Hyer-Level History

No Homework this Weekend

2012-01-27T13:54:00.002-05:00

I Must be going Soft - There is No Homework This Weekend Despite What I Stated in Class


Stalin called fluffy here Rabbit Poppers

Don't worry about me however, I am sure I will snap out of this homework funk next week.

Homework: P2 Essay Examples Wanted

2012-01-25T13:24:00.000-05:00

Essay Examples Needed

Please read or re-read your mid-term Paper 2 essay tonight. I am seeking volunteer submissions for full or partial sections from the essays to use as in-class examples. They can be "what to do right, "what to do better," or "what NOT to do." I won't use your name if you want it withheld.

The examples will be used in all of my classes at a future date(s).

Please indicate your submission by leaving a comment on your document indicating so. To do that, use CTRL + ALT + M.

By contributing your work, it can help you and your peers on future essays.

8th Annual Block of Cheese Award!

2012-01-22T14:42:00.003-05:00

Coming Soon...

Mr. Hyer's 8th Annual Block of Cheese Award

A half-pound of delicious Cabot Creamery Pepper Jack Cheese is given to the top scorer (in all four classes) on the mid-term exam. There will be other prizes for the runner-ups in each class.

The winner will be announced later this week in class. Yes, it is still Sunday afternoon and I'm still grading.

Great Work on Your Mid-term Exams!

2012-01-20T09:17:00.003-05:00

Great Work on Your Mid-term Exams

On Monday we will begin examining Stalin's consolidation of power and his rule.

This means that we will also begin studying your first Paper 3 topic (The Soviet Union 1924 - 1991). Get excited!

Enjoy some well-deserved time off.

C/C Dictators Categories Mini-Test Thursday

2012-01-11T14:06:00.001-05:00

Don't forget about tomorrow's Mini-Test regarding the thematic categories for comparing and contrasting dictators / single-party states.

For your coloring pleasure I've included my version of Mao that I colored and a blank version that you have fun coloring.

Here is my version of Mao.

Mid-Term Exam Information

2012-01-10T14:43:00.002-05:00

Color the Evil Dictators

It was suggested by the "goats" of G Block that coloring skills be assessed on the mid-term exam so I've included two examples above to help prep you for this important IB-learning skill.

There will be another mini-Test on Thursday that will ask you to list at least 8 categories you should consider when comparing and contrasting dictators/single-party states in a thematic essay. You have the categories listed on the matrix I gave you last week. In addition, here is a list that Period D came up with today:

Conditions following the Great War
Foreign influence
Ideology
Use of Propaganda
Economy
Political
Social issues
Previous regime(s)
Treatment of opponents
Personal background
Roles of the dictator
Leadership skills
Luck
Support bases
Nationalism
and thanks to Matt Dennison for the last one:
Untimely death of key leaders (Stressemann in Germany; Sun Yat-sen in China; and Lenin in Soviet Union)

Between now and Friday I suggest you begin locating all of your material for the three dictators so that you know it is easily accessible when you begin to study this weekend.

The exam will consist of the short,short answers (people and events) and 1 45-minute Paper 2 Essay.

Find your previous exams to study for the short, short answers. The Paper 2 essay will be a compare/contrast question on two or more of the dictators. You will have a choice among three prompts.

C/C Stalin-Hitler-Mao Homework

2012-01-06T12:34:00.000-05:00

For Monday, please continue to compile your chart on the similarities and differences of Stalin, Hitler and Mao. Your chart should be fairly well complete. Be sure to bring it to class on Monday whether it is on paper or in digital form so it can be used for our in-class exercise.

If you want a blank copy of the chart, or forgot it at school, I've shared a copy with you. It is called, "Comparing Three Dictators."

There will be a 20-point mini-test on Monday regarding three of the major categories from the chart. I won't tell you which ones.

Also, on Monday I will have the study guide for the mid-term exam.

C/C 3 Dictators and SPS Homework - Due FRIDAY

2012-01-05T14:28:00.000-05:00

The following is due PRIOR to class FRIDAY, Jan. 6

Consider the exercise you did in class prior to the break where you compared the rise of Stalin and Mao. It was based on the reading I shared with you entitled, "Stalin and Mao: Parallel Rise? Reading". Your answer was on the document, "Comparing Stalin and Mao's Rise."

Using your notes, my website and any of the readings on Hitler, I would like you to come up with at least two comparisons and at least two contrasts for Hitler against Stalin and Mao under EACH of the following categories:

Personal Background
Country Conditions that Established Single-Party State
Ideology
Fear or Popular Appeal
Perceived Threats (Opposition and How It was Overcome)

(This means you will have at least 10 comparisons and 10 contrasts.)

Ready for this:

YOUR ANSWERS MUST BE BROUGHT TO CLASS ON A PIECE OF PAPER. I DON'T CARE IF IT IS PRINTED OR HANDWRITTEN BUT IT MUST BE A PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF YOUR ANSWERS.

No Homework for Wednesday

2012-01-04T13:45:00.002-05:00

No homework for Wednesday.

Celebrate the Holidays - No Homework

2011-12-23T05:08:00.003-05:00

Both Santa and Mao have a passion for red

Several of you approached me yesterday to ask about homework over the break. There is none. Enjoy some time off.

If you were absent and didn't finish the Mao / Stalin comparison, please finish it sooner than later. I will begin grading these assignments on Monday.

With your additional free time you can read about Hitler's problem with stomach cramps and passing gas. Thank you Katie Rastallis for alerting me to the story. And yes, the story is factual. "Doctor" Theodor Morell was Hitler's MD but he wasn't really qualified to practice medicine and his treatments are the reason why Hitler was in such poor health during World War II. Thank you, doctor.

Wednesday's In-Class Work: Stalin & Mao

2011-12-21T06:36:00.000-05:00

Stalin and Mao: The Unhappy Couple

Using ONLY the reading, "Stalin and Mao: Parallel Rise?" answer the following Paper 2-style question:

PROMPT: Compare and contrast the rise to power of Stalin and Mao

(I've shared a document with you entitled, "Comparing Stalin and Mao's Rise - LAST." Make a copy of it and share it with me. Replace LAST with your last name. Your answer will go on top of this document. A digital copy of the reading is below.)

While you can certainly use your own knowledge outside of the reading, focus on the material contained in the reading to keep this exercise as simple as possible.

When comparing dictators you ALWAYS want to be thematic and compare/contrast them in a running style, NOT end-on.

Running C/C: Stalin did this, Mao did this. Stalin did this, however Mao did this.
End-On C/C: Stalin did this. Stalin did that. And then he did this. THEN Mao did this, Mao did that. And then he did this.

See the document for factors you may want to consider. This assignment is due prior to class Thursday. It is worth 20 TEST points.

Bonus Material from Mr. Hyer: Stalin Declares War on the Kulaks

NOTE: Definition of Kulaks: They were the relatively affluent peasants in the Russian countryside. They had benefited from the NEP program because they were usually a better farmer who made efficient use of their farmland and had a knack for selling their crops for more profits than their less inclined peasant neighbors.

Stalin declares war on them in 1929 because of the perceived danger they present to his collectivization program. So the overall effect was as follows: He literally destroys his best farmers and leaves the mediocre ones to tackle a impossible national agricultural task.

Stalin in a speech Dec. 29, 1929:

“... Now we are able to carry on a determined offensive against the kulaks, to break their resistance, to eliminate them as a class and substitute for their output the output of the collective farms and state farms. Now, the kulaks are being expropriated by the masses of poor and middle peasants themselves, by the masses who are putting solid collectivization into practice. Now, the expropriation of the kulaks in the regions of solid collectivization is no longer just an administrative measure. Now, the expropriation of the kulaks is an integral part of the formation and development of the collective farms. Consequently it is now ridiculous and foolish to discourse on the expropriation of the kulaks. You do not lament the loss of the hair of one who has been beheaded.

There is another question which seems no less ridiculous: whether the kulaks should be permitted to join the collective farms. Of course not, for they are sworn enemies of the collective-farm movement ....”

Stalin and Mao Homework

2011-12-20T08:02:00.000-05:00

"dear leader" Quote of the Week (so far)

"I can only express satisfaction that the Dear Leader is joining the likes of Gadhafi, bin Laden, Hitler and Stalin in a warm corner of hell," said Senator John McCain, the top-ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee.

Added Jeffrey Hyer, "And Mao is serving the broken glass and nails they are force fed for breakfast each morning."

"dear leader" Kim Jong Il

Arizona Senator John McCain

Just kidding about the homework. Take a deep breath and relax for a night of no history homework or studying for an exam. You deserve it for a job well done on the Paper 2 essay today.

There will be an in-class exercise tomorrow on comparing the regimes of Stalin and Mao. One of the questions will be graded Thursday as a test grade (20 points), so it is suggested that the assignment is taken seriously.

And, on Thursday I will be serving my homemade chili for lunch so stop by room 111 for a bowl. There is no veggie option. Sorry :(

Don't Forget about Tuesday's P2 Exam

2011-12-19T05:42:00.001-05:00

Don't forget Tuesday's Paper 2 Exam. I'll see you in the computer lab.

Hey, Kim Jong-un was an IB student. If Kim Jong-un can run North Korea, you can easily complete a Paper 2 exam.

Speaking of North Korea, here are some pictures of "dear leader" when he seemed somewhat fresher.

http://kimjongillookingatthings.tumblr.com/

Why the CCP Won / Why the Nationalists Lost Homework

2011-12-15T14:30:00.000-05:00


On October 1, 1949 a grand ceremony was witnessed by 300,000 people in Beijing's Tienanmen Square, and Mao Zedong, chairman of the Central People's Government, solemnly proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

STUDY SKILLS WORKSHOP FRIDAY

I am finishing the last of the two study skills workshops tomorrow during lunch in room 204. It will be geared specifically toward the Rise of Mao Paper 2 essay exam to be given on Tues., Dec. 20. I will point you toward what you should study over the weekend in preparation for class on Monday.

The following is due Monday, Dec. 19 at 8:20 a.m.

I've shared with you two readings: China 1900-49 - Why CCP Won Civil War.pdf AND China 1900-49 - Why Nationalist Lost Civil War.pdf

Please place the following on your Rise of Mao worksheet under question #31.

Consider the following prompt: "'Political strength was the main reason why the Communists were successful in the civil war.' Assess this claim."

Don't consider why the Civil War happened, but instead assess why one side one over the other. Also, you may not consider political strength as the main factor, but another factor that favored the Communists. And, don't forget the Nationalists. They might have won, especially as they had the support of both the USA and the Soviet Union.

Divide your answer into two sections:

Reasons why the Communists won

Reasons why the Nationalists lost

Try to rank your reasons in each category from greatest to least important.

Consider several of the following causal factors:

The series of major strategic military errors made by the Nationalists compared to the CCP's military successes from 1947 (p. 140)
The better training and morale of CCP troops compared to the Nationalist army (p. 148)
The treatment of the people by the Nationalists versus treatment of the people by the Communists - a case of more effective terror? (p. 140)
The greater ability of the CCP to win the hearts of many people (by offering land) (pgs. 140-1).
The long record of limited Nationalist success in government compared to the fresh hopes offered by the CCP. (pgs. 141-4).
The CCP's strong internal discipline versus the willingness of key Nationalists to betray their side (pgs. 145-6 and 148).
The CCP's greater skills in political propaganda. (pg. 148).
The soaring inflation and economic collapse of the Nationalist government years (pg. 142).

Chinese Civil War Homework

2011-12-13T14:04:00.003-05:00

Popular in the American Press gave Chiang an air of legitimacy that he hadn't really earned as the leader of China's Nationalists.

STUDY SKILLS WORKSHOPS - WED. and FRI.

I will conduct two study skills workshops on Wednesday and Friday THIS WEEK during lunch. They will be geared specifically toward the Rise of Mao Paper 2 essay exam to be given on Tues., Dec. 20.
BONUS: Students who attend and participate in both workshops will receive a 5-point bonus on the exam, which is 5 percent because it will be worth 100 points.

HOMEWORK DUE FOR THURSDAY

Read Chapters 10 and 11 in the shared document entitled, 20th Century China - Part 4.

Copy the SIX questions below and paste them under Question 25 on your Rise of Mao worksheet.

Answer questions 26 - 31.

Your answers are due prior to class on Thursday., Dec. 15.

Chinese Civil War (1946 - 49) Questions

Reading: Chapter 10 - 20th Century China - Part 4

26. Who were the "Blueshirts" and what was their job?

27. What were the specific methods that Chiang Kaishek tried to improve China?

28. Why were the GMD reforms ineffective?

29. What were the specific methods that the Communists employed to improve China?

30. What was there a race for land in 1945 following World War II and who aided the GMD?

31. Why did the Communist win the Civil War?

China at War with Japan Homework

2011-12-09T08:37:00.001-05:00

During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-45) many atrocities were committed by both sides. Here a Chinese hostage is about to have his head removed by a Japanese soldier.

STUDY SKILLS WORKSHOPS NEXT WEEK

I will conduct two study skills workshops on Wednesday and Friday next week during lunch. They will be geared specifically toward the Rise of Mao Paper 2 essay exam to be given on Tues., Dec. 20.
BONUS: Students who attend and participate in both workshops will receive a 5-point bonus on the exam, which is 5 percent because it will be worth 100 points.

HOMEWORK DUE FOR MONDAY

Read Chapters 7, 8 and 9 in the shared document entitled, 20th Century China - Part 3.

Copy the NINE questions below and paste them under Question 16 on your Rise of Mao worksheet.

Answer questions 17 - 25.

Your answers are due prior to class on Mon., Dec. 12.

Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-45) Questions

Reading: Chapter 7 - 20th Century China - Part 3

17. Why did Japan want to control the Manchurian region in China? Please be specific in your response.

18. What had happened in 1928 that threatened Japan's interest in the region?

19. What event and conditions prompted the Japanese officers (acting without orders from the Japanese gov't) to invade and control Manchuria in 1931?

20. How did Chaiang Kaishek respond to Japan's maneuvers?

21. "When Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931 it was not really much of a surprise." Judging by what you have read in Chapter 7, and by the map on page 16, what evidence can you find to support this opinion?

Reading: Chapter 8 - 20th Century China - Part 3
22. why didn't Chainag Kaishek fight the Japanese between 1931 and 1936?

23. What was the Xian Incident and why did it swing the Chainag's pendulum the other way. what happened as a result?

Reading: Chapter 9 - 20th Century China - Part 3
24. Consider the power bases of the CCP and the GMD. Where were Japanese troops from 1938 to 1944. What effect will this have on future events?

25. How did the Communist respond against the Japanese? what about Chinese citizens? Consider the Hundred Regiments Battle and the Three All Campaign.

Finish Extermination / Long March Homework

2011-12-08T10:48:00.001-05:00

Homework due Friday at 8:20 a.m. See below!

Read Chapters 5 and 6 in your reading, 20th Century China - Part 2. Complete questions 10 - 16 on your Rise of Mao worksheet. Your answers are due by Dec. 9 at 8:20 a.m.

Exterminiation Campaigns / Long March Homework

2011-12-07T11:16:00.001-05:00

Mao emerged as the "Chairman" following the Long March

Short, Short Answer QUIZ Tomorrow! Homework due Friday at 8:20 a.m. See below!

Read Chapters 5 and 6 in your reading, 20th Century China - Part 2. Complete questions 10 - 16 on your Rise of Mao worksheet. Your answers are due by Dec. 9 at 8:20 a.m.

Also, there is a short,short answer quiz tomorrow. Make sure you can identify the following that are in red. If it is blue, you don't need to know it for the quiz.

People

Mao Zedong
Sun Yatsen
Yuan Shikai
Chiang Kaishek
Zhu De
Otto Braun

Events / Terms

Manchu Dynasty
Opium Wars (1839 - 1842 / 1856 - 1860)
Sino-Japanese War (1894-95)
Boxer Rebellion & 8-nation Invasion
Spheres of Influence (European Domination)
"Double Ten" Revolution
Twenty-One Demands (1915)
Guomindang
Influence of the Warlords
May Fourth movement
Chinese Communist Party
Comintern
Marxism-Leninism vs. Maoism
First United Front
Northern Expedition (1926-28)
Jiangxi Soviet ("Chinese Soviet Republic")
The Red Army
Extermination campaigns
Fifth extermination campaign
The Long March

GMD - CCP Cooperate Homework

2011-12-05T14:26:00.001-05:00

I've shared four readings with you from the Access to History Book we have been using in class.
They begin with the title "China 1900-49 - "

Please complete these by Wed., Dec. 7 at 8:20 a.m.

Please use these guiding questions to complete more notes on your Mao worksheet

From China 1900-49 - GMD Under Sun Yatsen (Put answers under question #7)

Why, in his reorganization did Sun put such emphasis on the military?

From China 1900-49 - CCP Founded (Put answers under question #7)

What developments led to the founding of the CCP in China in 1921?

Why were the Chinese progressives so impressed by the Russian Revolution?

Why did Chinese Communist believe that Russian Marxism-Leninism could work in China?

What was the major weakness of establish true Marxism-Leninism in China and why?

From China 1900-49 - GMD-CCP United Front (Put answers under question #8)

What factors led to the formation of the United Front in 1924?

Why was Sun willing to cooperate with the Comintern?

What motives lay behind the Soviet Union's involvement in revolutionary China?

What were the perceived advantages and disadvantages to the CCP of a merger with the GMD?

Why were some Chinese Communists uncertain about an alliance with the GMD?

What impact did the May 30 Incident have on GMD-CCP relations?

In what ways were the relations between China's two main political parties altered by Sun Yatsen's death?

How successful was the Northern Expedition? (You'll need to read the entire section to fully answer this question.)

May Fourth Movement / GMD - CCP Homework

2011-12-01T15:01:00.001-05:00

There are two assignments this weekend. Be sure to complete both prior to 8:20 a.m. Monday.

ASSIGNMENT ONE

I have shared a document with you entitled, May Fourth Handout. If you were in class, you have a paper copy of it.

This is a detailed document regarding the May Fourth Movement, which was the subject of question #6 on your Mao worksheet. Please read the document and answer the guiding questions by creating a detailed outline. (We started this in class Thursday or Friday).

Please put all of your answers / notes under question # 6 on your Rise of Mao worksheet.

May Fourth Guiding Questions

In general terms what was the May Fourth Movement?

What did the West think of China?

What was China promised if it joined the Allies in World War I?

What did the Sino-Japanese military Alliance of 1918 indicate about China's status?

What did China NOT get out of the Treaty of Versailles?

Why were the Chinese angry?

What were the significant longer term consequences of China's treatment by the West at the Versailles Conference?

ASSIGNMENT TWO

On your Rise of Mao worksheet answer questions 7 - 9 after completing Chapter 4, which is found in the document 20th Century China - Part II.

Your answers are due prior to class on 8:20 a.m., Dec. 5.

No Homework Wednesday Night

2011-11-30T12:36:00.001-05:00

Meow Kitty sez no homework tonight!

The Rise of Mao Zedong Begins Homework

2011-11-29T10:50:00.000-05:00

I have shared with you six documents entitled, 20th Century China.

I have also shared a question document with you on the Rise of Mao - LAST. Please rename it with your last name and share it with me. Erase "Copy of."

Please read the documents 20th Century China - Part I and Part II.

Answer questions 1 - 6.

Your answers are due prior to class on Wed., Nov. 30.

May Your Bird Be Big

2011-11-23T08:31:00.000-05:00

Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Break!

Study Guide for Tues., 11/29 Test

2011-11-22T11:01:00.001-05:00

There will be a Short Answer test on the Rise of Hitler on Tuesday, Nov. 29. There will be NO essay.

First, rely on the previous test study guides for the names and event "very short" answers.

Additional names and events you'll need to know:

Heinrich Bruning
Franz von Papen
Kurt von Schleicher

Reichstag Fire
"Night of the Long Knives"
Enabling Act
Date of Hitler being appointed Chancellor (Jan. 30, 1933)
Date of Hindenburg's death (August 1934)

Besides the one- or two-word answers, you'll need to answer questions in one to two sentences:

Example questions:

What was the significance of the "Night of the Long Knives"?
Why did Hitler need to get the loyalty of the army in 1934?
Why did Hindenburg appoint Hitler chancellor after previously denying him the post?

Finish Re-Vamped Outline by Monday

2011-11-18T13:53:00.001-05:00

Prepare!

Continuing working on your re-vamped outlines that you started in class on Friday. They are due Monday, Nov. 21 by 8:20 a.m.