Chapman University history professor Luke Nichter discussed the impact of the elections of 1964 and 1966 to open his lecture on Richard Nixon’s 1968 campaign and the issues in that year’s presidential election. Chapman University is located in Orange, California.
This lesson focuses on Richard Nixon's victory in the 1968 presidential election. The lesson, which features Chapman University history professor Luke Nichter, opens with two reflective questions that ask students to consider the steps taken to become the President of the United States and the types of support that presidential candidates need. Students then view an introductory video clip in which Nichter discusses the impact of the elections of 1964 and 1966. Next, students view and analyze two video clips that provide background information about Richard Nixon before the 1968 presidential election. From there, students learn about Richard Nixon’s decision to run in the 1968 presidential election and the impact of Billy Graham’s related efforts by watching and analyzing six video clips. Next, students learn about the 1968 presidential election itself by watching and responding to six video clips. Students then view and analyze a final video clip in which Nichter discusses the results of the 1968 presidential election. Finally, students respond to a summative writing prompt that asks them to "detail the steps that led to Richard Nixon’s candidacy and election."
SET UP
This lesson offers several options for you to use with your students whether you are teaching in class, using a hybrid model, or engaging through distance learning. It can be completed in steps as a class or students can move at their own pace and complete the activities independently.
You can post links to the videos in the lesson along with the related handout and engage in discussion to share responses on a discussion board or learning management system.
You can also save and share the following Google resource for students to use with this lesson.
Handout: Graphic Organizer (Google Doc).
In Google, choose "File" then "Make a Copy" to get your own copy. You can make any needed adjustments in the instructions such as which activities students need to complete, when it is due, etc. and then make it available to them via Google.
WARM UP
Pose the following brainstorming questions to your students, directing them to record their responses in their graphic organizer, share with a partner, and then with the class if they choose.
INTRODUCTION
Play the following introductory video clip of Chapman University history professor Luke Nichter discussing the impact of the elections of 1964 and 1966 to open his lecture on Richard Nixon’s 1968 campaign and the issues in that year’s presidential election. Direct your students to answer the related question on their graphic organizer and share their findings with a partner, small group, or the class when finished.
Clip #1: Previous Elections (3:10).
VOCABULARY
Direct your students to their graphic organizers to view and define the vocabulary terms that will appear in the lesson in the chart in their graphic organizer handout. The vocabulary words are also listed to the right on this webpage.
We recommend having your students complete the activity in a jigsaw format to save time. Or, depending on time and resources, you may consider having your students engage in a Frayer's Model activity, where each student is responsible for completing one or two items. Students can then post their models around the room for reference throughout the lesson.
Note: this is not an all-encompassing list of terms included in each video. We recommend you preview the video clips to determine any necessary additions/subtractions to this list for your specific students.
BACKGROUND
Direct students to the Background section of their graphic organizers. Instruct your students to view the following two video clips that provide background information about Richard Nixon before the 1968 presidential election. Direct your students to answer the related questions on their graphic organizer and share their findings with a partner, small group, or the class when finished.
Clip #2: Nixon's Life (3:12).
Clip #3: The Florida Keys (5:34).
DECISION
Direct students to the Decision section of their graphic organizers. Instruct your students to view the following six video clips that detail Richard Nixon’s decision to run in the 1968 presidential election and the impact of Billy Graham’s related efforts. Direct your students to answer the related questions on their graphic organizer and share their findings with a partner, small group, or the class when finished.
Clip #4: The Voice of Hannah (3:16).
Clip #5: Billy Graham and LBJ (4:59).
Clip #6: Billy Graham and 1968 (2:28).
Clip #7: Diary Entry #1 (6:34).
Clip #8: Diary Entry #2 (5:47).
Clip #9: Political Context (3:12).
ELECTION
Direct students to the Election section of their graphic organizers. Instruct your students to view the following six video clips that discuss the 1968 presidential election. Direct your students to answer the related questions on their graphic organizer and share their findings with a partner, small group, or the class when finished.
Clip #10: Other Republicans (6:21).
Clip #11: Nixon on the Issues (4:19).
Clip #12: The Convention and VP (3:16).
Clip #13: The Democrats (3:35).
Clip #14: 3rd Party Candidate (4:25).
Clip #15: Collusion with South Vietnam (1:59).
REFLECTION
After your students finish sharing their findings from the last section, direct them to the Reflection section of their graphic organizers. Instruct your students to view the following final video clip in which Chapman University history professor Luke Nichter discusses the results of the 1968 presidential election. Direct your students to answer the related questions and share their findings with a partner, small group, or the class when finished.
Clip #16: Election Results (1:29).
CLOSURE
After your students are finished with the lesson, direct them to complete the final culminating writing prompt and have students share their responses, comparing their perspectives with their classmates' perspectives: Having learned about the 1968 U.S. presidential election, detail the steps that led to Richard Nixon’s candidacy and election. Be sure to include evidence from the video clips in the lesson to support your argument.