Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells was an influential African American journalist, newspaper editor, and civil rights activist. She was born on July 16, 1862, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and became known for her pioneering work in the civil rights and women's rights movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wells was a fearless and outspoken advocate for racial and gender equality, and her work had a lasting impact on American society.

Early Life and Education

Wells was born into slavery during the Civil War, but her parents became politically active during Reconstruction. She attended Rust College and later became a teacher, which exposed her to the rampant racial inequality in the South.

Anti-Lynching Activism

Wells gained national attention for her anti-lynching campaign after the murder of her friends in Memphis, Tennessee. She published a scathing editorial in her newspaper, The Free Speech, which led to threats against her life and the destruction of her printing press. Despite the danger, she continued to investigate and report on lynchings, becoming a leading voice against this form of racial violence.

Journalism and Civil Rights

Wells was a prolific writer and lecturer, using her platform to expose the injustices of segregation and discrimination. She co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and worked tirelessly to promote civil rights and social justice for African Americans.

Legacy

Ida B. Wells' fearless advocacy and pioneering journalism have left an indelible mark on American history. Her work laid the foundation for the civil rights movement and continues to inspire activists fighting for racial and gender equality today.

Study Guide

What were the major contributions of Ida B. Wells to the civil rights movement?
How did Wells' experiences as a teacher influence her activism?
What role did Wells play in the anti-lynching campaign?
What was the significance of Wells' founding of the NAACP?
How did Ida B. Wells' work impact the civil rights movement and ongoing struggles for equality?

These questions can serve as a starting point for further research and discussion about Ida B. Wells and her impact on American history.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Progressive Era

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

How does the government established by the constitution embody the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy? How does the American political system provide for choice and opportunities for participation?

Political parties, campaigns, and elections. Students should be able to explain how political parties, campaigns, and elections provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Describe the role of political parties

What are the roles of the citizen in American democracy? How can citizens take part in civic life?

Forms of political participation. Students should be able to describe the means by which Americans can monitor and influence politics and government. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Explain how Americans can use the following means to monitor and influence politics and government at local, state, and national levels

Joining political parties, interest groups, and other organizations that attempt to influence public policy and elections

Political leadership and public service. Students should be able to explain the importance of political leadership and public service in a constitutional democracy. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Evaluate the role of ''the loyal opposition'' in a constitutional democracy

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

United States History Content Standards

Era 6: The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900)

Massive immigration after 1870 and how new social patterns, conflicts, and ideas of national unity developed amid growing cultural diversity.

The student understands how new cultural movements at different social levels affected American life.

Era 7: The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930)

How Progressives and others addressed problems of industrial capitalism, urbanization, and political corruption.

The student understands the origin of the Progressives and the coalitions they formed to deal with issues at the local and state levels.

The student understands Progressivism at the national level.

The student understands the limitations of Progressivism and the alternatives offered by various groups.