Philanthropic Movements in the United States to 1900
What does it mean to be a member of a community?
Photo Credit: Ben Franklin by Sue Clark is licensed under CC by 2.0
Throughout its history, the United States has experienced many challenges. There have been many events and individuals that have contributed being a democratic nation. Overlooked in history is the understanding that many historical actions were also philanthropic and contributed to the common good of the community.
The purpose of this lesson is to illustrate how the Pilgrims were influenced in developing a community and American democracy. Using primary source documents, this lesson will take a look at the Mayflower Compact and its origins, and will discuss the story of The Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving.
Learners will describe the actions of citizens during the American Revolution as patriotic and philanthropic.
Learners will describe important protections afforded citizens by the Bill of Rights and illustrate how those protections encourage citizens to act on behalf of the common good.
Using literature and research, learners will identify acts of philanthropy that occurred during the Civil War era.
Learners will describe how communities were aided by the philanthropy of late nineteenth century industrialists.