United States Military History Teacher Resources
Find United States Military History lesson plans and worksheets
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Becoming Us
The mission statement of the National Museum of American History’s Becoming US: Teaching Immigration and Migration History in the 21st Century series is to provide “educational resources for high school teachers and students to learn...
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Becoming Us: Borderlands
Three case studies make up a unit the looks at the power contentions and exchanges in the borderlands that have shaped the United States. The first case study focuses on creating the US southern border and the experiences of people...
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America from Scratch
What if the people of the United States started over and, knowing what we know now about how things are working, redesigned the government created by the founding fathers? That's the central premise of the 11 resources in the American...
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Civil War: A "Terrible Swift Sword"
A three-lesson unit looks at the United States Civil War. In the first lesson, high schoolers analyze primary source materials to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the Union and Confederate armies at the beginning of the war. The...
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Lesson 1: The United States Confronts Great Britain, 1793–1796
After the Revolutionary War, the success of the United States was far from guaranteed. Foreign powers coveted the new land, and Great Britain challenged American sovereignty. Learners consider the challenges facing the new nation using...
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U.S. Military Service Through History
The soldiers of the American Revolution and the soldiers of the modern war in Iraq may have different tactical objectives, technology, and strategies, but they share the goal of protecting the American way of life. Compare the ways that...
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Should We Have Mandatory Military Service? | America From Scratch
Mandatory service in a democratic society? On July 1, 1973, the draft ended. Now the United States relies on an all-volunteer military. But what if all citizens were required to perform some sort of service, either military or public...
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WWII - Tensions Rise in Pacific
Although the United States suspected an early attack on Hawaii from the Japanese military, Franklin D. Roosevelt feared what increasing Japan's power would do. Watch the tension rise between Japan, China, and the United States.
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United States v. Virginia
The Equal Protection Clause is the focus of an activity that asks class members to examine the Supreme Court case, United States v. Virginia, that considered whether or not the all-male admissions policy of the Virginia Military...
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Women in the Military
Scholars analyze the role of women in the military in United States history. Using group research, debate, and diary entries, they explore various military activity in America. To complete the lesson, young historians write an essay...
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United States Colored Troops
The debate over slavery contributed to the Civil War, but it didn't stop African Americans from joining the military. Academics complete a series of worksheets, read original letters, and analyze a photo of an African American soldier to...
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United States Foreign Policy
Policies of United States government which promote or fail to promote relationships with other countries—national defense, arms control, security of other nations, trade, human rights, economic sanctions, foreign aid, etc.—come under...
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The Great Military: Map of Texas
The battle at the Alamo may be one of the most famous military campaigns in Texas history, but it is by no means the only one. As part of their study of the military history of Texas, class members research less-well-known sites, locate...
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Korematsu v. United States (1944)
Students examine equal protection. For this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Korematsu v. United States and discuss the implications of the decision with regards to Japanese internment.
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Classical Civilizations: The Rise of States and Empires
History is full of great empires rising to power—and falling into dust. But what does religion and a society's belief system have to do with a civilization's fate? A thorough explanation of the impact of world religions on their...
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The Great War: U.S. Division Under Allied Command
The victory of Allied forces in World War I is due in large part to the continued collaboration and support of the Allied divisions themselves. Learn more about the ways Australia, Britain, France, and the United States worked together...
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Harry S. Truman's Atomic Bomb Address - August 9, 1945
The United States' decision to implement the atomic bomb in 1945 is still a source of debate today. Learners listen to the audio from President Truman's speech to address the nation to better understand why the United States resorted to...
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Sitting Bull: Spiritual Leader and Military Leader
Sitting Bull was not expected to be a great warrior. Yet, he led the Lakota people and other tribes to several pivotal victories against the United States government when federal troops threatened their land. Using primary sources, such...
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United States v. Nixon (1974)
Students examine checks and balances. In this Supreme Court lesson plan, students examine primary documents from United States v. Nixon and discuss the implications of the decision.
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WWII - US to Arm Allies
Before joining World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the military policy to lend-lease, meaning that the US would distribute artillery without requiring immediate payment. What are the benefits to changing this policy? What are the...
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The United States 1920-1945
Have the class take a gander at US History from 1920-1945, by viewing a series of historical photographs. Each photo includes notes on its historical significance. FDR, The Great Mississippi River flood, Japanese internment, and The Dust...
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Immigration in the United States from 1880-1910
Eleventh graders explore, examine and study immigration in the United States from 1880-1910. They identify different aspects of the American immigration movement. Each student also shares where their ancestors are from and their...
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Citizens to Soldiers
What does it take to be in the military? An interesting video shows pupils the training and procedures used to turn civilians into United States soldiers during World War II.
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How Do We Right the Wrongs of the Past?
While righting historical wrongs may be difficult, the United States and other countries have tried to reconcile themselves with the past. A resource asks scholars to examine the United States' efforts to come to terms with issues such...
