The Harlem Hellfighters: Courage, Legacy, and World War I
The story of the Harlem Hellfighters, the all-Black 369th Infantry Regiment, and their significant contributions during World War I: their courage on the battlefield, the racism they faced, and their legacy in military and music history.
Kim Guthriegabs M. Ed
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(423)
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What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursAssessment
Kahoot! Review quiz following the class.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Learners will be able to discuss the story of the heroic Harlem Hellfighters and their actions during World War I. Did you know that this unit saw more combat and became one of the most highly decorated American units during the Great War? 1. Learn the background of the outbreak of World War I and the reasons for the US joining the war. Follow this unit from New York and their training before heading across the Atlantic to fight in France and Belgium alongside French soldiers. 2. Learn the story of the two soldiers from this unit who became the first Americans to earn the French Military Cross of Honor. 3. Learn how the men of this unit influenced Europe, by bringing American jazz to the City of Lights. Hear of how they were heroes in parades as they returned home, and how quickly Americans’ memory of their courage faded. I use a combination of visual slides and short video clips to tell the story of the Harlem Hellfighters.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)3 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Harlem Hellfighters History
Follow this unit from New York through their training as they prepare to head across the Atlantic to fight in France and Belgium alongside French soldiers. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
French Military Honors for Two
Learn the story of the two soldiers from this unit who became the first Americans to earn the French Military Cross of Honor. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Harlem Hellfighters Legacy
Discuss the lasting impact that this unit had on the culture of Europe and the culture of the United States. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This is a class about a military unit which saw horrific fighting in key battles. It is necessary to talk about death and casualties in the war. I make a point to not relish the death of anyone from either side of any war.
This class discusses segregation in the United States and the US military in the 1900s. This requires acknowledgment of the unfair treatment of the African-American units before, during, and after WWI. While this unit was hailed as heroes upon their return, they were quickly unfairly treated as other African-American civilians were in the US. No hate talk or fascist talk will be tolerated during either lesson.
Supply List
Teacher provided guided-notes if desired.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
- Kahoot!
Joined April, 2020
4.9
423reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
South Carolina Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Southern Wesleyan
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Limestone University
I am state licensed and highly-qualified to teach history to students in grades 2-9. I have taught history in a classroom for 15 years. I was lead history teacher at my school.
I have traveled to many of the WWI battle sites I will discuss. Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly or $59 for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
50 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-6 learners per class
