Collective action can lead to change. “The basic functional requirements of a social movement,” according to Herbert W. Simons, Emeritus Professor of Communication, Temple University, “are an ability to mobilize human and material resources, to exert external influence, and to mount resistance to counter-pressures.” [1] In this primary source learning activity, students will examine the tactics supporters of…
Today in History–May 6–the Library of Congress features explorer Robert E. Peary, born on this date in 1856. Trained as a civil engineer, Peary first traveled to Nicaragua in 1884 to survey a route for a canal. In 1886, Peary ventured north and began his polar expeditions in Greenland, where he and his assistant Matt Henson learned arctic…
Have students use the primary sources in this set to tell a story about the period 1929-1945. At the depths of the great depression, which followed the stock market crash in October 1929, over one-quarter of the American workforce was out of work. But President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted a variety of “New Deal” programs and told…
Today in History–April 18–TPS-Barat Primary Source Nexus features legendary lawyer Clarence Darrow, born on this day in 1857. Darrow first gained notoriety as a labor lawyer defending union leaders in Chicago. He later went on to become one of the most well-known and well-respected criminal defense attorneys in the United States. Darrow is particularly remembered…
Today in History–March 25–the Library of Congress features Maryland. On this date the state celebrates the 1634 arrival of the first colonists to the land chartered to Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. One of the original 13 colonies, today Maryland is known as the “free” state. Learn more about this state on the Eastern seaboard by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the…
Teaching resources Primary source sets Activists Artists Trailblazers Library collections Image sets Chronicling America Topic Guides: timelines & select newspaper articles Special presentations Online exhibitions Veterans History Project resources Library blog posts 4 Corners of the World Headlines & Heroes In Custodia Legis In the Muse Inside Adams Minerva’s Kaleidoscope Now See Hear! Picture This Teaching…
Today in History–March 4–the Library of Congress features Idaho. On this date in 1863 President Lincoln signed an act creating Idaho Territory. The area burgeoned and was admitted to the Union as a state in 1890. Learn more about this gem of a state by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to thousands of primary sources related to…
Have students use the primary sources in this set to tell a story about the period 1900-1929. The Progressive Era was one of economic growth and prosperity but also one in which many worked to make American society a better and safer place through environmental, business and government reforms. The story about this time of…
Today in History–February 25–the Library of Congress features the British surrender of Fort Sackville at Vincennes, Indiana on this date in 1779. Despite a 1763 prohibition against western settlement, colonists had continued to travel to Indiana and other areas west of the Appalachians. Learn more about the defense of Fort Sackville by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links…
Today in History–February 19–the Library of Congress features Columbus, Georgia. On this date in 1917, future literary star Carson McCullers was born. Learn more about the city that influenced author Carson McCullers writing by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to thousands of primary sources related to the city of Columbus and the state of Georgia. Carson McCullers…
Today in History–February 12–the Library of Congress features painter Thomas Moran, born on this date in 1837. In 1871 Moran joined a scientific exploration of lands along the Yellowstone River headed by Ferdinand V. Hayden. Moran’s paintings, together with photographer William Henry Jackson’s photographs, helped spur public interest in the area and convince Congress to set aside the Yellowstone area as a…
Today in History–January 15–the Library of Congress features civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., born on this date in 1929. King entered Morehouse College at 15, received a bachelor of divinity from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951, and a Ph.D from Boston University in 1955. Armed with his doctorate and belief in the use of non-violent action to…