This information packet is intended for student use in research about the life of President Herbert Hoover. The packet is divided into three sections. Part 1 is "The Herbert Hoover Chronology," which sequences Hoover's accomplishments along with world events from his birth in 1874, until his death in 1964. Part 2 is "A Boyhood in…

Presents a lesson plan designed for high school juniors about the U.S. conservatist movement in the 1920s and 1980s. Explains that the students learn about comparative analysis during this lesson. Focuses on the development of conservatism and the role of U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Includes background information and a handout. (CMK)

This lesson describes President Woodrow Wilson's struggle with and his ultimate failure at achieving lasting world peace through the League of Nations. The lesson focuses on November 23, 1923, the eve of the fifth anniversary of the Armistice that concluded World War I, when a frail and ill Wilson was ready to deliver a commemorative address by…

"Muncie Remembers That Day in Dallas" is an oral history project report of a study conducted by two academic U.S. history classes of 21 students at Muncie Southside High School (Indiana) during the 1993-94 school year. The occasion of the 30th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy, along with the movie "JFK,"…

Criticizes the current historical interpretation (promoted by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. and Oliver Stone) that President John F. Kennedy intended to withdraw from Vietnam if elected to a second term. Maintains that the preponderance of historical evidence suggests that Kennedy intended to exit Vietnam only after a military victory. (MJP)

This guide is designed to provide background material and teaching strategies for the study of the Supreme Court and the New Deal Era. There are suggested activities, discussion questions, a list of suggested readings, vocabulary, a list of key players of the era, and a list of components and key events tied to The New York Times from that time…

Provides an insightful look at the administrative and negotiative processes that accompanied the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Although John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev both worked to avoid nuclear war, the stress and exhaustion of the negotiating process created serious blunders. Eventually both sides backed away from nuclear annihilation. (MJP)

Reviews a survey of graduating high school seniors concerning their knowledge of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidency. The results revealed that very few students had even the most rudimentary understanding of Roosevelt's accomplishments or positions. Argues that history instruction should emphasize a thorough understanding of the subject. (MJP)

Examines the role of hired scholars and historians in creating and promoting the popular image of the John F. Kennedy administration. Throughout his administration and after his death, so-called "court historians" elevated Kennedy to icon status. Discusses their relationship with the White House and subsequent work. (MJP)

Presents a case study used for teaching about World War I. Describes Bridgeport, Connecticut, during the period 1914-17. Includes maps, ethnographic data, and primary materials, such as newspaper accounts and speeches by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. Provides learning objectives, study questions, and a glossary. Discusses the impact of the war on…

Investigates the relationship between the reality of the John F. Kennedy White House, its portrayal in the press, and its reception by the public. The manipulated press coverage accurately caught the charm, work ethic, and idealism of the young president but failed to record the sexual escapades, ill health, and marital discord. (MJP)

This resource represents a virtual library of still and moving images, documents, maps, sound clips and text which make up United States history from the Pre Columbian era to the early 1990s. The interdisciplinary range of materials included is compatible with standard textbooks in middle and high school social science, social studies, history,…

Recounts a personal anecdote describing an informal visit to the White House by Harry Hopkins' son. Although the son of one of Roosevelt's closest advisors, Robert Hopkins enlisted in the army as a private. Roosevelt wrote a note to the young man's commanding officer explaining his late return to camp. (MJP)

Presents background information and instructional materials for a lesson plan concerning the interaction between Jackie Robinson and President Eisenhower regarding the integration of public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. Robinson chided the President for his cautious response to violent opposition to integration. Includes a copy of the…

Summarizes the sometimes confusing and contradictory efforts of the John F. Kennedy administration to encourage the development of democratic political processes in Latin America. Although sincere, Kennedy's efforts often were stymied by resistance from the local power structure and his own Central Intelligence Agency. Eventually, anti-communist…