Secondary – June 3

“I worked night and day for twelve years to prevent the war, but I could not. The North was mad and blind, would not let us govern ourselves, and so the war came.” -Confederate States of America President Jefferson Davis, who was born on this date in 1808. Explain your beliefs about the concept of a justifiable war.

Primary – June 3

On this date in 1888, the poem “Casey at the Bat” was published in the San Francisco Examiner. [youtube width=”250″ height=”202″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xWtysMlrcA[/youtube] Write a story describing how you felt when you let down someone who expected you to do something you couldn’t do.

Secondary – June 2

On this date in 1924, Congress granted full U.S. citizenship to American Indians. Describe a motivation politicians might have used to oppose this change.

Primary – June 2

On this date in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in London. Describe what you think are the differences between a royal leader like a queen or king and an elected leader like the president.

Secondary – June 1

On this date in 1980, a new, all-news cable TV channel called the Cable News Network began broadcasting. Describe how you get most of your news today, and whether you think that process is a good one or could be improved.

Primary – June 1

On this date in 1990, the South African government proposed a bill to eliminate apartheid, the law that prevented black and white citizens from using the same public services like buses and swimming pools. How would you explain to a visitor from another planet why this law was a bad idea?

Secondary – May 31

On this date in 1977, the BBC banned the playing of the Sex Pistols song God Save the Queen. Explain your opinion about whether banning a creative work is ever justifiable.

Primary – May 31

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine — and shadows will fall behind you.” -Walt Whitman, who was born on this date in 1819. Explain what you think is false or true about this statement other than its physical accuracy.