STAAR History Sprint

Draw a simple "Supply-Side" diagram. Show how tax cuts lead to business investment. Contrast with the "Conservative Resurgence" goals (Heritage Foundation).

Key Vocab: Reaganomics, EPA, OPEC, Moral Majority.

Era: Modern America (TEKS 11A-D, 27A-B)

2-3 Blocks

Activity: The Globalized Marketplace

Students "trade" products between NAFTA countries (USA, Canada, Mexico). They analyze how tech (GPS, Personal Computers) and trade policies affect the standard of living and the 21st-century economy.

STAAR Anchor

Focus on the impact of September 11 and the USA PATRIOT Act.

Mini-Task: 3rd Party Impact

Analyze the elections of 1992 and 2000. How did H. Ross Perot or Ralph Nader act as "spoilers"? Connect to the theme of why third parties matter in the US political system.

Key Vocab: Globalization, NAFTA, War on Terror.

The 100-Minute Block Breakdown

20m

Launch

Bellringer & Direct Instruction

50m

Sprint

Engagement Activity (above)

20m

Drill

STAAR Practice Questions

10m

Debrief

Exit Ticket & Vocab Check

Sprint Strategy

• Efficiency First: Since "Final Wrap" is excluded from dedicated pacing, integrate remaining citizenship TEKS (22A-D) into their era-specific contexts.
• Daily Drill: Every block should end with 5-7 STAAR released questions on the current era to build stamina and familiarity.

Review Window

Content finishes on April 3. This provides 4-5 Block Sessions per student for comprehensive review before the April 16th STAAR test.

1970s: OPEC oil embargo, Camp David Accords, Iran Hostage Crisis, EPA, Endangered Species Act. Reagan: Conservative Resurgence (Heritage Foundation, Moral Majority). Policies: Reaganomics, Peace Through Strength, Iran-Contra Affair, War on Drugs, AIDS epidemic.

| 10(B-E), 14(B), 17(E) | | 6
Mar 30-Apr 3 | Mon (B), Tue (A)
Wed (B), Thu (A), Fri (B) | 90s to Modern Day

World Affairs: End of Cold War, Persian Gulf War, 9/11, War on Terror (PATRIOT Act). Politics: Clinton impeachment, 1992/2000 Elections (3rd parties). Economy: NAFTA, GATT, tech innovations (PCs, cell phones, GPS, World Wide Web). Naturalization.

| 11(A-D), 18(D), 27(B), 22(D) |

Sprint Strategy

• Efficiency First: Since "Final Wrap" is excluded from dedicated pacing, integrate remaining citizenship TEKS (22A-D) into their era-specific contexts.
• Daily Drill: Every block should end with 5-7 STAAR released questions on the current era to build stamina and familiarity.

Review Window

Content finishes on April 3. This provides 4-5 Block Sessions per student for comprehensive review before the April 16th STAAR test.

OPEC & Resurgence

26

A

70s Crisis & Reagan

OPEC & Resurgence

27 Exclude

30

B

80s Policies

Reaganomics & Peace

31

A

80s Policies

Reaganomics & Peace

April

Phase 3: The Home Stretch

1

B

Modern America

9/11 & War on Terror

2

A

Modern America

9/11 & War on Terror

3

B

Tech & Trade

Globalization & NAFTA

6

A

Sprint Wrap

Content Complete

7

B

Sprint Wrap

Content Complete

8 Review 1

9 Review 2

10 Review 3

13 Review 4

14 Review 5

15 Final Cram

16 STAAR

Units Left

04

Total Blocks

13

Review Days

06

Countdown

57 Days

"The Space Race was more than a race to the moon; it was a race to prove whose ideology was superior."

8. Identify two domestic changes that occurred in response to the Sputnik launch in 1957.

Part III: Connecting TEKS

9. Compare and contrast the methods used in the Marshall Plan versus NATO to contain Soviet influence.

Sprint Synthesis: The Evolution of Strategy

Compare the Cold War strategy of Harry Truman (Containment) with Ronald Reagan (Peace Through Strength). How did the U.S. approach to Soviet aggression change as the decades progressed?

Intel Level: Master | TEKS 8A, 8B, 8C Alignment

195036M People

197074M People

By 1970, more Americans lived in suburbs than in cities or rural areas.

PARANOIA AT HOME

The fear of communism wasn't just about missiles; it was about internal subversion. President Truman established Loyalty Oaths for federal workers. The HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee) investigated Hollywood, leading to Blacklists that banned hundreds of actors and writers from their careers.

Life under the threat of "The Bomb" changed the American landscape. Families built backyard fallout shelters and stocked them with years of canned food. In schools, children practiced "Duck and Cover" drills, instilling a constant psychological fear of nuclear war.

ESPIONAGE CASES

The execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1953) for passing atomic secrets and the Alger Hiss trial convinced many that spies were real. Secret evidence from the Venona Project later confirmed many of these fears.

MCCARTHYISM (TEKS 8B)

Senator Joseph McCarthy used televised "witch hunts" to destroy reputations. This climate suppressed free speech and ruined thousands of lives without proof of guilt.

INTEL LEVEL: MASTER | TEKS 8B, 17B, 17C, 27A/B ALIGNMENT

Intel Level: master | TEKS 2B, 8A, 10A, 10B Alignment

Heavily influenced by Gandhi and Christian theology, MLK Jr. advocated for civil disobedience—peacefully breaking unjust laws to provoke a federal response.

Key Evidence: In his "Letter from Birmingham Jail," King responded to white clergymen who called the protests "untimely." He argued that "justice too long delayed is justice denied" and that tension was necessary for negotiation.

Militancy & Black Power (Panthers)

By the mid-60s, many felt non-violence was too slow. The Black Panther Party (Newton/Seale) advocated for "armed self-defense" and "Black Power."

Key Evidence: Their Ten-Point Program demanded immediate economic equality, an end to police brutality, and "land, bread, housing, education, clothing, justice, and peace." They also ran community breakfast programs for children.

Station 4: Expanding the Movement

Chicano Power (UFW): Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta focused on the intersection of labor and civil rights. They organized the Delano Grape Strike and a 300-mile march to Sacramento. Chavez used hunger strikes to maintain non-violence, eventually forcing growers to recognize the United Farm Workers.

Native American Rights (AIM): The American Indian Movement fought against the termination of tribal sovereignty. In 1969, they occupied Alcatraz Island to reclaim "Indian land" and later occupied Wounded Knee to protest broken treaties.

The Women's Movement: Betty Friedan's book The Feminine Mystique (1963) gave voice to the "problem that has no name"—the dissatisfaction of suburban housewives. She co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) to fight for workplace equality and reproductive rights.

"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice... because we are the ones pulling on it." — Modern Civil Rights Reflection

Station 5: Legislative Victories & Resistance

Civil Rights Act of 1964: A landmark piece of legislation that banned discrimination in public accommodations (hotels, restaurants) and employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It effectively ended the legal basis for Jim Crow.

Voting Rights Act of 1965: Following the "Bloody Sunday" march in Selma, this law outlawed literacy tests and authorized federal registrars to register voters in states with a history of discrimination.

The Anti-Civil Rights Bloc

Resistance was fierce from the Congressional Bloc of Southern Democrats.

Case Studies:

• Orval Faubus: Used the Arkansas National Guard to block the "Little Rock Nine" from entering Central High School.
• George Wallace: Famously stated in his 1963 inaugural address: "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever."

Station 3: The Philosophy of Resistance

TEKS 9E, 9F

Non-Violent Direct Action (SCLC)

Led by Martin Luther King Jr., this approach used Civil Disobedience (sit-ins, boycotts, marches) to occupy the "moral high ground" and provoke federal intervention through peaceful tension.

Evidence: Letter from Birmingham Jail "We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed... Wait has almost always meant Never."

Militancy & Black Power (Panthers)

Founded by Huey Newton & Bobby Seale, the Black Panther Party believed non-violence was inadequate against police brutality. They advocated for armed self-defense and economic self-reliance.

Evidence: The Ten-Point Program "We want freedom. We want power to determine the destiny of our Black Community... We want an immediate end to POLICE BRUTALITY and MURDER of Black people."

Critical Bridge: While their methods differed, both groups successfully shifted national attention to racial inequality. MLK targeted legislation, while the Panthers targeted economic/community survival.

Station 4: A Mosaic of Movements

TEKS 9C, 9D, 25D

Chicano Power (9C/D)

Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta co-founded the UFW. They combined labor strikes with civil rights activism. Chavez’s 25-day hunger strike and the "Delano Grape Boycott" forced agricultural giants to recognize workers' rights and improve standard of living.

Women’s Liberation (25D)

Betty Friedan authored The Feminine Mystique, igniting the second wave of feminism by challenging the "happy housewife" myth. She helped form NOW to lobby for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

Native Identity (9C)

The American Indian Movement (AIM) used high-profile occupations of Alcatraz and Wounded Knee to demand the U.S. government honor 19th-century treaties and grant tribal sovereignty.

Rosa Parks Spotlight: The Montgomery Bus Boycott served as the first major mass-mobilization of the era.

Station 5: The Machinery of Government

TEKS 9G, 9H, 17D

Presidential & Legislative Action (9G)

The Civil Rights Act of 1964: The most significant civil rights law since Reconstruction. It prohibited discrimination in public accommodations and outlawed employment discrimination.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965: Eliminated literacy tests and placed federal registrars in states with low participation. Minority voting registrations surged by over 40% in some states within months.

24th Amendment: Formally abolished the Poll Tax in federal elections.

The Wall of Resistance (9H)

The movement faced institutional resistance from the Congressional Bloc of Southern Democrats.

George Wallace (AL Governor)

Used the "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" to block black students from enrolling at the Univ. of Alabama.

Orval Faubus (AR Governor)

Deployed the National Guard to block the Little Rock Nine; forced President Eisenhower to federalize the Guard to protect students.

Great Society & Economic Opportunity (17D)

Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society programs sought to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. Policies like Affirmative Action and Title IX were created to ensure equal access to economic and educational opportunities for groups previously excluded.

Black Power (Panthers)

The Black Panthers believed non-violence was too slow. They advocated for self-defense and community pride. They demanded an end to police brutality and provided free breakfast for neighborhood children.

The Goal: Protect the community and gain economic independence immediately.

Station 4: A Movement for Everyone

TEKS 9C, 9D, 25D

Chicano Rights

Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta fought for farm workers. They used boycotts (like refusing to buy grapes) to force owners to pay workers more fairly. They showed that Mexican-Americans could organize for power.

Women’s Rights

Betty Friedan wrote a book called The Feminine Mystique. She argued that women should have more choices in life than just being housewives. She helped start NOW to fight for equal pay.

Native Identity

The American Indian Movement (AIM) fought to keep their culture alive and demanded the government follow through on its old promises (treaties). They occupied buildings to get attention for their cause.

Station 5: The Big Changes

TEKS 9G, 9H, 17D

New Laws for Justice

Civil Rights Act of 1964: This law made it illegal to discriminate (treat someone differently) based on race, religion, or sex. It ended segregation in public places like parks and hotels.

Voting Rights Act of 1965: This law banned literacy tests. It made it possible for millions of minorities to finally register to vote in the South.

The Resistance

Not everyone wanted change. Many powerful leaders fought to keep things segregated:

• George Wallace: Governor of Alabama who famously shouted "Segregation forever!"
• Orval Faubus: Governor of Arkansas who tried to use soldiers to keep Black students out of high school.

Teacher Note: These laws and leaders changed the Standard of Living for minorities. It gave them better access to jobs, schools, and the right to choose their own leaders in the government.

TEKS 9E, 9F

Non-Violence (MLK Jr.)

Dr. King used civil disobedience—peacefully breaking laws to show they were wrong. He used marches, boycotts (refusing to use a service), and sit-ins.

Evidence: Letter from Birmingham Jail "Wait has almost always meant Never." King argued that people cannot wait any longer for their human rights.

Black Power (Panthers)

The Black Panthers believed non-violence was too slow. They advocated for armed self-defense and "Black Power" (pride and economic independence).

Evidence: The Ten-Point Program They demanded full employment, decent housing, and an immediate end to police brutality in their neighborhoods.

Civil Disobedience: Refusing to follow a law in a peaceful way to protest it.

Militancy: Being aggressive or using force to achieve a goal.

Ideology: A set of beliefs or ideas that guide a person or group.

Station 4: A Movement for Everyone

TEKS 9C, 9D, 25D

Chicano Rights (9C/D)

Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta started the UFW. They fought for farm workers who were treated poorly. They used boycotts (like the "Delano Grape Boycott") and hunger strikes to win better pay.

Women’s Rights (25D)

Betty Friedan wrote The Feminine Mystique. She argued that women deserved more than just being "happy housewives." She helped form NOW to fight for equal rights at work.

Native Pride (9C)

The American Indian Movement (AIM) fought to keep their culture alive and demanded the government honor its old promises (treaties). They occupied (took over) places like Alcatraz to get attention.

Key Concept: These groups all used different ways (boycotts, books, occupations) to gain power and respect.

Station 5: The Laws of the Land

TEKS 9G, 9H, 17D

Victories in Washington (9G)

Civil Rights Act of 1964: This landmark law made it illegal to treat people differently (discriminate) based on race, religion, or sex in public places like hotels and parks.

Voting Rights Act of 1965: Ended literacy tests. This allowed millions of minorities in the South to register and vote for the first time.

24th Amendment: Formally banned Poll Taxes (fees to vote).

The "Wall" of Resistance (9H)

Powerful leaders fought to keep things segregated (the status quo):

• George Wallace (AL Gov.)

  "Segregation forever!" He tried to block Black students from college.

• Orval Faubus (AR Gov.)

  Used the National Guard (soldiers) to stop 9 Black students from going to high school.

Standard of Living (17D)

President Johnson’s Great Society programs (like Affirmative Action) helped open up jobs and schools for everyone. This raised the Standard of Living (how well people live) for minorities across the country.

Year 1:

Year 2:

Year 3:

6. Internal Collapse: How did Gorbachev's reforms (Glasnost and Perestroika) unintentionally lead to the destruction of the Soviet Union?

Final Chronology Sprint (TEKS 2B)

Identify the YEAR for each turning point and explain its importance to U.S. History:

Sputnik Shock:

Year: ______

Cuban Crisis:

Year: ______

End of Cold War:

Year: ______

Espionage Cases

The execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1953) for passing atomic secrets and the Alger Hiss trial convinced many that spies were real.

McCarthyism (TEKS 8B)

Senator Joseph McCarthy led a "witch hunt," making wild claims of having a list of communists in the State Department. This climate of fear ruined thousands of lives without proof.

Intel Level: master | TEKS 8B, 17B, 17C, 27A/B Alignment

More Americans lived in suburbs than in cities by 1970.

Paranoia at Home

The fear of communism wasn't just about missiles; it was about internal subversion. President Truman established Loyalty Review Boards to screen federal employees, while the HUAC investigated Hollywood, leading to Blacklists that ruined thousands of careers. In schools, children practiced "Duck and Cover" drills, a constant reminder of the nuclear threat.

Espionage Reality

The execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1953) for passing atomic secrets and the Alger Hiss trial convinced many that spies had infiltrated the government. Evidence from the Venona Project later confirmed that Soviet infiltration was widespread.

McCarthyism (TEKS 8B)

Senator Joseph McCarthy used televised "witch hunts" to destroy reputations. This climate suppressed free speech and political dissent until his downfall in 1954 during the Army-McCarthy Hearings.

Intel Level: master | TEKS 8B, 17B, 17C, 27A/B Alignment

Trend: The Rise of Suburbia

195036M People

197074M People

By 1970, more Americans lived in suburbs than in cities or rural areas.

Paranoia at Home

The fear of communism wasn't just about missiles; it was about internal subversion. President Truman established Loyalty Oaths for federal workers. The HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee) investigated Hollywood, leading to Blacklists that banned hundreds of actors and writers from their careers.

Life under the bomb changed the American landscape. Families built backyard fallout shelters stocked with years of canned food. In schools, children were taught to "Duck and Cover" during atomic drills, instilling a lifelong fear of nuclear annihilation.

Espionage Cases

The execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1953) for passing atomic secrets and the Alger Hiss trial proved spies were real. Secret intelligence from the Venona Project later confirmed widespread Soviet infiltration.

McCarthyism (TEKS 8B)

Senator Joseph McCarthy used televised hearings to make wild claims of communists in the State Department. This climate suppressed free speech and ruined thousands of lives without proof of guilt.

INTEL LEVEL: MASTER | TEKS 8B, 17B, 17C, 27A/B ALIGNMENT

Trend: Suburban Living

195036M Inhabitants

197074M Inhabitants

More Americans lived in suburbs than in cities by 1970.

Paranoia & Civil Liberties

In 1947, President Truman established Loyalty Review Boards, investigating 3.2 million federal employees. Suspicion extended to Hollywood, where the HUAC jailed the "Hollywood Ten" for refusing to testify. This panic birthed the "Lavender Scare," where thousands of LGBTQ government employees were fired for being "security risks." The McCarran Internal Security Act made it illegal to contribute to established totalitarian ideologies in the U.S.

Life under the threat of "The Bomb" changed the American psyche. Families built backyard fallout shelters stocked with canned food. In schools, children practiced "Duck and Cover" drills, training them to hide under desks during a nuclear flash. This constant fear created a culture of suspicion where neighbors often reported each other for "un-American" behaviors.

The Spy Panic

The execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1953) for passing atomic secrets and the Alger Hiss case (1948) proved to Americans that high-level spies had infiltrated the White House. Secret evidence from the Venona Project later confirmed many of these fears.

HUAC & Blacklisting

The House Un-American Activities Committee targeted directors and actors. The "Red Channels" pamphlet listed suspected sympathizers, resulting in hundreds being blacklisted and ending their careers instantly.

The McCarthy Era (TEKS 8B): Senator Joseph McCarthy's "witch hunt" only collapsed during the televised Army-McCarthy Hearings in 1954, where his bullying tactics were finally exposed to the national public.

Intel Level: master | TEKS 8B, 17B, 17C, 27A/B Alignment

PARANOIA AT HOME

The fear of communism was about internal subversion. President Truman established Loyalty Oaths for federal workers. The HUAC investigated Hollywood, leading to Blacklists that banned hundreds of actors and writers from their careers.

Families built backyard fallout shelters stocked with years of food. In schools, children practiced "Duck and Cover" drills, instilling a lifelong fear of nuclear war.

ESPIONAGE CASES

The execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1953) for passing atomic secrets and the Alger Hiss trial convinced many that spies were real. Evidence from the Venona Project confirmed widespread Soviet infiltration.

MCCARTHYISM (TEKS 8B)

Senator Joseph McCarthy used televised "witch hunts" to destroy reputations. This climate suppressed free speech and ruined thousands of lives without proof of guilt until his downfall.

INTEL LEVEL: MASTER | TEKS 8B, 17B, 17C, 27A/B ALIGNMENT

Vietnam Assessment v1.0 TEKS 8D-F, 19A Proficiency