When the Constitutional Convention ended in September 1787, a widespread period of public debate over the merits of the plan began. This debate took place out of doors – in churches, taverns and newspapers, by both proponents and opponents – and indoors – in state conventions held in each of the 13 states. The new constitution could not take effect until at least nine states ratified the plan - with state delegates casting a single up or down vote. Over…

Join teachers in a discussion of the words, ideas, and actions of President Lyndon Johnson in relation to the Vietnam War, all through a curated collection of primary source documents. Teachers of American History and government will find historical, constitutional, legal, and political themes and ideas to bring back to the classroom. All attendees of this free Seminar will receive a certificate for continuing education and digital and paper copies of the agenda and documents reader (found here). This online…

Explore the ideas and political philosophy of Ronald Reagan as he stepped out onto the national political stage with his 1964 address in support of the Barry Goldwater presidential campaign. This speech is recognized as establishing Reagan among the then-growing conservative movement and helped propel him toward elected politics only a few years later. All attendees of this free Seminar will be provided with a certificate for continuing education and a digital copy of the agenda and document (found here).

When the Constitutional Convention ended in September 1787, a widespread period of public debate over the merits of the plan began. This debate took place out of doors – in churches, taverns and newspapers, by both proponents and opponents – and indoors – in state conventions held in each of the 13 states. The new constitution could not take effect until at least nine states ratified the plan - with state delegates casting a single up or down vote. Over…

The process of Reconstruction in response to the Civil War was complicated and difficult, to say the least, and outcome, questionable. Study the debates had at the time – during and after the war – and how these ideas shaped policy and perspectives. This colloquium will be conducted using only primary source documents (found here), many of which will come from TAH’s published Documents Collections. All attendees will receive a Letter of Attendance at the end of the seminar.

We’re excited to announce One Document, One Hour, a new series from Teaching American History. If you’ve ever wanted to discuss history with a group of like-minded people, these seminars are for you! In each session, we’ll discuss one great American document and its lasting effects on our politics and culture. With only one document to read beforehand and one hour of discussion, participation has never been so simple.  Study this seminal American document from a the standpoints of slavery…

World War II brought African Americans closer to the mainstream of American life than ever before. Many found jobs in defense industries; others served in the still segregated military. In the 1950s, African Americans and their allies organized a movement to gain full civil rights. Boycotts of white businesses, public transportation, and marches fueled the movement. Faced with continuing discrimination and rising protests, President John F. Kennedy decided to support a new civil rights law 1963. Opponents objected to various…