Presidential Campaign Ads

John McCain Web Ad: Man in the Arena



Barack Obama TV Ad




In the television ads above what messages do McCain and Obama try to send to the American public about themselves?

What images do they use to help send these messages?

Do you believe these messages should be believed?

Post a reply either to these questions, a comment of your own, or a question for others to think about.

The Boston Massacre

The Boston Massacre occured on March 5, 1770. Colonists gathered in a crowd outside the Boston customs house. The colonists shouted insults at the British redcoats or "lobsterbacks." The colonists began throwing snowballs, oyster shells, and chunks of ice at the soldiers.

As the crowd grew the British soldiers panicked. They fired into the crowd, killing 5 people. Samuel Maverick, a 17 year old white youth, and Crispus Attucks, an African American sailor, were among the first to die.

The colonists protested the incident calling it "The Boston Massacre."

The soldiers were arrested and tried in court. They were defended by John Adams, who believed the soldiers deserved a fair trial. Adams argued the soldiers were provoked and the jury agreed. The heaviest punishment any of the soldiers received was a branding of the hand.

The Boston Massacre

Above are two interpretations of the Boston Massacre. What do you notice about these two pictures? How are they different? How are they similar? How do they compare to the previos depiction of the massacre? What do they omit or add? Which do you believe is more realistic? Who do you think drew each one?

Please post comments on the above photos either answering the questions above, making your own statement, or with your own question(s).

Obama v. JFK v. Reagan

President John F. Kennedy speaking in Berlin, Germany on June 26, 1963.



President Ronald Reagan speaking in Berlin, Germany on June 12, 1987.



Barack Obama speaking in Berlin, Germany on July 24, 2008.


What do these three speeches have in common? What is different about them? Why might have Obama decided to make his speech in Berlin? Does Obama have anything in common with either of these candidates?

Please reply answering one of these questions or with a statement or question of your own.

American Revolution Timelines

Social Studies For Kids American Revolution Timeline

Valley Oak Elementary School American Revolution Timeline

USHistory.org American Revolution Timeline
A comprehensive timeline of events during the Revolutionary period

The Battle of Bunker Hill

On June 16, 1775 Colonel William Prescott led the minutemen up to Bunker Hill and nearby Breed's Hill. From atop Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill the minutemen could fire on British ships in Boston Harbor.
The British led by General William Howe spotted the Americans and led British forces to Bunker Hill. As the British approached the Americans held their fire. When the Americans finally fired the British were forced to retreat. The British were turned back a second time. Finally the British defeated the Americans and took Bunker Hill. The British paid a heavy price. 1,000 Redcoats were dead or wounded while only 400 Americans were lost.
The Battle of Bunker Hill was the first major battle of the American Revolution and showed the Americans would fight bravely.