Instructional Video

On This Day: Branch Davidian Standoff

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

When David Koresh and his followers refused to let a group of federal agent search their compound for illegal weapons, a firefight that eventually ended in the deaths of dozens of people ensued. What could law enforcement have done to protect life that day? Captivating clips from the day of the firefight, a firsthand account of a federal agent, and an historian's perspective help individuals unpack the complicated questions about the infamous day.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Use clips to discuss the characteristics of cults or the proper role of law enforcement
Classroom Considerations
  • Clips include scenes of violence as law enforcement and members of the Branch Davidians fought
  • Teachers must create a free C-SPAN Classroom account or the use of the following login credentials: Username: students, Password: C-SPANCLASSROOM
Pros
  • The historian does a good job of building context around the Branch Davidian group
  • Clips are engrossing, well-curated, and include original footage of David Koresh and the day of the fight
Cons
  • None