Activity Overview
Nixon came to the White House during the turbulent time of the Vietnam War. His domestic policies aimed to address issues like the anti-war movement, the oil crisis, and inflation. Using a spider map, students will outline, define, and explain Nixon's domestic policies. This activity will provide students with a base from which they can analyze and synthesize how Nixon conducted affairs domestically and the impact his initiatives had on the country.
Teachers may pre-select which major policies define his domestic agenda or have students complete research to determine what they believe to be the six major policies. Suggested topics include social issues, the anti-war movement, the economy and inflation, the oil crisis, his “Southern Strategy”, and the first moon landing.
Extended Activity
Have students create a 5 Ws spider map on one specific domestic policy. Students should define and explain the major points of why such policy was initiated, as well as what effect it had on the American government and public. This will allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of Nixon’s policies as a president, as well as place his actions into a broader historical context.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Activities
Create a spider map outlining the domestic policies Nixon initiated during his presidency.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each title box, enter one of Nixon's domestic policies.
- In the description boxes, write a summary of the policy, its aims, and its effects.
- Create an illustration for each policy using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Nixon came to the White House during the turbulent time of the Vietnam War. His domestic policies aimed to address issues like the anti-war movement, the oil crisis, and inflation. Using a spider map, students will outline, define, and explain Nixon's domestic policies. This activity will provide students with a base from which they can analyze and synthesize how Nixon conducted affairs domestically and the impact his initiatives had on the country.
Teachers may pre-select which major policies define his domestic agenda or have students complete research to determine what they believe to be the six major policies. Suggested topics include social issues, the anti-war movement, the economy and inflation, the oil crisis, his “Southern Strategy”, and the first moon landing.
Extended Activity
Have students create a 5 Ws spider map on one specific domestic policy. Students should define and explain the major points of why such policy was initiated, as well as what effect it had on the American government and public. This will allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of Nixon’s policies as a president, as well as place his actions into a broader historical context.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Activities
Create a spider map outlining the domestic policies Nixon initiated during his presidency.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each title box, enter one of Nixon's domestic policies.
- In the description boxes, write a summary of the policy, its aims, and its effects.
- Create an illustration for each policy using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Richard Nixon\'s Domestic Policies
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on the Lasting Impact of Nixon’s Domestic Policies
Guide your students in evaluating the long-term effects of Nixon’s domestic policies through structured discussion, fostering critical thinking and historical analysis.
Set clear discussion goals and questions.
Prepare focused, open-ended questions that prompt students to consider how Nixon's policies shaped American society and which impacts are still felt today.
Assign students specific policies to research in advance.
Ensure all major policies are represented by having students or groups become ‘experts’ on one policy, ready to share key facts and opinions with the class.
Use graphic organizers to capture ideas.
Encourage students to use spider maps or charts during the discussion to visually connect causes, actions, and long-term outcomes of each policy.
Facilitate with prompts and respectful debate.
Prompt students to compare perspectives and respectfully challenge each other's ideas, supporting evidence-based reasoning and deeper understanding.
Conclude with a reflection activity.
Ask students to write a brief reflection or summary on which Nixon policy they believe had the greatest lasting impact and why, reinforcing learning and personal engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Richard Nixon\'s Domestic Policies
What were Richard Nixon's major domestic policies?
Richard Nixon's major domestic policies included efforts to address the anti-war movement, tackle inflation and economic issues, respond to the oil crisis, implement the Southern Strategy, and support technological achievements like the first moon landing. He also focused on social issues and government reforms.
How can I teach Nixon's domestic policies using a spider map?
To teach Nixon's domestic policies with a spider map, have students list each key policy as a branch, then summarize its goals and effects in connected boxes. Encourage students to add related illustrations and use the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) for deeper analysis.
What is a spider map and how does it help students understand Nixon's presidency?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually organize information around a central topic, such as Nixon's presidency. It makes complex policies easier to break down, compare, and understand by showing connections between ideas.
Which Nixon domestic policy had the biggest impact on the American public?
Nixon's economic policies, especially those addressing inflation and the oil crisis, had a significant impact on everyday Americans by influencing prices and job stability. His Southern Strategy also reshaped political dynamics in the South.
What are some easy classroom activities for teaching Nixon's domestic agenda?
Easy activities include creating a spider map, researching and presenting on individual policies, using the 5 Ws to analyze a specific policy, and illustrating the effects of Nixon's actions on American society and government.
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