Guided Primary Source Analysis: Rats Leaving a Falling House

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Rats Leaving a Falling House

Zoom into a larger image of this political cartoon. Make a list of details that you see. Then describe the story you think this source tells using the details you noted as evidence. Compare and contrast this source with a similar political cartoon by Edward W. Clay (view larger image). What similarities and differences do you…

Today in History: Nullification Crisis

Today in History: Nullification Crisis

Today in History–January 13–the Library of Congress features the Nullification Crisis. On this date in 1833, President Andrew Jackson wrote his new president Vice President Martin Van Buren affirming his commitment to preventing South Carolina’s defiance of federal authority by nullifying national tariff laws. The Nullification Crisis began in November, 1832 when South Carolina nullified a federal tariff. On December 10, 1832…

Today in History: Battle of New Orleans

Today in History: Battle of New Orleans

Today in History–January 8–the Library of Congress features the Battle of New Orleans. On this day in 1815 a small, rag-tag U.S. force claimed victory against 8,000 British troops. Although the battle had little significance—it occurred after the War of 1812 had ended—it made Major General Andrew Jackson a national hero. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section,…

Learning from the Source: Indian Territory Resettlement

Learning from the Source: Indian Territory Resettlement

In his article, “Thinking Like an Historian“, from the TPS Quarterly archive (now the TPS Journal), Sam Wineburg points out how many students’ view of history—memorization—diverges from that of historians—investigation—and offers advice for using primary sources to engage students in the “historical approach”. Doing so will help students make more authentic and lasting connections to important…

Today in History: Andrew Jackson

Today in History: Andrew Jackson

Today in History–August 9–the Library of Congress features Andrew Jackson, who signed the Treaty of Fort Jackson that ended the Creek War on this day in 1814. Jackson had a successful military career, and also served as a U.S. Representative, Senator, Tennessee Supreme Court Justice, and the seventh President of the United States. Learn more about this fiery leader by visiting…