Historical Insights: Daily Curiosity in World and American History

1. Take off with history! Welcome to January 1! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 45 B.C.E.: New Year’s Day celebrations begin in Italy. What do you and your family traditionally do to celebrate the first day of a new year? Immigrant: A person who comes from another country and seeks residency in our country. What are some of the reasons people chose to come to America? American History: Bonus Corner: 1892: Ellis Island opens for the first time. This spot was often the first glimpse of the United States for immigrants from around the world. Think of at least five challenges they might face given the opportunity to live in the United States. • Who am I? • I keep myself in stitches! • I was born in 1752! • My sewing creation was a hit! • The three colors I used (plus those silly • stars and stripes) made national history!

2. Take off with history! Welcome to January 2! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1839: A French photographer made the first photograph of the moon. What might be difficult about photographing the moon? Reserved powers: Powers that are given to the states instead of the federal government. Why are things such as education and marriage licensing procedures (among many others) given to the states? American History: Bonus Corner: What did Isaac Asimov, writer of I Robot and many other novels, mean by this statement? Was he being egotistical or funny? “People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” 1967: Ronald Reagan, a former actor, becomes Governor of California and later becomes the President of the United States. What skills does an actor possess that might allow him/her to find success in politics? :

3. Take off with history! Welcome to January 3! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1868: Japan unites after 700 years, joining nobles and samurais together. The Japanese culture has a strong basis on principles and moral living. What are a few things that should top everyone’s list of priorities as a human being (such as being honest, etc.) Wants: Items that individuals desire. Wants are the opposite of Needs. What is the difference between these two terms? American History: Bonus Corner: 1983: Time magazine always names the “Man of the Year”. On this year, they named the computer, indicating that it would drastically change all of our lives. Make a list of 10 things you have done today and how technology is involved in each. • Who I am? • I was born on this day in 1892. • I love to write and have featured • short men with hairy feet in several of • my books. • One of my evil characters often refers to • “My precious!”

4. Take off with history! Welcome to January 4! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1642: Isaac Newton is born. We all know of his insights concerning gravity but he also theorized that a cannonball, shot far enough, would orbit the earth. Today, satellites use this natural phenomena to transmit information. What amazes you more; that this exists or that someone long ago knew it? Culture: The patterns of behavior (dress, food, jobs, etc.) of a group of people. Each of us are often part of different cultures, based on our origin, family, work and faith. What culture(s) do you identify with and why? American History: Bonus Corner: 1954: For his mom’s birthday, Elvis Presley recorded his first song. The office worker was so impressed, she took it to a recording studio, Elvis auditioned and the song was number 4 in the country and western charts in a week. Create a quote Elvis might of said after this instant fame. 1809: On this day, Louis Braille was born. He developed a system of raised dots on A page that could be “read” by the blind. Many innovations exist for the handicapped people of the world. What innovations have you notice that assist persons to live their lives?

5. Take off with history! Welcome to January 5! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1922: Sir Ernest Shackleton dies on his fourth trip to Antarctica. What do you think drives a man such as this to explore repeatedly an environment that is as harsh as Antarctica? Colonization: The governing of a nation by another. Often, this is the result of conquest. What are the positives of colonization for both the governing nation and the colony? What are the drawbacks? American History: Bonus Corner: 1846: The House of Representatives ended the sharing of the Oregon Territory with the British. This was a significant time after the Revolutionary War. Why do you think it took so long for this to happen? 1876: Konrad Adenauer was born on this day. He took on the difficult task of leading Germany after World War II. He once said: “History is the sum total of things that could have been avoided.”Do you perceive him as a wise man or not? Justify your position.

6. Take off with history! Welcome to January 6! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1839: A terrible storm hits Ireland, taking 200 lives and creating widespread damage. What kinds of things are in place today that hopefully limit the consequences of powerful storms? Executive: The branch of the government filled by the president. What would excite you to be the President of the United States and what would you fear? American History: Bonus Corner: 1759: George Washington marries Martha Custis and she holds a unique honor, besides being the First Lady first! She was the first woman shown on money (the $1.00 from 1886) and stamps (1902). What other famous Americans do you feel should receive such an honor who have not yet done so? 1799: Jedediah Smith was born on this day. He was an early explorer and was first to reach California by land. He also survived three massacres and one bear encounter. Write a quote that one of his traveling companions might have said after he survived these events.

7. Take off with history! Welcome to January 7! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1610: Galileo Galilei discover three of Jupiter’s moons. He inferred they were moons because of how they moved. What is your prediction of how our moon will be used in your lifetime? Will we inhabit it? Artifact: A remnant left by a previous generation. What artifacts do you think your generation will leave for the future? American History: Bonus Corner: 1789: The first presidential election is near. On this date, electors for the electoral college are elected for the first time. Who do you think is allowed to vote at this time? • What was first made practical on this date • In 1839? • This will capture anything! • You will need to snap it to capture it! • It will be known as worth a thousand • words! • I “shutter” to think of its many uses!

8. Take off with history! Welcome to January 8! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1656: The HaarlemsDagblad, a Dutch newspaper, is the oldest newspaper still in existence today. What do you predict is the future for newspapers? Will they survive the technological age? Amend: To add further details, especially with laws that need more clarification. We continue to amend our constitution to reflect new trends and circumstances that did not exist when it was written. What is your opinion: would it be better to continue to amend or start the whole document over? American History: Bonus Corner: 1867: The 15th amendment finally legalizes voting rights for African American males. How would this have changed how political candidates campaigned? • Born on this day: • The year was 1935. • He was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. • He was an entertainer whose style was • not always appreciated by the older folks • He was “The King of Rock and Roll”!

9. Take off with history! Welcome to January 9! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1493: Christopher Columbus located a sea creature that he thought was “Not as beautiful as they are painted”. He had found a manatee but what creature did he think he had found? Rural: Areas outside of city limits; the countryside. Our country’s residents used to be primarily rural and now we are primarily urban. What contributed to the changein where people chose to live? American History: Bonus Corner: 1887: Because of a dry summer and much winter snow, half of all cattle were lost in Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas. What might the ranchers have done the following year to prevent such losses? • Who am I? • I was born in 1913 in California. • I was a naval Lieutenant commander. • I was the 37th President of the United • States. • I had an issue during my presidency and • I am the only president to ever resign.

10. Take off with history! Welcome to January 10! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1839: The British have always been fond of tea. Part of their frustration with the American colonies was over tea. On this date, the British began receiving tea from India, one of their other colonies. What do you think of tea? Caste system: A system of social status, part of the Indian culture. If you are born into a lower class, it is impossible to elevate beyond that in the traditional system. How does that change the way you might view your future? American History: Bonus Corner: 1901: The place was Beaumont, Texas. The event was the discovery crude oil. This revolutionized the emerging automobile industry at a much quicker pace. What is the role of the automobile in today’s culture? Discuss these words of George Washington Carver, born on this day in 1864: “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”

11. Take off with history! Welcome to January 11! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1928: Stalin banishes Leon Trotsky, leader of the Bolshevik Revolution. Stalin was known for running Russia with an iron hand and Stalin continued to eliminate all political opponents. Imagine you are one of his opponents. Pen a short note to Stalin as to the reasons for your departure. Dictatorship: Leadership style in which the leader makes all decisions without required input. Stalin was a dictator. What is life like for ordinary people under this type of rule? American History: Bonus Corner: 1935: Amelia Earhart leaves Honolulu for Oakland and lands 18 hours later. This marks the first solo flight across that portion of the Pacific. Predict difficulties she would have on a solo flight across an ocean in an airplane for 18 hours! • What book am I? • I was written by George Orwell in 1945. • I was based on the Bolshevik Revolution. • The setting was rural. • The pigs were in charge!

12. Take off with history! Welcome to January 12! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1665: Pierre de Fermat is born. He trained to be an attorney but was also a mathematician and is credited with developing the beginning theories of calculus. What is your favorite part of mathematics and why? Human resources: The value in the people of a nation. We are a nation of great diversity. How do you think that elevates our human resource capabilities? Give specific examples. American History: Bonus Corner: 1937: Chester Lawton is not a household name but this New Jersey boy developed the technology for submarines to dig trenches underwater and the ability to lay both telephone and telegraph lines. List other ways that this technology could be used. • Who am I? • I was British born. • I died on this date in 1976 at 85. • I was the best selling novelist of all time. • I wrote many mysteries and my • characters included HerculePoirot and • Jane Marple.

13. Take off with history! Welcome to January 13! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1842: A British doctor reaches Afghanistan (Jalalabad) and is the lone survivor of an expedition group of 16,000. Imagine his theory on life at this point. Imagine and write his perspective on his experience. Migration: A regular movement, often with animals but also with nomadic people, to seasonally travel from one place to another. Describe an animal group and a human group that “migrate”. American History: Bonus Corner: 1933: Babe Didrikson Zaharias was known for starting woman’s golf but she also won the javelin and 80 meter sprint in the 1932 Olympic Games along with scoring, on this date, 9 points as a basketball professional. What professional woman’s sport would you either like to participate in or be a spectator for and why? On this day in 1962, Chubby Checker’s number one song, “The Twist”, hit number one again being the only song to hit number one twice. Clink the link to hear the song and see the dance it represents! Click here.

14. Take off with history! Welcome to January 14! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1690: The clarinet is invented in Germany. It is a reed instrument that has a mid-range tone and is a part of most bands. Music is a key element in our world. Share what instrument you play, would like to play and what instruments you enjoy listening to. Traitor: A person who betrays the secrets of one’s own country. Benedict Arnold, born on this day in 1741, was said to be a traitor. Is a traitor always a traitor or is it a matter of perspective? Argue that position. American History: Bonus Corner: 1914: The first moving assembly line is developed by Ford Motor Company. Instead of goods being moved by human labor, a machine took over the work. What advantages would there be to this innovation? Comment on a quote by Albert Schweitzer who was born on this date (1875) and set up a native hospital in Africa: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

15. Take off with history! Welcome to January 15! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1951: Ilse Koch sounds like such a pleasant name but this woman was convicted of atrocities committed at Buchenwald Concentration Camp where her husband was commandant. Do you think her life imprisonment was fair? Explain. Tyrant: A person who wields unjust power over others. We often calls these persons bullies. What are some strategies you can utilize when you come ace to face with a tyrant? American History: Bonus Corner: 1929: On this date, Martin Luther King, Jr. was born. Although his life did not last long, his non-violent approach to protest lives on. In what ways can you show displeasure non-violently? “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”Martin Luther King, Jr. penned these words. In what ways can we follow his example?

16. Take off with history! Welcome to January 16! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1959: Fidel Castro takes over control of Cuba. This greatly frightened the United States because of Cuba’s proximity to the United States and Castro’s communistic beliefs. Where is Cuba, in relation to the United States? Containment: Limiting the spread of something. When Castro took over Cuba, American’s wanted communism contained so that it did not spread to our other neighbors. Why would it be important to control the governmental beliefs of our neighbors . American History: Bonus Corner: 1919: Prohibition becomes law on this date. It made it illegal to make, sell or transport alcoholic beverages. As a result, alcohol consumption went up. Why do you think that was the outcome? “I feel more comfortable with gorillas than people. I can anticipate what a gorilla's going to do, and they're purely motivated.”Dian Fossey, born on this date in 1932, spent most of her adult life living amongst the gorillas. What does she mean in her quote by the words “purely motivated?”

17. Take off with history! Welcome to January 17! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1905: In Bergen, Norway, 59 people die when a rock slide, in a fjord, creates a 20 feet wave, sweeping them to their death. What is a fjord? Republic: The government style that allows the people have a say in the decisions being made. People vote in representatives that concur with their belief system. Our early government was a republic. What are advantages and disadvantages of this style? American History: Bonus Corner: 1994: Registering 6.7 on the Richter scale, Los Angeles sustained the strongest earthquake in urban history. Highways and multiple structures collapsed, creating havoc. What are steps that individuals can take to limit injury and promote well-being in earthquake prone areas? • Who am I? • I was born on this day in 1706. • I was an inventor, author and statesman. • Most people see me with glasses. • I am shocked when I go kite flying!

18. Take off with history! Welcome to January 18! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1919: The Paris Peace Conference begins. The Allied Nations met to determine the consequences Germany was to face as a result of starting World War I. Why were the results of this conference harsh? What was the long-term outcome of the harsh sanctions against Germany? Propaganda: The delivery of information, usually from a government, that biases the presentation in a certain way (making some- thing more or less favorable than it really is). This is used often in advertising. Give several examples. American History: Bonus Corner: 1943: The war required great compromise for the people at home. In order to limit the demand for metal, bread was purchased but it was different that ours today. How was it different? • Who am I? • I was born on this day in 1882. • I loved to write. • Most of my characters, in my most beloved • book, were animals. • Who wouldn’t want a yellow, all loving • bear as you best friend?

19. Take off with history! Welcome to January 19! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1915: Do you love or hate the bright lights of big cities? Those neon lights were patented by George Claude, a man from Paris. Write a brief note to George, either praising or criticizing him for his invention. Absolute location: Where something is positioned in an exact way. What are examples of this type of location (think 0f your house and also places on a map)? American History: Bonus Corner: 1840: Charles Wilkes, after exploring the eastern side of Antarctica, claimed it for the United States. Should a place, like Antarctica, be “owned or governed” by any one country? Share your viewpoint. 49 B.C.E.: Julius Caesar, as he lead his army into Italy, said, Lactaaleaestwhich translates into “the die is cast.” What does that mean?

20. Take off with history! Welcome to January 20! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1841: China, during the Opium War, gives up the island of Hong Kong to the British. Hong Kong now is part of China once again. What continent is China located on and is it on the eastern or western side of that continent? Embargo: The refusal to allow goods to arrive or purchase goods from a certain location. What items do Americans sometimes refuse to purchase as a means of protest? American History: Bonus Corner: 1961: On this date, John F. Kennedy becomes the youngest president of the United States. What happened to him after serving less than three years, on November 22,1963? • What am I? • I was patented on this day in 1885. • I’ve got to admit, I have my ups and downs. • I use a track. • I am found at a park. • I am a great ride but most riders scream!

21. Take off with history! Welcome to January 21! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1472: A comet passes by Earth close enough to be seen in the daytime. Ancient people were very superstitious. Create a brief dialogue between persons who witnessed this event. Racism: The belief that an ethnic group is inferior. We have seen many evidences of racism. List 4-5 that you can identify. American History: Bonus Corner: 1980: Gold hits $850 and three months earlier, it was $381. Imagine you invested at the earlier level and now plan to sell off. What will you do with your new found wealth? • Who was I? • I was born in 1824. • I became a general in the Civil War. • I could stall like no other – that’s how • I got the nickname of “Stonewall”.

22. Take off with history! Welcome to January 22! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1901: Queen Victoria dies after a reign of 63 years. Her reign began in 1838. Make a list of things she might have witnessed or heard about during her reign. Due process: One of the fundamental beliefs of American Justice. The Judicial System in the United States is far from perfect but it is designed to follow the law and legal proceedings. Think of recent, public decisions. Is our system fair or not? Support your position. American History: Bonus Corner: 1973: In a monumental court decision, women could end a pregnancy in the the first two trimesters as a result of Roe v. Wade. It effected 46 states as a consequence. Do you feel this should be a federal or state decision? Support your stance. U Thant, secretary-general of the United Nations and born on this day in 1909, said the following: “The war we have to wage today has only one goal and that is to make the world safe for diversity.” Why is diversity so valuable?

23. Take off with history! Welcome to January 23! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1896: The first demonstration of an x-ray machine is shown in Wurzburg, Germany. This medical tool has assisted in diagnosis. Share a time when either you or someone you know had an x-ray and what was determined as a result. Specialization: The subdividing of a group into smaller, focus groups. Elizabeth Blackwell received her medical degree but then went on to specialize in gynecology. What would you like to do as a career and what would be your specialty? American History: Bonus Corner: 1849: Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first Female physician in the United States. She was rejected from most university programs and was harassed at Geneva College where she subsequently received her degree. What would you be so passionate about that you would be willing to endure some harassment? • 1971: Lowest recorded temperature in • the United States at Prospect Creek Camp, • Alaska. Was it: • -45 degrees Fahrenheit. • -68 degrees Fahrenheit. • -80 degrees Fahrenheit. • -92 degrees Fahrenheit.

24. Take off with history! Welcome to January 24! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1935: Mussolini, one of the three key leaders of the Axis in World War II, dismissed all of the Italian Cabinet members. What would be the reason for a person to do this? Equality: Providing the same opportunities to all, regardless of race, creed or other distinctive characteristic. Maria Tallchief lead the way for future Native Americans in the area of ballet. What other persons lead the way in their respective fields? American History: Bonus Corner: 1958: Nuclear fusion is achieved which creates greater power. This may some day provide an alternative to fossil fuels. What could be the dangers of such great power? Which is not true of Maria Tallchief who was Born on this date in 1925: She was of Native American heritage. She was the first American prima ballerina. She transformed modern ballet. She began formal dance lessons at 5.

25. Take off with history! Welcome to January 25! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1924: The first Winter Olympic Games were held in the French Alps. The competitions included bobsled, ski jumping and 12 other events. Imagine the challenges that teams from other parts of the world faced! Trace the difficulties from planning to departure to competing, etc. Topographical: A map type that shows elevation, often with the use on contour lines. How do the lines look on a topographic map if there is steep elevation? American History: Bonus Corner: 1890: Nellie Bly, news reporter, makes it around the world in a little over 72 days. She bested the standard set by the fictional book Around the World in 80 Days. Who wrote this classic? 1974: The first heart transplant was successfully completed on this date in South Africa. This procedure revolutionized the field of medicine. What future “transforming skills” do you hope are perfected in your lifetime in the field of medicine?

26. Take off with history! Welcome to January 26! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1788: What do you do when you have too many prisoners? Britain has a plan. They put them aboard a ship and traveled to a faraway island, leaving them there. That island became known as Australia. How do you think these beginnings impacted the people of that nation continent? Supply: The quantity of an available product. If the supply is small but the demand high, the price goes up. What have you noticed has gone down in price as it has become more available? American History: Bonus Corner: 1934: Samuel Goldwyn bought the rights to the film that catapulted a young 17 year old singer to stardom. What was the name of the film and the actress? (Hint: Lions and Tigers and Bears…Oh MY!) Douglas MacArthur, American General in World War II, said the following: “The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” What should our response be as citizens of a nation as young warriors return home?

27. Take off with history! Welcome to January 27! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1923: The first rally was held on this day for the National Socialist Party which later became the Nazi Party. Why do you think this party backed young Adolf Hitler in later years? Political Party: A group of people who are like-minded in their views on how a nation should be run. What are the plusses and minuses of this system? American History: Bonus Corner: 1825: It was known as the “Trail of Tears” as thousands of Native Americans were forced into relocation by the government. In what ways do the “tears” still continue today for the Native Americans? 1756: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. His accomplishments included composing over 600 pieces of orchestral and choral music. Although history regards him as an unparalleled talent, he struggled financially all of his life. Why does mankind sometimes fail to recognize the genius among them?

28. Take off with history! Welcome to January 28! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1573: The Compact of Warsaw is enacted and religious freedom is guaranteed. Throughout history, the need for people to practice their faith as they desire has been contested. Why is this issue reoccurring through time? Incumbent: Currently in office. Often, in elections, the incumbent candidate has an advantage if they have done well because they already have the experience needed to do the job. Sometimes, people vote for a change. What is the appeal in running for political office? American History: Bonus Corner: 1902: We find that those that have self made wealth often appreciate their humble beginnings. Andrew Carnegie donated $350 million to further the study of biology, astronomy and earth science. Which of those three fields interests you the most and why? 1986: In this year, the Challenger space shuttle lifts off and in 73 seconds, explodes killing all aboard and dashing the hopes of many. Watch this tragic event via the link. Click here.

29. Take off with history! Welcome to January 29! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1886: Karl Benz patents his three-wheeled invention which is the first practical internal-combustion vehicle. We have come a long way since that time. What is your dream car? Human features: The type of skill base and Characteristics of a nation’s people. What Are some of the strengths we as Americans possess? What areas could we stand to improve on? American History: Bonus Corner: 1936: The Baseball Hall of Fame inducts its first five members. That number has grown to 254 members and continues to expand. Who were those first five members? W.C. Fields, comedian and actor, was born on this day in 1880. Below is one of his memorable comments: “Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.” What do you think of this philosophy?

30. Take off with history! Welcome to January 30! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1948: Gandhi is assassinated. Mohandas Gandhi was the leader of the non-violent protest in India and was killed by an extremist who thought his peaceful methods were wrong. Why do you think peaceful protestors, like Gandhi, are often killed? Unemployment rate: The percent of persons without a job. During the Great Depression, many were unemployed and the future was bleak. The 32nd president put several job reforms in place to alleviate the challenge. Why was being jobless so depressing? American History: Bonus Corner: 1847: A community called Yerba Buena is renamed. The new name is San Francisco and as is often said, the rest is history. What makes San Francisco so universally appealing? • Who am I? • I was the 32nd president. • I was the only president to serve 3 terms. • I developed plans to get America out of • the Great Depression. • I was president during WW II and said, of • Pearl Harbor, “A day that will live in infamy!”

31. Take off with history! Welcome to January 31! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1915: On the Russian Front, poisonous gas was used for the first time. What makes this kind of weapon such an unfair one? Serfdom: Slavery of a sort in the middle ages. Why is it so common for some men to dominate other men? American History: Bonus Corner: 1865: The House of Representatives passes the 13th amendment which abolishes slavery. Slavery has been a part of the early colonies since the early 1600s. Why was slavery allowed to flourish for so long? 1863: The first African American infantry is established on this date. They fought with little recognition but great valor. What did they have to gain and what did they have to lose?