Peru Adventure

Background

Francisco Pizzaro conquered Peru in 1535. Lima was Spain’s largestAmerican colony. In Peru, there is a lot of Spanish influence in architecture, religion and customs, but Peru’s pre Spanish inhabitants (Incas and other native tribes) have an even longer richer history. Simon Bolivar from Venezuela and San Martin from Argentina liberated Peru from Spanish colonization on July 27th 1921.

Our trip began in Lima, Peru.Lima is the capital of Peru. The first most amazing observation about this city was the amount of drivers on the road and insane traffic. There is no underground subways or train systems because of the frequent earthquakes which makes vehicles the main method of transportation. Needless to say, the cars drive fast and there are no lanes, which creates a pushing your way to the front of the line atmosphere. Lots of horns!

The main plaza is named after San Martin in the city center. There you will find the Presidential Palace, the main cathedral, archbishop’s palace and City Hall. The most modern part of the city is along the coast in the area call Miraflores. It is located on the Pacific Ocean and has great shopping and culinary restaurants.

Our next part of the Journey was our flight to Cusco. This city is the highest in Peru at 13,000 feet above sea level. This was the ancient capital of the Incas. Here the Inca king ruled his empires that stretched across the highlands.The highlight was the trip up to Machu Picchu, which is currently celebrating its 100-year anniversary of discovery. Though many local inhabitants knew this location, it wasn’t until an American adventurer in 1911 with the help of National Geographic re-discovered it, began preservation, and turned it into a tourist attraction. Known now as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. To get there was quite a journey: 2 hour car drive, 1.5 hour train ride, 30 min bus ride and then we arrived in the ancient city surrounded by the Andes mountains. What a site to see- nothing can describe the detail and beauty that this ancient site holds. Many scholars believe the main purpose of the city was for religion, astronomy and retreats for the king. The level of detail and architecture is amazing. After a long day of exploring, we relaxed in the village of Aguas Calientes surrounded by jungle before our long journey back to Cusco.

The last part of the trip was a journey through the sacred valley. It’s called the sacred valley because the land is very fertile perfect for growing over 5000 varieties of potatoes and 400 varieties of corn. The terrace farming is what the Incas were known for. You can see them all through the highlands. The terraces are built into the mountains for aesthetics reasons and also to help prevent landslides. We visited 3 ancient ruins (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero) all in the Sacred Valley. All were very detailed and breathtaking. These ancient cities had terraces built into the mountains in the design of the Andes sacred animals: Condor, Puma and Llama.

Peru showed us a mixture between old, new, rich and poor. The people, culture and geography were all interesting and added to our understanding of Latin America.

The End of the Year 2011

Dear Students,

I can't believe that the end is here. It seems like just yesterday it was the first week of school and we were getting to know each other. I know that it wasn't always easy and there was so much to learn, but each and every one of you has grown tremendously. You should feel proud of all you've accomplished and how hard you worked. To my AP students, I wish we had more time together to continue our study, but I know you'll love U.S. History. Please come back to visit. Remember that no matter what your AP results are, you've set yourself apart by taking this very challenging class as a sophomore. I'll miss you all! For my honors freshmen... I also wish we had more time together, but for some of you... I might see you in class again next year. I know you'll be ready for AP and you should feel proud of all you've accomplished. The final presentations were awesome! The Genocide Prevention organizations that you created were so great. I can tell that each group put a lot of effort and thought into your presentation. The Ancient Civilizations projects were also great! Your hard work has definitely prepared you for next year! You've all made teaching so fun! Thank you!

Overall, I've honestly had the best year and that is thanks to my wonderful students. Come back to visit and enjoy looking at your pictures! Mrs. Jordan

Holocaust

During the 20th century under totalitarian ruler, Hitler one of the greatest genocides occurred. The persecution and racism against the Jewish people is beyond human imagination. People usually do not want to think about genocide, but we study these horrific atrocities so that in the future we will recognize the signs of genocides in order to help prevent persecution of innocent people. Lynn Ta, gives us the history behind this event and believes that this is a topic that everyone needed to read about and should understand the importance of the Holocaust and the history behind what happened to the Jewish people. Mrs. Jordan


Historical Context:During the 20th Century, many leaders were starting their rise in empire. But in Germany,this is where Adolf Hitler came to power. The unit the Holocaust belongs to is An Age of Revolution, Industry and Empire. It belongs to this unit because during this time countries were beginning to start themselves up and become better and more modern. Hitler thought the world would be better without the Jewish people. He was beginning to make his empire and evolve into an empire of communism.

Summary:The Holocaust began in 1933 when Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany and The Holocaust ended in 1945 when the Nazis were defeated by the Allied powers. The term "Holocaust," originally from the Greek word "holokauston" which means "sacrifice by fire," refers to the Nazi's persecution and planned slaughter of the Jewish people. Adolf Hitler established the "Nazi Party." These people represented themselves with a swastika , a strange looking structure that signified the party's existence. On April 1, 1933, the Nazis instigated their first action against German Jews by announcing a boycott of all Jewish-run businesses. Nazis then issued additional anti-Jews laws over the next several years. For example, some of these laws excluded Jews from places like parks, fired them from civil service jobs (i.e. government jobs), made Jews register
their property, and prevented Jewish doctors from working on anyone other than
Jewish patients. After the beginning of World War II, Nazis began ordering all
Jews to live within certain, very specific, areas of big cities, called ghettos.
In most ghettos, Nazis ordered the Jews to establish a Judenrat (a Jewish
council) to both administer Nazi demands and to regulate the internal life of
the ghetto. Nazis would then order deportations from the ghettos. In some of the
large ghettos, 1,000 people per day were loaded up in trains and sent to either
a concentration camp or a death camp. Although many people refer to all Nazi
camps as "concentration camps," there were actually a number of different kinds
of camps, including concentration camps, extermination camps, labor camps,
prisoner-of-war camps, and transit camps. From 1933 until 1938, most of the
prisoners in the concentration camps were political prisoners (i.e. people who
spoke or acted in some way against Hitler or the Nazis) and people the Nazis
labeled as "asocial." Life within Nazi concentration camps was horrible.
Prisoners were forced to do hard physical labor and yet given tiny rations.
Prisoners slept three or more people per crowded wooden bunk (no mattress or
pillow). Torture within the concentration camps was common and deaths were
frequent. At a number of Nazi concentration camps Nazi doctors conducted medical
experiments on prisoners against their will. While concentration camps were
meant to work and starve prisoners to death, extermination camps were built for
the sole purpose of killing large groups of people quickly and efficiently. The
Nazis built six extermination camps: Chelmno, Belzec,Solibor, Treblinka,
Auschwitz, and Madjdanek. (Auschwitz and Majdanek were both concentration and
extermination camps.) Prisoners transported to these extermination camps were
told to undress to take a shower. Rather than a shower, the prisoners were
herded into gas chambers and killed. (At Chelmno, the prisoners were herded into
gas vans instead of gas chambers.) Auschwitz was the largest concentration and
extermination camp built. It is estimated that 1.1 million people were killed at
Auschwitz. These people lived through so many hardships and they deserve every
piece of distinction they deserve. For someone to go through something like
this, you can't do anything but feel for them and open the eyes of others to
what has happened. The Holocaust was truly a time of sadness and despair , I give my full respect to every single person that was involved in this unseemly event.

Websites:

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) - www.ushmm.orgMuseum of Tolerance - www.museumoftolerance.com

Questions:
What motivated survivors to live from one day to the next?
Why did Hitler hate the Jewish people?

About our Blogger:
I'm a sophomore and I love to play piano, I enjoy playing volleyball, and I love to watch movies and t.v. The Holocaust was an important event to me because in eight grade I took a trip to the Museum of Tolerance. Throughout that trip, I was exposed to the the facts and artifacts of the holocaust exhibit. There was plenty of information about the holocaust and that trip completely changed my perspective on life. It makes me sick that there are people in the world that think about these things but I'm grateful to know that there is a day where we can remember the people that were involved in the holocaust. This is truly an event worth knowing. So, maybe if you have time one day, you should take a trip down to the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. (:

Marie Antoinette

The French Revolution is a unit that many students find interesting because of the passion, violence, enlightenment ideals and finally the triumph of the third estate. This time period is not boring in the least. Divine ruler Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette's overspending and lavish lifestyle definitely impacted an already bankrupt and discontent nation. See why Carissa Hernandez finds Marie Antoinette so interesting. Mrs. Jordan

Historical Context:Marie Antoinette was married to King Louis XIV during the Age of Revolution, Industry and Empire. At this time kings were taking a very monarchial position and agriculture was becoming less and less common. With kings having greater power than before many were later influenced by their wives and followed what they said, while others had wives who remained as socialites and wandered carelessly around town. Marie Antoinette fit both of these characteristics, making her appear as though she is very light headed when in reality she had many deceivable plans.


Details: Marie Antoinette was born November 2, 1755 and ruled during
the Age of Revolution, Industry and Empire. She married King Louis XIV at the young age of fourteen and was loved by the people of France due to all of the extravagant parties she threw. However as time progressed she was soon hated by the people of France for many supposed scandals that occurred. She was said to be having an affair with a cardinal in order to gain wealth as well as an expensive necklace, this did not lead to either of what she had presumably hoped for and pamphlets were soon sent out screaming disgust about Antoinette. After this scandal occurred many other stories about Marie were coming out that she obtained jobs for her friends so that all the wealth could spread to her class rank rather than others. This led to many commoners to complain that there was no food available, not even bread, when told this statement Antoinette replied, “Let them eat cake.” As though cake could fix hunger issues in a day, this of course led to more hatred as well as the French Revolution.
When trying to escape the dreaded French Revolution Antoinette and her husband were captured and sent back to Paris where they were expected to remain for the rest of their lives. Marie would still not give up, she begged her brother to begin a crusades against France which he politely denied. Once the people of France discovered that she was going to backstab them they overthrew the monarchy and sent Antoinette to jail where she remained until her death. On October 14, 1793 she was tried and found guilty and on October 16, 1793 she was beheaded with her final words, "Monsieur, I beg your pardon,” After accidently stepping on the executioners feet.
Questions:
1.) Why do you think Marie Antoinette continuously reacted against what others wanted?
2.) Do you believe that Marie felt that what she was doing (only giving to the rich) was perfectly normal?

About our Blogger:
I am currently a sophomore, and enjoy acting and talking. I can probably carry a conversation for a few hours, but after twenty minutes most of the conversation will be complete nonsense. I chose to write about Marie Antoinette because although she made some very disgraceful acts in her life she was very brave. All of France disliked her and yet she still kept her head up and went along with whatever she felt like doing, no matter what the consequence. Which either proves that she was very careless or that she had a very strong will which never broke. Although a selfish woman her unawaring determination is an admirable character trait, for many to follow.

Video Clip:Mystery of the Romanovs

Historical Context:
During the 20th Century, the world was plagued with two major world wars. In the early part,1914-1918 the "Great War." This war was different than previous wars because new technology changed the way nations fought. This war had lasting consequences for many nations. Russia's situation was both terrible on the Eastern front, but it also had growing discontent on the homefront. This caused them to leave the war to try to resolve the issues at home.

By 1917 revolution had now come to Russia. Lenin, leader of the Bolsheviks, led a revolution to replace the Czar and transform the government to a communist nation.

Information:
Here is a great video that explains the historical context of the Russian Revolution and how the revolution unfolded for the Czar and the nation. The first clip is about 4 mins, then it leads you to the next to finish the story. Keep going till you finish!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_JFNH_PDgo&feature=related

Questions to think about?Describe the position of Russia prior to WWI?
Why do you think the revolution occurred?
How did communism seem like a good choice for the people?

Stop, Think, Reflect

Are you engaging in what you are reading? Are you thinking about how the content connects to the topic of the blog? In order to prepare for our AP and CST Test, you should always be making connections. As an incentive, the first 5 students who respond to a posting by answering the questions completely will be given extra points.

Please note: Your topic should connect to World History. Please see the instructions for writing your blog on the right hand side. Follow the format, so that we can all make the connections with the topic. If you have sent in a suggestion, please review the format and resubmit.

Enjoy the three day weekend.

Mrs.Jordan

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Who doesn't dream about visiting the Eiffel Tower? I will never forget my trip to the top of the tower. I've been to the top twice and been to Paris three times. There is just something magical about that city. Seeing that Tower sparkle at night will always bring back fond memories. One of my favorite memories was hanging out near the Tower and it started to snow! Kimberly Huynh's brother inspired her to learn more about this great Parisian Monument. I hope you find her information interesting and that you also plan to put Paris on your to see list! Mrs. Jordan

In Paris, France there is one of the most visited monuments in the world and that is, the Eiffel Tower. Travelers from all around the world take trips to Paris, known as the City of Lights because it is the most lit city in the entire world, and they always make a visit to check out the Eiffel Tower. My older brother, Peter Huynh, was one of the tourists among the city of Paris that had the special opportunity to take a visit to the historical monument of France. He had this opportunity from a summer program that provided him a chance to study abroad over in a country that had so much culture and history, Europe. The Eiffel Tower of Paris, France was built around 1889 by Gustave Eiffel. Gustave Eiffel was one of over seven hundred architecture proposals that had been entered into a design competition. The purpose of building the Eiffel Tower was originally because of the World’s Fair in tribute to the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower was built with over 18,000 pieces of wrought iron into a latticework style. Also, originally it was meant to stand for only 20 years, which is why it was built with a slant for easy removal of the tower. The cost of this tower was enormous, but by the first year the cost of this construction project was paid off by all the travelers that visited there to go on the elevator and marvel the city at a high height. However after the 20 year mark, the tower became a popular tourist attraction and also proved to be a convenient and valuable communication tool for radio broadcasting. The Eiffel tower is also a national symbol for Paris, France.
Here is my older brother, next to the Eiffel Tower, and although he looks quite tall compared the towers’ size, It is only because he is actually standing very far away to create an allusion


Two Interesting Questions to Ponder:
1. How many workers do you think it took to build this magnificent tower?
2. What is the French Revolution, and why is it so important to be honored?

About the Blogger:
Hello! My name is Kimberly Huynh. I am 15 years old and currently in the 10th grade. My favorite animal is a panda. I have a passion for eating, a motive for success and a rush for running. I like to eat all kinds of cultural foods and try different things. I actually enjoy learning, because knowledge is power and power is the key to success. And since I eat a lot, I like to run a lot to balance out my health, I would like to try other sports but I just think running is easier because you don’t need to have skills, just pure practice. I also like to be busy, and I want to live my life to the fullest by making the most of my day. O I chose to write about the Eiffel tower because my brother inspired me by all the interesting stories he told me about each historical monument he visited when he went to Europe. The Eiffel Tower was also an interesting topic that I always wondered why was built and placed in France, and upon researching for this blog, I now understand the reasons. I plan to visit Europe someday and experience the beauty of each city and learn the facts behind each historical building I approach.

Old Town Orange

Our next Guest Bloggers is Anna Nguyen she shares her passion of vintage while explaining the history of our neighboring city... Orange. Mrs. Jordan

Who ever said: “out with the old and in with the new?” Clearly they are mistaken, because they must never have been to Old Towne Orange. Unlike many “Old Townes,” this one is still running strong. Often referred to as the "The Antique Capital of California," it has rich history to it. In 1801, the first landholder was a retired Spanish soldier, named Juan Pablo Grijalva; he had been on one of the early expeditions to California from Mexico and was granted the land. His rancho was passed on to his heirs and was eventually divided into 1,000 units, due to a lawsuit involving unpaid debts. Two Los Angeles lawyers involved in the lawsuit, Andrew Glassell and Alfred Beck Chapman, took some of their fees in land. Together they developed the city of Orange and Plaza Square in 1886. From then on it has been a social hub of the city and prospered and survived today. The original fountain in the Plaza Square was installed in 1887 and a replica can be seen in front of the Orange Public Library that’s located on the outskirts of Old Town. It was just remodeled a few years back and it hosts rooms dedicated to Orange’s town history. There are many consignment malls packed with antiques and vintage goods, numerous restaurants, cafes, and many charming shops. Slews of people are seen shopping here every day and not just your Grandma because I see hipster scum here flipping through racks of fine vintage clothing at Elsewhere Vintage or middle aged couples picking up a meal at The Filling Station. Elsewhere Vintage boasts large amounts of high quality apparel. They have things from French fur coats from the 1920’s or Jackie O. esque pillbox hats. While you’re down here you can’t help but stop by Watson’s Drug and Soda Fountain, which is a 1950's themed diner that has been around for over 100 years. Come in and enjoy all the great burgers, malts, and ice cream floats. Mr. C’s Records has a fine collection of classics from the likes of Billie Holiday and The Everly Brothers, or some more modern artists like Adam and the Ants. Also, on the first Saturdays of every month there is a quaint flea market right across the street from the YMCA . Many vendors that sell at the Rose Bowl commute here to sell their numerous antiques. I go to this flea market frequently and pick up some pretty interesting items like 1950’s sweater clips, 80’s dresses, and my most recent purchase of a 70’s carnival toy. And all were under $10. The city also offers many events throughout the year that takes place in the Plaza. On Labor Day it plays host to the Street Fair. The Old Towne Orange Antique Fair comes to town in February. There’s an Antique Car Show in April, haunted houses on Halloween, and Christmas tree lighting in December.

Questions to think about:
1)How has Watson’s Drug and Soda Fountain stayed around for so long?
2)Why does the plaza appeal to such a wide range of age groups?

About our Blogger:
My name is Anna Nguyen and I’m in the 10th grade. I love watching movies. Some of my favorites are Harold and Maude, My Own Private Idaho, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The reason why I picked this topic is because I have an affinity for vintage items. I also grew up around the area and so it’s one of my favorite places in the world.

Our First Guest Bloggers are Dylan Ha and Brian Vu. Listen carefully to their explanation of Vietnamese New Year and why it is important to them. Mrs. Jordan
As you all know, promptly for the Asian ethnicity, is that Vietnamese New Year is coming about, or known as “Tet” in Vietnamese. Tet, this year is on February 2 - 7. The original origin of Tet is unknown, but a man of Tet Nguyen Dan brought about the celebration of the Vietnamese New Year.


It was recorded that Chinese started to celebrate Chinese New Year from about 2000 BC, though the celebrations were held on different times under different emperors. They started to celebrate Chinese New Year on the first day of the lunar calendar based on Emperor Wu Di's almanac of the Han Dynasty.

The days before the celebration of Tet are filled with bustling preparations. People must stock up on supplies, decorate their homes, and cook certain special foods that are eaten on Tet. Homes are decorated with flowers such as the hoa mai, hoa dao, and kumquat trees. On the hoa mai, little red envelopes filled with money called li xi are hung on the branches. Banh chung (a sticky rice cake filled with green bean filling and meat) and do thu are the main dishes that are eaten. Snacks include roasted watermelon seeds and mut(which are dried and candied fruits, most popularly coconut).


On Tet day, all family members gather together for the celebration. Children go to their elders and wish them a happy new year filled with good fortune. In return, they are given li xi. Then, the food is finally able to be eaten. People eat the mut and watermelon seeds while playing games. The most popular game is bau cua ca cop(translated literally into luffa, crab, fish, tiger, not included, the deer), which is a game where players bet money on an animal, and then dice are thrown. The players that bet on the animals that show up get their bet doubled and everybody else loses. Celebrations can last for up to 5 days, depending on where it is celebrated.

Every year, cities in the Orange County region, such as Garden Grove and Westminster, which have the most populated Vietnamese people other than Vietnam, celebrate Tet with great devotion. People decorate the city as a whole, showing their faith and optimism to a new year. Most significance of these celebrations lie at the Asian Garden Mall, located on Bolsa street, and Bolsa Grande High School, located on Westminster Avenue. If you aren’t Vietnamese, doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the Tet events. In fact, many people of all ethnicity come out to enjoy the excitement, entertaining events, games, music, etc! Happy New Year, or in Vietnamese, Chuc Mung Nam Moi!



Questions to think about:

Why is the Vietnamese New Year more highly praised than the American New Years?

How does the Vietnamese Near Year differ from the Chinese New Year?

About our Bloggers:We enjoy celebrating the New Years with our families due to the excitement it brings, as well as the money that children obtain. We both came from a family that has escaped death due to the Vietnam War, meaning even though we live in the U.S., we still cherish our Vietnamese heritage. We both would like to share why Tet is important to us and to others, because it really is a magnificent time of the year, and everyone should participate!

Video: The History of the World in 7 Min.s

Hi Everyone,

Here is a really great short video (7 mins) explaining world history. Follow the link.
It's interesting how life is very simple and there is little change for most of the time people lived on earth. It's only in the last few hundred years.... lots of change. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/user/WHFUA

The Palace of Versailles, France

If you travel to France, most likely you will visit the capital of Paris. However, to make that trip complete you must take a short train ride about 20 minutes outside of Paris to the city of Versailles. Leaving the train stop you will walk down a long boulevard that ends at the palace. Immediately you will be struck by the grandeur and beauty of this historic site.
However, It wasn’t always a grand palace, at first the estate was a simple hunting estate in a small village. History tells us that it won’t stay that way for long…
During the 1600s France was becoming a great power in Europe. The absolute ruler Louis XIV took over the throne in 1661 and so he began the project of expanding and creating a grand palace that was more suitable for his luxurious lifestyle.
Louis XIV hired many great artisans to restore and expand his new home. He hired landscape gardener Le Notre, architect Le Vau and painter Le Brun who spent a great amount of time renovating and completing the palace.
Overtime the palace continued to expand. Slowly the palace acquired many great works of priceless art and was decorated using extraordinarily expensive interior design.
In 1789, during the reign of Louis XVI, tension over social structure and an overspending monarch caused one of the most memorable revolutions in history. Members of the third estate revolted and insisted upon a new democratic government. France experienced great chaos for a long period of time and that the beauty and splendor of the great palace was overshadowed. In modern times, the palace was turned in to a museum to document the grandeur and vision that Louis XIV had for Versailles.
Since this palace represents France’s strength and beauty, many historical moments have occurred here. Some include: The Women’s famous march to Versailles during the French Revolution and the Paris Peace Conference after WWI 1918 in the famous Hall of Mirrors.
Now it is tourist attraction and museum.

No trip to France is complete without a trip to Versailles where you can be transported the 1700s. I’ve been there three times and would easily go again. It really should be on your list of must see locations!
Interesting facts: Floor Space, 67,000 m2; Number of Windows, 2,153; Number of rooms, 700; Staircases, 67; Paintings in the Museum’s Collection, 6,123; Drawings, 1,500; Engravings, 15,034; Sculptures, 2,102;
To Learn more visit the museum’s official site: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage
Questions to think about
How did King Louis’s drive to build one of the greatest palaces influence the demise of the French the monarchy?
Despite the hardship it placed on the French economy, was this project worthwhile because it gives visitors an understanding about life in the 1700s?