Category: Discussion Page 6 of 9

Have you written your story?

On August 2, 2012

In Digital Storytelling, Discussion, Primary Sources

For the past few days I have been thinking ahout Catherine Clinton’s guest lecture on Harriet Tubman. In the beginning of the lecture Catherine indicated that her research proved to be challenging because Harriet Tubman didn’t leave a diary. She said much was dictated but there were minimal written records. I’ve been thinking about future historians and how they will capture our 21st century historical figures. We are innundated with communication via tweets, facebook posts, blogs & websites. Will this plethora of information make research for historians easier or more difficult?

Look at how Twitter is being used to track Obama & Romney sentiment in the upcoming presidential election. Most politicians have personal websites & use social media to connect with their consituents. I’m sure we will see lower voter turnout in the next eletion that people who actually “follow” or “like” Presidential candidates on the internet.

Finally, what is your written legacy? I know very little about my grandparents & great grandparents and often wish my ancestors left written diaries for myself and my family to read and explore. Have any of you purposefully started a blog or diary to convey personal or family history to future generations? The only thing I record are small anecdotes in cookbooks. After trying a recipe- I love to share who I made the meal for and if we liked it or not. Perhaps listening to Catherine Clinton’s assessment of how there is such minimal written information for Harriet Tubman may have sparked the same refecltion in you. What is your story and how will future generations remember you?

Loud and clear: checking your audio setup on WebEx

By Lance Warren

On August 2, 2012

In Discussion

If you have encountered trouble in using your microphone over the last two days, or you’re concerned about attempting to use it for fear that others have run into problems, here are a few simple checks you can complete that will ensure we can hear you.

When you enter the webcast, a box will appear asking you whether you want to join an “Integrated VoIP conference.” We discussed this earlier, and you have been correctly clicking “yes” to enable the audio through this prompt. But the next steps are just as important.

The audio setup wizard opens automatically after you enable the audio. The first box looks like this:

Click next. Then, you will see a prompt asking you to check your speakers. Make sure they’re turned on, and then click the test or play button to ensure the audio is clear. This way, you will know you can hear Matt and the other presenters before we’ve said a word. Note that you can use the horizontal slider in this box to raise the audio level, if necessary.

Once your speakers are ready, click next. Then — and this is the most important step in making sure you can speak to us — take a look at the options in the microphone test box:

Note that you can select the “input device” — or, your microphone, whether it’s an internal mic, as in many laptops, or an external device you have plugged into your microphone jack or USB port. As with the speakers, you can also raise the microphone volume. It’s a good idea to raise the microphone volume to the very top, as I have above for our presentations. Once this is set, click next.

And when the final prompt appears, click Finish to save your settings.

To speak a question or comment during the session, remember that you have a few options for letting me know you would like to take the floor. You could simply text me a note through the chat box, or click the raise hand or “ask for mic” buttons, which will cause an alert to pop-up on my screen. Those buttons are located at the bottom of the participant box, on the right side of the screen:

And that’s it! If you have a microphone connected or built-into your computer, then there’s nothing holding you back from joining the conversation.

Just email me with any questions: warren@gilderlehrman.org.

1,600 words = 1 image

By davemcintire

On August 2, 2012

In Discussion, Word Clouds

Ignore me, I’m playing.

I have given kids Wordle versions of their research papers before and so wanted to see what Tagzedo could do:

The first is a paper by a young lady who suggested that total war was as much a moral wrong as slavery itself. I tell them if they see “I would have read this one for free” on their paper, I really liked it. She got her paper back and that was the only comment she looked for. It was there. Probably one of the best I’ve read in seven years.

I love that ‘slave war’ ran through the south and ‘destruction land’ across the north. Completely random.

The second paper did not have that commendation on his paper but I loved the ambition of his thesis. The South lost Gettysburg due to arrogance, disregard of orders and poor execution. I’d rather them be ambitious and come up short (I love helping them get the rest of the way) rather than striving for the mediocre.

I love that Longstreet connects the fuse on this one. Its like the guy who designed Longstreet’s statue at Gettysburg now works at Tagzedo.

War as an Instrument of Policy

By nathanramin

On August 1, 2012

In Discussion, Primary Sources, Secondary Sources

McPherson’s talk on Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief is fascinating. I hear frequently about presidents learning and improving on the job, most notably Barack Obama’s apparently increased confidence/competence in regards to foreign policy. This Washington Post editorial is just one of many articles on the topic: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/in-foreign-policy-obama-learns-on-the-job/2012/05/10/gIQAHSJ4FU_story.html

Although it is perhaps difficult to measure Pres. Obama’s successes or failures in real time, we have the luxury to look back and reflect on Lincoln’s actions. What we can see is a president who evolves with experience, but nevertheless, as McPherson notes, maintains three specific goals throughout the war:

1. refusing to compromise on his policy of preserving the union, despite his generals’ fixation on the CSA as a foreign country
2. mobilizing northern resources efficiently and destroying enemy resources
3. putting into place a team of military commanders who actually did destroy enemy armies

Lincoln was not successful early on, but ultimately was able to get his generals to do what he needed them to do. Whereas others shied away from the idea of war, he saw it as a necessary political tool. Lincoln believed in the Union, and was ready to do whatever it took to preserve it.

McPherson ends with a great essential question: Was Lincoln the only person who could have effectively restored the Union? I’m not sure how this research project would work, but perhaps students could examine the qualities and beliefs of contemporary figures — Douglas and McClellan stand out — and locate primary sources relevant to their potential policy positions. Would Stephen Douglas have preserved the Union? Would McClellan?

Wordle and Local History

By kieranrobert

On August 1, 2012

In Discussion, Word Clouds

This is my first exploration with Wordle. I uploaded Lincoln’s House Divided Speech, ca. 1857-1858. This tool could be very effective and details Lincoln’s main points of the speech. However, I am having difficulty increasing the size of the text. I was unable to directly embed the code from Wordle. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Wordle could be a valuable tool for my AP US History students. They could upload a primary source document from a DBQ, which would help them choose the salient outside information to include in their essay.

In addition, I have found that university campuses offer a wide breadth of local history. For my AP Human Geography course, I took my students to the University of Pennsylvania campus for a historical architecture tour that I developed. In addition, to discussing the buildings, a large number of historical figures were discussed as well. I can invision similar historical tours at universities around the country.

Civil War Jim

By goggs19

On August 1, 2012

In Digital Storytelling, Discussion, Primary Sources

I’ve kept a folder on my computer for years entitled “family archives” where I’ve collected scanned news articles, obituaries, photos and census data. It’s the modern version of an old binder my father keeps of yellowed newspaper articles and handwritten notes. Back in April 2012 I think I spent a whole two days on the computer after the 1940 census data came out searching, locating, and saving every document with a family member’s name. What I haven’t done enough of is put these documents together or asked myself what kind of story they really tell. Inspired by the stories of Civil War soldiers and their families, I’ve mined several resources (family stories, the “family archives” file, local history archives through the Pittsfield Library, etc.) to tell you this personal story.

James Goggin’s (or Goggins) parents came to the United States from Macroom, County Cork, Ireland in the early 1830s. Eventually his family settled in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. It was there that he was born, raised, and eventually married Ellen Denny, probably sometime in his early 20s.

In April 1861 the Civil War began with the firing on Fort Sumter. That same month the Allen Guard organized volunteers from the hill towns of Western Massachusetts and marched to Springfield, MA to report for service.[1] James Goggins, age 24, was among them.

James Goggins would go on to serve two 90 day tours in the Union Army. He must have come to some injury during his first tour, since he terminated his service nearly two weeks before expiration. The cause, “disability”. What the disability was, I do not know. However, it must not have been serious since he apparently did return to the war again for a second tour of duty.

Gravestone of James “Civil War Jim” Goggins in St. Joseph Cemetary, Pittsfield, MA (Courtesy of Massachusetts Gravestone Photo Project)

James Goggins never saw battle. He never made it south of Maryland. The Allen Guard and 8th Massachusetts Regiment’s purpose in Baltimore was to protect railroad and communication lines. As a slave state, Maryland’s loyalty to the Union was questionable, particularly in those early days. Later, the 8th Regiment was sent to Annapolis and James Goggins, along with the other members of Company K, guarded the USS Constitution from “rebel mischief” [3] Family legend is that toward the end of his service he reportedly returned to Massachusetts via “Old Ironsides” when it returned to New England.

James Goggins survived the Civil War. He survived his brief “disability”. He survived the dangers of Maryland, Baltimore and Annapolis. But he did not survive to see the 1870s. He died in 1865 of lock jaw, or tetanus, in Pittsfield,MA. According to the 1870 US Census, he left behind not only his widow, Ellen Denny, but also two children: Ellen or “Nellie” (6) and James T. (4), likely born after his father’s death.

1870 US Census, Pittsfield, MA

Nellie, who never married, would live to the age of 96. She was buried with her parents in 1960 (see gravestone above) James T. married and had four children of his own. Both siblings remained in Pittsfield. They must have remained close. After their mother died in 1910, Nellie lived with her brother’s family for many years (according to the 1920 and 1940 Census Records, see below).

1920 United States Census; showing members of James T. Goggins’ household

1940 United States Census data

“Civil War Jim” was my great-great-great grandfather. Most of what I knew about him before today came from stories my father told me. I knew where he was born, that he had served in the Allen Guard, rode on the Constitution, and died of lock jaw. I knew he had a son James. I wouldn’t be here if he didn’t. But before today I never knew he had a daughter, or what his wife’s name was. When I came across this image of his gravestone I was very excited, but almost immediately questioned it. My own grandparents are buried in St. Joseph Cemetery, but I’ve never seen this particular one. I knew what “Civil War Jim” died of, but I’d always imagined that he’s lived longer than 27 years.

The image I had of “Civil War Jim” in my mind was always based on a cross between what I thought a perfect Civil War soldier should be and a younger version of my grandfather (another James Goggins).

Now I feel I can put together a more intimate and realistic picture of who James Goggins was. He was 23 when he went away to war – my younger brother’s age. He left at home his young wife but no children. He must have been eager to fight since he joined immediately. Service in Maryland may have been very boring, guarding railroads and ships. I’m sure Ellen was relieved that he was away from the fighting. Was his ride on the Constitution the only time he’d been “at sea”? He barely ever knew his children. He might not have even known he would have a son when he died. Ellen was lucky enough to see her husband come home from the war but at age 24 (the age I am now) she was a widow with two young children. How different was her pain and loneliness compared to women like Anne Colwell?

[1] George Warren Nason, History and Complete Roster of the Massachusetts Regiments; Minute Men of ’61 [Boston, 1910]

[2] Record of the Massachusetts Volunteers 1861-1865. Volume 1. [Adjunct General, Boston: 1868]

[3] Christopher Marcisz, “When the Civil War Began in the Berkshires”. April 11, 2011. Times Union. [http://blog.timesunion.com/berkshires/when-the-civil-war-began-for-the-berkshires/1247/]

Sullivan Ballou Letter

By Beth

On August 1, 2012

In Discussion, Primary Sources, Word Clouds

I truly love this haunting letter written by Sullivan Ballou to his wife just one week before he was killed at the First Battle of Bull Run. So interesting and beautiful to see how it is represented in a word cloud.

THE LETTERJuly the 14th, 1861

Washington D.C.

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure—and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the brightest day and in the darkest night—amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours—always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father’s love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God’s blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861.

Born March 28, 1829 in Smithfield, R.I., Ballou was educated at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass.; Brown University in Providence, R.I. and the National Law School in Ballston, N.Y. He was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar in 1853.

Ballou devoted his brief life to public service. He was elected in 1854 as clerk of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, later serving as its speaker.
He married Sarah Hart Shumway on October 15, 1855, and the following year saw the birth of their first child, Edgar. A second son, William, was born in 1859.
Ballou immediately entered the military in 1861 after the war broke out. He became judge advocate of the Rhode Island militia and was 32 at the time of his death at the first Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861.

When he died, his wife was 24. She later moved to New Jersey to live out her life with her son, William, and never re-married. She died at age 80 in 1917.
Sullivan and Sarah Ballou are buried next to each other at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, RI. There are no known living descendants.

Ironically, Sullivan Ballou’s letter was never mailed. Although Sarah would receive other, decidedly more upbeat letters, dated after the now-famous letter from the battlefield, the letter in question would be found among Sullivan Ballou’s effects when Gov. William Sprague of Rhode Island traveled to Virginia to retrieve the remains of his state’s sons who had fallen in battle. – information taken from pbs.org

Signification in Education

By loilaing

On August 1, 2012

In Discussion, Word Clouds

Last year I discovered Wordle and it is such a fun, educational tool. Today was my first experience with Tagxedo, and like Samantha, I love that I can create word clouds in different shapes. Danny Nicholson, a teacher in the UK has posted about about different word cloud makers teachers can use and creative uses for Wordle. Another UK teacher has also posted 52 ways to use Wordle in with your students. The word clouds can be utilized to spark in-class discussions on why certain words are highlighted, and the ideas they represent. Students could write essays and create a word cloud based on the class submissions to discuss the common themes that appear in their writing.

Jacob Harris, a New York Times senior software architect asserted in a scathing piece that he believed word clouds were harmful for data journalism because “visualization is reporting”. For Harris, the danger lies in the simplification of signifiers and the reading of word clouds like “tea leaves at the bottom of a cup”. If anything, his insight enabled me to apply a more mindful approach to utilizing word clouds with my students. For teachers, the clouds are not the lesson, but serve as a springboard for deeper analysis of the complex topics that exist in history.

The image above represents our course discussion so far. The words that jumped off the screen for me were “students” and “history”, which are of prime importance to who we are as teachers. No matter what Harris says, I happen to really dig word clouds. It is awesome to have a visual representation of the ideas that are important to us as teachers and learners.

Just for the heck of it, check out the word cloud for the Jacob Harris piece titled Word Clouds Considered Harmful. I’m sure he would beg to differ, but pretty neat, huh?

For Cause and…

By jmklax

On August 1, 2012

In Discussion, Primary Sources, Secondary Sources

While reading For Cause and Comrades , the issue of social class and education was raised to which McPherson states the correlation ” should not be discounted”. Implied is that those with a better education and higher social status tended to be better fighters and not skulkers. And yet, after the initial flag waving excitement of the initial call -up for war passed, the armies of both sides were left to fill their ranks by conscription and/or the use substitutes (McPherson does note that the middle class Irish and Scotch/Irish brigades of the famed Irish Brigade and Louisiana Tigers should give one pause). In the struggle to understand the necessity and the accompanying brutality of war it is fascinating to consider that correlation. Moreover, it seems to call into question F. Douglass’ comment read in this morning’s discussion about the benefit of enlisting former slaves in the cause- many of whom were not educated, nor possessing tangible social status on either side.
Was Douglass wrong?
Is McPherson wrong in suggesting that the correlation existed?
Rich man’s war – poor man’s fight –
To this traditional are we asked to add… smart man’s victory?

They were people too.

By bobbie

On August 1, 2012

In Discussion, Memory

My students sometimes complain that they are tired of learning about “dead people.” As a history teacher it is vital for me to help my students see the relevance. They have a misconception that history is dead along with its people. I want to teach them that “Dead people were people too.” They had emotions, cared for their families, and had opinions. And it was these people that made decisions and shaped ideas. It can be hard to teach this concept among the big ideas of war and conflicts, large social and political movements, and causes and effects in history.

As we have studied the Civil War, I have found nothing more convicting to me than my lack of focusing on the “people” of history. As we studied the images this morning, the personalities of the soldiers reminded me of the emotions that can get lost in the teaching of history. The men were not just part of the large troops or the cause of the war, they were the people that made the war worth fighting. If I use such exercises in my classroom, I can create empathy in my classroom which will intrigue my students.

From now on, I want to add a “person” component to each concept I teach. After all, “dead people were people too.”