This curriculum unit of three lessons covers the critical problems for United …
This curriculum unit of three lessons covers the critical problems for United States foreign policy posed by the outbreak of the wars of the French Revolution. Was the U.S. alliance with France still in effect? Did America's young economy require the maintenance of close ties with Britain? Ultimately, President Washington decided on a position of neutrality. This official position would last until the outbreak of war in 1812. Neutrality proved to be difficult to maintain, however, particularly in light of the fact that both Britain and France consistently interfered with American affairs.
Most historians agree that the world has never come closer to nuclear …
Most historians agree that the world has never come closer to nuclear war than it did during a thirteen-day period in October 1962, after the revelation that the Soviet Union had stationed several medium-range ballistic missiles in Cuba. This lesson will examine how this crisis developed, how the Kennedy administration chose to respond, and how the situation was ultimately resolved.
On October 15, 1962, the Soviet Union was discovered attempting to install …
On October 15, 1962, the Soviet Union was discovered attempting to install nuclear missiles in Cuba. These missiles would have been capable of quickly reaching the United States. President Kennedy responded with a naval blockade. After several days of increasing tensions, the Soviet Union finally agreed to remove the missiles.
American foreign policy continues to resonate with the issues surrounding the debate …
American foreign policy continues to resonate with the issues surrounding the debate over U.S. entry into the League of Nations-collective security versus national sovereignty, idealism versus pragmatism, the responsibilities of powerful nations, the use of force to accomplish idealistic goals, the idea of America. Understanding the debate over the League and the consequences of its ultimate failure provides insight into international affairs in the years since the end of the Great War.
This video segment, adapted from Decision in the Streets by civil rights …
This video segment, adapted from Decision in the Streets by civil rights filmmaker Harvey Richards, portrays the interracial protests that took place in San Francisco in 1963-64.
Most students are familiar with the Declaration of Independence. But have they …
Most students are familiar with the Declaration of Independence. But have they ever critically examined the text or questioned the motives of its authors? In this lesson plan, students weigh contrasting interpretations by prominent historians to answer the question: Why did the Founders write the Declaration of Independence?
The second part of the lesson encourages students to think through what the Declaration of Independence means and what the grievances meant.
This lesson plan looks at the major ideas in the Declaration of …
This lesson plan looks at the major ideas in the Declaration of Independence, their origins, the Americans' key grievances against the King and Parliament, their assertion of sovereignty, and the Declaration's process of revision.
This feature outlines the context of The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 …
This feature outlines the context of The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 which produced the "Declaration of Sentiments," a CCSS exemplar for grades 11 CCR. This document made a bold argument, modeled on the language and logic of the Declaration of Independence that American women should be given civil and political rights equal to those of American men, including the right to vote.
Americans elect a president through the state-by-state mechanism of the Electoral College …
Americans elect a president through the state-by-state mechanism of the Electoral College rather than direct nationwide popular vote. Today, all but two states award all of their electoral votes to the statewide winner.
In a series of three brief clips, Larry Kramer, Dean of Stanford …
In a series of three brief clips, Larry Kramer, Dean of Stanford Law School, provides some insights into understanding and teaching various details of the constitution.
In all, 70 delegates were appointed to the Constitutional Convention, but out …
In all, 70 delegates were appointed to the Constitutional Convention, but out of that 70 only 55 attended, and only 39 actually signed. Some simply refused, others got sick, still others left early.
There are many forms of government in the world. One of the …
There are many forms of government in the world. One of the most common forms is democracy. In this lesson you will see what it takes to make a democracy work and why it gives its people so many freedoms and protections.
The Issue-Based Discussions Pathway offers students opportunities to explore and discuss relevant …
The Issue-Based Discussions Pathway offers students opportunities to explore and discuss relevant and contemporary issues in their community. Students engage in small-group discussions and further hone critical thinking and communication skills. This equips students not only with civic knowledge but also with the tools to actively participate and foster positive change. The pathway culminates in the Civic Action Project, which allows students to apply their learning and impact a public issue that matters to them. Access to these resources require a free educator login.
The U.S. Constitution Pathway delves into the Constitution's past and its lasting …
The U.S. Constitution Pathway delves into the Constitution's past and its lasting principles, highlighting their relevance to modern-day issues and events. Through the lens of history and social science, students engage in a critical exploration of how the values of freedom, justice, and equality play out in today's complex world. The pathway culminates in the Civic Action Project, which allows students to apply their learning and impact a public issue that matters to them. Access to these resources require a free educator login.
This is an infographic that shows the differences between the Federalists and …
This is an infographic that shows the differences between the Federalists and the Antifederalists are vast and at times complex. Federalists’ beliefs could be better described as nationalist. The Federalists were instrumental in 1787 in shaping the new US Constitution, which strengthened the national government at the expense, according to the Antifederalists, of the states and the people. The Antifederalists opposed the ratification of the US Constitution, but they never organized efficiently across all thirteen states, and so had to fight the ratification at every state convention. Their great success was in forcing the first Congress under the new Constitution to establish a bill of rights to ensure the liberties that the Antifederalists felt the Constitution violated.
Geographer Anne Knowles uses digital technologies to reimagine the past. In this …
Geographer Anne Knowles uses digital technologies to reimagine the past. In this fascinating talk, Knowles transports us to the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the Civil War. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and historical maps, she traces the footsteps of Robert E. Lee as he orders Pickett’s Charge -- and makes an educated guess why he made this crucial mistake. This resource also comes with questions for the video in either multiple choice or short answer format.
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