South East Rural Community Outreach

Theme 2

The Historical Roots of Economic Inequality

This inquiry kit uses primary sources to explore how laws, policies, and practices in U.S. history created economic barriers for certain groups and contributed to economic differences over time.

Thinking Questions

    1. How did denying people education, land ownership, or fair wages in the past contribute to economic differences today?
    2. How did specific laws or practices in U.S. History create economic disadvantages for certain groups?
    3. What are some ways historical events have shaped the economic landscape of Columbia?

Teacher’s Guide:
Printed Material Analysis Tool

Teacher’s Guide:
Historical Document Analysis Tool

Teacher’s Guide:
Photograph Analysis Tool

Teacher’s Guide:
Sound Recording Analysis Tool

Teacher’s Guide:
Book/Printed Material Analysis Tool

Teacher’s Guide:
Photograph Analysis Tool

Visit the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Program & Join the TPS Teachers Network to find materials and resources to effectively use sources from the Library’s digital collection.

SERCO Unearthing Primary Resources TPS Project pages are sponsored in part by the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Eastern Region Program, coordinated by Waynesburg University.