A trial of Thumbs

Hey gang;

Fantastic work on the last blog. I was blown away. So much so that I have decided to give 20 points to everyone who contributed. Good show!

My newest idea is to adapt our trials. Although they are quite entertaining, the time consumption and general research inconsistency has led me down a new path. We will have several mini-trials, each of which will be delivered to a jury (the rest of the class) who will decide by a show of thumbs. Below is a list of controversial characters we shall explore in our 4th unit; 1750-1914. In order for a trial to be scheduled, at least one person on defense and one person on prosecution must sign up. No more than two students per team and as always, first come first served.

Sign up for either prosecution or defense.

Napoleon Bonaparte war crimes, irresponsible troop deployment, tyranny

Catherine the Great of Russia murder, genocide, promiscuity not becoming of a lady

Mustafa Kemel war crimes, mistreatment of minorities, corruption

Shaka Zulu war crimes, irresponsible troop deployment, tyranny

Simon Bolivar treason, war crimes, corruption

Queen Victoria of England policy of racism, drug trafficking, corruption

James Polk policy of racism, war crimes, land theft

Maximilian Robespierre terrorism, tyranny, corruption

Tousaint L'Ouverture treason, war crimes, corruption

King Leopold II of Belgium policy of racism, war crimes, land theft

Matthew Perry making war on a peaceful country, terrorism, racism

Karl Marx treason, sedition, inciting violent overthrow

Otto von Bismark corruption, tyranny, war crimes

Particulars of the trials will follow. The assignment is worth 50 points, you can earn up to 25 extra credit by participating in a second trial. (Priority goes to those signing up for their first.)

Peace.