Primary Source Learning: Postwar United States (1945-1968) Primary Source Set

Have students use the primary sources in this set to tell a story about the period 1945-1968. The wartime economy led to new economic prosperity for the United States and expanded opportunities for many, but certainly not all its citizens. As a result, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and American women took up the fight for civil rights and equality. This was also the era that spawned the Cold War. The story about era featuring the best of times and worst of times may be in digital or print form. It could be nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or even a song. Click on each thumbnail image below to access the full size primary source. You may also use this primary set for a found poetry activity (click the previous link). Be sure to take a look at the Postwar United States timeline as well as associated lesson plans (see below).

Korean Conflict	Eisenhowers watching TV- Republican Convention	John F. Kennedy motorcade Nov. 22, 1963
Fidel Castro, president of Cuba at the United Nations	NASA displaying satellite circuitry to President LBJ	Defense Sec. Robert McNamara-Vietnam map
Wounded Vietnam vets- Andrews Air Force Base	Martin Luther King press conference	Bobby Kennedy speaking at Negro demonstration
Black Panther Convention, Lincoln Memorial	White House wedding President Nixon with Tricia	Reverend Jesse Jackson’s march for jobs
Gen. Douglas MacArthur: “Old Soldiers Never Die” address to Congress	Daisy Bates to Roy Wilkins: on the treatment of the Little Rock Nine	Chief Justice Warren’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education
John F. Kennedy quotes	Marshall Plan: While the Shadow Lengthens (note)	Poll tax: “Here’s another one for you” (source record)

Settlement primary source set

American Revolution primary source set

Young Nation primary source set

Expansion & Reform primary source set

Civil War & Reconstruction primary source set

Industrial America primary source set

Progressive Era primary source set

Great Depression & World War II Primary Source Set