The growth of cities and industry

Free enterprise and capitalism are explained to a teenager who watched a protest in his small town.

The grandfather explains the growth of the town as a result of the factory.

Industry and all development are linked to the factory in the story told by his grandfather; and therefore there ought to be no protests against it.

A simplified breakdown of the growth of cities. It is interesting and has educational value, however it certainly discourages another American value: free speech and protest.

For more see our Immigration & Urbanization, Rise of Industrialization, Response to Industrialization, Industrial Revolution, and First Industrial Revolution PowerPoints.

US Map Quiz

This contemporary map set includes a blank outline, numbered quiz, completed, and answer key.

We have a series of census maps that follow the inclusion of new states, and this one is from 1960. Since the boundaries have not changed, it is still accurate.

Always good to have on hand in any social studies class, as a beginning of the year activity, substitute emergency lesson plan, and as part of the final exam. I attach a copy to every exam throughout the school year and when I’m feeling generous, offer extra credit for every correctly labeled state.

Enjoy!

Nutrition during WWII

This film highlights the efforts in Britain to ration and save food to educate Americans during WWII.

Interestingly, healthy eating habits and proper diet are the focus of this film (rather than rationing).

The national nutrition program was created during WWII to encourage Americans to eat healthfully, including parsnips, turnips and squash.

This film argues that a better diet will lead to more productive workers and soldiers.

An apropos film given the rise in obesity in the United States.

Attack on Pearl Harbor

These two films show footage from the attack to convince viewers to support the war effort.

Note: the term “Jap” is used throughout.

Chinese Exclusion Act, 1882

The only law in U.S. history that singled out a particular ethnic group, this act restricted any Chinese immigrant who was skilled or unskilled in the business of mining, effectively excluding all hopeful entrants from China.

The justification given was that it helped to maintain law and order.

The act was extended ten years later as the Geary Act and remained in place for decades afterward.

It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that large-scale immigration reform altered the number of allowable international immigrants.

We have included a copy of the law as well as questions and answers for students.

For more information on this era, please check out our Rise of Industrial America and Response to Industrialism PowerPoints.