Slavery in the Americas

Hey everyone! Yesterday we discussed details on the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. We learned as previous forms of labor (Native Americans and indentured servants) began to decrease in the New World, Europeans began to look elsewhere for labor. They found this in the already existing slave trade in Africa.

We learned that the overwhelming majority of African slaves were kidnapped during wars within Africa and sold to the Europeans for certain goods (i.e., weapons, alcohol, etc.). We also learned that these slaves endured a harsh journey across the Atlantic Ocean (Middle Passage) in which many died due to the harsh conditions. Only about 5-6% of these Africans were transported into North America.

For homework, you are to read about the conditions of slaves in both Latin America and North America. I want you to draw a T-Chart and describe slave conditions for each. We will discuss during next class.

Also, you will have your test on Wednesday. Please begin to study. The study guide will be due on the day of the test.

Have a great weekend!

~Mr. Mazur

American Colonies

Hey everyone. This is a reminder that you will be reading pp. 561-565 for homework. Please take notes on the reading, but do not copy the textbook word for word. Please read the section and summarize in your own words.

Also, your second test is going to be held on next Wednesday. Please begin studying now. Your study guide will be handed to you during class tomorrow.

Have a great day!

~Mr. Mazur

Current Events

Hey everyone. I hope you all are having a great weekend! This is just a reminder that you have a current events assignment due on Tuesday. All you have to do is find a current event that is similar with a topic that we have discussed in class. For example, you may find a current event on a recent outbreak of swine flu (which you can make connections to the outbreak of the Black Death). The connection can be related to any topic we have discussed throughout the year.
Once you find your current event, you must write two paragraphs on the event. The first paragraph should be a summary of the news article. USE YOUR OWN WORDS TO MAKE THIS SUMMARY. The second paragraph should be how the news story connects to a topic we learned in class.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Have a great day!

~Mr. Mazur

Columbian Exchange

Hey everyone. This is a reminder that you will be having a quiz tomorrow on the Age of Exploration. This quiz will span Zheng He up to the Columbian Exchange. Please study!

Also, you are to read the article on the Columbian Exchange. If you choose to, you can complete the extra credit assignment that is attached to the article. This extra credit assignment will be due next Tuesday.

Have a great day everyone!

~Mr. Mazur

Portuguese Explorers

Hey everyone. Yesterday we discussed the various motivations of European explorers, the new technology that explorers used aboard their Portuguese caravels, and the living conditions on the boats.

For homework, you are a Portuguese sailor who is writing home to your family. You must describe to them why you are going, new tools that you are using, and your conditions on the boat. Please do not restate information from class. Give these people personality and describe how you believe a Portuguese sailor may have felt on a voyage.

Email me with any questions. Have a great night!

~Mr. Mazur

Zheng He and Columbus Day

Hey everyone! I wish everyone a great weekend and a Happy Columbus Day! Yesterday we discussed the significance of the Ming Dynasty and Zheng He's expeditions. We also discussed the possibility of the Chinese arriving in the Americas before the expeditions of Christopher Columbus.

For homework, you are to read the news article of the Singapore exhibit feauturing treasures from Zheng He's expeditions. Once you read it, please write a paragraph arguing whether Americans should celebrate Columbus Day. Use evidence to bolster your argument. If you believe we should celebrate the holiday, please write your paragraph disproving the evidence given in the article. If you do not believe we should celebrate the holiday, use evidence from the article to prove your point. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Have a great weekend!

~Mr. Mazur