1. AMERICAN history
Mr. Klapak

2. 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)

3. 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.

4. Essential questions How 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?

5. 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

6. 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 2
Life of Abraham Lincoln
Your last Math test

7. 2.Using Primary-Source Evidence
Includes oral testimony, letters, maps, photographs, tv broadcasts, as well as artifacts such as buildings, clothing, or tools.

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Know Your American History?
Jamestown Boston 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 Tea Party