Welcome! This page is designed to help you dive into the exciting topics you're exploring in your history class. From personal migration stories to cultural legacies and global conflicts, this guide organizes your questions into themes and provides tips and resources to guide your research. 

Explore by Theme

1. Cultural and Historical Migration

Discover why people from around the world came to America and how their stories shaped our nation.

• Key Questions:

  • Why did Italians, Armenians, Spanish people, or Jews come to America?

  • How did families like Joe DiMaggio’s or Steven Spielberg’s arrive in the U.S.?

  • What was the impact of WWII, the Cold War, or genocide on migration?

• Suggested Resources:

  • Ellis Island Interactive Records

  • U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

  • Books and local library archives about immigration stories. (See the above picture of our LBHS Library Section). 

2. Legacy and Cultural Contributions

Learn about the enduring impact of historical figures, groups, and events on American culture and history.

• Key Questions:

  • What is the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts, the NASA West Area Computing Group, or the Mayflower settlers?

  • How did Italians or German-Americans shape U.S. history?

  • What influence did Filipino tribes or Gandhi have on American culture?

• Suggested Resources:

  • The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

  • NASA History Office

  • Documentaries and books on cultural contributions (check your school library or public library!).

3. Conflict and Resistance

Explore the stories of people and nations standing up for their rights or intervening in global conflicts.

• Key Questions:

  • Why did foreign countries, like the U.S. and Israel, get involved in the Guatemalan Civil War/Genocide?

  • Why did the Navajo fight in WWII despite past U.S. government actions?

  • How did Hawaiians resist U.S. annexation?

• Suggested Resources:

  • American Indian Movement Resources

  • Hawaiian Historical Society

  • Books and articles about 20th-century global conflicts int eh LBHS Library

4. Identity and Culture

Understand how groups, traditions, and individuals have shaped their identities and made contributions to American society.

• Key Questions:

  • Where did African Americans get their tribal origins?

  • What percentage of the U.S. population is Spanish (from Spain), and what is their influence? (Bonus Resource)

  • Who originally participated in theater, and how did gender play a role?

• Suggested Resources:

  • Theatre History Resources for Students

  • African American Cultural Heritage Sites

  • Databases for population statistics and cultural studies (ask your teacher or librarian for access).

Research Tips

1. Start with Context

Before diving into specifics, get a broad understanding of your topic. For example:

• Look for a timeline or overview of events.

• Use encyclopedias or history textbooks to set the stage.

2. Find Reliable Sources

When researching online, use trustworthy resources like:

• National Archives

• Library of Congress

• LBHS Library databases found in Beachport - Research Databases

3. Compare Perspectives

Read multiple sources to understand different viewpoints and build a balanced understanding of your topic.

4. Ask “So What?”

Think about the significance of your topic:

• Why does it matter today?

• How does it connect to other events or themes in history?

Curated Resources

General Research

• Smithsonian Learning Lab

• Library of Congress Digital Collections

Migration and Cultural Stories

• National Archives Immigration Records

• Stories from Ellis Island

Conflict and Global Interactions

• Cold War History

• World War II Museum Resources

Refining Your Questions

When starting your research, it helps to narrow down broad questions into specific ones. Here are examples:

• Broad Question: “How did Italians affect American history?”

• Refined Question: “What contributions did Italian immigrants make to labor movements in the U.S. during the 19th century?”

Need help refining your question? Ask your teacher or librarian for guidance!

Ready to Start?

Dive into the resources above and begin exploring the questions that interest you most. Remember, history is a story—and now, it’s your turn to uncover and tell it. Good luck!  Please contact Mr. Warren in the library for additional support and don't forget to use the ASK OUR LIBRARIANS app found in Beachport!  

Civil Rights Movement and Racial Equality

1. How important was Rosa Parks' statement that she made refusing to give up her seat on the bus?

   • Resource: Brittanica - Rosa Parks

2. What was Martin Luther King's legacy on America? What fueled his interest in Civil Rights?

   • Resource: The King Center

3. What did Malcolm X do to impact the world?

   • Resource: Brittanica - Malcolm X

Immigration and Cultural Histories

4. Did Andrew Carnegie affect Scottish people coming to the United States? What struggles did he go through on his journey? How did he get to where he is?

   • Resource: Carnegie Corporation of New York

5. Why did Armenians come to America?

   • Resource: Armenian National Institute

6. Did any Italian Americans ever get discriminated against?

   • Resource: Library of Congress - Italian American History

Native American History

7. Which Native American group was affected the most in the Trail of Tears?

   • Resource: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

8. Do different Native American backgrounds have different stereotypes?

   • Resource: Native Knowledge 360° - Stereotypes

9. What does/did society look like for different Native American groups?

   • Resource: National Congress of American Indians

Women in History

10. How did French businesswoman Coco Chanel impact American history?

    • Resource: Coco Chanel’s Legacy - Smithsonian

Military History

11. What was the Balkan War?

    • Resource: Britannica - Balkan Wars

12. What are some contributions and successes of the Vietnam War?

    • Resource: PBS - Vietnam War Resources

Modern Figures

13. What challenges did Trump face in his upbringing to where he is today? While he had some challenges, what successes did he have?

    • Resource: Trump’s Biography - Encyclopedia Britannica

Animal Welfare

14. How can more people help stop animal kill shelters?

    • Resource: ASPCA - Ways to Help

1. Civil Rights Movement and Key Figures

• How important was Rosa Parks' statement that she made refusing to give up her seat on the bus?

  • Rosa Parks' act of defiance was a crucial catalyst in the Civil Rights Movement, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Some view her as a quiet yet powerful symbol of resistance that mobilized mass action, while others emphasize the broader community efforts behind the movement, including leadership from Martin Luther King Jr. and contributions from numerous other activists.

  • Learn more about Rosa Parks and her impact from History.com

  • Explore the broader community efforts in the Civil Rights Movement from the National Museum of African American History and Culture

• What was Martin Luther King's legacy on America? What fueled his interest in Civil Rights?

  • Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is often associated with his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly his advocacy for nonviolent protest and his role in the March on Washington. Some view his impact through the lens of legislative change, such as the Civil Rights Act, while others focus on his broader influence in creating a lasting shift in societal attitudes toward racial equality. His interest in civil rights was deeply influenced by his upbringing in a religious household that experienced racial discrimination firsthand and by the teachings of Gandhi.

  • Read about Martin Luther King's legacy on Biography.com

  • Learn about Martin Luther King's philosophy of nonviolence from Stanford's King Institute

  • NewBank Information - New Paper Reporting from MLK's active years

• What did Malcolm X do to impact the world?

  • Malcolm X is viewed by some as a radical voice that advocated for Black empowerment and self-defense, promoting a different approach compared to Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolence. Others see his journey of personal transformation and his later emphasis on unity as impactful contributions to the broader fight for civil rights and human dignity.

  • Explore Malcolm X's impact from Brittanica 

  • Read about Malcolm X's influence on civil rights from History.com

  • General Information about Black History and Teaching History in the USA

2. Migration and Discrimination

• Why did Armenians come to America?

  • Many Armenians migrated to America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to escape persecution in the Ottoman Empire, particularly during the Armenian Genocide. Some view this migration as a search for freedom and safety, while others emphasize the cultural and economic contributions Armenian immigrants made to American society.

  • Turks, Armenians, and the "G-Word" - ProQuest Resource SIRS

  • Read about the Armenian Genocide and its impact from Britannica

• Did any Italian Americans ever get discriminated against?

  • Italian Americans faced significant discrimination, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including stereotypes and prejudice in employment, housing, and even violent attacks. Some argue that the prejudice was tied to anti-Catholic sentiments, while others emphasize the ways Italian Americans used community solidarity to overcome barriers.

  • Read about the history of Italian American discrimination from PBS

  • Explore the experience of Italian Americans during the 20th century from the Library of Congress

• What struggles did/do Swedish Americans face? How did they adapt to America?

  • Swedish Americans faced struggles related to language barriers and cultural adaptation during the 19th-century waves of immigration. Some view their adaptation as facilitated by settling in areas with strong Swedish communities, while others highlight the ways they contributed to the agricultural and industrial growth of America, creating a unique cultural identity.

  • Swedish Immigration to the U.S. from the Minnesota Swedish American Historical Society 

  • Explore the contributions of Swedish Americans from the Library of Congress

  • Swedish American History from Primary Source Documents - Library of Congress (USA)

3. Historical Conflicts and Impact

• What was the Balkan War?

  • The Balkan Wars (1912-1913) were conflicts that contributed to the decline of the Ottoman Empire and set the stage for World War I. One perspective focuses on the geopolitical power struggle among the Balkan states and the weakening Ottoman control, while another emphasizes the ethnic tensions and the humanitarian crisis that resulted.

  • Read about the Balkan Wars from Britannica

  • The Worst of Both Worlds: Poverty and Politics in the Balkans

• What are some contributions and successes of the Vietnam War?

  • The Vietnam War is often seen as a failure for the United States in terms of military objectives, but some argue that it contributed to changes in U.S. foreign policy and military tactics. Others focus on the war's impact in Vietnam, including its effect on national identity and the long-term rebuilding efforts.

  • Learn about the Vietnam War's impact from History.com

  • Read about the Vietnam War's legacy from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

4. Individual Stories of Success and Struggle

• Did Andrew Carnegie affect Scottish people coming to the United States? What struggles did he go through on his journey? How did he get to where he is?

  • Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant, became one of the wealthiest men in America and a major philanthropist. One perspective is that his success story inspired many Scots to migrate to America in search of opportunity. His journey involved overcoming poverty, working in harsh conditions, and ultimately becoming a leader in the steel industry. Some view his success as an example of the "American Dream," while others critique the conditions of his workers and his role in labor disputes.

  • Read about Andrew Carnegie's life from Biography.com

  • Learn about the impact of Andrew Carnegie from the Carnegie Corporation of New York

• What challenges did Donald Trump face in his upbringing to where he is today? While he had some challenges, what successes did he have?

  • Donald Trump's upbringing in a wealthy family provided opportunities, but some argue he faced challenges related to managing expectations and family dynamics. His successes include his ventures in real estate and media, though opinions differ on whether these successes were solely the result of his business acumen or also benefited from inherited wealth and connections.

  • Read about Donald Trump's early life from Britannica

  • Explore Donald Trump's business ventures from Forbes

• How did French businesswomen (like Coco Chanel) impact American history?

  • Coco Chanel is viewed as an icon who revolutionized women's fashion, promoting comfort and a break from restrictive clothing. Her influence reached America, where her style was adopted as a symbol of modernity. Some admire her contributions to fashion, while others criticize her controversial actions during World War II.

  • Learn about Coco Chanel's History 

  • View Video about Coco Chanel's controversial history

5. Native American Experiences

• Which Native American group was affected the most in the Trail of Tears? Do different Native American backgrounds have different stereotypes? What does/did society look like for different Native American groups?

  • The Cherokee Nation was the most affected during the Trail of Tears, facing forced relocation and significant loss of life. Different Native American groups have historically faced distinct stereotypes, often based on their cultural practices or historical interactions with settlers. Some see these stereotypes as contributing to ongoing systemic inequality, while others emphasize efforts by Native communities to reclaim their heritage and educate others about their true history.

  • Read about the Trail of Tears from the National Park Service

  • Explore stereotypes of Native American groups from the National Museum of the American Indian

6. Japanese American Experience Post-WWII

• When the Japanese got out of their concentration camps, where did they go? Did they just resume life as it was, or were they homeless? What did they do?

  • After World War II, Japanese Americans faced significant difficulties reintegrating into society. Some returned to find their homes and businesses seized, leading to homelessness and the need to rebuild from scratch. Others received support from community networks or sought new opportunities, but the experience of internment left a lasting impact on their lives and community dynamics.

  • Learn about Japanese American internment and post-war challenges from Densho

  • Read about Japanese American experiences post-WWII from the Smithsonian

Categories:

1. Swedish Americans: Struggles and Adaptation

2. Italian Americans: Labor, Struggles, Contributions, and Legacy

3. Theater in America: Origins and Gender Dynamics

4. Alexander Hamilton: Immigration and Survival

1. Swedish Americans: Struggles and Adaptation

Key Questions:

• What struggles did Swedish Americans face?

• How did they adapt to America?

Brief Explanation: Swedish immigrants faced challenges including language barriers, cultural differences, and economic hardships. Many settled in the Midwest, drawn by farming opportunities. They contributed to agriculture, religious diversity, and the labor force in cities. Adaptation involved creating supportive communities, establishing Swedish-language newspapers, and preserving cultural heritage through church groups and festivals.

Sources for Research:

• Immigration History: Swedish Immigrants in America
  Link to Resource

• Library of Congress: Swedish Immigration to America
  Link to Resource

2. Italian Americans: Labor, Struggles, Contributions, and Legacy

Key Questions:

• How did Italians impact American history, especially through manual labor and building projects like railroads?

• What challenges did Italian Americans face?

• What contributions and successes did they achieve?

• What is the legacy of Italian Americans today?

Brief Explanation: Italian Americans, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributed significantly to the American workforce, often engaging in manual labor, infrastructure projects, and building railroads. They faced prejudice, discrimination, and often harsh living conditions. Despite this, they have had a lasting cultural impact, particularly in areas like cuisine, music, and community structures.

Sources for Research:

• National Italian American Foundation: History and Contributions
  Link to Resource

• Library of Congress: Italian Americans - Immigrants in the Workforce
  Link to Resource

Visuals for Presentation:

• Graphs or charts showing Italian immigration trends to the U.S.

• Maps of where Italian immigrants settled and their population distribution.

• Photos of laborers working on railroads and buildings.

3. Theater in America: Origins and Gender Dynamics

Key Questions:

• Who originally participated in the United States theater?

• How did gender play a role in early American theater?

Brief Explanation: Theater in America initially drew inspiration from European traditions. Gender dynamics played a significant role in theater, as in earlier periods, female roles were often performed by men. Women began to participate actively in the theater during the 18th and 19th centuries, gradually gaining recognition. The evolution of gender roles in American theater reflects broader societal changes, including shifts towards gender equality.

Sources for Research:

• NYU Theater History in America
  Link to Resource 

• Oxford Research: Early American Theater
  Link to Resource 

4. Alexander Hamilton: Immigration and Survival

Key Questions:

• How did Alexander Hamilton survive coming to the U.S.?

• Where did he come from?

• How did he get to the U.S.?

Brief Explanation: Alexander Hamilton was born in the Caribbean, on the island of Nevis. He immigrated to the American colonies in the early 1770s, with the help of benefactors who recognized his talent. Arriving in New York, Hamilton pursued education at King's College (now Columbia University) and became an influential figure in American history due to his role in the Revolutionary War and as a Founding Father.

Sources for Research:

• National Archives: Alexander Hamilton Biography
  Link to Resources 

• Mount Vernon: Alexander Hamilton
  Link to Resource 

Visuals for Presentation:

• Maps depicting Hamilton’s journey from the Caribbean to the U.S.

• Portraits of Alexander Hamilton and important landmarks related to his life.

Next Possible Steps for Your Project:

1. Research Phase: Begin by gathering information from the recommended sources, ensuring they are reputable. Use the databases on Beachport, as mentioned, to find additional scholarly resources.

2. Data Mapping: Organize the collected sources using a data mapping sheet to streamline the next phase.

3. Create Visuals: Collect maps, statistics, and photos to visually support your findings.

4. Poster Board Creation: Divide the presentation into required sections, ensuring each category is well-researched and clearly represented.