This week we had the opportunity to step back from the day to day battles of World War II and look at how this major historical event affected the country immediately and over time. Working in your groups and using multiple sources you filled out a graphic organizer that helped you sort the information into categories: military, economic, social and international. Your brain can become more efficient by grouping information…it makes it so much easier to recall specifics when they are placed in categories.
You quickly discovered that World War II was a turning point in our country’s history. After the war, the United States assumes the role of a major power…the balance of power has shifted from Europe to the US. We are now a super power along with the Soviet Union. Since our country was not destroyed by the war, we have a head start on rebuilding a consumer economy and we become the number one economic power house of the world. Lives at home continue to change radically as the men return home, take advantage of the GI Bill, buy homes, start families and attend college.
This single law changed how and where we live. With more families now living in single family homes in the suburbs, the car becomes a necessity. This leads to interstate highways, sold to the American people not just as an efficient way to move people but also as a defense-related necessity in case of future need to move troops and war material rapidly. This activity gave you a good understanding of how one event can have a ripple effect throughout the country and the world. Keep this in mind as we study future events.
This week you also had your assessment based on the three power-points: Women in the War, Financing War, and Economic Changes during the war. Many of the questions were open-ended which gave you the flexibility to respond in a variety of ways. Keep in mind that even open ended questions need to be grounded in historically accurate information.
You also received your final take home assessment. You are being asked to use some creativity and write three journal entries that could have been written during the World War II timeframe. You have vocabulary that must be incorporated into your entries. These assessments are due Monday or Tuesday (depending on your class period).
International Speakers
On Friday we heard from officers from India and the Philippines. Their power points were filled with interesting information about two very distinct and diverse countries. Our next and last session will feature officers from Italy, Chile and Argentina.
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
On March 20 from 5 to 7 we will be holding conferences. Please feel free to stop by so we can talk about your progress and what steps you need to take to make sure this is a successful year for you.
Scheduling
Don’t forget to bring in your course selection sheet. The sooner you get in your signed sheet the sooner schedules can be developed. Many interesting classes are being offered in the Social Studies Department including our new economics course, AP Human geography, European History and World History. If you need help selecting a course, please stop by and we can talk over your interests and find the right class for your Senior year.
Time to think about College planning
MHS is hosting a College application process evening on April 10 starting at 6:00 pm in room 212. If you are not familiar with the process or have questions about it, this is a great evening to learn more about how to get through the application process successfully.
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