The Tears of America

     While President Jackson opposed the national bank, the Indian removal resulted in tragic deaths, Americans suffered while traveling west, and we fought a controversial war with Mexico, it is all part of what makes our nation's history. Some of our history is tragic,while some of it is glorious, but all of it makes us who we are as a country. As we move into the next units, we will continue to see how significant events in history have shaped who we are today. Not all of it is good, but all of it is important.
     Many events have left our country in tears. "The Cherokee Trail of Tears" is an event that caused immense sadness and loss. In our quest to acquire more land, we pressured/forced many Indian tribes to relocate. We did exchange land with them for money, new land in the west, and transportation expenses, but we also made them wait in miserably hot weather in open-aired detention camps. I imagine the weather felt similar to the sauna we are experiencing today. Man it is hot out! The tribes were without adequate food, clothing, or shelter, and then were forced to walk during the harsh winter from Tennessee to Oklahoma. Could any of you make that journey on foot? I couldn't. I am sure I would cry and whine the whole time. Many died as result of the conditions. It is no wonder that it caused many tears. The Mexican War also left many in tears. We lost many lives in our attempt to add Texas to our nation.
     There were also tears shed while pilgrims traveled along the Oregon Trail. They faced famine, disease, wild animal and Indian attacks. They also faced the possibility of getting lost. I would cry too! But, much of America's history is the story of expansion: geographically, intellectually, and culturally. This was especially true during the second quarter of the 1800's. Many people believed that the nation's borders were incomplete. They had their eyes set on land that stretched all the way to the Pacific Ocean. In an effort to explore the unknown, a group of pilgrims started on a journey towards fertile land in the west. They started in Missouri and followed the Platte River through Nebraska and into Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon. There were often tragic consequences as they traveled through barren terrain. Many people died while chasing their dreams of living in the west. However, through the traveler's sacrifices, we have acquired and homesteaded the west.
     Today, we sampled a few foods that were common fare on the Oregon Trail.

One of the staple food items was dried fruit and corn meal muffins, otherwise known as corn bread. Dried fruit was easy to make along the journey and corn meal was a cheap commodity they could pack in their wagons.

Bacon was also a common food consumed by the travelers. So maybe the journey wasn't too bad. I mean they had bacon, right?

The last thing we sampled was a beef and potato hash. It was a simple dish for them to prepare and kept them full. This dish would have been prepared in bacon lard for an extra dose of healthy fat. To be as accurate as possible, I prepared mine the same way. Yum!!!

     This week is a light homework week again. You're welcome! It should give you plenty of time to study for our test next week. Don't forget to use Quizlet to help you study.
https://quizlet.com/_3sm4xd

This week's homework:
1. Study!!!!
2. Read Unit 10
3. Add to your Timeline
4. Complete all bible assignments
5. Study!!!
6. Do a unit project if you want extra credit
7. Did I mention study?

Next week is the test, so be prepared! We will also discuss Unit 10 and eat a treat for completing your second test. Have a great week!