10 Years Ago Today

September 11th, 2001 is a day that sticks out in everyone's mind.  All someone needs to say is 9/11 and everyone is this country thinks of the same thing.  10 years later it still gives me the chills, still brings me to tears, still feels like yesterday.  I'm sure you all remember where you were when you heard the news, that you could recall that day clearly while you may not even recall what you did last week.  I was 12 years old.  I was in my 2nd week of the 7th grade and had just moved up from the middle school to the high school.  I was in gym class, probably in the track & field unit.  I didn't actually find out until 2nd hour English.  If I walked into that classroom today I could still tell you which desk was mine, it was in the back by the window.  I remember not really knowing what was going on.  All I knew was that "America was being attacked."  That planes were flying into buildings.  I was honestly momentarily terrified that at any moment my middle of nowhere high school in Minnesota could be next.  It wasn't until we began watching the news in every class that I really understood what was going on and even then didn't know why.  It was then that my interest in politics spiked and made me into a politically aware 12 year old.  My interest in politics and history has continued to grow over the past 10 years.  I always wanted to be a teacher but perhaps it was those events in history that in the long run made me choose to study social studies rather than any other subject...
So on this day:

Remember those lost

Remember those left to mourn

Remember those that served

Remember those still serving



Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

To the Congress of the United States

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

Franklin Roosevelt

Fall 2010 Semester Schedule

Classes for fall semester were finally posted today. Yes I am that big of a nerd. Registration is still a month away. I like to be able to work my schedule though. Next semester is going to be tight though. I need to be able to get into all of my classes or I will have to stay a whole extra semester. I'm kind of nervous too because a lot of the classes only have one section offered and all of the classes only have between 15-30 slots. I wouldn't be so nervous except for the fact that there is no other way for my schedule to fit without dropping at least one of the classes which would mean I would have to stay here longer. Also registration starts at 8 am on April 12th & I don't get to register until 11:30 am on April 15th.

The schedule that I have set up does require me to take a night class though. I haven't taken a night class since my freshmen year. I hate them so much. I cannot stand sitting in a class for 3 hours. I go nuts. There was no way around it though. This semester I have ALL history classes. I may end up hating my life or history during this upcoming semester. This is exactly what I was told not to do. However I have so 6 left & the rest of my classes all have to be taken together. So it was either have a history filled semester or stay at school longer. I think I'll take my chances with the all history semester thanks.

So if all goes as planned my schedule will be:
(Descriptions to follow)

HIST 210 T/H 11-12:15
HIST 211 M/W/F 2-2:50
HIST 361 M 6-8:40
HIST 385 T/H 9:30-10:45
HIST 467 M/W/F 1-1:50
HIST 480 M/W/F 11-11:50

HIST 210 Western Civilization I: Antiquity to 1500
Evolution of Western civilization from the ancient Mediterranean world to the 1500s.

HIST 211 Western Civilization II: 1500-Present
Evolution of Western civilization from the Reformation to the present.

HIST 361 Latin America 1492-1825
Spanish and Portuguese colonial empires in America from their origins through the wars of independence.

HIST 385 Concepts and Theories in History for Social Studies Teachers
Practical application of discipline for middle and high school. Learn philosophy of history and branching off of the other social sciences. Translate content, theory, method, into grade-appropriate classroom materials.

HIST 467 Modern Japan
Japanese history, 1800-present, emphasizing political developments, social and economic change, culture and intellectual achievements.

HIST 480 Seminar in American History (National Security History)
Intensive reading and research in one area or topic of U.S. or Latin American history.