Activity Overview
Nixon's resignation speech is one of few presidential resignation speeches in American history. It provides great insight into his beliefs, his policies, and how he still cared about his public image even in the wake of scandal. Using a grid, students should select several quotes from the speech and explain their meaning and rationale as well as how they think the American public responded. By inferring how the public may have responded or how the student interprets Nixon's words, students will gain a better understanding of how deeply the scandal affected the country and the beliefs the nation held.
Extended Activity
Have students create a grid on Bill Clinton’s speech in regards to his affair with Monica Lewinsky. This will allow students to create a comparison of two presidents and their responses to scandal. Students will also be able to see how the public responded to such a scandal and speech, and any ripple effects that still exist today. In addition, it will better serve students as practice in analyzing, synthesizing, and understanding primary source documents and presidential speeches.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing quotes from Nixon's resignation speech, focusing on what he was saying and how it was received by the American public.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the titles with "Quote", "Meaning/Rationale", and "How Should Citizens Respond?"
- In the first row, enter the quote of your choice and explain the meaning and response in the appropriate description boxes.
- Do the same for three additional quotes in rows 2-4.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Nixon's resignation speech is one of few presidential resignation speeches in American history. It provides great insight into his beliefs, his policies, and how he still cared about his public image even in the wake of scandal. Using a grid, students should select several quotes from the speech and explain their meaning and rationale as well as how they think the American public responded. By inferring how the public may have responded or how the student interprets Nixon's words, students will gain a better understanding of how deeply the scandal affected the country and the beliefs the nation held.
Extended Activity
Have students create a grid on Bill Clinton’s speech in regards to his affair with Monica Lewinsky. This will allow students to create a comparison of two presidents and their responses to scandal. Students will also be able to see how the public responded to such a scandal and speech, and any ripple effects that still exist today. In addition, it will better serve students as practice in analyzing, synthesizing, and understanding primary source documents and presidential speeches.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing quotes from Nixon's resignation speech, focusing on what he was saying and how it was received by the American public.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the titles with "Quote", "Meaning/Rationale", and "How Should Citizens Respond?"
- In the first row, enter the quote of your choice and explain the meaning and response in the appropriate description boxes.
- Do the same for three additional quotes in rows 2-4.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Primary Source Analysis: Nixon’s Resignation Speech of 1974
Facilitate a respectful classroom discussion on Nixon’s resignation speech
Promote open dialogue by setting clear discussion norms. Encourage students to listen actively, support their opinions with evidence from the text, and respect differing viewpoints. This builds a safe environment for analyzing complex historical topics.
Select meaningful quotes that spark student thinking
Guide students to identify quotes that reveal Nixon’s motives, tone, or public image. Encourage them to choose lines that provoke questions or highlight the national mood. This deepens their analysis and engagement with the source.
Use think-pair-share to boost participation
Ask students to think independently about a quote, then pair up to discuss their interpretations before sharing with the class. This supports active learning and helps quieter students contribute.
Connect the speech to students' prior knowledge
Invite students to relate Nixon’s resignation to other events or leaders they’ve studied, such as Clinton’s affair or modern political scandals. Making these connections fosters deeper understanding and historical thinking.
Conclude with a reflective writing prompt
Ask students to reflect on how the speech might have influenced American trust in government. Encourage them to cite evidence from their analysis. This builds critical thinking and helps solidify their learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Primary Source Analysis: Nixon’s Resignation Speech of 1974
What is the Nixon resignation speech and why is it significant for classroom analysis?
The Nixon resignation speech, delivered in 1974, is a historic address where President Richard Nixon announced his resignation amid the Watergate scandal. Analyzing this speech in class helps students understand presidential accountability, public response to political scandals, and offers a rare look into how leaders communicate during crises.
How can students analyze quotes from Nixon’s resignation speech in a lesson?
Students can select key quotes from Nixon’s speech, then use a grid or storyboard to explain each quote’s meaning, rationale, and how the American public might have responded. This structured analysis deepens understanding of historical context and rhetorical strategies.
What is a primary source analysis activity for Nixon's resignation speech?
A primary source analysis activity for Nixon’s resignation speech involves students examining the speech’s content, extracting quotes, interpreting their significance, and inferring public reactions. This approach helps develop critical thinking and historical interpretation skills.
How can teachers compare Nixon’s and Clinton’s speeches about scandals in the classroom?
Teachers can have students analyze and compare Nixon’s resignation speech with Bill Clinton’s speech regarding the Monica Lewinsky affair. By creating analysis grids for both, students can explore similarities and differences in leadership responses and public impact.
What are effective ways to help students understand public reactions to presidential scandals?
Effective methods include having students infer or research public responses to presidential speeches, discuss their interpretations, and compare historical versus modern reactions. Using primary sources and comparative analysis enhances engagement and comprehension.
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