Why Study Reconstruction?
The Reconstruction era was a pivotal moment in American history. Civil rights were set in motion as Americans grappled to rebuild after the division and trauma of the Civil War, raising essential questions about freedom and democracy.
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Stanford Sexual Assault Victim’s Statement
Read an excerpt from Chanel Miller's powerful and courageous victim statement, which she read out in court during her attacker Brock Turner's trial.
All-China Resistance Association of Writers and Artists
Learn about a resistance group that used literary efforts to respond to the Japanese occupation of China.
![This scene depicts the Taiping Rebellion, a period of civil war and uprising in China that lasted from 1850–1864.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/IMAGE_11_2_TAIPING.jpg?h=4b6de878&itok=VszUtAnT)
Japanese Diplomats
Read statements from Japanese diplomats rationalizing the brutality of Japanese troops in China.
![Japanese marines during the Battle of Shanghai, 1937](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/1937_Japanese_marines_invaded_Shanghai2.jpg?h=3777c4b7&itok=viPAmKBA)
The Nanjing Safety Zone
Read about the rescue efforts of a group of Westerners who created a safe place for Chinese refugees during the Nanjing atrocities.
![Members of the Nanjing Safety Zone Committee](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/IMAGE_32_5_COMMITTEE.jpg?h=ef33fb05&itok=-UJR6xA8)
Western Diplomats
Consider how diplomats from Western countries responded to news of the Nanjing atrocities.
![Chinese citizens, and American and British visitors, evacuate Nanjing in preparation for an attack by the Japanese.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/IMAGE_33_5_EVACUATION_Medium_res.jpg?h=d9e3d5ec&itok=xyqP52So)
Western Imperialism in East Asia
Introduce students to the history of Western imperialism in East Asia with this historical overview and map.
![An Ukiyo-e of the Utagawa school depicting foreigners in Japan, including Russians, Dutch, British, Americans, French and Chinese. A closeup of the Dutch, Americans and Chinese in the center of the picture](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Foreign_nations_in_Japan.jpg?h=bb3745a7&itok=kNJq-Ev3)
"How to Bloom in Dark Places” by Warsan Shire
Poet Warsan Shire tells the story of a young Somali-born refugee in this poem from the film Brave Girl Rising.
![The short film, "Brave Girl Rising" was produced by the nonprofit organization Girl Rising in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/shorthand_image140of143.jpeg?h=4dc35482&itok=n38DLgVw)
Hope Frye's Testimony on Child Migrant Detention
Immigration lawyer Hope Frye describes the conditions at child migrant detention centers in her congressional hearing testimony.
![Undocumented immigrant families walk from a bus depot to a respite center after being released from detention in McAllen, Texas, U.S., July 27, 2018.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/PerspectivesonDetention_RTX6D3SR_fullres_Medium_res.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=on7f84Gi)
No Human Being Was Born Illegal
Students at a school in Los Angeles raise awareness about derogatory labels used to describe individuals who immigrated to the United States as well as those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
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On Educating Upstanders - Ervin Staub
Ervin Staub discusses the importance of helping young people develop moral courage.
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