September 5, 2018

Today we discussed the importance of historical situation by re-contextualizing the Salem Witch trials within cultural trends. By considering contemporaneous events and gender, class, and race, we came to a greater understanding of the phenomenon.  With this exercise, we introduced the idea of Essential Historical Questions, the format we will use in this class to limit the range of inquiry to a manageable size and to give it focus and direction in much the same way that historians do. 

We then analyzed colonial society with respect to income inequality, connecting that to modern and global patterns.  We also examined data represented in map form to interpret colonial lifeways and regional similarities and differences.

Finally, we discussed historical writing, which you will develop over the coming weeks.  

For tonight, Read Jonathan Edward's Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God under Period 2 and answer the questions.  Also, Don't forget that Chapter 4 is due tomorrow!

Mr. Richardson's class: be prepared to discuss the following questions regarding the American ideals of democracy, equality, rights, liberty, and opportunity.
1.Which one of America’s founding ideals was most strongly nurtured during the colonial period?
2.Based on the Colonial Period, which of the founding ideals will be a part of future conflicts?
3.Which event from the Colonial Period had the greatest affect on American life today?  What founding ideals did this help shape?