November 9, 2009

November 9, 2009 We have arrived at the part of this class that deals with events in what will become the United States. What do you want to learn? What are you looking forward to? What do you need?

Homework: This week I want you to write an essay for homework. We will go over all aspects of this, so you know exactly how to do it. The question you need to answer in your essay follows…

Essay Question: Many of our early Presidents were slave holders. Should we deny them honor as “Founding Fathers”? OR Should Thomas Jefferson come off the Nickel? Argue Yes or No

D-Tag Define the question Turn the question into a statement Answer the question Give examples to support your point of view

Define The Question Since he was a slaveholder, should Thomas Jefferson’s image come off the Nickel? Ask any kind of question you want Remember, many early founders were slaveholders

Slaveholding presidents: Following is the number of slaves each of the 12 slaveholding presidents owned. (CAPS indicate the president owned slaves while serving as the chief executive): GEORGE WASHINGTON (between 250-350

slaves) THOMAS JEFFERSON (about 200) JAMES MADISON (more than 100) JAMES MONROE (about 75) ANDREW JACKSON (fewer than 200) Martin Van Buren (one) William Henry Harrison (eleven) JOHN TYLER (about 70) JAMES POLK (about 25) ZACHARY TAYLOR (fewer than 150) Andrew Johnson (probably eight) Ulysses S. Grant (probably five)

Homework: Pick, then define your question Write it out What does your question mean? What are you really asking? If you’re not sure, ask me

Phillis Wheatley 1753 – December 5, 1784 The first published African American poet Wrote her first poems as a slave Kidnapped in Africa in 1761

Phillis Wheatley Emancipated (Freed) in 1773 Took her name from the Wheatley family that purchased her and the Phillis, the slave ship that brought her to America

Phillis Wheatley Known and read by people like George Washington and John Hancock Died at 31 from childbirth

"On being brought from Africa to America" Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. Some view our sable race with scornful eye, "Their colour is a diabolic dye." Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.´ (Class work – what do you think of this poem?)

Class work: Reflect on Phillis Wheatley What would you say to her if you could? Write her a letter or draw a picture Or write a poem to her