Selective Unit 8 (S08)

AP USA HISTORY

(SECONDARY)

SELECTIVE UNIT 8 (S08)

(Class Struggle in the United States)

(July 2015)

Unit Statement:The student will examine the history of class struggle in the United States. As the country entered a rapid period of industrialization at the turn of the twentieth century,labor unions formed and challenged the laissez-faire approach of the government and capitalist system that solidified its presence in the United States. Since that time, the working class has experienced conflict as it has attempted to secure their livelihood in an era of progress and change.

This unit is designed as a reflection of the reading of Howard Zinn’sA People’s History of the United States.

Essential Outcomes:(must be assessed for mastery)

1. The Student Willidentify the economic contributions made by indigenous peoples, African slaves, indentured servants,immigrants, women and the working class.

1. TSW describe the transformation of the class system in the United States.

1. TSW appraise the sense of class consciousness that has developed in America.

1. TSW outline legislation that has supported the interest of management over labor.

1. TSW evaluate attempts made by the working class to challenge management and government.

1. TSWevaluate the degreeof economic inequality that has existed over time.

1. TSW compare the cause of economic inequality over time.

1. TSWanalyze the impact economicinequality has had on society and politics.

1. TSW evaluate the impact foreign policy and war has had on class struggle.

Key Terms and Concepts:

Suggested Materials:

A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn

Inequality for Alla documentary by Robert Reich

The Wobblies a documentary by Steward Bird

Technology Links:

WebPath Express (found in school library)

This is a digital copy of Howard Zinn’s book, A People’s History of the United States. The author of this site recognizes the potential copyright issues related to this publication; however, there is a disclaimer expressing that Zinn gave the creators of the site explicit permission to duplicate the source in this manner.

This website is a companion to Zinn’s book A People’s History of the United States. It includes a number of lesson plans and documents related to the topics outlined in this unit.

Voices of a People’s History provides a number of documents from important people in the labor movement in the United States.

This is the IWW’s website. Perusal of it may give the instructor insight on this labor union that has been deeply involved in the struggle of the working class.

This website includes lesson plans and recordings of socially conscious music by Woody Guthrie.

This website is a collection of labor union songs and the history behind them.

Suggested Assessment Tools and Strategies:

1. Simulate a discussion/debate between important figures in the USA surrounding the issue of wealth distribution.

1. Conduct a debate on American foreign policy and class struggle.
2. Analyze music of the social conscious. Including, but not limited to the following songs and artists:
3. Rebel Girl by Joe Hill
4. The Popular Wobbly by T-Bone Slim
5. Solidarity Forever by Ralph Chaplin
6. 1913 Massacre by Woody Guthrie
7. All you Fascists by Woody Guthrie
8. I Am a Union Woman by Aunt Molly Jackson
9. I Don’t Want your Millions Mister by Jim Garland
10. Alice’s Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie
11. Working Nine to Five by Peggy Seeger
12. Allentown by Billy Joel
13. In the Ghetto by Elvis Presley
14. Shuttin’ Detroit Down by John Rich

1. Watch American sitcoms and analyze class as portrayed in the episodes. Including, but not limited to the following sitcoms:
2. Father Knows Best
3. Good Times
4. Happy Days
5. Sanford and Son
6. Mary Tyler Moore
7. Silver Spoons
8. Different Strokes

RUBRIC FOUND ON FOLLOWING PAGE…………………………………

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QSI AP USA HISTORY SEC S08

Copyright © 1988-2015

AP USA HISTORY

Suggested Selective Unit 8(S08) Rubric:

Name ______Class______Date ______

• All TSW’s must be mastered for a ‘B’.
• 3 of 5‘A’-level blocks should be met for an ‘A’.
• Teachers may choose to use their own rubrics; however, all TSW’s must be assessed.

1. Read a historical text.

1. Identify the economic contributions made by indigenous peoples, African slaves, indentured servants, immigrants, women and the working class.

1. Describe the transformation of the class system in the United States.

1. Appraise the sense of class consciousness that has developed in America.

1. Outline legislation that has supported the interest of management over labor.

1. Evaluate attempts made by the working class to challenge management and government.

1. Evaluate the degree of economic inequality that has existed over time.

1. Compare the cause of economic inequality over time.

1. Analyze the impact economic inequality has had on society and politics.

1. Evaluate the impact foreign policy and war has had on class struggle.

1

QSI AP USA HISTORY SEC S08

Copyright © 1988-2015