Lt. Detective Joseph Petrosino

Studying immigration during the early 1900's is a important part of the eighth grade curriculum. Highlighting the contributions of historic immigrants who had influence on society is invaluable.  Studying the contributions of Immigrants such as Andrew Carnegie, Albert Einstein and Joseph Pulitzer were fabulous examples. Here is another Italian Immigrant who was extremely valuable that is often forgotten.  The Black Hand met its match in the Italian Squad.  Lt. Detective Joseph Petrosino can be described with two words: integrity and courage.  He was the 1st Italian American New York Police Officer.  His commitment to fight crime despite insurmountable obstacles is proof of his heroic actions.  (Shield #285 and the Italian Squad)

Nisei: From Internment Camps to War Zones.

Patriotism can be found in many places in American history.  Very often it grows within small and large groups. (Jimmy Doolittle's Raiders, Sons and Daughters of Liberty, Freedom Riders, Knights of Labor, Minutemen, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC),  and the Continental Army.  )An overlooked large group of men to add to the list is the 442nd Infantry Division of WWII.  This group of 14,000 soldiers were mainly 2nd generation Japanese Americans (Nisei).  Their contributions to the war effort in World War II was invaluable.  Despite the construction of the many internment camps in America, thousands of Japanese American's signed up and fought for liberty.  They are the most decorated unit who fought during World War II.  Sen. Daniel Inouye was a soldier in the 442nd and an extreme patriot. (Sen. Inouye's valor).  The numbers speak for themselves:  9,486 Purple Hearts, 4,000 Bronze Stars and 21 Medals of Honor.
                                 


 

Francis E.W. Harper: Slavery Poetry

Teaching and discussing the treatment of freedmen during the Reconstruction Era is very important.  I usually introduce the Mississippi Black Codes, Jacob Lawrence, lynching and segregation.  Here is a fantastic poet that I use that is often forgotten.  Read the poems from Francis EW Harper.  She was a poet, teacher, suffragette and social activist.   I prefer to read Bury Me in a Free Land.  It is easy to understand and filled with emotion.   Read some of her other poetry.---Learning to Read.


Here is an excerpt from Bury Me In a Free Land

I could not rest if around my grave

I heard the steps of a trembling slave;

His shadow above my silent tomb

Would make it a place of fearful gloom.

Cryptologist, Nazis and Illegal Booze

It is not very common to find a person who was actively engaged in both WWII & Prohibition. Elizebeth Friedman is a great historical figure to study due to her valuable roles in both units.

Elizebeth Smith-Friedman

A Cryptologist who fought Nazis and Organized Crime. Her contribution to both conflicts were invaluable.

Would Have Been President

The American Revolution was a success because the Continental Army risked everything.  Patriots such as  George Washington, Paul Revere,  John Adams, Patrick Henry and the Sons of Liberty were brave and courageous. Here is another hero that many do not know about. 

Joseph Warren

Dr. Joseph Warren was a patriot, doctor, and soldier.  His actions and words speak volumes.

Walter Waters

                                                                   Walter Waters

At the end of World War I a Bonus Army of World War I veterans converged on Washington.  They came from all over America seeking their wages.  Textbooks usually mention this event, however, the complete story of the march and events prior to it are usually overlooked.  I encourage social studies teachers to read about the emotional roller coaster that was the Bonus Army March.  It begins with a caravan of hope and ends with a melee.

Walter W. Waters was an inspirational American hero.  In the face of complete defeat, Waters shouted to the crowd: "Sing America!"  Walter W. Waters should be in every textbook!

Morris Rosenfeld: Sweatshop Poetry

Teaching and discussing the conditions of factories is important detail of the Industrial Age.  The poems written by Morris Rosenfeld describes the factory experience with true emotion. Read In The Factory.    Morris Rosenfeld is an unsung muckraker and fits with any conversation of Ida Tarbell, Jacob Riis and Upton Sinclair.  The Jewish Daily Forward, published his poem about the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. Triangle Fire Verse.

Excerpt From the poem:

Over whom shall I weep first?

Over the burned ones?

Over those beyond recognition?

Over those who have been crippled?

Or smashed?

I weep for them all.

Louis Tikas

Some of the largest labor protests can be found in the textbooks.  Students often study the Great Railroad Strike,  Haymarket Riot and the Homestead Strike.  Here is another tragic labor revolt in 1914 that is often overlooked.  In the Sangre de Christos Mountains of Colorado,  the Union of Mine Workers organized a large labor strike in 1913.  They fought for safer working conditions and workers rights.  The struggle led to the murder of the union leader Louis Tikas and a massacre of innocent families.  Read about in the Ludlow Article.