On December 15, 1791, three-fourths of the state legislatures of the United States ratified the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States. These amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. Many of the fundamental ideas of civics are embodied in this
As students begin to learn about the growth of America as a superpower, it is important for them to know what made it possible. Among the many reasons America became so powerful is its roots in capitalism. Students should understand the origins of capitalism according
After the Civil War ended, Republicans were determined to secure the rights of the freedmen. The passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were landmark accomplishments in the fight for equal opportunity for African-Americans. Although the end of the Reconstruction Era would see severe
The decision to support independence or not is one that students should empathize with by understanding the risks involved with either choice. Not enough time is given to learning about patriots, and not enough information is used when students do learn about them. The colonists
There are many misconceptions about Japanese internment during WWII. In order to evade such misconceptions, students will read an interview between members of the Veteran’s History Project at the LOC and someone who experienced the internment, Warren Michio Tsuneishi. While his insight gives students a
Often overlooked in World War II is the struggle to fight Germany prior to U.S. entry and the perseverance of Winston Churchill to keep fighting in the face of near defeat. Churchill is an important person for students to know because of his ability to
The liberation of Nazi concentration camps is often mentioned in the progression of World War II lessons, but it is rarely discussed in detail. It is important and right to recognize the American soldiers and our allies who took on the heart-wrenching duty of rescuing
Students are often familiar with the language of the Declaration of Independence and the reasons for writing it, but often overlooked are the ideas in this document that have helped to establish American values that we continue to appreciate today. John Locke strongly influenced Thomas
