Carolyn Ritter, author of this newly available lesson on Immigration versus Nativism, writes: “The topic of immigration is just as controversial today as it was at the turn of the twentieth century. In this lesson, students will immerse themselves in the attitudes and opinions of many native-born Americans who did not welcome the arrival of immigrants from certain countries (Nativists).” Drawing on a primary source recording of a popular 1916 song, and on political cartoons from the period, the lesson invites students to construct new understandings of popular opinions towards immigrants at the time. Helping students understand views from the past gives students background to aid them to better understand and deal with similar views today.
The lesson provides the teacher with a customized primary source analysis worksheet, detailed instruction for leading classroom activities, and a rubric for editorial writing that can be used with the culminating project of writing a period-correct Letter to the Editor expressing opposition to or support for immigration.
View more details, and download or access the lesson plan online.
Emerging America brings this lesson to you thanks to the resources of the Library of Congress. Aligned to Common Core and Massachusetts State History standards.
