Tag Archives: american history

Trivia’s Facts and More (4/22)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

If I have 3 dimes, 3 nickels, and 3 quarters, how many ways can I make change for $1.00?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Martin Van Buren served as America’s 8th President from 1837-1841.  Nicknamed “The Little Magician,” his political savvy was legendary.

Here are some interesting facts about Martin Van Buren:

  • Life Span:  Born December 5, 1782, died July 24, 1862
  • Occupation:  Lawyer
  • Home State:  New York
  • Political Party:  Democratic (played a significant role in its founding)

Before ascending to the highest political office in the land, Van Buren’s career was filled with numerous posts:  U.S. Senator, Governor, Secretary of State, and Vice President.  He was the first President born in the independent United States, and the only one to have learned English as a second language (he grew up speaking Dutch).

Downturn in the American economy spelled doom for Van Buren.  The Panic of 1837 was the first significant depression of the young republic.  It would become a major reason for his failure to secure a second term in the election of 1840, which was won by Whig candidate William Henry Harrison.

Portrait of President van buren and interior photo of his lindenwald mansion in new york state.

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Only 2 ways:

3 quarters, 2 dimes, 1 nickel

3 quarters, 1 dime, 3 nickels

Undaunted Spirit

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Born to serve freedom

America lives

Liberty’s fabric

Lasting spirit gives

 

Nation remembers

Forefather’s boldness

Valley Forge unites

Despite war’s coldness

 

New country now born

Republic takes shape

Independence sings

Brave sovereign’s landscape

 

Young democracy

Learns from stumbling steps

Imperfect Union

Overcomes missteps

 

Legacy passed down

Each generation

Diverse history

Building one nation

 

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From the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution:  “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union . . . .”

Shocking Secrets of American History (Book Review)

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Educator and historian, Bill Coate, presents surprising and sometimes funny short stories about American history.  In writing Shocking Secrets of American History, he unlocks precious gems as he brings history to the reader in a simple, fascinating way.

Published in 2006, the organization of the book is easy to follow.  There are 115 brilliantly written short accounts that are each two pages in length.  Each selection stands on its own so the reader can put the book down and easily pick it back up for the next topic.

The selections begin with American patriot John Adams’ defense of the British redcoats following the Boston Massacre in 1770.  The final story presents the heroic exploits and leadership on Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion on D-Day (June 6, 1944), as General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. leads his men into battle.

The book is organized into five sections:  Early America, the Civil War, the White House, the West, and the Twentieth Century.  As Coate writes, he reminds one of listening to radio broadcaster, Paul Harvey, with his “The Rest of the Story.”  The reader has an opportunity to enjoy humorous, amazing little-known tidbits of American history.  Each story is short, but loaded with in-depth knowledge and facts, written in a lively and exciting manner.

Bill Coate is a past Disney Teacher of the Year, and he continues to write about history from his home in Madera, California.

To read more of Bill Coate’s writings, visit Muck Rack.