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Rob and Eric are joined by Mike Butler who discusses how teachers can address the Lost Cause in their US History courses. Mike is the Kenan Distinguished Professor of History and Humanities and the Department Chair at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. Mike defines the Lost Cause as a movement whereby the South transformed a military defeat into a cultural victory. In teaching about the Lost Cause, teachers can help their students see the difference between history and nostalgia/memory. Also, they can analyze how the Lost Cause sought to minimize the impact of slavery on the reasons for secession. Finally, teachers can help their students see how popular culture, such as films like Birth of a Nation, worked to advance the Lost Cause Myth. He provides a framework of four questions that can help students evaluate any monument or memorial in their community.

Lesson Plans and resources:

The Lost Cause lesson plan can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/48ajuvI

The Uncle Tom’s Cabin lesson plan can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/3Kuu3Qw

Credits

Opening theme music, “Bossa Bossa,” created by Clare Howard www.clarehoward.com Music supported by the National Council for History Education www.ncheteach.org

Transition theme music, “The Clock is Ticking,” created by Emily Hahn.

Logo artwork created by Jessica Goldman.

Shit I Have to Teach in 20 Minutes is produced by Eric Hahn and Rob Good. Audio and video editing by Sebastian Rosales.

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