Week 12: Was It Worth It?

    We've spend the last 12 weeks examining the birth of America and the ideas that make us unique among the nations of the world. We've looked at the ordinary people who sacrificed their personal comforts, desires and dreams to answer the call to the great work of building America--from the humble farmhand turned soldier, to the wealthy landowner turned pauper. The American War for freedom lasted 8 long years, but the struggle to maintain that freedom goes on, 246 years later. Consider the price that was paid for you to have the rights and privileges you have as an American, then consider what your responsibility is to those who sacrificed before you, and to the future generations who depend on you to preserve those rights and privileges for them. 

    Watch the following video, then write an essay to answer the questions below (remember to first create a clear, arguable thesis statement!):



ASSIGNMENTS:

WRITING: What is the price of freedom? Was all the struggle and sacrifice and hardship worth it? What are you willing to do to pay the price of freedom?

***The award requirement for papers has been reduced from 10 to 9. I can give you a count if you're not sure how many you've turned in.

READING: 
  • Complete any preparations for our book discussion on Being George Washington next week. 
  • Begin reading The Freedom Factor by Gerald Lund, due February 10th.  Take notes, make comments, highlight--be prepared for discussion.
PRESENTATIONS:
  • Shayla - The Roles of Tories, Loyalists, Hessians and Red Coats 
  • Gavin -  1) The Role of the Navy, 2) The Role of Spies
  • Noah -  Fashion of the Colonial Days
  • Katie - 1) Betsy Ross and the First Flag 2) Famous Women of the War
***Presentations must be limited to no more than 10 minutes each, with no notes bigger than 3x5 index cards, and must be accompanied by a visual aid.

PREP. FOR CLASS NEXT WEEK:

We have a lot of material to cover next week, so please watch this video before Wednesday to be ready for class:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tXmpIp6_7c&list=PLi3wNwPtORU_1AqgJlW3a1QEcF2Yo5so5&index=17&t=5s

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