Bringing the Past to Life – 18 Engaging American History Lessons
Posted:
July 05, 2018
1. What was it like for children to live during World War II?
Learning about the second World War from the perspective of the children allows students the unique opportunity to view WWII through different eyes. Everyone considers how the adults survived, but many do not think about how the kids were affected.2. Creating the Office of the Presidency
Everyone agreed that some type of executive office was needed in 1787. With delegates divided between fear and excitement, how did the two sides resolve their differences under the American flag and manage to create an Office of the President that led to our present-day government?3. Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion
Think about a review of the events leading up to the armed confrontation at Pennsylvania’s frontier communities when Washington placed an excise tax on liquor and attempted to collect from the people who were producing grain into alcohol products.4. 1847 – 1861: Life in the South and the North – Before brothers fought each other
So many Americans perished during the Civil War — far more than in any other conflict in our history. What made some families fracture to the point that brothers fought each other and how did the U.S. get to where the South seceded? Were families able to heal after the war was won?
5. Uncovering a world at war: Chronicling America
Using source articles from newspapers, students get the chance to analyze and understand multiple perspectives on public opinion of the U.S. going into the Great War. Were the majority in favor of the war, or did they prefer to stay out of it completely?6. Constitution controversy: “I smell a rat.”
This is a look at men such as George Mason and Patrick Henry who were not in favor of signing the Declaration of Independence. How did they defend their refusal to sign?7. After WWI for African-American soldiers: Had race relations changed?
With the use of archived newspaper articles and photographs, students can work together to search for an answer to the riots in Chicago after the war.8. The interwar years’ quest for social justice: The anti-lynching campaigns of the NAACP
An interesting look at how Americans viewed the campaigns by the NAACP, interpreted the Constitution and answered to cries for social justice. Did attitudes sway in favor of the NAACP?9. Colonizing the Bay
Take a look at the historic sermon, “Model of Christian Charity,” by John Winthrop and how it motivated and inspired the Puritans.10. The Salem Witch Trials
By examining the records, students learn how the hunt for witches was ignited in 1691 by a group of young girls. How many people died both as a direct result of hanging or pressing, and how many innocents died in jail?11. The Dust Bowl
By using interviews with people who lived it, songs and photos, students learn about this dramatic area in American history during the 1930s that greatly damaged the agriculture and ecology of both the Canadian and American prairies. How did things return to normal?12. Why was Washington such a great leader of the military?
By analyzing some of the mission correspondence, dispatches and wartime orders, students can discover the mix of personal traits, strategy and skill leading to his success. Why was he so influential in the eyes of the soldiers who followed him?13. The dropping of the atomic bomb
When the U.S. became the first country, and the only country, to use atomic bombs in war during 1945, was it a justified pre-emptive strike, or was it really needed?
