LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

United States History

Goal 11: Recovery, Prosperity, and Turmoil (1945-1980) - The learner will trace economic, political, and social developments and assess their significance for the lives of Americans during this time period.

Objective 11.06. Identify political events and the actions and reactions of the government officials and citizens, and assess the social and political consequences.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

Watergate
In Postwar North Carolina, page 8.7
History of the Watergate scandal that ended in President Richard Nixon's resignation from office.
Format: article
The Speaker Ban controversy
In Postwar North Carolina, page 6.4
Resolution by the student legislature at UNC-Chapel Hill, 1966, against tbe state ban on campus speakers with ties to communisim. Includes historical background and commentary.
Format: legislation/primary source
Commentary and sidebar notes by L. Maren Wood.
Politics
In Postwar North Carolina, page 9.6
Final part of an oral history interview with Rebecca Clark, an African American who was born in rural Orange County just before the Depression and witnessed the changes in civil rights over the years.
Format: interview
Commentary and sidebar notes by Kristin Post.
North Carolina's first presidential primary
In Postwar North Carolina, page 8.4
North Carolina held its first presidential primary election on May 6, 1972. Prior to 1972, delegates were chosen to represent the state at the national party nominating conventions, but the candidates were not subject to a popular vote in North Carolina until the general election.
Format: article
National politics, 1968–74
In Postwar North Carolina, page 8.1
An overview of national politics and issues during the presidency of Richard Nixon.
Format: book
Lyndon Johnson and the Great Society
In Postwar North Carolina, page 6.1
An overview of President Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society" programs, which addressed poverty, transportation safety, urban development, and health.
Format: article
Howard Lee
In Postwar North Carolina, page 6.10
Howard Lee's political career began with his election as mayor of Chapel Hill in 1969. He was the first African American mayor elected in a predominantly white southern town since Reconstruction.
Format: article
The Equal Rights Amendment
In Postwar North Carolina, page 8.6
Oral history interview with activist Martha McKay about the ERA's defeat in North Carolina. Includes historical background.
Format: interview/primary source
Commentary and sidebar notes by L. Maren Wood.
The election of 1972
In Postwar North Carolina, page 8.5
In North Carolina History: A Sampler, page 6.5
The 1972 elections marked a turning point in North Carolina politics, as voters supported Republicans for president, governor, and U.S. Senate.
Format: article
By David Walbert.
Early childhood
In Postwar North Carolina, page 9.1
First part of an oral history interview with Rebecca Clark, an African American who was born in rural Orange County just before the Depression and witnessed the changes in civil rights over the years.
Format: interview
Commentary and sidebar notes by Kristin Post.
The 1971 constitution
In Postwar North Carolina, page 8.3
North Carolina's constitution was rewritten in 1971 to incorporate the many amendments made since Reconstruction.
Format: article
By David Walbert.
The 1950 Senate campaign
In Postwar North Carolina, page 3.6
Campaign poster from the 1950 U.S. Senate election in North Carolina, in which Willis Smith played to white voters' racism in defeating Frank Porter Graham. Includes historical background.
Format: poster/primary source
Commentary and sidebar notes by David Walbert.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

Federal recognition for Lumbee Indians
In Teaching about North Carolina American Indians, page 2.7
Introduction North Carolina recognizes the Lumbee Indian Tribe; however, Federal recognition has not been given. Why? What are the criteria for recognition? What are the reasons for and against Lumbee recognition? This lesson uses a teacher-made debate...
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
By Linda Tabor.
Civil rights protests and dilemmas
In this lesson students explore well-known civil rights protests then listen to two oral histories of individuals who protested in their own way to promote equality for African Americans. Students specifically will consider personal risks involved in protest.
Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Resources on the web

Galluping away: Understanding how the Gallup Poll reflects shifting concerns in the United States
Students use selected Gallop Poll results to better understand causes and effects of the concerns of Americans in different periods within the latter half of the 20th century. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 11–12 Social Studies)
Provided by: New York Times Learning Network