The Teapot Dome Scandal, named after the U.S. Naval petroleum reserve in Wyoming, remains one of America’s most famous and outrageous political scandals. Teaching students about this historical event not only provides an engaging way to learn history but also cultivates essential critical thinking skills. This article outlines a comprehensive and captivating approach to teaching students about the Teapot Dome Scandal.
Background
Before delving into the scandal itself, provide students with essential background information that helps set the stage:
The Scandal
Starting with the series of events, present your students with a clear timeline:
Engaging Activities
To encourage student engagement, consider incorporating the following exercises:
Conclusion
Teaching students about the Teapot Dome Scandal not only enriches their understanding of American history but also strengthens foundational skills such as critical thinking, research, and analysis. Through contextual background information and engaging activities, educators can help make history come alive and cultivate inquisitive minds for the future.
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Background
Before delving into the scandal itself, provide students with essential background information that helps set the stage:
- The Harding Administration (1921-1923): Introduce President Warren G. Harding and mention his campaign promises such as a “return to normalcy.” Inform them that the Harding Administration was notorious for corruption.
- The U.S. Naval Petroleum Reserves: Teach students about the reserves’ purpose — to ensure adequate fuel for the U.S Navy in times of crisis. Mention the three primary reserves: Teapot Dome (Wyoming), Elk Hills (California), and Buena Vista Hills (California).
- The Role of Interior Secretary: Explain that Albert B. Fall served as Secretary of the Interior under Harding and oversaw natural resources, including public lands and oil reserves.
The Scandal
Starting with the series of events, present your students with a clear timeline:
- Transfer of Control: Highlight how Fall convinced President Harding to transfer authority over oil reserves from the Department of Navy to the Department of Interior.
- Secret Oil Leases: Detail how Fall leased out Elk Hills and Teapot Dome without competitive bidding or public knowledge, secretly receiving large loans in return from private companies–Mammoth Oil and Pan American Petroleum.
- Investigation Begins: Explain that Wyoming senator John Kendrick noticed suspicious activities and initiated a Senate investigation headed by Thomas J. Walsh, leading to a scandal’s discovery.
- Conviction & Aftermath: Fall was implicated, charged, and became the first cabinet member in U.S. history to be imprisoned for a crime committed while in office.
Engaging Activities
To encourage student engagement, consider incorporating the following exercises:
- Role Play: Assign students roles as key figures throughout the scandal, such as President Harding, Secretary Fall, and Senator Walsh. Allow them to act out critical events and present evidence to conduct a mock Senate hearing.
- Historical Analysis: Have students analyze newspaper articles and political cartoons from the time to understand public perception and evaluate how media can sway public opinion.
- Socratic Seminar: Conduct a Socratic seminar discussing the ethical implications of political corruption and its impact on the trust in democratic institutions.
- Comparison: Invite students to research and compare modern-day political scandals, encouraging them to recognize historical patterns and apply lessons learned from the Teapot Dome Scandal.
Conclusion
Teaching students about the Teapot Dome Scandal not only enriches their understanding of American history but also strengthens foundational skills such as critical thinking, research, and analysis. Through contextual background information and engaging activities, educators can help make history come alive and cultivate inquisitive minds for the future.
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