American Challenges and Tragedies

America's Challenges & Tragedies

​Main Point: American settlers struggled to inegrate Native tribes to American culture as land was taken from natives.

Question: Which cultures currently struggle to feel "normal" in America?

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Challenge:

Native American

Relations

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​Main Point: America's failure to abolish slavery for economic benefit led to the deadly Civil War.

Question: What's a bad habit in America that we know is wrong but we don't stop? Why are bad habits, like slavery, so difficult to end?

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Challenge:

Abolishing

Slavery

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​Main Point: America's Civil War Reconstruction failed to integrate former slaves into society, creating genrational tension, poverty, and bias among racial groups

Question: How has racial bias and tension created challenges to Americans?

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Challenge:

Systemic

Racism

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​Main Point: America's economy collapsed, leading to homelessness and poverty for over a decade.

Question: How do​ Americans cope with poverty?

Challenge:

Great

Depression

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​Main Point: Japan surprise attacks US naval base, leading to panick and motivation to go to WW2.

Question: How do tragedies and threats to America become motivators for Americans?

Tragedy:

Pearl Harbor

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​Main Point: President Kennedy shot dead in Dallas, TX, leading to lost hope and a wild 1960s filled with civil upheaval, war, and controversial leadership decsions.

Question: Why is leadership so important in America? What happens when great leaders are lost?

Tragedy:

JFK

Assassination

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​Main Point: America and Soviet Union compete for world power following WW2, leading to paronoia, mixed pride, failed wars, and divided values among Americans.

Question: What are the pros and cons of America's competitive drive to be the best country in the world?

Challenge:

Cold War

Tension

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​Main Point: Terrorist attacks on twin towers led to unclear war intentions, parnoia on public security, and Muslim bias.

Question: How do national tragedies backfire for American pride and well-being?

Tragedy/Challenge:

9/11

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​Main Point: Recent natural disasters bring up debates about Global Warming and how humans contribute to the environment's decline.

Question: Why are Americans not on the same page about Global warming?

Tragedy/Challenge:

Natural

Disasters

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​Main Point: The rise of school shootings raise questions on gun control, mental health, and public safety.

Question: Do national tragedies lead to solutions or more problems? Why?

Tragedy/Challenge:

Public and School Shootings

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​Main Point: COVID-19 outbreak accelerated digital interactions, mental health problems, and public trust in information.

Question: How do Americans stay on the same page with misinformation and deteiorating pride in their country?

Tragedy/Challenge:

COVID-19 Pandemic

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​Main Point: Camera evidence of police brutality led to protests and deepening mistrust of policing America.

Question: What challenges emerge from losing trust in institutions like police, schools, government, etc.?

Tragedy/Challenge:

Police Brutality (King and Floyd)

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