The McCollum Memo:
Claim: Authur H. McCollum wrote a detailed 8 step plan to provoke Japan into attacking the United States.
"The McCollum memo contained an eight-part plan to prevent rising Japanese power over East Asia:
A. Make an arrangement with Britain for the use of British bases in the Pacific, particularly Singapore
B. Make an arrangement with Holland for the use of base facilities and acquisition of supplies in the Dutch East Indies
C. Give all possible aid to the Chinese government of Chiang-Kai-Shek
D. Send a division of long range heavy cruisers to the Orient, Philippines, or Singapore
E. Send two divisions of submarines to the Orient
F. Keep the main strength of the U.S. fleet now in the Pacific[,] in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands
G. Insist that the Dutch refuse to grant Japanese demands for undue economic concessions, particularly oil
H. Completely embargo all U.S. trade with Japan, in collaboration with a similar embargo imposed by the British Empire"
Reasoning: President Roosevelt, over the year of 1941, followed through with all 8 of the actions included in the McCollum memo. After the eighth step was concluded, Japan attacked. The public was told that the attack was unexpected, and America entered World War Two.
Claim: Authur H. McCollum wrote a detailed 8 step plan to provoke Japan into attacking the United States.
"The McCollum memo contained an eight-part plan to prevent rising Japanese power over East Asia:
A. Make an arrangement with Britain for the use of British bases in the Pacific, particularly Singapore
B. Make an arrangement with Holland for the use of base facilities and acquisition of supplies in the Dutch East Indies
C. Give all possible aid to the Chinese government of Chiang-Kai-Shek
D. Send a division of long range heavy cruisers to the Orient, Philippines, or Singapore
E. Send two divisions of submarines to the Orient
F. Keep the main strength of the U.S. fleet now in the Pacific[,] in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands
G. Insist that the Dutch refuse to grant Japanese demands for undue economic concessions, particularly oil
H. Completely embargo all U.S. trade with Japan, in collaboration with a similar embargo imposed by the British Empire"
Reasoning: President Roosevelt, over the year of 1941, followed through with all 8 of the actions included in the McCollum memo. After the eighth step was concluded, Japan attacked. The public was told that the attack was unexpected, and America entered World War Two.
4.1.14 Reflection:
Today in class, we discussed the United States' Involvement in World War II. The U.S allowed nations in war to purchase U.S arms and loaned supplies to any country whose defense was beneficial to the U.S. The U.S established the Tripartite Pact to keep the neutral in the war, however after sending more than 500,000 rifles and 80,000 machine guns, Winston Churchill saw this as "a decidely unneutral act." We also discussed the significance of the McCollum memo. We checked all events listed in the plan that may have taken place. I learned that the United States passed the Lend Lease Act, which provided U.S. military aid to foreign nations during World War II.
Today in class, we discussed the United States' Involvement in World War II. The U.S allowed nations in war to purchase U.S arms and loaned supplies to any country whose defense was beneficial to the U.S. The U.S established the Tripartite Pact to keep the neutral in the war, however after sending more than 500,000 rifles and 80,000 machine guns, Winston Churchill saw this as "a decidely unneutral act." We also discussed the significance of the McCollum memo. We checked all events listed in the plan that may have taken place. I learned that the United States passed the Lend Lease Act, which provided U.S. military aid to foreign nations during World War II.
4.2.14 Reflection:
Today in class, we discussed the aftermath of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty of Versailles: Article 231 made Germany accept all responsibility in causing the war. Article 232 forced them to pay reparations. We also analyzed documents discussing Germany's thoughts and plans for their country's future. Something I learned today was that after WWI, the Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Czechslovokia, and Romania occupied territory that had been part of Russia in 1914.
Today in class, we discussed the aftermath of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty of Versailles: Article 231 made Germany accept all responsibility in causing the war. Article 232 forced them to pay reparations. We also analyzed documents discussing Germany's thoughts and plans for their country's future. Something I learned today was that after WWI, the Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Czechslovokia, and Romania occupied territory that had been part of Russia in 1914.
4.3.14 Reflection:
Today we discussed what we thought to be the two major causes of World War II. After analyzing the eight documents given to us yesterday, we chose two main causes and started with a general topic, then used specific evidence found in documents to narrow them. Something that I learned today was that the Treaty of Versailles was never intended to be a peace document. Maybe to the public, but in all actuality, the Treaty was made for revenge on Germany and the punishment was extremely harsh.
Today we discussed what we thought to be the two major causes of World War II. After analyzing the eight documents given to us yesterday, we chose two main causes and started with a general topic, then used specific evidence found in documents to narrow them. Something that I learned today was that the Treaty of Versailles was never intended to be a peace document. Maybe to the public, but in all actuality, the Treaty was made for revenge on Germany and the punishment was extremely harsh.
4.4.14 Reflection:
Today in class, we edited our web pages for about 30 minutes into class. We are trying to determine 3 things;If the McCollum memo is real, if the memo had any effect on U.S policy, and what were the major causes of War. After working on our websites, we watched a video. The video began talking about the attack on Pearl Harbor, and ended with how women creating war supplies in factories played a part in ending the Great Depression. Something I learned today was that back then they used radar, but on the day of Pearl Harbor, they couldn't determine what was happening because the radar couldn't track the planes due to Hawaii's tall mountains.
Today in class, we edited our web pages for about 30 minutes into class. We are trying to determine 3 things;If the McCollum memo is real, if the memo had any effect on U.S policy, and what were the major causes of War. After working on our websites, we watched a video. The video began talking about the attack on Pearl Harbor, and ended with how women creating war supplies in factories played a part in ending the Great Depression. Something I learned today was that back then they used radar, but on the day of Pearl Harbor, they couldn't determine what was happening because the radar couldn't track the planes due to Hawaii's tall mountains.
4.14.14
Today in class, we continued watching the video on World War II and its aftermath. We did a wiki identification on the arsenal of democracy and its significance. "The arsenal of democracy" came to specifically reference America as the primary military supplier for the Allied war effort. Something I learned in class today was that on June 6th, 1944, also known as D-Day, there were more than 2,000 U.S casualties. We also learned about the Manhattan Project, which were tests ran on atomic bombs that could be used during war time to wipe out an entire city.
Today in class, we continued watching the video on World War II and its aftermath. We did a wiki identification on the arsenal of democracy and its significance. "The arsenal of democracy" came to specifically reference America as the primary military supplier for the Allied war effort. Something I learned in class today was that on June 6th, 1944, also known as D-Day, there were more than 2,000 U.S casualties. We also learned about the Manhattan Project, which were tests ran on atomic bombs that could be used during war time to wipe out an entire city.
4.15.14
Today in class, we filled out an KNHL chart focusing on the McCollum Memo. I knew that the Action F of the Memo was discussed in a luncheon with FDR, Action G of the Memo insisted the Dutch refuse to grant Japanese demands, specifically oil. Japan took over French military bases, which led to Action H of the Memo; cut off all trade with Japan. We researched to find out if the 8 steps took place, if FDR ever laid eyes on the Memo himself, and why he would want to enter the U.S in war. We used sources such as videos, documents, and quotes to find answers to our questions. We discovered quotes from FDR and what Japan's motive was for the attack on Pearl Harbor. Something I learned in class today was that after the U.S cut off the oil trade with Japan, Japan's leaders hoped that the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would immobilize the U.S navy so they could regain oil & other military supplies to continue war.
Today in class, we filled out an KNHL chart focusing on the McCollum Memo. I knew that the Action F of the Memo was discussed in a luncheon with FDR, Action G of the Memo insisted the Dutch refuse to grant Japanese demands, specifically oil. Japan took over French military bases, which led to Action H of the Memo; cut off all trade with Japan. We researched to find out if the 8 steps took place, if FDR ever laid eyes on the Memo himself, and why he would want to enter the U.S in war. We used sources such as videos, documents, and quotes to find answers to our questions. We discovered quotes from FDR and what Japan's motive was for the attack on Pearl Harbor. Something I learned in class today was that after the U.S cut off the oil trade with Japan, Japan's leaders hoped that the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would immobilize the U.S navy so they could regain oil & other military supplies to continue war.
4.16.14
Today in class, we worked in our table groups and gathered important dates & events from the end of World War I leading up to the U.S declaring war on Germany in World War II. We divided up the work for the assignment; I drew the timeline, Sam W. flipped through our history book for key information, Rudy searched the web for timelines and major dates, and Curtis took the notes. After creating a general timeline, we focused on specific countries. Something I learned today was what Fascism was and the main ideas it follows. A thorough definition I found in one of our previous DBQs was "Fascism, the more it considers and observes the future and the development of humanity quite apart from political considerations of the moment, believes neither in the possibility nor the utility of perpetual peace. It thus repudiates the doctrine of Pacifism -- born of a renunciation of the struggle and an act of cowardice in the face of sacrifice. War alone brings up to its highest tension all human energy and puts the stamp of nobility upon the peoples who have courage to meet it."
Today in class, we worked in our table groups and gathered important dates & events from the end of World War I leading up to the U.S declaring war on Germany in World War II. We divided up the work for the assignment; I drew the timeline, Sam W. flipped through our history book for key information, Rudy searched the web for timelines and major dates, and Curtis took the notes. After creating a general timeline, we focused on specific countries. Something I learned today was what Fascism was and the main ideas it follows. A thorough definition I found in one of our previous DBQs was "Fascism, the more it considers and observes the future and the development of humanity quite apart from political considerations of the moment, believes neither in the possibility nor the utility of perpetual peace. It thus repudiates the doctrine of Pacifism -- born of a renunciation of the struggle and an act of cowardice in the face of sacrifice. War alone brings up to its highest tension all human energy and puts the stamp of nobility upon the peoples who have courage to meet it."
4.17.14
Today in class, we continued working on our World War II timelines. We focused on Germany today and events that occurred that included or affected them. We worked in our groups again, with each of us assigned a job. I continued drawing the timeline, Sam used the internet, Rudy searched through the textbook, and Curtis took the notes. After finding information, we created a timeline of German WWII events. Something I learned today was that Hitler was sentenced to 5 years after attempting to take over the government with Munich Putsch, but only served 9 months.
Today in class, we continued working on our World War II timelines. We focused on Germany today and events that occurred that included or affected them. We worked in our groups again, with each of us assigned a job. I continued drawing the timeline, Sam used the internet, Rudy searched through the textbook, and Curtis took the notes. After finding information, we created a timeline of German WWII events. Something I learned today was that Hitler was sentenced to 5 years after attempting to take over the government with Munich Putsch, but only served 9 months.
4.21.14
We started off class by finishing up our timelines. The last country we focused on was the United States. We researched the U.S' response to the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. We discovered that a group called the Irreconcilables attempted to defeat the treaty on November 19th, 1919. We also discovered that the United States never joined the League of Nations because the Congress failed to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. After finishing the timelines, we were given about 15 minutes to collect evidence of what caused the Second World War. We could use info from the book, from the internet, or past assignments. After the 15 minutes were up, we completed a CER on what caused World War II.
We started off class by finishing up our timelines. The last country we focused on was the United States. We researched the U.S' response to the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. We discovered that a group called the Irreconcilables attempted to defeat the treaty on November 19th, 1919. We also discovered that the United States never joined the League of Nations because the Congress failed to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. After finishing the timelines, we were given about 15 minutes to collect evidence of what caused the Second World War. We could use info from the book, from the internet, or past assignments. After the 15 minutes were up, we completed a CER on what caused World War II.
4.22.14
Today in class, we worked in groups to finish our documents. The documents showed speeches, maps, etc on American attitudes during WW2, Japanese Internment Camps, the D-day invasion of Normandy, and German Concentration Camps. We did two documents per table, and were given about 10 minutes at each table. When we returned to our seats, we went over the document answers. After going through them, we were given a quick write. The question was: How did American attitudes change throughout WW2? My answer to this question was that at the start of the war, Americans wanted neutrality, but as time went by, they wanted "absolute victory."
Today in class, we worked in groups to finish our documents. The documents showed speeches, maps, etc on American attitudes during WW2, Japanese Internment Camps, the D-day invasion of Normandy, and German Concentration Camps. We did two documents per table, and were given about 10 minutes at each table. When we returned to our seats, we went over the document answers. After going through them, we were given a quick write. The question was: How did American attitudes change throughout WW2? My answer to this question was that at the start of the war, Americans wanted neutrality, but as time went by, they wanted "absolute victory."
4.23.14
Today in class, we completed two wiki identifications on the Japanese Internment Camps, and the Four Freedoms speech. The Japanese Internment Camps started on February 19th, 1942 when Executive Order 9066 was issued. The order allowed the round up of 120.,000 Japanese Americans and sent them to relocation camps. The Four Freedoms speech was a speech delivered by FDR on January 6th, 1941. The speech expressed the four freedoms that people all over should be able to enjoy. The freedoms were freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. After finishing the ID's and going over them, we wrote a CER on whether or not the McCollum memo was a real document.
Today in class, we completed two wiki identifications on the Japanese Internment Camps, and the Four Freedoms speech. The Japanese Internment Camps started on February 19th, 1942 when Executive Order 9066 was issued. The order allowed the round up of 120.,000 Japanese Americans and sent them to relocation camps. The Four Freedoms speech was a speech delivered by FDR on January 6th, 1941. The speech expressed the four freedoms that people all over should be able to enjoy. The freedoms were freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. After finishing the ID's and going over them, we wrote a CER on whether or not the McCollum memo was a real document.
4.24.14
Today in class, we analyzed three important conferences during the Allied Powers. The conferences were Tehran Conference, Yalta Conference, and the Potsdam Conference. The Tehran Conference was from November 28 to December 1, 1943. The meeting was between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin during World War II. The Yalta Conference was from February 4th to February 11th, 1945. This meeting was also between FDR, Churchill, and Stalin. The three Allied leaders met at Yalta in Crimea to plan and occupy Germany. The final meeting was the Potsdam Conference, and it lasted from July 17th to August 2nd, 1945. Harry S. Truman, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin discussed procedures of the peace settlement in Europe. After completing the Venn diagram for the three conferences, we chose four battle pages with our website partners. My partner and I chose Stalingrad, Invasion of Normandy, Iwo Jima, and Midway.
Today in class, we analyzed three important conferences during the Allied Powers. The conferences were Tehran Conference, Yalta Conference, and the Potsdam Conference. The Tehran Conference was from November 28 to December 1, 1943. The meeting was between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin during World War II. The Yalta Conference was from February 4th to February 11th, 1945. This meeting was also between FDR, Churchill, and Stalin. The three Allied leaders met at Yalta in Crimea to plan and occupy Germany. The final meeting was the Potsdam Conference, and it lasted from July 17th to August 2nd, 1945. Harry S. Truman, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin discussed procedures of the peace settlement in Europe. After completing the Venn diagram for the three conferences, we chose four battle pages with our website partners. My partner and I chose Stalingrad, Invasion of Normandy, Iwo Jima, and Midway.
4.25.14
Today in class, we completed a wiki identification on the Atlantic Charter, which was a declaration of war goals suggested by FDR and Winston Churchill in opposing the Axis powers.The significance of the Atlantic Charter was that it became the basis of "a Declaration of the United Nations." The declaration was signed by 26 nations, which was four-fifths of the human race. After finishing and discussing the ID, we worked on our battle pages. For the battle pages, we must include the key countries/people involved, the location, events that took place during the battle, the significance, and who won the battle.
Today in class, we completed a wiki identification on the Atlantic Charter, which was a declaration of war goals suggested by FDR and Winston Churchill in opposing the Axis powers.The significance of the Atlantic Charter was that it became the basis of "a Declaration of the United Nations." The declaration was signed by 26 nations, which was four-fifths of the human race. After finishing and discussing the ID, we worked on our battle pages. For the battle pages, we must include the key countries/people involved, the location, events that took place during the battle, the significance, and who won the battle.
4.28.2014
Today in class, we wrote a quick write discussing how the atomic bomb should be remembered. We put together a timeline of all the events that took place leading up to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After finishing the timelines, our groups returned to our tables and then completed the historical narratives analysis. The narratives discussed the two major opinions of the dropping of the atomic bombs. The first narrative felt as if the attack was harsh and portrayed the Japanese as victims. The second narrative viewed the atomic bombs as the end of a great war and is what has prevented us from experiencing another World War.
Today in class, we wrote a quick write discussing how the atomic bomb should be remembered. We put together a timeline of all the events that took place leading up to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After finishing the timelines, our groups returned to our tables and then completed the historical narratives analysis. The narratives discussed the two major opinions of the dropping of the atomic bombs. The first narrative felt as if the attack was harsh and portrayed the Japanese as victims. The second narrative viewed the atomic bombs as the end of a great war and is what has prevented us from experiencing another World War.
4.29.14
Over the past few days, I've been improving my website. I added my Battle Pages(Stalingrad, D-Day, Iwo Jima, and Midway). For each battle, I included the date it started to the ending date, a small summary on the battle, a picture of the battle, a map, and a video. I also included my two sources for each battle. I also finished the first two inquiry questions. For the mystery memo, my claim was that the document was real and I supported my claim with more than 4 pieces of evidence. For the causes of WW2 inquiry question, my claim was that the Second World War was caused by greed of controlling dictators, countries choosing sides, and the revenge document; The Treaty of Versailles.
Over the past few days, I've been improving my website. I added my Battle Pages(Stalingrad, D-Day, Iwo Jima, and Midway). For each battle, I included the date it started to the ending date, a small summary on the battle, a picture of the battle, a map, and a video. I also included my two sources for each battle. I also finished the first two inquiry questions. For the mystery memo, my claim was that the document was real and I supported my claim with more than 4 pieces of evidence. For the causes of WW2 inquiry question, my claim was that the Second World War was caused by greed of controlling dictators, countries choosing sides, and the revenge document; The Treaty of Versailles.
4.30.14
Today in class, we analyzed several documents on the different opinions of the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We chose whether we viewed the bombing as triumph or as victimization. I chose to view the bombing as triumph because although, a great number of people died, it prevented more lives from being taken in another world war. I believe the bombing was necessary to end the war because it was nothing more advanced that Japan could come back to hit the U.S with. After analyzing the documents and coming up with evidence to support our claim, we watched a video on the dropping of the atomic bombs for the rest of the hour.
Today in class, we analyzed several documents on the different opinions of the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We chose whether we viewed the bombing as triumph or as victimization. I chose to view the bombing as triumph because although, a great number of people died, it prevented more lives from being taken in another world war. I believe the bombing was necessary to end the war because it was nothing more advanced that Japan could come back to hit the U.S with. After analyzing the documents and coming up with evidence to support our claim, we watched a video on the dropping of the atomic bombs for the rest of the hour.
5.1.14
Today in class, we continued watching the documentary on the Bombing of Hiroshima and it's aftermath. The most interesting part of the documentary to me was the black rain. The rain was turned black by mixing with carbon residue. People were so desperate for water, so they drank the black rain, causing radiation poisoning. After we were done watching the documentary, we reflected among our groups about how we felt people should remember the bomb.
Today in class, we continued watching the documentary on the Bombing of Hiroshima and it's aftermath. The most interesting part of the documentary to me was the black rain. The rain was turned black by mixing with carbon residue. People were so desperate for water, so they drank the black rain, causing radiation poisoning. After we were done watching the documentary, we reflected among our groups about how we felt people should remember the bomb.
5.2.14
Today in class, we spent half of the class hour in the computer lab. We added things to our websites and chose a partner to complete our checklist and feedback form. I made sure all my inquiry questions were answered with at least four pieces of evidence, three pieces of media, and two sources. I checked that all my battle pages were complete, and included all of the pieces of media to show when the battle began, what happened during the battle, who won the battle, and when it ended.
Today in class, we spent half of the class hour in the computer lab. We added things to our websites and chose a partner to complete our checklist and feedback form. I made sure all my inquiry questions were answered with at least four pieces of evidence, three pieces of media, and two sources. I checked that all my battle pages were complete, and included all of the pieces of media to show when the battle began, what happened during the battle, who won the battle, and when it ended.