1971 Agreement between the US and USSR to avoid nuclear war

Students feel empowered when they can read and understand primary source documents. Often they are written in language far above the ability of most middle and high schoolers and so some students give up.

This document, written in 1971 between two nations that were on the road to detente, provides an opportunity to have a little fun. It’s easy to read and can be translated into “teenage speak”.

We’ve included the Agreement, an assignment and answers for your classroom use.

For more Cold War Era resources check out our:

US History PowerPoints

• US Foreign Policy in the Cold War Era: Truman to Kennedy
• US Foreign Policy in the Cold War Era: Johnson to the Fall of the Berlin Wall
• The 1950s
• 1960s
• Vietnam
• New! The 1970s
• Late History Overview: 1970s, 1980s, 1990s

World History PowerPoints

• The Modern Era: 1945-1970
• The Modern Era 2: 1971-2009

Classroom history games

• Critical Decisions of Harry Truman
• Critical Decisions of John F. Kennedy
• Causes of the Cold War, Part 1: 1946-1960
• Causes of the Cold War, Part 2: 1961-1980
• Causes of the Cold War, Part 3: 1981-2008

Duties of an American Citizen, TR 1883

Teddy Roosevelt was known as a brilliant orator, and this 1883 speech made as a NY State Assemblyman is no exception. He argues that participation in the government is an important part of being a good citizen, and that no one is exempt.

We have excerpted the speech and created questions and answers for your students.

This lesson could be used in any Social Studies class at any given moment as the concepts covered are applicable in many situations and ought to spark excellent discussions.

For more US History teaching resources check out our PowerPoints that cover this era:

The West

Rise of Industrialism

Response to Industrialism

Imperialism

Immigration

Progressive Era

WW I

Civil War era political cartoon

One of our favorite ways to teach is using political cartoons. The Civil War offers a great opportunity to do this as so much time is spent on military action that students can feel bogged down in statistics.

This cartoon depicts General Scott as Hercules slaying the great hydra.

We have included questions and answers along with the cartoon for your classroom use.

For more Civil War era resources check out our PowerPoints:

• Slavery in America
• Expansion and Reform: The United States from 1829-1860
• Causes of the Civil War
• The Civil War
• Reconstruction: 1863-1877

Simulation Games:

• Causes of the Civil War Game
• American Immigration Game
• Critical Decisions Lincoln, part one and part two

Wings For This Man, WWII film

Narrated by Ronald Reagan, this film highlights the achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII.

For more WWII era resources check out our PowerPoints and Simulation Games:

US History

• Causes of World War II
• World War II

• Causes of World War II: Part 1
• Causes of World War II: Part 2
• Causes of World War II: Part 3

World History

• Europe Between the Wars
• World War II

“Peace Little Girl” or “Daisy Girl” commercial, 1964

Perhaps the most controversial presidential campaign commercial ever aired, it is hard to grasp that it was only shown once, yet contributed to Johnson’s landslide victory in 1964.

We have included questions and answers for this commercial.

For more on this era check out our PowerPoints:

• U.S. Foreign Policy in the Cold War Era: Johnson to the Fall of the Berlin Wall
• 1960s
• Vietnam

Simulation games:

• Critical Decisions of John F. Kennedy
• Causes of the Cold War, Part 1: 1946-1960
• Causes of the Cold War, Part 2: 1961-1980

WWII ends in Europe with Germany’s surrender

It is mind boggling that years of fighting, massive destruction, and millions of deaths were ended by a simple 5 paragraph document.

We have included a copy of the transcript as well as questions and answers.

For more on WWII check out our resources:

US History PowerPoints

• Causes of World War II
• World War II
• U.S. Foreign Policy in the Cold War Era: Truman to Kennedy

World History PowerPoints

• Europe Between the Wars
• World War II

Simulation games

• Causes of World War II: Part 1
• Causes of World War II: Part 2
• Causes of World War II: Part 3

Israeli Declaration of Independence, 1948

After WWII ended, the new nation of Israel was announced by their Declaration of Independence.

They hoped for UN recognition and peace with surrounding nations.

We have included a copy of the Declaration as well as questions and answers.

This might be an interesting comparison with other historical declarations.

For more on this era check out our PowerPoint resources:

U.S. Foreign Policy in the Cold War Era: Truman to Kennedy

The Modern Era: 1945-1970

King Andrew the First

This 1833 cartoon is a great way of exploring the sometimes controversial presidency of Andrew Jackson. Although this refers to the action regarding the Bank, it would be interesting to analyze other actions taken during his presidency.

We have included a copy of the cartoon along with questions and answers.

For more on this era check out our US History PowerPoint, Expansion and Reform: The United States from 1829-1860

Simulation games:

• American Economy 1823-1860
• Famous Inventors Game
• Famous Presidents Game, Part 1: Washington to Garfield

Image Library: US History Image Library – Pre-20th Century

Women voters and the 1920 election

The first presidential election women were allowed to vote in was in 1920, after passage of the 19th amendment.

Both parties attempted to woo women voters.

We have included a copy of Jay Darling’s 1920 cartoon, along with questions and answers, that shows the courting that occurred.

For more resources on the 1920s check out our PowerPoint and simulation games:

• The Great Crash Stock Market Game
• Famous Presidents Game, Part 2: Arthur to Reagan

Income Tax & 16th Amendment

The history of the income tax in the US dates back to the Civil War in 1861.

Interestingly the 16th amendment was proposed by conservatives opponents who believed that three-quarters of state legislatures would never approve it. Boy were they surprised!

We have included a very short background information essay as well as the transcript to the 16th amendment with questions and answers.

For more resources on teaching the Progressive Era:

US History PowerPoint: The Progressive Era

Simulation games:

• Critical Decisions of Theodore Roosevelt
• Critical Decisions of Woodrow Wilson

Government PowerPoints:

• The Judiciary
• The Presidency
• The Congress
• The Bureaucracy
• “New! Constitutional Underpinnings