Causes of the American Revolution Test

Hey everyone! This is a reminder that our test for the unit is this upcoming Thursday. Please begin to study and finish the study guide by the day of the test. I will collect the study guide before we begin.

On Tuesday we will review the unit. I will also finish the topic that I started today: more details on the midnight rides of Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Dr. Samuel Prescott. Have a great weekend!

~Mr. Mazur

Causes of the American Revolution

Hey everyone. Today we discussed the various laws and taxes that contributed to discontent between the American colonists and Great Britain. For homework you are to make a pamphlet arguing against or justifying one of the laws. This assignment will be worth 10 points. Please be creative!

Also, you will be having a test on Thursday, November 3. Please begin studying now. I will hand you the study guide during our next class on Friday.

Have a great day!

~Mr. Mazur

Freedom of Speech Discussion

Hey everyone. Yesterday we discussed the influence of the Enlightenment on the American colonies. We discussed how several ideas from the time period influenced a major court case in 1735, the John Peter Zenger case. Although the court case did not alter the colonies quickly, it became a rallying point once the colonists began to protest against the British.

At the end of class, we discussed the ideas of freedom of the press (as was shown in the Zenger case). I handed out a news article about a NJ teacher who is facing repercussions after she posted nasty comments on her Facebook wall about a school display that she disagreed with. Students of the school are currently planning a protest against the teacher.

The news article brings into question the idea of freedom of the press. With the creation of the Internet, many feel that freedom of the press is extended to blogs and social networks. With a profession such as teaching, however, many feel that some comments should not be said in public since teachers are public figures.

Your homework assignment is to read the news article about this teacher and I want you to develop your own opinion on the event. Should certain comments on social networks or blogs not be protected under the first amendment? To what extent should certain professions be limited in this type of publication? Please be ready to discuss in class tomorrow.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Have a great day and happy thinking!

~Mr. Mazur

First Test

Hey everyone. This is a reminder that our first test is going to be this Friday. Please make sure you complete the study guide because I will collect it before the test. Also email me with any questions you may have.

After the test, we will finish our Salem Witch Trial presentations. Good luck studying!

~Mr. Mazur

Issues in Colonial Boston

Hey everyone! Today we discussed the Atlantic Slave Trade (capture of Africans, the Middle Passage, and the slave auctions). We also talked about the European views on Africans and how they treated them in the 13 colonies. I posed the question on whether slavery caused racism or if racism caused slavery. I received some really good answers. Continue to think about this concept because the topic of slavery will be prominent for the rest of the year.

We then discussed one of the most famous rebellions in colonial America, Bacon's Rebellion. We discussed the conflict between the wealthyy and poor planters in Virginia, as well as the Native American attacks on the colonists. These all combined to influence a huge rebellion that almost destroyed Jamestown.

For homework, you are going to be reading about another problem in colonial America (mainly in Massachusetts), the Navigation Acts and the smuggling of goods. You are to read Chapter 3 Section 1 in your textbook and fill out the guided reading worksheet. Please email me if you have any questions.

As I mentioned today, your test on the unit will be on Friday, October 14. You will be receiving a study guide for the test by the end of this week. Please start studying!

Have a great day!

~Mr. Mazur