National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: The United States, France, and the Problem of Neutrality, 1796–1801
While the French Revolution could be considered inspired by the American Revolution, it created thorny problems for the new United States. Should the United States get involved and be drawn into a European drama? Was the US strong...
Curated OER
American Foreign Policy: 1920 - 1941
Take your class through the period between World War I and World War II. Covering various treaties and pacts between America and its neighbors - namely, Japan, Germany, and the Soviet Union- these slides could inspire some political...
Curated OER
Lesson 3: U.S. Neutrality and the War in Europe, 1939-1940
Students examine the U.S. neutrality policies that preceded American involvement in World War II. In this World War II lesson, students explore the events in Europe from 1939 to 1940 and Roosevelt's decision to give military aid to Britain.
Curated OER
How 9/11 Shaped U.S. Foreign Policy
Students discuss the U.S. foreign policy and the components they consider important. They read and discuss President George W. Bush's speech of November 10, 2001. Students locate and mark countries President Bush identified in his speech...
Curated OER
Legislating neutrality
Eleventh graders explore the Merchants of death thesis. In this American History lesson, 11th graders explain the Neutrality Laws. Students assess the overall effectiveness of US neutrality policy.
Curated OER
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854: Popular Sovereignty and the Political Polarization over Slavery
Why did Stephen Douglas support the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854? Why did Abraham Lincoln oppose it? Young historians examine how the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 affected the political balance between free and slave states and explore how...
Curated OER
An Anti-Gay Bullying Battle
This New York Times article states that one school district's anti-gay bullying policy is not good enough. Learners read to answer nine comprehension questions regarding the issues described in the article. Note: There is a related blog...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 1: The United States Confronts Great Britain, 1793–1796
After the Revolutionary War, the success of the United States was far from guaranteed. Foreign powers coveted the new land, and Great Britain challenged American sovereignty. Learners consider the challenges facing the new nation using...
Curated OER
Woodrow Wilson and American Involvement in the Great War
Students examine American involvement in World War I. In this World War I lesson, students investigate Wilson's policy of neutrality as they read excerpts from his messages to Congress. Students respond to questions regarding the...
Curated OER
The Foreign Policy of Franklin D. Roosevelt To The Entry Into World War Ii
Students examine the U.S.A.'s entry into World War II, and Franklin DO. Roosevelt's foreign policy. They analyze the life of I.E.., the election of 1932, and the New Deal.
National History Day
Uncovering a World at War
Has media always had an influence on public policy? After researching and reading news articles written during World War I, learners understand the influence of communication and media. They discuss articles in small groups and as a...
Curated OER
Early U. S. Involvement in World War II
Ninth graders examine how the U. S. was aided by the Allies in World War II before the U. S. declared war. They analyze the evolution of U. S. foreign policy from the beginning of WW II through U. S. Declaration of War
Personal Genetics Education Project
Reproductive Genetic Testing: Technology, Access, and Decision Making
Explore the complexities of reproductive genetic testing respectfully in the learning space. Scientists read articles, view a slideshow, and complete a do-now about genetic technologies. A fishbowl activity allows scholars to discuss the...
Curated OER
Kentucky in the Civil War
Seventh graders consider how Kentucky was involved in the Civil War. In this American Civil War lesson plan, 7th graders view PowerPoint presentations on the topic and then discuss the state's neutrality policy and eventual secession....
Curated OER
Herbert Hoover and the Dust Bowl
Shanty towns made by Dust Bowl migrants were called Hoovervilles for a reason. Examine the policies Herbert Hoover put in place to help victims of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. You'll find he didn't do much and the result was...
Curated OER
Wilson and American Entry into World War I
Students explore the events that led to American entry into World War I. In this American history lesson, students examine the policies of Woodrow Wilson at the dawn of the war, analyze challenges to the neutrality policy of the U.S.,...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 3: Britain, Napoleon, and the American Embargo, 1803–1808
While the French were once the allies of Americans, the Napoleonic Wars saw the United States almost drawn into a war with its one-time friend. Wars in Europe threatened to draw in the early republic. A primary source-based activity...
Curated OER
CLEAN AIR ACT (1990)
Students investigate the effects of acid rain by conducting an experiment with bean sprouts and graph the results. For this Environmental Policy lesson, students visit a museum to identify examples of foreign and domestic policy on...
National Park Service
Should America Have Gone to War in 1812?
Using an incredibly engaging activity and detailed lesson plan, your learners will serve as advisors to President Madison on whether to participate in what would become the War of 1812! Utilize a variety of effective instructional...
Curated OER
World War I - The War Ends
Your class is in for a treat with this outstanding PowerPoint on World War I. The presentation is loaded with facts, maps, important personalities, and discussion questions on the war. Additionally, there is a wonderful video called,...
Curated OER
Consequences of the Sedition Act
High schoolers research and discuss the consequences of the Sedition Act. They illustrate the difficulty of balancing security needs and personal freedom using an example from John Adams's presidency.
Humanities Texas
Primary Source Worksheet: George Washington, Farewell Address
Invite your young historians to consider how the first president of the United States envisioned the future of the new nation with this primary source analysis instructional activity on George Washington's Farewell Address.
Curated OER
America's Wars, 1898-1945
Students examine the wars the United States was involved in between 1898 and 1945. In groups, they determine the causes and effects of each war and how each war changed the way the United States handled their foreign affairs. As a class,...
Curated OER
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854: Popular Sovereignty and the Political Polarization over Slavery
Students read selections from the Declaration of Independence, Northwest Ordinance of 1787, and the Wilmot Proviso of 1846. They contrast the maps of 1820 and 1854 to analyze developments in the national debate over slavery. They...