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.
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Monday, January 8
In 1814, American forces defeated the British in the final battle of the War of 1812.
Visual: Photos, maps, and drawings about the battle
Background: Timeline of the War of 1812
Activity: Watch this video about how the War of 1812 began. Do you think the Americans were justified in declaring war? Why or why not?
Wednesday, January 10
TDIGH: London Underground Opens
The London Underground, which opened in 1863, is the oldest underground railway in the world.
Map: London Underground maps (1931 – 2015)
Background: Geostory on public transportation
Activity: What makes a good subway map? Read this article and answer the discussion questions.
Thursday, January 11
TDIGH: Grand Canyon Becomes a National Monument
President Theodore Roosevelt named the majestic gorge a national monument in 1908; it became a national park in 1919.
Map: The Grand Canyon
Background: What is a canyon?
Activity: How Old is the Grand Canyon?
Friday, January 12
TDIGH: Earthquake Devastates Haiti
The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that hit the small Caribbean nation in 2010 killed more than 200,000 people.
Map: Earthquakes around the world since 1900
Background: Video: Earthquakes 101
Activity: Read and discuss the deadliest earthquake of 2017.
Saturday, January 14
TDIGH: Initial Idea for Japanese-American Internment
A month after the Japanese government’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt introduced the idea of forced relocation.
Visual: Video – Picturing Japanese American Internment: Dorothea Lange
Background: The attack on Pearl Harbor
Activity: Explore arguments for and against the internment of Japanese Americans using this interactive.