Students will complete a short biography research sheet over either Harry Truman or Bess Wallace Truman. Students will share out what their biography research has uncovered. Students will then participate in a group analysis and comparison of letters between the first lady and her presidential husband and examine her influence on the issues of the time. Students will also individually complete a short written response explaining her influence and the perspectives represented in the primary documents.
This lesson will require students to examine the primary sources of personal letters and conduct biographical research on either President or first lady Truman. They will then use their information to determine the influence and relationship of the first lady and President Truman.
- Conduct biographical research over historical figures and examine their influence.
- Examine and analyze primary source letters.
- MLS T1S5A: Using a United States’ historical lens, describe how peoples’ perspectives shape the sources/artifacts they have created.
- MLS T4S2B: Evaluate how the programs and policies of the New Deal and WWII changed the relationships among the government, groups, and individuals.
- Biography Boxes: First Lady Edition – attached worksheet
- Biography Boxes: Presidential Edition – attached worksheet
- Written Document Analysis – attached worksheet
- Tweet Sheet – attached worksheet
BIOGRAPHY BOXES
PRESIDENTIAL EDITION
Name of Present:
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Birth Information |
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When:
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Parents: |
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Where:
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Siblings: |
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Important Life Events |
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Important Event #1:
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Important Event #2:
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Personal Information/Facts: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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What were his accomplishments? |
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POTUS |
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Name:
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Term of Office: |
Political Party: |
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Important Events While in Office:
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Children/Important Family Members |
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American Public’s View on President |
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What people had an influence on the president? |
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Quote |
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Personal Interpretation (Was he important? Why? Was he a good president? Why? What is his lasting impact on the presidency?) |
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BIOGRAPHY BOXES
INFLUENTIAL FIRST LADIES EDITION
Name of First Lady:
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Birth Information |
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When:
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Parents: |
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Where:
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Siblings: |
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Important Life Events |
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Important Event #1:
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Important Event #2:
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Personal Information/Facts: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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What were her accomplishments? |
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POTUS Husband |
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Name:
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Term of Office: |
Political Party: |
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Important Events While in Office:
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Children/Important Family Members |
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American Public’s View on First Lady |
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Was she influential on her POTUS husband? Explain |
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Quote |
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Personal Interpretation (Was she important? Why? Was she a good first lady? Why? What is her lasting impact on the presidency/role of first lady?) |
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Document Analysis worksheet
https://www.archives.gov/files/education/lessons/worksheets/written_document_analysis_worksheet.pdf