Killing Kennedy: the Death that Changed a Nation and the World
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Authors
McMurray, Kurtis
McCormac, Matthew
Innes, Jamie
Date
2018-02-08
Type
learning object
Language
en
Keyword
American History , Post-War , Kennedy , 1960s , Cold War , assassination , corruption , USSR , protest , Evidence , Continuity and Change , Historical Perspectives , Historical Significance
Alternative Title
American History CHA3U
Abstract
This lesson series is designed for use in Ontario's grade 11 American History course. The
lesson series acts as an entry point for studying America in the Post-War period by examining the John F.
Kennedy assassination and its larger context and repercussions. Students will have the opportunity to
examine primary source evidence to make interpretations on the events of November 22nd, 1963 and the
significance of JFK’s influence on United States by internally and externally. The first lesson goes into
depth on what happened during the assassination and asks the question how do we know that the
traditional narratives of JFK’s assassination are true. The second lesson explores JFK’s impact on
external Cold War policy and this continues and changes when Johnson assumes power. The third
lesson analyzes multiple cultural perspectives in the United States during the 1960s and connects
Kennedy to the “hippie” movement through the examination of anti-war music and looks at how these
perspectives and groups impacted identity and citizenship within the United States. Finally, the fourth
lesson places students in the role of American citizens grappling with loss of JFK and gives them an
opportunity to voice their opinion on how JFK ought to be remembered in America, asking the question of
what is significant to remember about JFK’s narrative. It is hoped through these lessons that students will
be able to think critically about the assassination and its importance to the wider context of America
throughout the Cold War. Ultimately, it is hoped that JFK’s story acts as a moral guide for our students to
question the accepted narrative before committing it to the national memory.