During the unit, students will need to read a total of FIVE Common Lit articles.
Students need to complete all of the Discussion Questions once they finish the article and should type up their answers in a Google/Word Doc.
Students need to be sure that they indicate which article they read by typing the name of the article above their set of answers.
Once all 5 Common Lit articles have been typed up in the same Google/Word Doc, students need to send them to Dr. Hartnell's school e-mail (hartnelb@wcsoh.org).
Students earn 50 points for successfully (and correctly) completing these Common Lit articles.
Students need to complete all of the Discussion Questions once they finish the article and should type up their answers in a Google/Word Doc.
Students need to be sure that they indicate which article they read by typing the name of the article above their set of answers.
Once all 5 Common Lit articles have been typed up in the same Google/Word Doc, students need to send them to Dr. Hartnell's school e-mail (hartnelb@wcsoh.org).
Students earn 50 points for successfully (and correctly) completing these Common Lit articles.
The Road to American Independence
It was a long road to the American Revolution, one filled with obstacles and ending in unexpected victory. This article recounts this journey, starting from the beginning of English colonization in North America and ending with the final battle of the American Revolution.
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It was a long road to the American Revolution, one filled with obstacles and ending in unexpected victory. This article recounts this journey, starting from the beginning of English colonization in North America and ending with the final battle of the American Revolution.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
Leviathan & The Social Contract
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was an English political philosopher. His 1651 book, Leviathan, established the theory of the "Social Contract", which establishes the idea that man benefits from a common rule of law.
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Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was an English political philosopher. His 1651 book, Leviathan, established the theory of the "Social Contract", which establishes the idea that man benefits from a common rule of law.
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Political Society
John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher. His writings influenced American revolutionaries and his ideas are reflected in the United States Declaration of Independence.
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John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher. His writings influenced American revolutionaries and his ideas are reflected in the United States Declaration of Independence.
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Spirit of Laws
Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu (1689-1755) was a French lawyer and political philosopher during the Age of Enlightenment. His writing has influenced constitutions around the world with his emphasis on the need for separation of powers in government. In these excerpts from his political work Spirit of Laws, Montesquieu discusses slavery and equality. His country, France, would abolish slavery in all its territory and colonies in 1794.
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Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu (1689-1755) was a French lawyer and political philosopher during the Age of Enlightenment. His writing has influenced constitutions around the world with his emphasis on the need for separation of powers in government. In these excerpts from his political work Spirit of Laws, Montesquieu discusses slavery and equality. His country, France, would abolish slavery in all its territory and colonies in 1794.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Signers of the Declaration
Before the beginning of the American Revolution in 1776, the 13 colonies had been dissatisfied with Britain's treatment of them for a significant period of time. This article discusses the events that led up to the Revolution and the eventual signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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Before the beginning of the American Revolution in 1776, the 13 colonies had been dissatisfied with Britain's treatment of them for a significant period of time. This article discusses the events that led up to the Revolution and the eventual signing of the Declaration of Independence.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Declaration of Independence
After a series of laws meant to punish the American colonists (including the taxation of paper products and forcing colonists to host British soldiers in their homes) representatives from the 13 colonies came together to declare independence from Britain. The following is the document they wrote and signed on July 4, 1776. (Please be aware that this article contains some outdated and offensive language that was often considered acceptable at the time the text was published.)
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After a series of laws meant to punish the American colonists (including the taxation of paper products and forcing colonists to host British soldiers in their homes) representatives from the 13 colonies came together to declare independence from Britain. The following is the document they wrote and signed on July 4, 1776. (Please be aware that this article contains some outdated and offensive language that was often considered acceptable at the time the text was published.)
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
A Brit's View of American Independence
This article discusses the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, a historical document written by America's Founding Fathers in 1776 that declared America's freedom from Britain. The article is written from the perspective of a fictional Brit.
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This article discusses the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, a historical document written by America's Founding Fathers in 1776 that declared America's freedom from Britain. The article is written from the perspective of a fictional Brit.
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The Founding of American Democracy
The American colonies rose up in 1775 against Britain with the goal of becoming an independent state. They sent the King of England their Declaration of Independence a little more than a year after the start of the Revolutionary War. After nearly eight years of war, the British finally ended their offensive military operations in America in 1783, at which point Americans became free to set up their own government. The Constitution replaced the much weaker Articles of Confederation as the guide for American governance.
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The American colonies rose up in 1775 against Britain with the goal of becoming an independent state. They sent the King of England their Declaration of Independence a little more than a year after the start of the Revolutionary War. After nearly eight years of war, the British finally ended their offensive military operations in America in 1783, at which point Americans became free to set up their own government. The Constitution replaced the much weaker Articles of Confederation as the guide for American governance.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
Why Americans Are So Restless
Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) was a French diplomat, political scientist, and historian. Tocqueville is best known for Democracy in America, which was published in two volumes in 1835 and 1840. In the following excerpt from the book, Tocqueville discusses the effectiveness of America's democracy.
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Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) was a French diplomat, political scientist, and historian. Tocqueville is best known for Democracy in America, which was published in two volumes in 1835 and 1840. In the following excerpt from the book, Tocqueville discusses the effectiveness of America's democracy.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were written by the Second Continental Congress as the first document outlining the U.S. Government following the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Articles were written in 1777, during the Revolution, and were ratified by all 13 states in 1781. While the Articles helped organize the U.S. long enough to win its independence, their weaknesses led to revision, and they were eventually replaced by the Constitution in 1788.
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The Articles of Confederation were written by the Second Continental Congress as the first document outlining the U.S. Government following the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Articles were written in 1777, during the Revolution, and were ratified by all 13 states in 1781. While the Articles helped organize the U.S. long enough to win its independence, their weaknesses led to revision, and they were eventually replaced by the Constitution in 1788.
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Shays' Rebellion
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was the 3rd U.S. President and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. In this 1787 letter, Jefferson writes to a friend about Shays' Rebellion, an armed uprising that took place in Massachusetts because of rebels' increasing dissatisfaction with state and federal government. The rebellion was organized by Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays, who led 4,000 people against perceived economic and civil liberties and injustices. Although Shays' Rebellion was defeated, it prompted numerous national leaders to call for a stronger national government to suppress future rebellions.
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Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was the 3rd U.S. President and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. In this 1787 letter, Jefferson writes to a friend about Shays' Rebellion, an armed uprising that took place in Massachusetts because of rebels' increasing dissatisfaction with state and federal government. The rebellion was organized by Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays, who led 4,000 people against perceived economic and civil liberties and injustices. Although Shays' Rebellion was defeated, it prompted numerous national leaders to call for a stronger national government to suppress future rebellions.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the name given to the first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. James Madison introduced the original bill that proposed the Amendments in 1789, and the Bill of Rights (as it came to be known) was ratified on December 15, 1791.
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The Bill of Rights is the name given to the first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. James Madison introduced the original bill that proposed the Amendments in 1789, and the Bill of Rights (as it came to be known) was ratified on December 15, 1791.
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Freedom of Religion
Thomas Jefferson drafted this bill in 1779, during the Revolution, and James Madison saw to it that the Virginia legislature passed it in 1786. The statute disestablished the Church of England in Virginia and guaranteed freedom of religion to people of all religious faiths, including Catholics, Jews, and members of all Protestant denominations. The statute was a notable precursor of the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
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Thomas Jefferson drafted this bill in 1779, during the Revolution, and James Madison saw to it that the Virginia legislature passed it in 1786. The statute disestablished the Church of England in Virginia and guaranteed freedom of religion to people of all religious faiths, including Catholics, Jews, and members of all Protestant denominations. The statute was a notable precursor of the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
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Washington's Farewell Address
George Washington (1732-1799) was the 1st U.S. President, widely admired for his leadership, especially as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The following is a letter written by Washington (with the assistance of Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton) to the American people, announcing his intent to decline a third term in office. It was never delivered orally, but printed in the papers.
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George Washington (1732-1799) was the 1st U.S. President, widely admired for his leadership, especially as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The following is a letter written by Washington (with the assistance of Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton) to the American people, announcing his intent to decline a third term in office. It was never delivered orally, but printed in the papers.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Reign of Terror
The French Revolution was a time of drastic social and political change in France that lasted from 1789-1799. During the Revolution, a period known as the Reign of Terror took place from 1793-1794. This article discusses what contributed to the Reign of Terror and how it impacted France.
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The French Revolution was a time of drastic social and political change in France that lasted from 1789-1799. During the Revolution, a period known as the Reign of Terror took place from 1793-1794. This article discusses what contributed to the Reign of Terror and how it impacted France.
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Napoleon Bonaparte
In the turmoil following the French Revolution, a low-ranking noble and military general rose to power, eventually becoming a major figure in early modern European history. This article discusses the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French dictator and emperor.
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In the turmoil following the French Revolution, a low-ranking noble and military general rose to power, eventually becoming a major figure in early modern European history. This article discusses the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French dictator and emperor.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
How Haiti Saved the United States
In the late 18th Century, Toussaint L’Ouverture (1743-1803) led a slave uprising, also known as the Haitian Revolution, that liberated the former French colony and created the Republic of Haiti.
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In the late 18th Century, Toussaint L’Ouverture (1743-1803) led a slave uprising, also known as the Haitian Revolution, that liberated the former French colony and created the Republic of Haiti.
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Our America
José Martí (1853-1895) was a poet, essayist, journalist, and political theorist who wrote about the newly independent nations that arose as a result of the Latin American Wars of Independence in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is considered a Cuban national hero and an important figure in Latin American literature. In this excerpt from Martí's essay "Our America", he discusses the evolution of leadership in Latin American countries and his hopes for the future. Written originally in Spanish, the essay uses the word "America" to refer to all of the Latin American nations.
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José Martí (1853-1895) was a poet, essayist, journalist, and political theorist who wrote about the newly independent nations that arose as a result of the Latin American Wars of Independence in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is considered a Cuban national hero and an important figure in Latin American literature. In this excerpt from Martí's essay "Our America", he discusses the evolution of leadership in Latin American countries and his hopes for the future. Written originally in Spanish, the essay uses the word "America" to refer to all of the Latin American nations.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The History of Labor Unions
In the past, when workers were mistreated by their employers, there was nothing they could do about it. Labor unions were the workers’ solution to this problem. This article sets the scene for the dawn of labor unions, explores the history of workers’ rights, and explains the strategies they still use today.
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In the past, when workers were mistreated by their employers, there was nothing they could do about it. Labor unions were the workers’ solution to this problem. This article sets the scene for the dawn of labor unions, explores the history of workers’ rights, and explains the strategies they still use today.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Life of a U.S. Industrial Worker
This text asks students to imagine what it would be like to live as a worker, specifically as a child worker, in the U.S. Industrial Revolution—a time of great technological progress though often at the cost of workers’ rights.
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This text asks students to imagine what it would be like to live as a worker, specifically as a child worker, in the U.S. Industrial Revolution—a time of great technological progress though often at the cost of workers’ rights.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
Shoe Factory Horror
The Industrial Revolution marked America's transition from producing products by hand to using machines. This transition occurred between 1760-1840; however, it wasn't until much later that safety precautions were taken to protect workers. While the Industrial Revolution increased production, it was often at the expense of workers' safety. The R. B. Grover & Cc. shoe factory explosion was one of many disasters in which workers suffered due to exposure to unsafe working conditions. This article from The Taney County Republican reports on the tragic explosion at the Grover shoe factory.
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The Industrial Revolution marked America's transition from producing products by hand to using machines. This transition occurred between 1760-1840; however, it wasn't until much later that safety precautions were taken to protect workers. While the Industrial Revolution increased production, it was often at the expense of workers' safety. The R. B. Grover & Cc. shoe factory explosion was one of many disasters in which workers suffered due to exposure to unsafe working conditions. This article from The Taney County Republican reports on the tragic explosion at the Grover shoe factory.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of March 25, 1911, was the deadliest industrial disaster in U.S. History. The fatal event resulted in numerous factory workers’ deaths and stunned the public. This article discusses the mistakes that led to this deadly disaster, as well as the drive for safer working conditions that followed.
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The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of March 25, 1911, was the deadliest industrial disaster in U.S. History. The fatal event resulted in numerous factory workers’ deaths and stunned the public. This article discusses the mistakes that led to this deadly disaster, as well as the drive for safer working conditions that followed.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Coeur d'Alene Miners Uprising
In 1892, unionized miners in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho went on strike because companies were cutting their salaries and increasing their hours. The companies recruited new workers by advertising in other states without mentioning the strike. They also hired guards to protect the replacement workers and labor spies to infiltrate the miners’ union. When strikers discovered the spies, violence broke out between guards and union workers, with many replacement workers attacked. Three union men and two company men were killed, with 17 more union men injured. The governor declared martial law and called in the Idaho National Guard to suppress the violence and arrest over 600 union men. The strike inspired workers to establish the Western Federation of Miners union, which aimed to outlaw labor spies.
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In 1892, unionized miners in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho went on strike because companies were cutting their salaries and increasing their hours. The companies recruited new workers by advertising in other states without mentioning the strike. They also hired guards to protect the replacement workers and labor spies to infiltrate the miners’ union. When strikers discovered the spies, violence broke out between guards and union workers, with many replacement workers attacked. Three union men and two company men were killed, with 17 more union men injured. The governor declared martial law and called in the Idaho National Guard to suppress the violence and arrest over 600 union men. The strike inspired workers to establish the Western Federation of Miners union, which aimed to outlaw labor spies.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Jungle
Upton Sinclair (1878-1968) was a famous 20 Century poet who often experimented with different genres. The Jungle, published in 1906, exposed the harsh conditions of the meatpacking industry in Chicago and other similar industrial cities. Public pressure during the aftermath of the book’s publication led to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act, which helps ensure that meat is packaged under sanitary conditions.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
Upton Sinclair (1878-1968) was a famous 20 Century poet who often experimented with different genres. The Jungle, published in 1906, exposed the harsh conditions of the meatpacking industry in Chicago and other similar industrial cities. Public pressure during the aftermath of the book’s publication led to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act, which helps ensure that meat is packaged under sanitary conditions.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
Fear of Change
Henry Ford (1863-1947) is most famous for founding the Ford Motor Company and developing the assembly line, which is essential to mass production. "Fear of Change" is an excerpt from Ford’s longer work entitled Ford Ideals. In "Fear of Change", Ford examines why change is necessary and why some people respond to it negatively.
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Henry Ford (1863-1947) is most famous for founding the Ford Motor Company and developing the assembly line, which is essential to mass production. "Fear of Change" is an excerpt from Ford’s longer work entitled Ford Ideals. In "Fear of Change", Ford examines why change is necessary and why some people respond to it negatively.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Russian Revolution
In 1917, the nation of Russia erupted in a fervor of revolution. This was not the first revolution it had seen in the 20th century, nor would it be the last, but it certainly proved to be the most transforming. The Russian ruling class was overthrown and replaced with a Communist state led by revolutionary Vladimir Lenin.
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In 1917, the nation of Russia erupted in a fervor of revolution. This was not the first revolution it had seen in the 20th century, nor would it be the last, but it certainly proved to be the most transforming. The Russian ruling class was overthrown and replaced with a Communist state led by revolutionary Vladimir Lenin.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Rise and Fall of Karl Marx
This article discusses the life and contributions of Karl Marx, a German philosopher, economist, and revolutionary socialist. Marx's theories regarding society, economics, and politics became known as "Marxism", and continue to be influential today.
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This article discusses the life and contributions of Karl Marx, a German philosopher, economist, and revolutionary socialist. Marx's theories regarding society, economics, and politics became known as "Marxism", and continue to be influential today.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
Nicholas II: Russia's Last Czar
In 1894, Nicholas II took to the throne as Emperor of All Russia. Less than 25 years later, he would be deposed of power, placed under house arrest, and murdered, along with his entire family, in a basement in central Russia.
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In 1894, Nicholas II took to the throne as Emperor of All Russia. Less than 25 years later, he would be deposed of power, placed under house arrest, and murdered, along with his entire family, in a basement in central Russia.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
The Workmen's Petition to Czar Nicholas II
In this petition, priest George Gapon describes life for workmen in 1905 to Czar Nicholas II, the leader of Russia from 1894-1917. The petition was signed by 135,000 workmen and outlined some of the problems they identified with working and living under the Czar's regime. On their way to deliver the petition in a peaceful demonstration, participants were shot in a massacre that would become known as "Blood Sunday".
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
In this petition, priest George Gapon describes life for workmen in 1905 to Czar Nicholas II, the leader of Russia from 1894-1917. The petition was signed by 135,000 workmen and outlined some of the problems they identified with working and living under the Czar's regime. On their way to deliver the petition in a peaceful demonstration, participants were shot in a massacre that would become known as "Blood Sunday".
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE.
Rasputin: Mysteries of a Monk's Life & Death
After three centuries of rule, the Romanov Dynasty in Russia collapsed in 1917. Among the many stories that arose out of this turbulent time, few are as intriguing or haunting as the accounts surrounding one historical figure: Rasputin.
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After three centuries of rule, the Romanov Dynasty in Russia collapsed in 1917. Among the many stories that arose out of this turbulent time, few are as intriguing or haunting as the accounts surrounding one historical figure: Rasputin.
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