Working with the Short-Handled Hoe: Organizing Farmworkers after World War II

Grade Range: 9-12
Resource Type(s): Primary Sources, Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities
Date Posted: 11/11/2009

This teacher's resource challenges students to think about the short-handled hoe and its connection to agriculture and the organizing of Latino farm workers after World War II. It includes a preliminary activity intended to introduce students to doing history with objects and 3 lesson plans focused on Cesar Chavez and the struggle of Latino farm workers for social justice. Also included are annotated links to other online resources that are related to farm workers, Cesar Chavez and the bracero program.

This resource is incluced in The Object of History, a cooperative project between the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and George Mason University's Center of History and New Media.

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National Standards

United States History Standards (Grades 5-12)

World History Standards (Grades 5-12)

Historical Thinking Standards (Grades 5-12)