Historical Perspectives and Beliefs Project

Guiding Questions:

How do we determine what is true both historically

and in modern day America?

How do different historical perspectives influence the

opinions of Americans?

What is your political identity, and why?

Long Term Learning Target: I can analyze primary sources and a diverse range of media to demonstrate
the multiple perspectives on a historical social issue between the Civil War Era and World War I, and
compare and contrast this topic with a related modern day issue.

Project Summary: Students will develop a strong understanding of the driving themes and issues that influenced
American society between the Civil War Era and World War I through analyzing primary and secondary sources.
Students will also read Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison and consider how the themes in the book relate to this time
period in American history.

For the final project, students will select an influential topic or event from this time period that relates to a modern
day issue and collect primary and secondary sources that showcase both liberal and conservative viewpoints on
this topic historically and in modern day. Students will then curate a museum-quality visual, auditory and written
display to objectively demonstrate the arguments and beliefs of both sides. Students will also determine their own
personal opinions on their topic based on their historical investigation. Finally, students will research organizations
that support social reform in the topic of their choice and share with the audience how they could get involved
with this organization to make a difference in American society.

Potential Project Topics:

● Socialism
● Evolution of Monopolies & Corporations in History
● Early Slavery and Modern Day Slavery and its Relationship with Capitalism
● Health Care Reform Movements
● Labor Movement, Strikes and Unions
● Compare and contrast different Presidential Elections or Impeachments
● Mining in the West vs. Modern Mining Ethicacy
● Immigration and Migration
● Exclusion Acts (Racial, Gender, Disabilities, etc.)