Here’s an advance look at a 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.
Wednesday, August 3
TDIGH: France and Germany Declare War
Following the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914, war broke out between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. A tangled alliance system quickly drew other European powers into the conflict, which became World War I.
Visual: Map of Western Europe
Background: Read about the toll of WWI in France
Activity: See how Europe’s borders have changed from WWI to the present
Thursday, August 4
TDIGH: Fairness Doctrine Repealed
Until this day in 1987, broadcasters were required to present honest information on both sides of controversial issues.
Visual: Get a closer look at the Bill of Rights
Background: Learn more about freedom of the press
Activity: How would the 2016 presidential campaign look different if the Fairness Doctrine was still in place?
Friday, August 5
In one of the most violent prison breakouts in history, 231 Japanese prisoners of war were killed attempting to escape a POW camp in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia, in 1944.
Visual: Map of Australia
Context: Read about Japanese-American Internment in the United States.
Activity: Discuss how Australia, the United States, and other Allied nations have rebuilt cultural ties with Japan since WWII.
Saturday, August 6
TDIGH: NASA Provides Evidence for Possible Life on Mars
The 1996 discovery of a meteorite containing fossilized bacteria suggested that life could exist on Mars.
Visual: Map of Martian meteorite discovery sites on Earth
Background: More information about Martian meteorites
Activity: Explore Mars game
Sunday, August 7
TDIGH: State of Emergency at Love Canal
The discovery of toxic waste near Niagara Falls, New York, caused President Jimmy Carter to declare a state of emergency and motivated the EPA to create the Superfund program.
Visual: Interactive map of Superfund sites
Background: What is the Superfund program?
Activity: Learn about different types of hazardous waste and how to properly dispose of them.