Instructor’s
Lesson Plan w/Test
Aug – Dec 2012
KEY STANDARDS
US/USMC History
KEY STANDARD: Cadets should be able to explain and discuss key events
in US/USMC history from 1775 to 1805.
Required: Video “Traditions” as intro (9:25 min)
Video “Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor” Paul Harvey
Col’s cover
Col’s Mameluke sword
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Show the video:
“Traditions” (9:25 min)
as an introduction to US / USMC History
Comments / questions / discussion
Show the video:
“Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor” ( 10 min)
by Paul Harvey
Discuss the Video :
All of the world's revolutions, before and since the American Revolution, were initiated
by men who had what to lose or risk?
The founders of the American Revolution had what to lose?
What was the punishment given by King George III to all traitors?
By signing the Declaration, those who had signed committed what?
Who signed his name so large and clear that King George would not need his glasses
to read this signature?
Any Marine worth his salt knows that this November 10, 2012, the U.S. Marine Corps
will be 237 years old – but, how did the Marine Corps begin?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God. In the
beginning was God and all else was darkness and void, and without
form. So God created the heavens and the earth. He created the sun,
and the moon, and the stars, so that light might pierce the darkness.
And the earth He divided between the land and the sea, and these He
filled with many assorted creatures.
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And the dark, salty, slimy creatures that inhabited the murky
depths of the oceans, God called sailors, and He dressed them
accordingly – giving them baggy blue pants and Dixie cups for hats.
And the flighty, air headed creatures of the sky He called airmen.
And these He dressed in uniforms which were a light blue, ruffled and
fowl.
And the lower creatures of the land, God called soldiers, and with a
twinkle in His eye, and a sense of humor only God could have, God
gave these soldiers trousers too short… and covers to large… and long
hair to cover their ears… and pockets to warm their hands.
And to decorate their uniforms, God gave them badges. And He
gave them emblems… and ribbons and medals, (He gave them lots of
ribbons and medals, so that they might feel important and look like
they’ve accomplished something)… and He gave them patches… and
cords… and bells… and whistles… and stars… and chains… and
crests… and He gave them all sorts of shiny things that glittered… and
devices that dangled…
Sometimes, even when you’re God, you can get carried away!
And on the 7th day, as you know, God rested. And on the 8th day at
0430, God looked down upon the earth and was not pleased. God was
not pleased! Why? Because something was missing! The earth was
not perfect; it was lacking that something special.
So, He thought about his labors, and in His infinite wisdom, God
created a divine creature, and this magnificent creature He called a
Marine. And these Marines, whom God had created in His own image,
were to be of the land, of the sea, and of the air. And to these Marines,
he gave many wonderful uniforms.
He gave them practical, camouflaged, fighting uniforms, so that
they might wage war against the forces of Satan and evil.
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He gave them green service uniforms for their daily work and
training, so that they might be sharp and ready…
And He gave them Dress Blue uniforms. Sharp, stylish, and
handsome uniforms, so that they might party with the ladies on
Saturday night and impress the hell out of everyone!
And at the end of the 8th day, God looked down upon the earth and
saw that it was good! But, was God finally pleased? No! God still was
not pleased! Why? Because in the course of His labors, He had
forgotten one thing. He did not have a Marine uniform! But, He
thought about it, and He thought about it, and He finally realized that,
well, not everyone can be a Marine!
USMC HISTORY
1775 – 1805
Americans have always been a seafaring people and many of our national traditions
come from this nation’s Mother country – Britain. One of these traditions is the
establishment of a Marine Corps.
On 10 November 1775, the Continental Congress resolved that “…two battalions of
Marines be raised and the Marine Corps was born. This resolution was signed by
John Hancock – the same John Hancock who would, 8 months later sign his name to a
document which would be known through the world as the “Declaration of
Independence”.
Today, 10 November is celebrated as the birthday of the Marine Corps. The first
person commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps was Samuel Nicholas who
was appointed a Captain by John Hancock in November 1775 and thus it is
CAPT SAMUEL NICHOLAS who is considered to be the First Commandant of
the Marine Corps.
In 1775, one of the most popular taverns in Philadelphia was a place known as
Tunn Tavern. Located on the water front, it was a popular hangout for seafaring
men. It was here that the newly appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps,
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CAPT SAMUEL NICHOLAS, went looking for a “FEW GOOD MEN” to serve as
MARINES. The owner of this bar was a man by the name of Robert Mullen.
Rumor has it that Captain Nicholas and Robert Mullen struck up a deal whereby
Robert Mullen would also be appointed a Captain in the Marine Corps and be
appointed as the first Marine Corps Recruiter in exchange for the use of his tavern as a
recruiting office and a reduced price of “rounds of cheer”.
Thus the Marine Corp Birthday is 10 November 1775
The first Commandant was Captain Samuel Nicholas
The birthplace of the Marine Corps is Tunn Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Owner of Tunn Tavern is also the 1st Marine Recruiter – Captain Robert Mullen
Why did Robert Mullen become the 1st Recruiter? Because he owned Tunn Tavern.
By early in the year 1776, it was obvious to most “Americans” that trouble was
brewing, between the Colonists and Britain! An individual by the name of George
Washington was in the process of raising an army for the impending conflict. Arms
and ammunition would be needed for Washington’s Army; thus the Marine Corps and
it’s newly appointed Commandant had its first mission – seize arms and ammunition
for Washington’s Army.
The British had a fort in the Bahamas at New Providence, which was filled to
overflowing with equipment and minimally guarded.
It was in the Bahamas the Marine Corps would accomplish its first amphibious
landing and it’s first mission – seize arms and ammunition for General
Washington.
During our Revolutionary War, Marines fought on ships with their most memorable
duty coming under the command of a Captain John Paul Jones.
Their most famous engagement was the sea battle between the Bonhomme Richard
and the British ship Seraphis.
Most people have heard the famous line uttered by Captain John Paul Jones “…I have
not yet begun to fight.” But why did he utter those famous words?
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During the days of the great sailing vessels when two enemies met, the primary
mission of each vessel was not to sink the other but to demast it, thus rendering it
immoveable and a stationary target. When a ship was rendered a sitting target, the
Captain of the target ship could surrender by “Striking His Colors” or lowering his
ship’s flag quickly – usually done by the Captain or first Mate, cutting the halyard (the
line holding the flat to the mast) with his sword or cutlass.
When the Bonhomme Richard (the American ship) and the Seraphis (the British ship)
began shooting at each other – trying to blow the ship’s mast and sails apart - a stray
shot from the British ship struck the halyard of the Bonhomme Richard causing the
Colors of the American ship to fall.
The Captain of the British ship, Seraphis, hailed John Paul Jones asking him, “Sir,
are you striking your Colors”? In essence – “Are you surrendering your ship?
Captain Jones turned and saw that his ship’s Colors were in fact down and
commanded one of his sailors to “get the flag back up in the air!” He then replied to
the Captain of the Seraphis these immortal words –
“I have not yet begun to fight!”
And the rest, as they say, is history! The American ship went on to defeat the British
ship, thus earning the American Navy the respect and fear of the British Navy.
During these navel battles, Marines fought fiercely. When Marines could not get
close enough to board the enemy ships, they assaulted the British with musket fire.
When they got close enough to board the enemy ships, they engaged the enemy with
hand to hand combat while Sharp Shooters fired from the American ship’s rigging. It
was during these engagements that three traditions came about in the Marine Corps.
The first one was a nickname given to Marines – that of “LEATHERNECKS”.
The Marines’ long-standing nickname goes back to the leather stock or
neckpiece, which was part of the Marine Uniform from 1775 to 1875. The leather
bands around their throats were intended to ensure that Marines kept their heads
erect. Descended from the stock is the standing collar, the hallmark of the Marine
blues, whites, and evening dress. Like its leather ancestor, the standing collar
regulates stance and posture, and thus proclaims the wearer as a modern
“leatherneck”.
Thus, because of the stiff leather collars worn on Marine uniforms in the early
history of our Corps, Marines earned the nickname Leathernecks
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We can still see this collar design today in the Marine Dress Blue Uniform.
The second tradition was the use of the Quatrefoil on Marines covers in the early
history of our corps.
The quatrefoil (the four bladed cross-shaped braid atop officers’ frame-type
“barracks” caps) has been worn ever since 1859. The design, of the French origin, is
a distinguishing part of the Marine officer’s uniform today. Popular belief tells us
that in the mid 17 and 1800”s, crossed pieces of rope was sewn to the top of Marine’s
covers so that sharpshooters in the ship’s riggings could readily identify them as
“friend or foe’ on board ships.
Thus, today, the four bladed design worn today on the top of all Marine Officers covers
originally worn on the top of all Marine covers to identify them as "friend or foe"
when on board ships is called a Quatrafoil.
<show Col’s cover>
The third tradition was the wearing of a specific design or emblem on our Marine
Uniforms:
We adopted the Eagle, and fouled anchor (of the Marine Emblem of the British
Marines) and surrounded it with thirteen stars (for our 13 original colonies).
- This design would become the 1st Marine Corps emblem!
The design on the Dress Blues and Service Green blouse buttons represents the 1st
Marine Corps Emblem.
After the Revolutionary War, the American Military was disbanded and sent home
– this included the disbandment of the American Marines. A short time later,
however, the American people realized that our country would need some sort of
military force. The Marine Corps was also reinstituted.
In 1800, the capital and Marine headquarters were moved to Washington. The
new headquarters was located at the corner of “8th and I” were the building still stands.
It was also in this year that William Word Burrows was given the title of
Lieutenant Colonel Commandant. During his time as Commandant of the Marine
Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Burrows saw to it the discipline of the organization was
improved. He emphasized drill for both officers and enlisted men.
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He was also responsible for the creation of the Marine Corps Band. The band
came to be known as the “President’s Own” due to the number of presidential
functions at which it performed. .
Thus in 1800, the Marine Corps Band becomes known as the “Presidents Own”
Marine Headquarters (aka HQMC) at 8th and I in Washington, D.C.; is the “oldest
post” in the Marine Corps and home of the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
1801 – 1805 The Barbary Wars
In the early 1800’s a group of small countries known as the Barbary States were
committing piracy and terrorism against ships sailing in the Mediterranean Sea. Ships
of any nation were vulnerable to such piracy except Great Britain – it had a large
Navy to protect its shipping and that of any other nation supporting England or, which
had treaties with England, the U.S. was not one of those!
It was during this time frame that President Jefferson convinced the U.S. Congress
that America needed a powerful Navy to protect America’s interests overseas – he
declared the U.S. should “…spend millions for defense but not one penny for tribute.”
By the spring of 1805, America had decided it was time for a change in the terroristic
policies of the Barbary States.
The so called capital of the Barbary States was the Port of Tripoli and its ruler, the
Pasha of Tripoli. America decided to overthrow the government and the Pasha of
Tripoli and place his brother Hamet on the throne.
Thus Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon (of Frankfort, KY), was given the mission of
seizing the head of a foreign government and restoring order to a foreign country!
In April of 1805, Marine Lt. Presley O’Bannon and a group of Mercenaries, along
with his Marines, attacked the stronghold of Derna outside the port of Tripoli. Within
two hours, the government was overthrown and the new Pasha of Tripoli, Hamet was
in power and for the first time in U.S. history, the American Flag was raised in the
“Old World”!
Hamet, the new Pasha of Tripoli was so thankful to Lt. Presley O’Bannon, that he
presented him with a jewel encrusted “Mameluke sword” as a tribute to the Marine
officer’s leadership and courage.
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This sword was used as a model for the Mameluke sword that is worn and carried by
all officers in the Marine Corps today.
<If available, show Col’s Mameluke sword>
Today, the landing on the shores of Tripoli to overthrow the government are sung
about in the Marine’s hymn – “…to the shores of Tripoli”, and Lt O’Bannon’s grave
site can be visited in Frankfort, KY.
Thus, the Marine Corps officer who led the attack against the Barbary pirates in
Derna, Tripoli was Lt O’Bannon.
In recognition of his courage and daring, the new Pasha of Tripoli, Hamet,
presented Lt. O’Bannon with what the Mamaluke sword.
As a part of Marine Corps tradition today, all Marine Officers carry the
"Mameluke Sword".
The phrase in the Marine's Hymn which refers to this event in Marine Corps
history is: “…to the shores of Tripoli….”.
And Lt Presley O’Bannon is from the state of Kentucky.
Shortly afterward Scarlett and Gold were officially designated as the Marine
Corps Colors and the English Bull dog designated as the Official Marine Corps
Mascot. The 1st official Marine Corps mascot was named “Mr. Jiggs”.
<Any Questions/Remarks>
Alright let’s do a review
U.S. / U.S.M.C. History 1775 – 1805
Based on the video we saw or the article we read, “Our lives, our fortunes, our
sacred honor”, let’s see if we can answer the following questions:
All of the world's revolutions, before and since the American Revolution, were
initiated by men who had what to lose or risk?
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The founders of the American Revolution had what to lose?
What was the punishment given by King George III to all traitors?
By signing the Declaration, those who had signed committed what?
Who signed his name so large and clear that King George would not need his glasses
to read this signature?
Let’s look at Marine Corps History:
What is the birth date of the Marine Corps.
Who was the first Commandant of the Marine Corps ?
Where is the birthplace of the Marine Corps?
Who owned Tunn Tavern?
Who was the first Marine Corps recruiter?
Why was he made the first recruiter?
Where was the 1st amphibious landing made?
What was the 1st mission of the Marine Corps?
Because of the stiff leather collars worn on Marine uniforms in the early
history of our Corps, Marines earned what nickname?
Where can we find this collar design today?
The four bladed design worn today on the top of all Marine Officers covers
originally worn on the top of all Marine covers to identify them as "friend or
foe" when on board ships is called a what?
The design on the Dress Blue buttons represents what?
The Marine Corps Band is also known as what?
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Who was the Marine Corps officer who led the attack against the Barbary pirates
in Derna, Tripoli?
In recognition of his courage and daring, the new Pasha of Tripoli, Hamet,
presented Marine Lt. O’Bannon with what?
As a part of Marine Corps tradition, who carries the "Mameluke Sword" today?
What is the phrase in the Marine's Hymn which refers to this event in Marine
Corps history?
Lt Presley O’Bannon is from the state of:
The official Marine Corps colors are:
The Marine Corps mascot is:
Alright – any questions?
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DO NOT WRITE ON THIS TEST, PUT YOUR
ANSWERS ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER
_______________________
Name, Period
U.S. / U.S.M.C. History Test 1775 – 1805
1. All of the world's revolutions, before and since the American Revolution, were
initiated by men who had what to lose or risk?
2. The founders of the American Revolution had what to lose?
3. What was the punishment given by King George III to all traitors?
4. By signing the Declaration, those who had signed committed what?
5. Who signed his name so large and clear that King George would not need his glasses
to read this signature?
6. What is the birth date of the Marine Corps.
7. Who was the first Commandant of the Marine Corps ?
8. Where is the birthplace of the Marine Corps?
9. Who owned Tunn Tavern?
10. Who was the first Marine Corps recruiter?
11. Why was he made the first recruiter?
12. Where was the 1st amphibious landing made?
13. What was the 1st mission of the Marine Corps?
14. Because of the stiff leather collars worn on Marine uniforms in the early
history of our Corps, Marines earned what nickname?
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15. Where can we find this collar design today?
16. The four bladed design worn today on the top of all Marine Officers covers
originally worn on the top of all Marine covers to identify them as "friend or
foe" when on board ships is called a what?
17. The design on the Dress Blue buttons represents what?
18. The Marine Corps Band is also known as what?
19. Who was the Marine Corps officer who led the attack against the Barbary pirates
in Derna, Tripoli?
20. In recognition of his courage and daring, the new Pasha of Tripoli, Hamet,
presented Marine Lt. O’Bannon with what?
21. As a part of Marine Corps tradition, who carries the "Mameluke Sword" today?
22. What is the phrase in the Marine's Hymn which refers to this event in Marine
Corps history?
23. Lt Presley O’Bannon is from the state of:
24. The official Marine Corps colors are:
25. The Marine Corps mascot is:
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