Describes an instructional unit in which Frederick Jackson Turner's Frontier Thesis is applied to Russian history. Suggests that the activities and recommended readings are perhaps best suited to Advanced Placement and honors classes. Includes a list of student readings, teacher resources, and step-by-step teaching procedures. (CFR)

Lists both primary and secondary sources concerning the history of the Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony. Considers the writing and rediscovery of William Bradford's chronicles as the key events in primary sources and the research and publications of George Willison as the turning point for secondary sources. Includes works by Pilgrims, political…

Presents overview of dissension in Democratic Party in United States just prior to Civil War. Maintains that tension between the northern and southern wings of the party had existed since the early days of the Republic. Provides quotes from newspapers of the time and historians that could be used by teachers in preparing classroom activities about…

Discusses the impact of World War II on world history and the conflicting views of historians. Reviews six recent books on World War II. Concludes, although these books do not constitute a reinterpretation of the war, they do represent major contributions to the literature. (CFR)

Arguing that students must understand historical methodology in order to fully comprehend and appreciate history, Woodman presents an exercise that provides for a concrete, hands-on writing and evaluation of an historical essay by students. Describes the project in which students use primary sources to write about the Freedmen's Bureau and…

Asserts that Robert E. Lee holds a paradoxical position in U.S. history: he fought against the U.S. government and to preserve slavery; yet he is one of the most respected and revered generals and personalities in the nation's history. Reviews the historiography and changing historical interpretations of Lee. (CFR)

Describes the use of epic poetry in a combined English/history humanities class. Concludes that epic poetry, the combination of history and verse, helps students understand the continuity and meaning of the Western tradition. (CFR)

Observes that each New England state has its own history of the Revolution but that there is no overarching regional history. Argues that the Revolution began in New England because it was more like Old England than other colonial regions; thus, they felt imperial discrimination more deeply than other colonists. (DSK)

Observes a number of illustrations from a wide variety of whaling narratives and discusses the purposes and assumptions behind them. Considers the individual artists and their contributions. Francis Allyn Olmstead romanticized the profession while J. Ross Brown emphasized the sordid aspects of whaling life. (MJP)

Proposes to return narrative to a more central place in historical writing. Answers critics who complain that history texts do not properly emphasize democracy and citizenship. Suggests using narrative to tell stories students will remember while including a major theme or conclusion. Warns against overuse, wordiness, and sacrifice of human…

Maintains that most history teachers perpetuate the stereotype of the Puritans of colonial history as a dour, austere, intolerant group. Contends that recent historiography indicates that the Puritans laughed, treated Native Americans and African Americans with respect, and enjoyed music and other cultural pleasures. (CFR)

Criticizes the current historical interpretation (promoted by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. and Oliver Stone) that President John F. Kennedy intended to withdraw from Vietnam if elected to a second term. Maintains that the preponderance of historical evidence suggests that Kennedy intended to exit Vietnam only after a military victory. (MJP)

Describes a high school history class project designed to simultaneously teach students about Napoleon and introduce them to the practice of historical inquiry. Students viewed four data sets reflecting various aspects of Napoleon's life (e.g. military victories, domestic policy). Worksheets and writing assignments reiterated the importance of…

Examines the pitfalls and obstacles of applying a professional historian's standards to the practice of writing and researching local history. These include unreliable and incomplete records as well as sponsoring agencies that prefer sanitized legends to historical accuracy. Nonetheless, praises local history as a rich resource and recommends…

Maintains that historical objectivity is a myth and that scholars and teachers should recognize that fact. Asserts that the use of primary sources and oral history focusing on underrepresented groups such as women and minority groups is one way of using subjective materials to achieve objectivity. (CFR)