Known for its dynamic, concise, and balanced coverage of every major debate and conflict in U.S. history, Issues & Controversies in American History contains authoritative articles on topics that will capture students’ attention and encourage discussion throughout the academic year. We’ve made it easy for educators to use this critical-thinking tool in class by highlighting a selection of articles on key topics they may be teaching each month.
Ideas for Using Issues & Controversies in American History:
- Use the videos to introduce a topic—selected articles include an exciting, original three-minute video that gives essential visual context to the issue and controversy
- Use the discussion questions to spark in-class debate or to inspire research
- Use the printable handouts for review and self-assessment
- Assign the primary sources for context and background
- Encourage critical thinking. Use the “What If?” questions in the “Extend the Lesson” section. Ask questions such as:
- How does the issue remain relevant today?
- Did the outcome spur new issues that affect the U.S. now?
- Do you think the right decision was made? Why or why not?
- Compare and contrast historical issues with today’s issues. What aspects are similar? Which are different, and why?
February:
- Slavery and the American Revolution: Did the American Revolution Significantly Change the Condition and Status of Black Americans?
- Japanese-American Internment: Preservation of National Security or Violation of Japanese Americans’ Rights?
- Black Power Movement: Militancy vs. Compromise in the Fight for Rights
March:
- Reconstruction: Moderate vs. “Radical” Plans for Reintegrating the South
- Equal Pay Act of 1963: Should Employers Be Required to Pay Women and Men Equal Wages?
- Feminist Movement: Should the Equal Rights Amendment Be Added to the Constitution?
April:
- Mexican-American War: Justified Response to Mexican Aggression or Unscrupulous Land Grab?
- Income Tax: Should the U.S. Government Be Allowed to Tax People on Their Income?
- Vietnam War: U.S. Involvement in the Conflict between North and South Vietnam
May:
- Indian Removal Act: Necessary to Protect the Indians or Atrocity Against Them?
- Rise of Organized Labor: Noble Crusade for Workers’ Rights or a Threat to U.S. Industry?
- Brown v. Board of Education: Does Racial Segregation of Public Schools Violate the U.S. Constitution?
June:
- War of 1812: A War of Necessity or of Choice?
- Miranda v. Arizona: Supreme Court Establishes the Right to Remain Silent During Police Interrogation
- Watergate Affair: Betrayal of American Democracy or Overblown Political Scandal?
July:
- Declaration of Independence: American Colonies Sever Ties with Great Britain
- Scopes Trial: Can a State Bar Evolution from Being Taught in Public Schools?
- Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Measure to Ensure Equality or a Violation of States’ Rights?
August:
- Woman Suffrage: A Right or a Privilege?
- Atomic Bombing of Japan: Barbaric Tactic or Quick Way to End the War?
- Hurricane Katrina: What Was Responsible for the Devastating Flooding of New Orleans?
September:
- Afghanistan War: Should Congress Authorize an Attack on Terrorist Targets in Afghanistan?
- Constitutional Convention: Balancing a Strong National Government and States’ Rights
- World War II and “America First”: Should the U.S. Intervene in World War II or Remain Neutral?
October:
- Columbus’s Voyages to the Americas: How Should His Legacy Be Assessed?
- John Brown’s Raid at Harpers Ferry: Was John Brown a Freedom Fighter or a Terrorist?
- Cuban Missile Crisis: Should the United States Use Force to Remove Soviet Missiles from Cuba?
November:
- 2000 Presidential Election: Fair or “Stolen” Election?
- Kennedy Assassination: Was the President Killed by a Lone Gunman, or Was There a Conspiracy?
- The Bonus Army: Was President Hoover Right to Evict the Bonus Army?
December:
- Wounded Knee Conflict: Cavalry and Sioux Indians Clash at Wounded Knee
- Pearl Harbor Attack: Who Was Responsible for Failing to Anticipate the Attack?
- Nativism and the Know Nothings: Should the United States Restrict Immigration?
January:
- League of Nations: The Pros and Cons of U.S. Membership
- Prohibition: Is Banning Alcohol a Social Necessity or Restriction of Freedom?
- North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): The U.S. Establishes Free Trade with Canada and Mexico
Click on the links below for more information about Issues & Controversies in American History:
