Lesson by Ron Nash
Essay by David Sarias, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Grade Level: 7–12
Number of Class Periods: 2
Primary Era: 1945 to the Present
About This Lesson Plan Unit
In this lesson, which can be done over two class periods, students will read the entire text of Richard Nixon’s “Resignation Address to the Nation,” one of the most important speeches of the 1970s. They will respond to critical thinking questions and write an essay in response to two essential questions.
Lesson Plan Author: Ron Nash
Historical Background Essay by: David Sarias, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Additional Information About This Unit
Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including analyzing how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term over the course of a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.5: Analyze in detail how a complex primary source is structured, including how key sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text contribute to the whole.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.8: Evaluate an author’s premises, claims, and evidence by corroborating or challenging them with other information.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
To what extent did President Richard Nixon admit his own misbehavior and how did he explain why he had not resigned earlier?
In his resignation speech, what administrative accomplishments did Nixon want Americans to remember?
Documents
Documents
Richard M. Nixon, “Resignation Address to the Nation,” August 8, 1974
“President Richard Nixon Resignation Address,” August 8, 1974, C-SPAN