This Week in Geographic History, October 24 – 30

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.

Monday, October 24

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Members of the UN Security Council debate Arab-Israeli relations in 1961 at UN Headquarters in New York. Photograph by B.A. Stewart and J.E. Fletcher, National Geographic

TDIGH: United Nations Founded

Directly after World War II, representatives from 50 countries created the UN in hopes of increasing international cooperation and preventing future conflict.

Map: UN Membership

Background: More info about international and intergovernmental organizations

Activity: What is Model UN? Read about one class’ experience with Model UN.

 

Tuesday, October 25

TDIGH: First Kamikaze Strikes

Japanese pilots adopted the kamikaze suicide bombing tactic in late 1944 as a last, desperate effort in World War II.

Map: Use Mapmaker Interactive to show the Pacific Theater of WWII

Background: Timeline of WWII in the Pacific

Activity: How can Japan’s use of kamikaze strikes be traced back to what happened at the Battle of Midway?

 

Wednesday, October 26

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Uluru, the iconic rock formation in Australia’s Northern Territory, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photograph by Amy Toensing, National Geographic

TDIGH: Uluru Returned to Australian Aborigines

Returning ownership of the famous sandstone formation, known as Uluru or Ayers Rock, to Australia’s indigenous population in 1985 marked a growing recognition of their rights.

Visual: Ayers Rock

Background: Human Geography of Australia

Activity: Analyze a current conflict over the rights of indigenous peoples by discussing the Dakota Access Pipeline and Native Americans’ protest against it.

 

Thursday, October 27

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Workers expand the New York City subway by adding a line beneath Broadway in 1918. Photograph by Paul Thompson, National Geographic

TDIGH: New York City Subway System Opens

The busiest subway system in the U.S. opened in 1904 after a major blizzard in 1888 showed the benefits of underground transportation.  

Map: 1904 subway map

Context: More info about urban areas

Activity: Explore public transportation around the world using this interactive.

 

Saturday, October 29

TDIGH: Black Tuesday

The crash of the U.S. stock market in 1929 led to the decade-long economic crisis known as the Great Depression.

Visual: Poster created by the WPA

Background: Timeline of the Great Depression

Activity: What is a bond? What does “recession” mean? Review terms in Scholastic’s Kid’s Economic Glossary  

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