Scholars explore claims from two Titanic survivors, a first-class passenger and a person from the steerage class. The activity uses primary documents to help pupils determine whether the White Star Line showed preferential treatment to the first-class survivors. Academics also complete a worksheet and participate in group discussion. 

Concepts

the titanic, disasters, evaluating claims, primary source analysis, primary sources, historical context, historical analysis, historical documents, social classes

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Compare the treatment of first-class passengers to the steerage class during the disaster 
• Discuss the reasons that few passengers were rescued 

Classroom Considerations

• Must complete a portion of the activity online 

Pros

• Activity can be completed in pairs or groups
• Easy to pair the resource with a unit on the twentieth century or social class divisions 

Cons

• None