Here’s an advance look at 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.
Tuesday, March 14
TDIGH: Happy Birthday, Albert Einstein
Born in 1879, the German theoretical physicist invented the most famous equation in history and changed the way we think about gravity, space, and time.
Visual: Video of Einstein explaining his theory of relativity
Background: Biography
Activity: Read about Einstein’s theory of general relativity and take this quick quiz!
Wednesday, March 15
Julius Caesar’s brutal murder in 44 BCE led to a series of civil wars and the eventual transformation of the Roman republic into the Roman empire.
Map: The Roman Empire
Background: Collection of resources about Ancient Rome
Thursday, March 16
In 1968, U.S. troops killed more than 400 Vietnamese civilians at the My Lai hamlet, a war crime for which only one officer was convicted.
Map: The Vietnam War
Background: The Tet Offensive (January 1968)
Activity: Watch this 1 minute clip, “My Lai: When Should a Soldier Say No?” and ask students to share their views.
Friday, March 17
TDIGH: Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Though less connected to the original 4th-century saint, the holiday of St. Patrick’s Day has endured as a celebration of Irish identity.
Map: Interactive map: the Irish diaspora
Background: History of Irish Immigration and St. Patrick’s Day facts, myths, and traditions
Activity: Try out St. Patrick’s Day Quiz!
Sunday, March 19
TDIGH: U.S. Declares War on Iraq
In 2003 the U.S. began what would become an 8-year war over the claim that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction.
Map: Iraq
Background: Iraq invades Kuwait and The First Gulf War
Activity: Explore this interactive photo timeline of major events in the Iraq War.