Ben Franklin
International Lefthanders Day honors lefties. It was first observed in 1976. About ten percent of the population is lefthanded. Famous lefthanders include Ben Franklin, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Children could learn more at: http://www.lefthandersday.com/.
Aztec Calendar Stone
Spanish conquered Aztecs in 1521. The city of Tenochtitlan fell to Hernan Cortez and his allies. Cortez had arrived on the shores several months before. Montezuma, leader of the Aztecs, felt Cortez might be one of their gods, Quetzalcoatl. Montezuma made the Spanish feel welcome, but ultimately the conquistadors turned on the Aztecs. Children can read some great background information at: Aztecs.
Recruiting Poster
Women joined the United States Marines for the first time in 1918. Opha Mae Johnson was the first of 305 women to enlist that day. They performed clerical duties in the United States so that males could fight in World War I. During World War II, female marines served overseas. Today women comprise about seven percent of the entire corps. Children can learn more at: Women Marines.
Building Berlin Wall
Berlin Wall was built in 1961. Before the wall was built, people from East Berlin were escaping to West Berlin. The wall was built to deter any more immigration. It was torn down starting November 9, 1989.