Here’s an advance look at some of the “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events coming up this week. For each date, we’ve matched it with a map or visual, background information, and a classroom activity so you can plan ahead.
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Monday, October 16
The 1859 revolt led by abolitionist John Brown was a main catalyst in the outbreak of the Civil War.
Map: Battles of the U.S. Civil War
Background: Timeline of slavery in the U.S.
Activity: Watch this video clip about the attack at Harper’s Ferry. Why do you think no slaves joined the raid? Why do you think fellow abolitionist Frederick Douglass took a different approach than John Brown?
Tuesday, October 17
TDIGH: OPEC Embargoes Oil to U.S.
In response to U.S. support for Israel in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, OPEC restricted oil exports to the U.S.
Visual: U.S. Oil Imports
Background: What is OPEC?
Activity: Watch part of this 1973 news clip about the oil embargo, and discuss.
Wednesday, October 18
TDIGH: U.S. Suspends Olympic Medalists
Olympic athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos were suspended in 1968 after raising their fists during the national anthem as a protest against injustice.
Map: Police violence
Background: Free speech
Activity: Read this article about Colin Kaepernick and other players taking a knee. How do these protests compare to Smith and Carlos’ protests in 1968?
Thursday, October 19
TDIGH: Trial of Saddam Hussein Begins
In 2005 the Iraqi higher criminal court charged the former president for the murder and torture of Iraqi citizens during the Dujail Massacre of 1982.
Map: Iraq
Background: U.S. Declares War on Iraq
Activity: Read this Q&A about the trial.
Sunday, October 22
TDIGH: Kennedy ‘Quarantines’ Cuba
After finding Soviet nuclear facilities in Cuba, the U.S. quarantined the island in 1962, escalating the conflict known as the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Map: Cuba
Background: Bay of Pigs Invasion
Activity: “13 Days: President Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis”