The end of the Jeffersonian Era/the Madison Presidency
Lesson Outline
1804 - Aaron Burr kills Alexander Hamilton in a duel. The British Navy begins to kidnap (impressment) off of US ships in the Atlantic. Jefferson appoints William Henry Harrison governor of the Indiana Territory and tasks him with either ridding it of Indians or seeing that they are assimilated, giving up their claims on tribal lands. Challenged by Indian leader brothers: Tecumseh and the Prophet... The midwestern tribes are defeated in the Battle of Tippecanoe. James Madison becomes President in 1808. He set about trying to annex southern territories consisting of FL, AL, MS, LA to the US. The War of 1812: the US and Britain go to war again with each other. The war weakened Native American claims to the mid-west. Andrew Jackson slaughtered many of FL's Creek people in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. British troops invade Washington, D.C. on 8/24/1814 and burn down the White House! Next the British head north to Baltimore, but the British finally retreat.
We talked more about the national "populism" that helped Andrew Jackson get elected and helped to define some of his presidency. We also talked about some very serious deficiencies in Jackson as a president. He was a bonafide racist, responsible for ordering the expulsion of Native Americans from the southeast. Federal forces led the Cherokee Nation out of GA and other areas of the southeast, forcing them out of their homes on a brutal walk to Oklahoma where they would be forcibly resettled on reservations. This forced and brutal march that is known as the Trail of Tears. Jackson was southerner and he also supported slavery. Vlad had no idea that Donald Trump held Andrew Jackson in very high esteem. He found this very interesting.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
I was subbing for Physics, but we spent the period working on A.P. US History. Vlad and I had three hours to focus on A.P. US History today - which was great!
Construction begins on Washington, D.C.. Jefferson serves two terms; winning the elections of 1800 and 1804. One of Jefferson's goals was to limit the power of the federal government. He reduced the armed forces. Marbury v. Madison, The Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Lewis & Clark explore the west.
Called for a nationwide system of public schools for all white males... The Second Great Awakening... The beginning of Industrialism... Samuel Slater helped the Quakers build the first modern textile factory in Pawtucket, RI... Eli Whitney invents cotton gin in 1793... Transportation innovations: steamboats for river transportation along the vast U.S. network of rivers... Turnpike roads, the growth of established U.S. cities and urban life...
In class, Vlad and I reviewed again what he is going to work on over winter break. I then had the pleasure of attending scheduled meeting with Vlad's mom, Judie and Tara after class with Vlad. Mom shared such great insight regarding Vlad. It was incredibly helpful and I look forward to implementing some of Vlad's Mom's suggestions. One of the things we decided on as a game plan for Vlad in A.P. US History is to for go tests right now and to focus primarily on covering the scope of the material prior to the May 10, 2019 A.P. test date. It will be best to focus on covering all course content and then administering A.P. practice tests again to Vlad as we move into spring, closer to May 10.
I feel terrible and very self-conscious about arriving at the end of lunch today. BUT, unfortunately, it IS my scheduled time to arrive on Thursdays. Since Thanksgiving, my Thursday schedule has just been two hours/classes - from 12:30 - 2:30pm. I would like to convey in the most respectful manner that my time and teaching ability should exceed only two hours on Thursdays - on any day for that matter. More important, it is an unbalanced scheduled for some of our students. For instance, I am scheduled to meet with Bobby (8th grade) and Kate (6th grade) only three days a week, but I meet with Elle four days a week and fortunately, 6 class periods a week with Vlad. My dream would be to have some time allotted here for lesson planning, grading and to meet with Andy and Cal as we actually are a social science department! And it is always stimulating, enervating as well as a privilege to speak with both gentlemen about curriculum, history and current events. I understand and respect if none of these changes can be implemented this year. I just want to share my thoughts and suggestions BUT KNOW THAT I LOVE THE BATT SCHOOL, BEING ON THE STAFF AND WORKING WITH SUCH WONDERFUL/SPECIAL STUDENTS!!!
We always have TWO sessions of A.P. US History on Wednesdays. In the first hour, we focused on the contributions of President Washington, his farewell address, the John Adams presidency and the start of the Jeffersonian Era. In the second hour, we spent the period with Mr. Marcus and Mr. Cal focusing on one of Vlad's favorite pass times: conspiracy theories (they are always super interesting). While Vlad and Mr. Marcus both agree that the moon landing was not real, Mr. Cal and I disagree. We also discussed space and rocket science in Nazi Germany. Finally, we discussed FL history as well as revolutionary war history in NJ (where Vlad and I grew up for quite a few years) and revolutionary war history in Concord, MA where Mr. Cal was a school principal for many years.
Session Minutes
120
Minutes Student Attended
120
Lesson Comments
Vlad confided in me today about his text anxiety. He masks it well and is truly amazing in a multitude of ways. For instance, his demeanor is always so calm, steady and pleasant. On the outset, one would never know that Vlad has such severe test anxiety. Naturally, I know it exists because Vlad struggles with his tests - and I am honored that he confides in me. We discussed our new, unique and individualized approach to A.P. US History going forward. To summarize again: the course will be primarily content driven. As we progress through second semester, Vlad will also work on/be drilled with sample A.P. US History tests. They will not be graded. The intent will be for Vlad to get used to the format of the tests that will include many eras of US History. Vlad says he is pleased and comfortable with our new approach. This, in turn, thrills me because Vlad is such a special young man and finding teaching/learning modalities
that will help Vlad strengthen his skills and help him to be confident and successful is something I am excited about for this exceptional young man!
