Facing History's resources will help you meet the following California History–Social Science Framework standards:
8.1 Students understand the major events preceding the founding of the nation and relate their significance to the development of American constitutional democracy.
- Video: Race: The Power of an Illusion (episode 2)
Traces the race concept to the European conquest of the Americas, including the development of the first slave system, where all enslaved people shared a physical trait: dark skin.
- Reading: Race and Belonging in Colonial America: The Story of Anthony Johnson
Documents the story of Anthony Johnson, a Black indentured servant in 1622 Virginia.
- Core Case Study: Race and Membership in American History: The Eugenics Movement (chapters 2–4)
Focuses on how people used eugenics to justify their prejudices and advocate for programs aimed at solving problems by ridding society of “inferior racial traits.”
8.3 Students understand the foundation of the American political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it.
- Lesson: Defining Democracy
Examines different definitions of democracy and considers democracy’s relationship to communities and cultures.
- Lesson: Citizen Power Makes Democracy Work
Explores citizenship, power, and responsibility using the work of civic entrepreneur Eric Liu.
- Lesson Collection: What Makes Democracy Work?
Explores definitions of democracy, citizenship, and civic participation through new lessons, readings, audio interviews and more.
8.11 Students analyze the character and lasting consequences of Reconstruction.
- Core Case Study: The Reconstruction Era and the Fragility of Democracy
Examines the pivotal era when a nation divided by slavery and war was challenged to rebuild.
