Mexican American War
United States declared war on Mexico in 1846. However, General Zachary Taylor had crossed the border and established a fort several months before. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, ended the war. Lands gained by the United States included California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. The Gadsden Purchase, finalized on December 30, 1853, bought more land from Mexico that is today Arizona and New Mexico.
The Half Safe and the Statue of Liberty
Ben Carlin in 1958 became the one and only person to circumnavigate the world in an amphibious vehicle. He and his wife Elinor started the trip in the last part of 1947 aboard the Half-Safe, a former military amphibious vehicle. After several tries, they reached Morocco in 1951. Elinor flew to the United States, and Carlin found other mates to continue his voyage. Pausing to earn funds and repair the vehicle, he returned to Montreal in 1958. After Carlin’s death, the Half-Safe was deeded to his school in Australia, the Guildford Grammar School.
Francine Pascal (born New York, New York, 1938) writes young adult novels and has worked on many television and Broadway projects. Her books include the Sweet Valley High series and The Ruling Class.
Georges Braque (born Argenteuil, France, 1882; died Paris, France, August 31, 1963) was an artist. He and Picasso developed cubism. He also worked with collages. Idea: Children could look at some of his work. They could gather different fabrics, papers, yarn, etc. Then they could make their own collages. Children could learn more at: Georges Braque.
Sir Arthur Sullivan (born London, United Kingdom, 1842; died London, United Kingdom, November 22, 1900) was half of the Gilbert and Sullivan team. They wrote light operas. He also composed other songs, including Onward, Christian Soldiers. Idea: Children could listen to one of the team’s operettas or read their works at: Project Gutenberg.