1. Why Study History?

2. To better understand the modern world and how it came to be Why did different cultures develop? Why do we speak English? Why are there different forms of government?

3. To help us deal with current events Are there lessons from the Great Depression that might help us get through the current economic crisis?

4. To help us understand our own past Who were my ancestors? Why did they come to this country? How did they live?

5. To fight prejudice and ignorance Prejudice results from a lack of knowledge. An understanding of history reduces the ignorance that causes prejudice.

6. To develop skills Researching Analyzing Interpreting Problem solving Recording

7. To entertain ourselves w/ stories of human triumph and tragedy