US History

Appalachia has often been a place that is misunderstood by those outside of the region. The region has a culture, physical environment, and community that is one of a kind compared to others. The many aspects of Appalachia all contribute to its overall definition. Students will be introduced to ginseng and ramps, Appalachian music, and…

While “I Hear America Singing” is celebrated, some critics argue that Whitman’s poem overlooks the struggles and injustices faced by marginalized groups in America, such as enslaved people, women, and indigenous communities. These omissions have prompted responses like Hughes’s “I, Too”, which seek to fill the gaps in Whitman’s vision Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too”…

Maps serve as a powerful record of ever-changing areas. This visual narrative captures the essence of a neighborhood while providing a crucial insight into the lives of people who lived in various neighborhoods. Looking at A Night-Club Map of Harlem by artist E. Simms Campbell provides valuable insights into the Harlem Renaissance because it captures…

The Great Migration was a catalyst for the evolution of African American culture, creating a dynamic interplay of rural traditions and urban innovation. It reshaped not only African American life but also the cultural fabric of the entire United States, laying the groundwork for greater visibility, recognition, and influence of Black culture in the 20th…

This inquiry examines how social media has become a powerful tool for modern youth activism, focusing on the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Students will analyze how platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok amplify voices, mobilize protests, and inspire global action against racial injustice and police brutality. By comparing the role of photographs in historical…

This inquiry explores how photographs of the Selma to Montgomery march served as a call to action during the Civil Rights Movement. By analyzing historical images and primary sources, students will examine the courage and resilience of the marchers, the impact of these visuals on public opinion, and the passage of the Voting Rights Act…

This inquiry explores how television can inspire social change, focusing on the Children’s Crusade in Birmingham, Alabama. Students will analyze how footage of children enduring fire hoses and police dogs revealed the brutal realities of segregation and moved President John F. Kennedy to advocate for the Civil Rights Act. Through this, students will understand the…

This inquiry invites students to explore the role of print media in driving social change by examining the murder of Emmett Till and the impact of Jet magazine’s coverage. Students will analyze the September 1955 issue of Jet magazine that featured the graphic image of Till’s open casket, exploring how this image shocked the nation…

This inquiry invites students to examine how musicians use their work to respond to societal challenges and promote change. Students will explore how these songs highlight critical issues like civil rights and social justice by analyzing “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke (written in 1963) and “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan…

The Vietnam War left a deep and complex legacy for American veterans, each of whom experienced the conflict differently based on factors like their role, rank, and length of service. Unlike previous wars, the Vietnam conflict involved unique challenges, including dense jungle warfare, political tensions back home, and a guerilla enemy. These diverse conditions meant…