Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Would You Live on Mars?

     The 1950's brought about many changes in America. We saw interstate highways for the first time, a push for civil rights, and the Space Race.  By 1955 Americans owned 61 million cars but were still traveling on two lane highways. President Eisenhower pressed for a wide, limited-access interstate to help make travel easier for the public and military. Interstates are now the backbone of America. We also saw a large movement in civil rights. Congress passed two civil rights laws, primarily to support the right of blacks to vote.And our competitive attitude towards Russia created the Space Race. America was shocked when Russia successfully launched the first satellite (Sputnik) into orbit around the world. We could not have Russia beating us, so naturally we launched our own space program. Since the creation of NASA, we have launched many missions not space, even putting humans on the moon. What is next? Living on Mars?
Would you consider living on Mars? Should we even consider it? These are interesting questions to ponder.

Thank you to Emily for leading discussion today. We covered a lot of topics today. We also played a fun game!
I am so glad I captured this on video! It was fun! I wish I would have taped the girls singing 80's music. Maybe next time?


Don't forget; you have 2 weeks off! Whoo Hoo!

Homework:
1. Read Unit 26

Have a great Spring Break!

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Postwar America

     Postwar in America brought peace in many areas, except with Russia. The Cold War between the U.S. and Russia defined international relations in both countries for over 40 years. Russia was hungry for power and influence. Their communist influence was spreading and America was intent on stopping it.  We stood strong in the belief that democracy and freedom was the right way to run a country, and they stood strong in their belief that suppressing human rights what was good for the people. The U.S. was founded on a belief in God and religious freedom, where as, Russia was founded on atheism and suppressed religious freedom. Both countries wanted to influence less developed countries with their beliefs which presented conflicting goals and a a constant suspicion of each other.
     Postwar in America also saw the start of a new war, the Korean War. On June 25th, 1950, North Korea invaded the South in attempt to unify it under Communist control. The U.S. committed around 350,000 troops in the fight. By June of 1953 a cease-fire was declared, after many lives were lost.
     Postwar life also introduced the GI bill for veterans who served our country, a baby boom, and inflation in the economy.

      In this next unit, we will see how life continues to rapidly change as we discuss the 1950's. The space race will begin, civil rights will take center stage, and a new president will change things up.


Thank you to Abby for leading a great discussion today. Well done! 

Homework:
1. Read Unit 25
2. complete a Unit Project
3. Add on to Timeline

Don't forget, NO class next week. You have an extra week to complete your unit project, so you have no excuse not to:)

Last Blog Post

Well this is my last official blog post for this class:( It is a little sad that the year is over. I will miss each one of you so much. I tr...