This Week in Geographic History: April 2-8

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.

Check out our Pinterest board for more resources!

Monday, April 2

Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia served from 1930 until 1974.
Photograph by British Press Service, courtesy Library of Congress

TDIGH 1930: Haile Selassie Becomes Emperor of Ethiopia

The Ethiopian emperor, who ruled from 1930 – 1974, is best remembered for his support of African unity and his role in inspiring Jamaica’s Rastafari movement.

Map: Ethiopia

Background: “None could be more considered more central to the modern history of Africa’s longest independent nation, Ethiopia, than Emperor Haile Selassie.” Learn more about Selassie’s legacy with this Q&A and timeline.

Activity: Learn how Selassie influenced the Rastafarian religion, and listen to NPR’s segment “A Visit to Ethiopia’s Rastafarian Diaspora”.

Tuesday, April 3

Jane Goodall introduces herself to little Flint.
Photograph by Baron Hugo Van Lawick, National Geographic

TDIGH 1934: Happy Birthday, Jane Goodall

The famous primatologist, who began her career studying chimpanzees in Tanzania in 1960, continues to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.

Video: Watch this video about Jane Goodall’s life and work.

Background: Learn more about Jane Goodall through articles, videos, and interactive opportunities.

Activity: Use our idea set to get students to think like Jane—observing, conserving, communicating.

Thursday, April 5

This Russian stamp commemorates the 750th anniversary of the Battle of the Ice, where Russian troops defeated an invading force from Western Europe on the frozen surface of Lake Peipus. Many invading knights drowned in the lake as the thin ice was crushed beneath their heavy armor.
Stamp courtesy A. Sdobnikov, courtesy Wikimedia. This work is not an object of copyright according to Part IV of Civil Code No. 230-FZ of the Russian Federation of December 18, 2006.

TDIGH 1242: Battle of the Ice

The gruesome battle in which Russian forces defeated the Teutonic Knights established political borders that remain today.

Map: Take a look at Estonia’s border with Russia. How much of that border is determined by Lake Peipus?

Background: Dig deeper into the battle here, and evaluate why some military leaders advise “Don’t invade Russia in the winter.”

Activity: Have your students discuss this clip of the Battle of the Ice from the classic Russian film Alexander Nevsky. How does the director of the film tell the story mostly without dialogue? How does music contribute to the atmosphere? What clues let the viewers know what characters the filmmaker wants them to have sympathy with?

Friday, April 6

NGS Picture Id:256520 — Explorer Robert E. Peary made 23 attempts to reach the North Pole before his disputed 1909 expedition.
Photograph courtesy National Geographic.

TDIGH 1909: Peary Reaches the Pole

It is still disputed whether American explorers Robert Peary and Matthew Henson actually reached the North Pole in on this expedition.

Map: Navigate the North Pole!

Background: Facts about the North Pole’s history, geography, and resources.

Activity: Historians are still debating whether Peary and Henson were the first to reach the North Pole. Have students read this article about the controversy, engage in research, and hold a class debate.

Saturday, April 7