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The Ice Age determined Nebraska's territory as we know it today. In fact, had the glaciers receded any further to the South, the Missouri River would have taken a different route and Nebraska might be vastly different. Students must understand the implications of such a huge event and how it shaped things for us today.
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Farming is Nebraska's largest industry and is a part of who we are as Nebraskans. It is important for students to understand how farming began and why it has remained so relevant.
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An important part of Nebraska history is the native peoples that lived here. Students must explore those people that inhabited this space before we did and understand how we came about "moving in" to their home.
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If it were not for the shift in power, Nebraska's territory may never have become a part of the United States (at least as early as it did). The expeditions, wars, and such are all important for students to be familiar with.
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Marks the beginning of Nebraska and the surrounding land being owned by the United States. Students must realize that without this event, Nebraska may have been an unsettled, French colony for much longer.
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The US military finally added forts west of the Missouri River to protect Americans migrating west and to foster negotiations with the Natives. Students must understand how security and protection functioned in this time period.
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Students may be intrigued to find that schools never used to be free!
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After the Civil War, beef began moving into the area for several different reasons. Students should understand that beef is another very important industry for Nebraska and realize how they came about getting here (they didn't just "appear").
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The Dawes Act made it legal to 'disband' Native tribes and assimilate them into American society. Students need to understand other perspectives in this area (crossing standards).
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This is meaningful to me because I grew up in an area (the Sandhills) where ranchers were able to make use of this Act. Students need to realize that no one owned the land before settlers moved in, understand the process of purchasing land, and be aware of the implications of the Act.
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Though horrendous, I believe that students need to be exposed to the events that occurred in 1919 in Omaha (and other racial activity across NE; e.g., KKK in Lincoln). Students need to see the important changes that have occurred since this time.
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This is again very relevant for me, having grown up in/near North Platte, but I believe this was a truly important aspect of the war and new methods of travel. Students can make connections between modern methods of travel to older ones in an attempt to study the older methods more greatly.
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Many aspects of WWII affected Nebraska in different ways, but I think this may have been one of the most important for students to be exposed to. German (Nazi) POWs were brought to Nebraska and held in camps across the state and were allowed to help farmers work their fields, therefore helping grow our industry.
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By mid-1950, eight stations served Nebraskans and provided faster information sharing. Students can see the change in information over the years.
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The SAC became very important in the 1960s as it was used to defend our country and the protection of Nebraska. Similar to the forts being built earlier on, students need to see the importance of safety and security.
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What would have happened if the strike didn't happen? or continued? Did this affect Nebraska's economy?
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Though an "agriculture" state, Nebraska is expanding its markets to receive income in various other ways. Students should be aware of these changes over time. At what point in time was agriculture no longer the #1 income?
