Sunday, May 27, 2007

The French- (Thanks guys)

How did the French help aid the Americans in the last significant battle of the American Revolution; the Battle of Yorktown?

I will talk a little bit about the Americans before the french enter (ex: disease, discouraged, etc.) I will also talk about what the french gave the Americans (ex: naval battle, ammunition, etc.) Finally, I'll talk about the battle of Yorktown- why that battle is important and what took place at the battle.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

RAA!!! Freedom!!

I plan to draw pictures of the past.. I want to get the colonies to fight. To encourage and motivate them. I want my pictures to be touching and for people to "feel something when they see them." I plan to create a blog with my pictures and write some other encouraging, motivation sayings. That way I would enjoy drawing the pictures I could think about "sybolizism" and the importance of little things such as face expressions. I would put it on my blog so a large meda can see it and perhaps use it if need be.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD...GO VOTE!!

For our Propagana project.
I will be working with Angela and Kaylee. Our idea right now is to present by presentation (video; recorded by Kaylee.) That way our ideas would be able to be seen by many people and hopefully would presuade them. Our theme or idea is to get people to vote. We would do this by Angela and I debating about present day issues such as abortion and gay marriage. We will end our debate by saying something like "It's your choice you make the vote." (Go Vote)

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

George Washington

“The First"
Today, many people, whether they are highly educated or not, know who George Washington is and why he’s affiliated with the foundation of our independent country. George Washington’s character, actions and experiences made him a well known and well liked celebrity during the 1700’s.
On February 11, 1732, in a farm in Virginia, the future president of the United States was born. He carried the name of George Washington. George’s ancestors had settled in Virginia almost a hundred years prior to his birth; this gave the family a respected place in the society. The family’s talents were diverse ranging from farming and trading to milling and the iron industry. This allowed George to become diverse in his skills and abilities. He was strong from working in the fields. In addition, even at a young age Washington had the desire for wealth and fame. He was willing to work hard to earn wealth and fame. George’s mentor was his half brother, Lawrence; they traveled to the West Indies together where George got smallpox, which had lasting effects on his face. One might assume that fighting in battles was not his first time facing dangerous obstacles. Furthermore, George’s early experience as a surveyor, gave him an appreciation of the west and of its vast beauty. He also acquired land and learned how to survive in the wilderness. Wilderness survival takes bravery and courage both of which are needed in the field of battle. In the early 1750’s, Virginia’s governor Robert Dinwiddie sent young George Washington to declare Britain’s claim on the upper half of the Ohio Valley. The French refused to give it up peacefully and George returned to Williamsburg to deliver the message. He also wrote a report telling vivid winter tales about his wilderness adventures. These stories were the start of his recognition and reputation. Later George commanded an expedition to guard the British fort at the desired forks of Ohio. About 50 miles southeast of the fort, young George Washington and his men attacked French detachments. This event in history started the French and Indian war. After attacking and killing 9 Frenchmen, George went to Fort Necessity where he surrendered to the French and returned disarmed to Virginia. After the news of his defeat spread he was released from his position and went as a voluntary aide-de-camp, to the Monongahela River where the General Edward Braddock suffered a surprise attack. This voluntary act to return to war and not quit demonstrates that he isn’t scared and is loyal. During this time of battle, George inspired the men. His bravery under the attack spread to nearby colonies and farther making him a celebrity. The Virginia governor appointed him colonel of the Virginia troops and in charge of defending the frontier. “Although George was still young and lacking experience, he learned quickly, meeting the problems of recruitment, supply, and desertions with a combination of brashness and native ability that earned him the respect of his superiors” (George Washington, 1).
“In 1758 he took an active part in Gen. John Forbes's successful campaign against Fort Duquesne. From his correspondence during these years, Washington can be seen evolving from a brash, vain, and opinionated young officer, impatient with restraints and given to writing admonitory letters to his superiors, to a mature soldier with a grasp of administration and a firm understanding of how to deal effectively with civil authority” (George Washington, 1). Once appointed colonel “Washington drilled his rough and often unsoldierly recruits, stationed them at frontier posts, settled disputes, struggled to maintain order and discipline, labored to procure supplies and to get them transported, strove to have his men paid promptly and provided with shelter and medical care, sought support from the Virginia government, and kept it informed. His command trained him in the management of self-willed men, familiarized him with the leaders of Virginia, and schooled him in the rugged politics of a vigorous society” (Encyclopedia Americana, 4). Resigning his commission in 1758, George retired to Mount Vernon with his wife, Martha Dandridge and her two children. During this time he grew tobacco. Soon he grew tired of Britain forcing him to buy certain products, selling his goods at low prices, and having his crop get damaged on shipboard. He produced less tobacco and he imported cloth, increased his production of wheat, and developed a fishery. This transition proved that he identified with the members of the colonies because he was also suffering from the harsh British rules. George promoted reforms to get rid of soil-exhausting practices. He also wanted to improve the quality of his livestock, experiment with crop-rotation and fertilizers. “In 1754, he served as an agent of the claimants in locating and surveying tracks” (Encyclopedia Americana, 4). WHAT DOES THIS LAST QUOTE MEAN? WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY INCLUDING IT?
“As a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses for 17 years he opposed the Stamp Act (imposed crushing taxes on the colonies) and the Townshend Act (required taxes on tea, paper, lead, glass, and painter’s colors). George Washington was chairman of a meeting at Alexandria in July and he was elected one of the delegates to the First Continental Congress” (Encyclopedia Americana, 4).This congress acted like a government which resisted British rule. Many of his reforms helped make him a celebrity as well as his battles and the bravery, courage, and loyalty that he demonstrated during the dangerous, exhausting battles. George spent the summer organizing troops who would fight against the British. He was a natural leader and was willing to do the “dirty work” to accomplish his goal of winning and being a great leader. In 1775, Washington appeared at the Second Congress in uniform. There he expressed his support to Massachusetts and his willingness and readiness to fight against Britain. On June 15, George Washington was unanimously elected general and commander in chief.
Washington was a religious man with very high morals and wisdom, some of which he wrote in “his rules of civility.” One of his rules which he used throughout his life was to “associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.” This rule implies that Washington was willing to stand alone. Like many other great leaders he was willing to take a stand for the rights of himself and others.
George Washington was a celebrity. His strong character and clear morals allowed him to speak against the unfair British rule. He was known for his strength, bravery, and loyalty. He went through the hardships and frustrations like others so he was able to relate to them and stand for the freedom of the colonies. Unlike celebrities today, Washington was able to relate to the people and speak for them against “a foreign power.” Celebrities today are well known like Washington but don’t have a specific interest in the individual’s cares and concerns. Washington was a general who was brave and strong in the face of danger. He supported his troops and did not give up. Today celebrities have the talent to entertain us whether it is through comedy, singing, athletics, or acting. Celebrities today have talents but they don’t need to be brave or loyal to accomplish their fame. In contrast, Washington used his qualities to accomplish his goals and help many people and colonies around him. Furthermore, celebrities also are role models for the youths. George Washington would also be a good role model because he was such a great leader; he was strong, wise, brave, reliable, and responsible. He demonstrates many of these qualities in battle. Documents have been written that state that Washington had his horse shot out from under him many time and bullets whizzing by yet he persisted with his mission.
George Washington was loved by the hearts of his fellow countrymen for his leadership and his personality. He increased in ranks and voiced his opinion on important issues from fighting to being taxed. He stands out today as a timeless man who played an important part in the foundation of our independent United States of America. What would our country be like today if it had not been for a leader willing to take a stand for what’s right?

“A great oak is just a crazy nut that stood its ground.”
“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

Bibliography:
1. http://ap.grolier.com/article?assetid=0410800-00
2. http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/gwash.html
3. Our Country’s Founders by: William J. Bennett

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

George Washington

How did George Washington play a part in the Revolution and the French and Indian War? I plan to talk about George Washingtons life; as well as his involvement in the french and indian war and the revolution. I also want to talk about his strategies and whether they were similar in the wars. I want to compare his character to mine, and provide insight as to him importance in our country.