Champion of the Working Class? Debating Eugene V. Debs's Legacy (Engaging Reading Comp & Discussion Guide)

Dive into the complex world of labor activism with this thought-provoking reading comprehension worksheet! Explore the life and legacy of Eugene V. Debs, a controversial figure who championed workers' rights and advocated for socialism. Students will grapple with the challenges faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution, analyze Debs's strategies and beliefs, and ultimately decide: was he a hero or a villain?

What's Included:

• A student-friendly reading passage packed with information:
  • Debs's journey from railroad worker to labor leader and socialist.
  • The rise of the American Railway Union and the pivotal Pullman Strike.
  • Debs's advocacy for workers' rights and his socialist ideology.
  • The criticisms Debs faced and his enduring legacy.
• A compelling primary source excerpt from Debs's writing.
• Engaging multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions that promote critical thinking, historical analysis, and reading comprehension.
• A detailed answer key for easy grading.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will analyze the working conditions and struggles faced by laborers during the Industrial Revolution.
• Students will evaluate the goals and tactics of Eugene V. Debs in his fight for worker rights.
• Students will understand the concept of socialism and how it differs from capitalism.
• Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing a primary source and considering opposing viewpoints.
• Students will engage in historical debate by evaluating the complex legacy of Eugene V. Debs.

Common Core Standards Addressed:

• RI.6.1 - Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
• RI.6.2 - Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, providing an objective summary of the text.
• RI.6.3 - Analyze in detail the role of a specific event in a text, such as a battle, immigration wave, or political campaign.
• RI.6.6 - Explain how an author's point of view or purpose shapes the content of a text.

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