day. He wrote and popularized the James Bond series. What is your favorite action or adventure film and why? Pluralistic society: A group of people who are diverse. What makes the United States a pluralistic society? 1937: John Steinbeck publishes his first successful novel. One of his most famous pieces was The Grapes of Wrath which detailed the life of families during the Great Depression. What was the Great Depression? What was my significance? I was born in 1944. I grew up and lived in New York City. My name is Rudolph Giuliani. I held a public office. I was in that office during a critical event.

29. Take off with history! Welcome to May 29! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1953: For the first time, man has reached the summit of Mount Everest! Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand was the man of the hour. What would be wonderful and terrifying about this experience? Supremacy Clause: The part of the Constitution which gives the federal government the ultimate decision on treaties. Why is it important to designate one ultimate authority? 1917: John Kennedy, 35 th president of the United States, is born. Kennedy was the youngest man elected to the job and was unfortunately unable to complete his presidency. Why? In 1848, Wisconsin became the 30 th state in The union. Is was nicknamed the “Badger State” but the name badger had nothing to do with the animal. What did it refer to?

30. Take off with history! Welcome to May 30! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1431: Joan of Arc is burned at the stake. Branded as a heretic (enemy of the church), she was only 19. She was later declared Blessed and made a saint. What personal characteristics does it take to stand up for what you believe? Barter: Means to trade. For the most part, we buy what we want. When do we barter in modern society? 1539: Hernando de Soto lands in Florida. Florida has a great deal of beauty and diversity. What appeals to you the most when you think about Florida? What was my claim to fame? I was born in 1908 in San Francisco. My name was Mel Blanc. I was a musician and singer at the start of my career. People loved my voices so I became more famous for that. They included a duck and a rabbit.

31. Take off with history! Welcome to May 31! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1941: Parachuting is a challenging endeavor. Imagine the German plan for the invasion of Crete. 22,000 paratroopers descended on this island, forcing the Allies to with- draw. Create a conversation of two Allie soldiers as they watched this event unfold! Bank: Financial institution. Banks have provided safe keeping of wealth. What is your banking arrangement at this time? Do you have savings, checking or both? How do you use your account? (Or will if you have not yet established a banking account). 1759: Plays are a wonderful type of entertainment but obviously not all agree! In this year, pressured by religious groups, performing in a play was outlawed in Pennsylvania. What do you imagine would be the fear of plays? Walt Whitman, poet born on this day in 1819, once said: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.” Create an illustration of this adage.