[스크랩] Lesson 12 Presidents’ Day in the United States

Lesson 12
Presidents’ Day in the United States

Let’s Read

Presidents’ Day in the United States

1
George Washington, who is commonly called the father of the United States, was born in 1732. The son of a rich planter, he was privately educated and trained to be a surveyor. But as an officer in the French and Indian Wars, he became interested in military leadership. His military career during the wars was not outstanding. In fact, he was twice responsible for making serious mistakes.
By 1775, relations with England had become so bad that the colonists were ready to fight for their independence. Washington was named leader of the army. His job was very difficult. His army was small, and poorly fed and clothed. The men suffered greatly during the cold winters. He had to fight the war with poorly equipped soldiers who were not trained. He never asked for and never received any salary for his job. In fact, he often spent his own money to buy clothing for his men and send help to their families. Washington brought to the battlefield great military ability and a noble character.
In 1789, George Washington was chosen to be the first president of the United States. He served two successive terms successfully.

2
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in a log cabin in Kentucky. His parents were uneducated and poor. Although Lincoln eventually became a lawyer, he had very little formal education. But he did have a great mind and great moral strength. He had the courage to do what he felt was right.
Before he was elected president, Americans suffered from troubles inside the country. In the southern states, blacks who had been brought from Africa were used as slaves. Northerners, however, didn’t accept slavery. In order to keep their rights to keep slaves, the Southern leaders wanted to form a separate nation.
In 1858, Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure for long if it is half slave and half free.” In 1860 when Lincoln was elected president, the United States was, truly, a house divided. He chose to lead the country into the Civil War rather than allow the South to separate from the North.
The Civil War began in 1861, and the battle between the North and the South was over in 1865. During the war, Lincoln declared all slaves in the southern states to be free, and was reelected president in 1864. After the war, the law freed all slaves in the nation.

3
George Washington and Abraham Lincoln lived during important periods in American history. Both met the challenge of their times with great courage and wisdom. Washington fought the British army to win independence from England. Less than 100 years later, Lincoln declared war on the southern states to keep the nation from dividing in two. Both Washington and Lincoln are American heroes who represent the ideals which are much admired by the nation.
Washington’s birthday is an official holiday in the U.S.A. It is celebrated on the third Monday in February. In some states, this date is called Presidents’ Day and honors both Washington and Lincoln. In about 30 states, Lincoln’s birthday is an official holiday, celebrated on February 12 or on the first or third Monday in February.

Review - 의사 소통 기능

기억 여부 묻기 및 답하기
A: Do you remember your birthday party last year?
B: Yes, I remember it well.

충고하기
A: I must go there to meet her.
B: If I were you, I wouldn’t go there.

관심 말하기
A: What was Washington interested in?
B: He became interested in military leadership.

계획
A: He planned to be a farmer.
B: That’s a good idea.

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