Examines the French Popular Front of 1936 as a vehicle to investigate the turbulent decade of the 1930s. Reviews current historiography and discusses various facets of Leon Blum's government, examining the interrelationship of major economic and political forces. Concludes that the French Left still faces Blum's dilemma of implementing socialism…

Reviews the history of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and describes the debate over expanding its membership. Includes a discussion of the process for adding NATO members and a copy of the treaty. Suggests several exercises to help students better understand the NATO-expansion debate. (DSK)

Focuses on teaching a U.S. history course to secondary school students about the women's club movement which began in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Explores five key topic areas involving theoretical frameworks, community activities of the women, and skill development due to club involvement. (CMK)

Examines new aspects of the post-Cold War international situation that need to be reflected in the K-12 curriculum: integrating studies of cooperation as well as conflict; emphasizing the importance of economic issues; and noting the changed role of international organization, the increased concern with democracy, and changing concepts of…

Provides a lesson that enables students to explore the idea of historic sites as contested symbols and the meanings of liberty. Presents background information on the Lexington Common (or Green) as an historic site that has been utilized as a forum of political expression. Includes three lessons and copies of primary sources. (CMK)

Examines how social studies and history teachers can help students understand the intellectual origins of German Nazism during World War II. Suggests discussion questions and learning activities. (Author/DB)

This unit is one of a series that represents specific moments in history from which students focus on the meanings of landmark events. By studying primary sources of a crucial turning point in history, students become aware that choices had to be made by real human beings, that those decisions were the result of specific factors, and that they set…

This volume provides documentation on the origin of the women's rights movement placing the documents in a context that aims to show the rationale that blocked women from achieving full equality. The volume contains 127 fully annotated documents presented in chronological order (with a few exceptions) beginning in 1632 with colonial laws regarding…

Contends that because lyrics and music of popular songs can represent alternative perspectives to the dominant ideologies of a particular time or place, they can be used effectively in classrooms to provide the voices rarely heard in textbooks. Describes several songs and offers teaching suggestions for implementing this approach. Argues that…

Presents a series of questions designed to provoke students to think about their location in the world, the effect of global connections on their local culture, and current global problems and their implications. Includes Internet contact information for some United Nations agencies that provide information useful to students. (DSK)

This lesson focuses on the U.S. Civil War Battle of Gettysburg (Pennsylvania) at the beginning of July 1863. The lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file, "Gettysburg Battlefield Historic District," as well as several primary and secondary sources. It could be used with units on the U.S. Civil War or…

Today, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) has moved beyond its role as an international symbol of healing and stands as a living history lesson, but many of today's young people have a limited knowledge of the Vietnam War. This guide consists of an interactive curriculum enabling teachers to delve into the lessons of that chaotic period and…

Asserts that teachers and students are ready to go beyond traditional coverage of the interactions of political science and history to applying economic analysis to historical and contemporary social issues. Provides three lesson plans illustrating the use of public choice theory in U.S. history. (CFR)

This unit is one of a series that presents specific moments in history from which students focus on the meanings of landmark events. By studying a crucial turning-point in history, students become aware that choices had to be made by real human beings, that those decisions were the result of specific factors, and that they set in motion a series…

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…