History of the Americas
Summer Reading 2016
Franklin High School
Mr. Scheetz ([email protected])
Welcome to IB History of the Americas. This is a two-year course of study that concentrates on the
history of the both the Americas and the International community. Our Prescribed Subject is “The Move
to Global War”, in which we will explore Japanese Expansion in East Asia (1931-41) and German and
Italian Expansion (1933-40). We will also cover multiple World History Topics: Authoritarian States,
Causes and Effects of 20th Century Wars, and The Cold War. Finally, we will also look in-depth at aspects
of the History of the Americas: The Emergence of the Americas into Global Affairs, The Great
Depression, WWII, Political Developments following WWII, and, once again, The Cold War.
This is a college-level course that is reading intensive. We will use sophisticated texts that include both
primary sources and other historians’ interpretations. The reading and writing load for this course is
demanding, and as it is our goal to prepare you for end-of-the-year assessment and college, thorough
understanding and retention of the material is important.
Read the books in the order listed in the following chart for your course and complete the required
assignment attached to the book. The required readings will begin to be addressed in the early weeks of
our course, and while the journal entries may not be collected right away, they are meant to be
completed as you read. Also, as we will be referring to these texts throughout the course, you may want
to annotate the texts (marking significant passages, quotes, or questions that you have) so that you may
navigate the texts more easily in the future. I do not have any requirements for annotations/note-taking
– feel free to use a method that works best for you – though required notes will be held to a standard of
excellence.
I. Summer Reading:
a. Juniors – History of the Americas I
Required
1. The War Lovers by Evan Thomas. This is a joint biography on Theodore
Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge and William Randolph Hearst that
focuses upon their influence upon the U.S. entrance into the Spanish
American War. This is a very readable book that will pay off in the fall
by introducing you to some key historical events and figures. 10
dialectical journal entries required (guidelines provided later in this
document). The dialectical journals should be equally spaced
throughout the reading – approximately one every 50 pages.
2. A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn (Chapters 11
and 12) – 1 dialectical journal entry per chapter. You may want to
purchase this book as we will use it throughout the junior and senior
years of this class. If you do not wish to purchase it, you may also
access the full text for free by going to www.historyisaweapon.com
3.
4.
Recommended
1.
2.
3.
4.
and clicking on “What is this America?”. Specific questions regarding
these chapters will also be assigned in class once school begins, and
reading could be done at that time, so it is not necessary to complete
this during the summer. Addressing this text over the summer merely
gives you the opportunity to work ahead. The book is an interesting
one, and you may want to read some or all of the first 10 chapters to
reinforce your background in U.S. history before our course begins.
But, be conscious that Zinn is writing from a particular perspective that
is not meant to be entirely objective.
The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman. This Pulitzer Prize winner is
generally one of the highest ranked history books of our time. It is
about the outbreak of World War I, which we will explore 1st semester.
Granted, this book it long, but it is also a good one and will be well
worth the time you put into it. You do not need to complete journal
entries, but you should outline each chapter as you read. Be sure to
identify the thesis/purpose of each chapter as well as key
events/points. Also, including key or notable quotes in your notes will
be useful to you later on.
Choose and watch a movie from the list found later in this document
(note that you don’t have quite as much choice as the seniors). After
viewing, write a 1-2 page (typed, single-spaced) review of the film.
Watching the movie may be something to do for a fun family night or
get-together with other students taking this class…
Paris 1919: Six Months that Changed the World by Margaret
MacMillan. This is a very highly thought-of book about the Versailles
Peace Conference that concluded World War One. Just check out the
reviews on amazon.com.
Enemies are Human by Reinhold Pabel. This book is out-of-print, so it
is incredibly hard to find, but it is well worth it. While it is more
directed at WWII, not only is it thought-provoking, but it is a rather
beautiful book. Some used copies are available on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Enemies-are-Human-ReinholdPabel/dp/B0006D8B0C
A biography of an early 20th century historical figure – suggested:
Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin,
Adolf Hitler
Visit a historical place. The Truman and Eisenhower Presidential
Libraries and Museums aren’t too far away. Check them out, or find
something similar. Washington D.C. is always a great place to pursue
history. Wherever you travel this summer, or even if you’re staying
nearby, see what is offered in the way of 20th century history.
b. Seniors – History of the Americas II
Required
1. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair – 6 dialectical journal entries required
(guidelines provided later in this document). (This was the book
Recommended
provided to you at the end of the school year – yours to keep.) The
dialectical journals should be equally spaced throughout the reading –
approximately one every 50 pages.
2. Origins of The First World War by Gordon Martel – no dialectical journal
entries required. Instead, you should outline each chapter, including
Martel’s thesis for the chapter and the key points that he uses as
support. (You can get this book from me before you leave for the
summer, but they belong to the school.) While the book is only 87
pages, it is jam-packed with information. Be sure that you don’t skip
past something that you don’t recognize – look things up! This book
will be incredibly important to us in the fall, so it is certainly worth
investing time into it.
3. Stalin: New Biography of a Dictator by Oleg V. Khlevniuk – (Okay, this
one you’ll have to purchase or get through the public library.) From the
review on amazon.com: “Oleg Khlevniuk is incontestably the best
Russian student of Soviet history. In this biography, he uses his
experience and talents to give us an innovative and convincing portrait
of the Soviet “micromanaging” despot. The chapters dealing with the
Terror, war, victory and the tragic postwar years break new ground.
Stalin’s political and private life, his relationships with his immediate
circle, his family and the “Soviet people,” his intellectual capacities and
his way of leading the country, as well as his cruelty and the system of
power he built, come vividly to life, and one leaves the book with a
much more profound understanding of some of Europe’s darkest
decades.”—Andrea Graziosi. We are going to spend a considerable
amount of time next year studying authoritarian leaders, including
Stalin, as well as the Russian Revolution, the Russian Civil War, and the
Cold War. This book will provide a great introduction. You do not need
to complete journal entries, but you should outline each chapter as you
read. Again, be sure to identify the thesis of each chapter as well as key
events/points.
4. Choose and watch a movie from the list found later in this document.
After viewing, write a 1-2 page (typed, single-spaced) review of the film.
Watching the movie may be something to do for a fun family night or
get-together with other students taking this class…
1. A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn. We’re going to use
this book again, though not as frequently as in the junior year. If you do not
wish to purchase it, you may also access the full text of the book for free by
going to www.historyisaweapon.com and clicking on “What is this
America?”. We will begin addressing this text with chapter 14. You may read
it over the summer to get ahead, or you may wait and read chapters as they
are assigned in class during the 1st nine weeks. Specific questions regarding
the chapter will be assigned in class once school begins.
2. The War Lovers by Evan Thomas. This is a joint biography on Theodore
Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge and William Randolph Hearst that focuses
upon their influence upon the U.S. entrance into the Spanish American War.
This is a very readable book that will pay off in the fall by introducing you to
3.
4.
5.
6.
some key historical events and figures. Nothing required here – just
something to enjoy.
Truman by David McCullough. This is a fantastic biography. Of course, it is
tremendously long, but it really is exceptional. Read this, and you’ll know
the beginnings of the Cold War inside and out. As you can tell, it is one of
my favorite biographies, but even I recommend skipping the first chapter.
Paris 1919: Six Months that Changed the World by Margaret MacMillan.
This is a very highly thought-of book about the Versailles Peace Conference
that concluded World War One. Just check out the reviews on amazon.com.
John Steinbeck is a great American writer who is too often overlooked. You
may want to consider reading Once There Was a War and The Moon is
Down. Once There Was a War is some of Steinbeck’s best journalistic
reporting from multiple fronts of WWII. The Moon is Down is really a
beautifully-written novel that was designed as a piece of anti-German
propaganda, and it was extremely successful (perhaps the most successful
propaganda novel ever) despite Axis attempts to suppress it. It is the story
of the people of a town occupied by the Germans during WWII.
Visit a historical place. The Truman, Eisenhower, and Carter Presidential
Libraries and Museums aren’t too far away. Check them out, or find
something similar. Washington D.C. is always a great place to pursue
history. Wherever you travel this summer, or even if you’re staying nearby,
see what is offered in the way of 20th century history.
II. Dialectical Journal Directions:
a. General Directions:
i. Each Dialectical Journal needs to include at least the required number of entries
listed above with each text.
ii. Entries must be chosen from throughout, showing that you read and responded
to the whole text.
iii. Each journal entry will have two parts: a concrete detail/historical fact on the
left and commentary on the right.
iv. For the concrete detail/historical fact portion of each entry, write down
interesting excerpts or incidents from the text. These entries are either direct
quotations or summaries. You can choose any quotation or event that catches
your attention, seems important, or is confusing to you.
v. On the right, you will write your own commentary about the concrete detail.
Commentary involves interpreting the text: reacting, predicting, questioning,
making connections. Sophisticated readers comment on theme, development of
argument, purpose, limitation, and value in commenting on what they read.
Commentary must not be just a rewording of the text.
vi. vi. In encourage you to type these journals, though this is not a requirement.
Saving these in an electronic format may make them easier for you to access
and review later in the course.
vii. vii. Remember, these entries do not need to be lengthy, just insightful.
b. Format:
i. Clearly label your journal with your name, course title, and the title of the text
from which you are journaling.
ii. In the far left margin of the page, write the page number of each concrete
detail/historical fact.
iii. Write your entry in two clear columns. You should create these columns by
creating and typing in a table format. Please do not put your journal in any kind
of cover or special binder. Please use plain white paper, a heading, and a staple.
c. Assessment – the Dialectical Journals will be assessed according to the following rubric:
i. High Grade – Contains at least the required number of entries in the specified
format. Commentary demonstrates critical thinking in considering themes,
development of arguments, purposes, limitations, and value of the work.
Commentary illustrates that student read the work in its entirety by referencing
its beginning, middle, and end. Page numbers are cited on the left hand side of
journal.
ii. Adequate Grade – Contains at least the required number of entries in the
specified format. Commentary demonstrates adequate comprehension of plot
or sequence but limited critical thinking pertaining to themes, development of
arguments, purposes, limitations, or value. Citations are generally clear, but
contain little beyond summary, or may be missing page number citations on the
left side of chart.
iii. Low Grade – Entries that are incomplete or not formatted according to assigned
guidelines will receive a low grade. Student demonstrates less than adequate
comprehension of plot or sequence and little to no critical thinking pertaining to
themes, development of arguments, purposes, limitations, or value of work.
III. Films that you can choose from for summer viewing: (Seniors can choose any one they have not
seen before; Juniors should choose only something in the first 5 categories (early 20th century to
1930s)).
Early 20th Century
Ragtime – based on E.L. Doctorow’s book; centers on the Coalhouse Walker story; early 20 th century
World War I
Gallipoli – Mel Gibson; Australian role in ill-fated battle
Lawrence of Arabia – classic about impact of the war on Turkish empire
Paths to Glory – Kirk Douglas as a French officer with a conscience
The Light Horsemen – another Aussie film; considered a classic by many
The Blue Max – good account of WWI aerial warfare
The Razor’s Edge – a serious Bill Murray movie
Sergeant York – old classic with Gary Cooper about America’s biggest war hero
Baxter – a French dog’s-eye view of Alsace-Lorraine during WWI – subtitled
Breaker Morant – another excellent Australian film about the war
The Great War series by PBS
The Russian Revolution
Nicholas and Alexandra – great Rasputin scene
Reds – Warren Beatty as a witness to the revolution of 1917
Doctor Zhivago – a great movie on the impact of WWI and the revolution on the Russian upper classes
The Inner Circle – Tom Hulce as Stalin’s personal film projectionist – interesting look at Stalin’s Cult of
Personality
Stalin – three hour HBO movie with Robert Duvall in title role
1920s
Inherit the Wind – Spencer Tracy; the Scopes Trial
Chariots of Fire – Britain in the 1920s; won Best Picture Oscar in early 1980s
1930s
All the King’s Men – based on Robert Penn Warren’s book
Places in the Heart – Sally Field, John Malkovich, Danny Glover, Depression in Texas
To Kill a Mockingbird – based on Harper Lee’s one and only wonderful novel; Gregory Peck – only if you haven’t
watched it before…
The Untouchables – stylish film about Kevin Costner as Ness going after Capone
The Journey of Natty Gann – life on the rails
Bound for Glory – excellent presentation of the life of Woodie Guthrie, the conditions, and songs of the
Depression
The Grapes of Wrath – THE classic Depression movie; Henry Fonda as Tom Joad
World War II
The Great Dictator – Charlie Chaplain in a Hitler satire
Tora, Tora, Tora – early 70s Hollywood telling of Pearl Harbor story
Sophie’s Choice – Meryl Streep as Holocaust victim
Bridge on the River Kwai – tremendous POW story; directed by David Lean
Day One – development of the A-bomb
Das Boot – superb view of life on a German u-boat
Hope and Glory – life in London for a boy and his family during the Blitz
The Best Years of Our Lives – classic about vets readjusting to civilian life after the war
Empire of the Sun – Life in China under attack by Japan
Stalag 17 – life in a German POW camp
The Great Escape – fun adventure about escape from a German POW camp
The Music Box – gut-wrenching story of a lawyer whose father is accused of having been a Nazi war
and her defense of him
The Diary of Anne Frank – best if you have read the book already
Fat Man and Little Boy – another story about the development of the bomb
Au Revoir Les Enfants – powerful French film about the Holocaust
Memphis Belle – good depiction of life in large bombers
Patton – Academy award winner about the irascible General
The Big Red One – one of America’s most famous fighting units
Casablanca – great movie with Humphrey Bogart about life in French North Africa during the war
The Dirty Dozen – good action movie about dangerous mission behind German lines
Playing for Time – Vanessa Redgrave in the story of a woman forced to play in the orchestra
that “welcomed” prisoners to Auschwitz
The Battle of the Bulge – decent account of the last German offensive
criminal
Shining Through – Michael Doulgas and Melanie Griffith in a spy thriller behind German lines
Midnight Clear – German and U.S. soldiers have an unusual encounter.
Lifeboat – Hitchcock classic about life on lifeboat of survivors after a u-boat attack
Catch-22
Escape from Sobibor – one of the few rebellions in a concentration camp
Europa,Europa – foreign film about a Jewish youth who disguises himself as member of Hitler Youth (beware
some mature content)
Swing Kids – story of young people in Hitler’s Germany; great music
One Against the Wind – true story of a woman with the French Underground
Schindler’s List – a “new classic” about the Holocaust; a Spielberg production
Sands of Iwo Jima – John Wayne classic; he gets killed believe it or not
Victory – Sly Stallone in a pretty entertaining soccer movie involving POWs and the French Resistance
Saving Private Ryan – starring Tom Hanks, extremely realistic opening footage of D-Day
Mister Roberts – classic about the “backside” of the war in the Pacific
The Final Countdown – fun, what if movie
The Korean War
The Bridges at Toko-Ri – fictional, but good look at aerial combat
M*A*S*H – the movie!
The Manchurian Candidate – famous film dealing with issue of brainwashing in Korea
The Red Scare, Nuclear War
Guilty by Suspicion – DeNiro as Hollywood writer blacklisted during McCarthy Era
The Day After – film about aftermath of nuclear war
Testament – aftermath of nuclear war; more powerful than The Day After and without the gore
Dr. Strangelove – black comedy with Peter Sellers about how a nuclear war might begin
Atomic Café – includes old Civil Defense and Army training films, wacky
Civil Rights
The Long Walk Home – great movie about the Montgomery Bus Boycott; Whoopie Goldberg, Sissy
Spacek
Driving Miss Daisy – not a straight historical piece, but a good look at Southern culture
To Kill a Mockingbird – only if you haven’t seen it before…
In the Heat of the Night – Southern sheriff and Philly cop solve a crime, great role for Sidney Poitier
Crisis at Central High – made for TV movie about school integration in Little Rock
Mississippi Burning – thriller, criticized by some for glorifying the FBI
Malcolm X – based on the Autobiography and starring Denzel Washington
Boys in the Hood – very disturbing movie made by John Singleton. Good analysis of urban problems
Higher Learning – Singleton’s look at America through the lens of a college campus
Eyes on the Prize – PBS documentary series
Separate but Equal – made for TV mini-series starring Sidney Poitier about the famous case
Vietnam
Casualties of War – a fantastic Vietnam film starring Michael J. Fox
The Green Berets – the first Vietnam film, made during the war and starring John Wayne. not a great film, but
can be looked at as a period piece. What was its point? Why was it made?
Full Metal Jacket – disturbing and weird
Platoon – won Best Picture in early 80s
The Hanoi Hilton – courageous POWs in Vietnam
Hamburger Hill – some vets call it the most accurate film of all
The Deer Hunter – strange and disturbing
Apocalypse Now – Joseph Conrad tale set in Vietnam
Letters Home – HBO movie that uses letters to tell about the war from the soldiers’ point of view
Born on the 4th of July – story of one vet who moved from war to anti-war movement
The Killing Fields – account of what happened in Cambodia after the Vietnam war
Article 99 – Kiefer Sutherland film about hospitalized vets
Good Morning Vietnam – Robin Williams film for which he received Oscar nomination
Other Postwar Films
Truman – HBO version of David McCullough’s biography; well done with Gary Sinese
All the President’s Men – Redford and Hoffman uncover Watergate
Thirteen Days – the Cuban Missile Crisis
The Missiles of October
Apollo 13 – Tom Hanks