Curated OER
From the Rise of the Absolute Monarchy to Democracy on the American Frontier
Students use a teacher-made museum guide with questions that allow them to analyze and compare the patron art of seventeenth-century France with portraits of later periods at the Joslyn Art Museum. Students also read The Little Prince...
Curated OER
The White Line - A One Act Play
Students discuss amendments of the Constitution that cover due process and discuss them in relation to the play "The White Line". They determine how national security measures conflict with the issues of due process during wartime. They...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Totalitarianism
A detailed treatment on the practice of totalitarianism. The article provides a historical background and how it was a major force in 20th century European history (in Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union).
Other
Remember.org: Nazi Fascism and the Modern Totalitarian State
A lesson plan which includes a reading that distinguishes between the various forms of totalitarian dictatorships in reference to fascism. States the instructional objectives and chapter content covering characteristics of...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "1984" by George Orwell
In this dystopian novel, the protagonist of the story, Winston Smith, attempts to rebel against a totalitarian government that exercises complete control over all aspects of its citizens' lives. It includes selected (8) reading passages...
Louisiana Department of Education
Louisiana Doe: Louisiana Believes: World History: Russian Revolution
Students develop and express claims through discussions and writing which examine the impact of relationships between ideas, people, and events across time and place. To accomplish this, they evaluate the causes and consequences of the...
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: Types of Government
Explains the characteristics of seven different types of government. Includes a group activity.
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: Comparing Athens and Sparta
Introduce the ideas of limited and unlimited government with a lesson on the government styles in Ancient Greece. Students will compare and contrast Athens and Sparta to understand the two very different governments that each employed....
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Juan Donoso Cortes
An article on the ideas of Juan Donoso Cortes (1809-1853 CE), a political theorist of the 19th century who developed a theory of dictatorship. His ideas influenced another political thinker, Carl Schmitt whose ideas were later used by...
Other
Are We a Democracy or a Republic?
An essay on the present political state in America contending the country is leaning further towards a republican form of government instead of a democracy. Defines and explains the major differences between democracy and republicanism...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: How Hate Changes Society
Government classes usually focus on the workings of the United States Government alone. In this unit of study, students will compare the United States government with that of pre-Nazi Germany. This unit will demonstrate to students how...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Prelude to War
[Free Registration/Login Required] Use this flipchart after reading Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss to explain totalitarian governments and dictators. The chart explains the time before World War II through Italy, Spain, USSR, Japan, and...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Dictatorship
A short article on the nature of 20th century dictatorship. It provides examples of dictatorships such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How to Recognize a Dystopia
Alex Gendler explains how dystopias act as cautionary tales- not about some particular government or technology, but the very idea that humanity can be molded into an ideal shape. [5:56]
PBS
Pbs: Commanding Heights Brazil Overview
This PBS site features a timeline of important political events in Brazil.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi
Selected (7) reading passages (grades 7-9) to pair with the autobiography "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi. "Persepolis" is an autobiographical graphic novel depicting Marjane Satrapi's experience during the Islamic revolution of 1979....
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Grendel" by John Gardner
Selected (6) reading passages (grades 9-11) to pair with "Grendel" by John Gardner. [Free account registration required for specific tools.]
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
In the dystopian novel "The Giver," Jonas is chosen to be the new Receiver of Memories; he meets his incumbent -- The Giver, a man who is tasked with holding onto the community's collective experiences and memories. Selected (11) reading...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury
Set in a future where books are outlawed and firemen burn any they find, fireman Guy Montag questions his role in society and joins an organization committed to starting a revolution. Selected (7) reading passages (grades 8-11) to pair...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
Selected (13) reading passages (grades 7-12) to pair with the dystopian novel "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley. The World State's motto is "Community, Identity, Stability," and a cast of characters find themselves grappling with these...
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Fascism in Europe
This site from the Modern History Sourcebook of Fordham University provides links to many scholarly articles on elements of fascism and on how fascism has been manifested in Italy, Spain and other countries.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Fascism, Nazism and Communism
Resource provides the definition of Fascism, Nazism, Communism, and Militarism together with comparisons and examples of the regimes and the dictators who assumed absolute power leading up to WW2.
Auburn University
Auburn University: A Glossary of Political Economy Terms: Autocracy
Basic definition of 'autocracy.' Provides links to terms used in the definition, as well as cross-reference terms.
PBS
Pbs: Commanding Heights the Battle for the World Economy
A huge site dedicated to an understanding of the current global economic system. Includes the history, forces, values and perceptions that have shaped the world's economy. A comprehensive resource that includes a detailed economic report...