FOREIGN POLICY

Nixon in China

In 1972, President and Mrs. Nixon traveled to China for a weeklong visit. U.S. Presidents visit other countries frequently. Why is President Nixon's trip to China important? Part of the Presidential Timeline, which includes digital assets from all of the Presidential Libraries of the National Archives, this lesson plan is based on the Kids as Curator model with background information, tasks, questions, digital assets, and an evaluation rubric.

Cultural Exchange and the Opening of China

When President Nixon entered office, the United States had not had any formal diplomatic relations with the PRC since 1949 when the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, won China's long civil war. His decision to reestablish a diplomatic relationship stunned the world and became one of the defining moments of his presidency. In this lesson, students will study a confidential memorandum discussing cultural differences between the United States and China to better understand both the long and short term consequences of the cultural exchange stemming from the President's visit.

Understanding the Shanghai Communiqué

President Nixon and Chairman Mao issued the Shanghai Communiqué on the last day of President Nixon's weeklong visit to the People's Republic of China. In this lesson, students will study the Communiqué to better understand the compromises the two countries made on key issues.

DOMESTIC POLICY

Beyond the Playing Field--Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate

The National Archives and Records Administration holds numerous records relating to Jackie Robinson, many of which pertain to his period of civil rights advocacy. Several belonging to that time have been reproduced here for educators teaching courses that involve civil rights events and issues, character education, and effective citizenship skills.

Constitutional Issues--Watergate and the Constitution

When Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 in the wake of the Watergate scandal, it was only the second time in our history that impeachment of a President had been considered. Nearly every action taken with regard to the case had some constitutional significance. The document shown here deals with a specific question: Should the Watergate Special Prosecutor seek an indictment of the former President?

Letter from House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford to President Richard M. Nixon

Following Vice President Spiro Agnew's resignation, President Richard M. Nixon was required to nominate a new vice president. Before placing a name into nomination, Nixon sought guidance from other government leaders, including then House Minority Leader Gerald Ford. Background information, teaching activities, and Ford's letter are part of this lesson plan.

President Nixon and the Twenty-Sixth Amendment

On July 1, 1971 the Twenty-sixth Amendment was officially adopted to the United States Constitution. For the first time in American history, 18-20 year olds from across the nation could cast their ballot in state, local, and presidential elections. The fight for the youth vote was an important part of the 1972 campaign and, arguably, every election since then. In this lesson, students will work together to develop a campaign to convince these new young voters to go to the polls. Part of the Presidential Timeline, which includes digital assets from all of the Presidential Libraries of the National Archives.

President Nixon and the Environment

President Nixon and Congress created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because they wanted one group in charge. Before the EPA, responsibility for protecting the environment was spread over many different agencies, which often did not cooperate. President Nixon believed that if one agency took the lead in going green, the federal government would do a better job of cleaning up our water and our air. Now imagine that you are an important member of this brand new agency and the nation's air, plants, animals, and water all need protection. What issue would you focus on and how would you convince the President to support your cause? Part of the Presidential Timeline, which includes digital assets from all of the Presidential Libraries of the National Archives.

FIRST LADY PAT NIXON

Around the World with First Lady Pat Nixon

Did you know that Pat Nixon represented the United States in more countries than any other First Lady before her? In this lesson, students will examine photographs to match some of her most famous trips with the country on the world map. Part of the DocsTeach website.

Can you Identify the First Lady?

In this activity, students will analyze the first page of a biography a famous First Lady to determine who the document is about. In so doing, they will learn more about life in the United States in the early 20th century. Part of the DocsTeach website.