Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress

The three lessons in the “Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) in Congress” module are designed to help young historians understand the important role Americans with heritage in Asia and the Pacific Islands have played in American history. Scholars begin by researching these Americans' lives and situating them in a larger picture of racism and xenophobia in America between the Spanish American War and World War II. Class members then consider the tenure of Asian American representatives in Congress and how World War II's legacy, including Japanese Americans' internment, affected their service. Finally, scholars connect current events to the roles of AAPI members in Congress.