Harlem Hellfighters: Bravery Beyond the Battlefield in WWI

Dive into the inspiring story of the 369th Infantry Regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters, who fought for their country while facing prejudice and segregation.

Explore their remarkable journey:

• Overcoming Discrimination: Witness their unwavering determination despite facing prejudice within the US military.
• Fighting Under the French Command: Discover how their attachment to the French Army allowed them to showcase their combat prowess.
• Bravery and Achievements: Analyze their exceptional record, including the longest time spent in combat and numerous French military decorations.
• Pioneering Role in Jazz Music: Learn how the regimental band introduced jazz to Europe, leaving a lasting cultural impact.

Engage students with:

• Compelling narrative: A captivating exploration of the fight against discrimination and the 369th's remarkable service.
• Primary source analysis: Gain a firsthand perspective through a soldier's letter from the battlefield.
• Critical thinking questions: Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer challenges to solidify understanding.
• Clear answer key: Ensures a smooth learning experience for both teachers and students.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the experiences of African American soldiers during WWI.
• Understand the impact of prejudice and segregation on military service.
• Evaluate the contributions of the Harlem Hellfighters to the war effort.
• Recognize the cultural significance of the regimental band's role in introducing jazz music to Europe.

Common Core State Standards Addressed:

• RI.6.1, RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1: Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and draw inferences from the text.
• RI.6.2, RI.7.2, RI.8.2, RI.9-10.2, RI.11-12.2: Determine the central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
• RI.6.3, RI.7.3, RI.8.3, RI.9-10.3, RI.11-12.3: Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of the text.
• W.6.2, W.7.2, W.8.2, W.9-10.2, W.11-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.

Why Choose This Resource?

• Ready-to-use: A no-prep addition to your US History or World War I unit, perfect for engaging students in critical thinking and historical analysis.
• Compelling and Diverse: Highlights an often overlooked story of courage and resilience in the fight for equality.
• Promotes Social Awareness: Encourages discussions about prejudice, discrimination, and the ongoing fight for social justice.
• Standards-Aligned: Directly addresses key reading comprehension and critical thinking skills outlined in the Common Core State Standards.

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there's something for every classroom!

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!