"Conspiracy theories run amok. Fear of spies and meddling in American politics at the highest levels by foreign powers. A bipartisan divide so bitter that the federal government moves to muzzle what many politicians believe to be a biased, out-of-control news media." Current events? Actually, the excerpt paints a picture of the political climate during John Adam's tenure as president of the United States and is the lead paragraph of a book review from the Christian Science Monitor of Friends … [Read more...]
Timely Connections: Foundational Lessons in Democracy & Civil Discourse
Primary Source Spotlight: Jewish Passover
The Jewish passover of 1858 Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, 1858 April 10 American Colony (Jerusalem) Passover photos early 20th century More Passover photos Jewish Passover historical newspaper coverage Siddur: Jewish holy day prayer book Hagadat Pesaḥ ha-ḥadashah = The new Passover Haggadah 2006 book Hagadat Moriyah The Moriah Haggadah English translation and explanation of images Haggadah shel Pesah (Passover Haggadah) curator note Joel ben Simeon & the … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Betty Friedan
Betty Friedan photos Betty Friedan The Feminine Mystique 1963 A Conversation with Betty Friedan streaming webcast 'The Revolution Is Not Over' Betty Friedan on Women Changing America Library of Congress Information Bulletin April 2005 - Vol. 64, No. 4 109 HRES 695 IH: Honoring the life and accomplishments of Betty Friedan 109 HCON 475 IH: To congratulate the National Organization of Women on its 40th anniversary First Measured Century: Interview: Betty Friedan PBS Betty … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Strong-Weak Government
Zoom into a more detailed image of this cartoon. Using only the details from the cartoon, what main point do you think the cartoonist was trying to make. For help reading cartoons, review It’s No Laughing Matter. Then review the cartoon's source record and this definition of carpetbagger. What insights into this cartoon does this new information provide you with? What questions do you still have? Compare and contrast this cartoon with this sheet music from 1868. Explain how you think each … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: The Carpet-bagger
Read this brief description of carpetbaggers and scalawags from History.com. Next review this Encyclopedia of Virginia entry on Benjamin F. Butler, being sure to read at least the introductory paragraph as well as the first paragraph under the New Orleans header. Now look closely at the cover of this sheet music. Describe the perspective of carpetbaggers that you think this song takes and provide reasons for your conclusion. If possible, get someone to play the tune then closely read through … [Read more...]
Today in History: Air Raid on Pearl Harbor
Today in History–December 7–the Library of Congress features the Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on this day in 1941. A hurried Navy dispatch sent out the news: AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL. More than 2,300 Americans were killed, 160 aircraft were destroyed, and 12 ships sank. The next day the United States declared war on Japan. Learn more about this fateful day in U.S. history by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access … [Read more...]