U.S. History

History Plunge

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There are numerous games in every box of HistoryPlunge that can be customized for ages 8 – 108. Learn about the U.S. Presidents, important events in history, and notable people that shaped history. The game covers events from 1492 all the way up to the picture of the black hole.

Grade Level:

Middle

High

Content Area:

Social Studies

Play Time:

20 min.

Rockefeller's Run for Office in West Virginia

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Examine the reasons behind Jay Rockefeller's run for offices in West Virginia and the strategies used in his campaigns.

The Abolitionists: Lincoln's Uncertain Commitment to Emancipation

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Many abolitionists were uncertain if President Lincoln was truly committed to freeing slaves or if he was more concerned with ending the Civil War. Abolitionists questioned his commitment to emancipation. Video from, American Experience: "Abolitionists."

World War II Veteran Myrtle Edwards  - Tech Sergeant, WACS | Georgia Oral History

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Mrs. Myrtle Faye Edwards, born on February 5, 1923, in West Virginia, served in the Women's Army Corps (WAC), attaining the rank of Tech Sergeant. Mrs. Edwards' stories about training include meeting Lana Turner, secret documents, and antics to avoid roll call. When shipped overseas, Mrs. Edwards witnessed first hand the devastation wrought by war in both France and Germany. She was subject to the attack of snipers and the disrespect of American soldiers. Her comments on both are illuminating.

Marine Values - Winfield Boggs | WWII: Pacific

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Mr. Boggs discusses the values of the Marine Corps and why he believes they are one of the best fighting units in the world.

Lorraine Hansberry | A Raisin in the Sun: Role of Women in the 1950s

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Explore the role of women in the 1950s in this video from the American Masters film, Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart. Incorporating footage of women in the 1950s, Lorraine Hansberry’s life, and scenes from the film version of A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry’s choices are compared to the choices of female characters in the play. Support materials include discussion questions and a handout asking students to compare the life of women today versus the 1950s.

The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis

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During World War II, the South Pacific Philippine Sea was not only the site of many battles but also where the United States had many ships stationed. One of the ships was the U.S.S. Indianapolis, which sank after being torpedoed by an enemy submarine. This History Detectives video segment chronicles that attack from the perspective of one survivor, L.D. Cox. While being interviewed about his memories of a fellow sailor, Cox describes the sinking from the instant the boat was hit to the moment he heard the engines of the rescue planes. He illustrates his furious swim away from the sinking vessel, surviving extreme dehydration and floating for days in shark-infested waters.

Montana Mosaic: Unintended Consequences of Indian Boarding Schools

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Those who thought that boarding schools would "take the Indian of the man" did not realize the far-reaching effects that could result. Indeed, many children lost touch with their families, language, customs and culture. But many bonded with children of other Native Nations and a whole political movement was a by-product of that as was the quest for political power. There was also a lot of intermarriage which dilutes the blood quannum (used to determine whether or not an individual qualifies as a tribal member) which may affect a Native nation economically and socially.

Clinton: Genocide in Yugoslavia

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This video adapted from American Experience: "Clinton" describes the genocide that occurred in the Bosnian region of the former Yugoslavia and the response of the Clinton administration. When Serbs attempted to massacre Bosnia's Muslim population, the United States was initially reluctant to intervene militarily. After the genocide escalated, however, President Clinton ordered airstrikes against the Serbian forces, a decision that ultimately led to the signing of a peace agreement. This resource is part of the American Experience collection.

Warning: This video contains graphic images of war casualties.

Walt Shepperd & The Movement | Memories of the March

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Remember the radical power of "the Movement" in this clip from Memories of the March. The March on Washington reminded protestors like Walt Shepperd that their actions were a continuation in a fight for equal rights that dated back to the Civil War.

U.S. History

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