The White City

In 1893, the world (or at least 26 million of its people) visited the Columbian Exposition in Chicago to celebrate the 400 year anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America.  It was the birthplace of the Ferris wheel, Cracker Jack, Frederick Jackson Turner's Frontier Thesis (!), Juicy Fruit gum, the hamburger (to America, at least), and many other major cultural artifact of the United States.

What astounded people was not so much the introduction of so many new things but the architecture--massive white buildings (painted white because they ran out of time) provided images that would stay with visitors for the rest of their lives.

For this blog, visit the website below and select images of your five favorite buildings.  Give a brief (1-2 sentences) description of why you like it.

The White City - Chicago's World Columbian Exposition (Use the "Dream City" link on the left side of the page)

This will be due on Friday! It's your last blog of the quarter!  It's worth 20 points!

If you would like the extra credit this time, you must post links to the websites of the only two buildings left standing from the fair.

Immigrants! Creativity!

This picture features immigrants waiting to be checked in at Ellis Island in New York City, the main entry point for millions of immigrants to the United States.

Study the photograph--the people, their faces, their clothing, everything.  Then, think of what the photograph does not tell you--their fears, their finances, their language, and so on.

Then it's time to get creative.

Select one of the figures in the photograph and write a narrative in which you describe their thoughts as they wait to be checked in at Ellis Island.  

Consider: they have recently left their homeland for a very bright but very unpredictable future.  Everything they own is in the luggage that you see.  They could be sent back immediately if there is any suspicion of disease.  Above all else, after they are checked in, if they are allowed in, they might not have any idea what their next move is.

Your narrative should run for a few paragraphs.  Aim to tell their story--who they are, where they are from, why they left, what they hope to accomplish, etc.

20 POINTS!  DUE FRIDAY!  EXTRA CREDIT IF IN BY TUESDAY!

Ellis Island National Monument 

Did your ancestors arrive at Ellis Island?  Find out. 

Titans of Industry

Our textbook will do its fair share of bashing the early titans of American industry.  Yet despite their vast wealth, some of them still managed to have hearts.  Examine the links below that look at the philanthropic efforts of John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie.

John D. Rockefeller

Andrew Carnegie

Give a brief summary of the giving of each man.  What types of organizations did they donate to?  Which of their philanthropic endeavors seems the most worthwhile to you?

This blog is worth 10 points.

The Rise of Industry

In the late 19th century, industry began to flourish in the United States.  Examine the two cartoons below:

Now choose one of the pictures to write about.  In a well-written paragraph (or more), explain what opinion you believe the cartoon is expressing.  Be sure to read all of the text you can and examine the picture using strategies we have discussed to get a clear point of view.

DUE BY THE TIME YOU ARRIVE IN CLASS ON FRIDAY.  EXTRA CREDIT TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR ENTRY BY WEDNESDAY!