The assassination of JFK is one of History's most alluring puzzles. What it shows to us clearly though, is that History is not static. We don't just learn about what happened and then retell those facts. History is a debate and an argument. Even when we do know the facts, arguments will still ensue over reasons, motives, who was most to blame or what events led to things turning out the way they did.
JFK is fascinating. Let's start with two big questions:
1. Why don't we know who killed JFK? And even if you think you know, why has so much debate and so much conjecture existed for so long. Why are their documents that have been concealed? After all, a president was killed... you would think that would be a crime that would be solved. The very fact that it has not leads us to consider some sort of conspiracy.
2. On the other hand, if there was a conspiracy, how is it that in the last 50 years, no one has come clean and admitted that this conspiracy exists.
JFK is fascinating. Let's start with two big questions:
1. Why don't we know who killed JFK? And even if you think you know, why has so much debate and so much conjecture existed for so long. Why are their documents that have been concealed? After all, a president was killed... you would think that would be a crime that would be solved. The very fact that it has not leads us to consider some sort of conspiracy.
2. On the other hand, if there was a conspiracy, how is it that in the last 50 years, no one has come clean and admitted that this conspiracy exists.
Task 1.
Do a web search of 'JFK conspiracy theories'. Depending on the time you spend, you will hear every theory under the sun. You may want to start with this one below though... this is an apparent deathbed confession of one of the conspirators in the JFK plot. You'll have to decide for yourself whether or not this is credible.
http://rense.com/general76/hunt.htm
And this one is just for fun... but a little creepy...
http://www.school-for-champions.com/history/lincolnjfk.htm
Do a web search of 'JFK conspiracy theories'. Depending on the time you spend, you will hear every theory under the sun. You may want to start with this one below though... this is an apparent deathbed confession of one of the conspirators in the JFK plot. You'll have to decide for yourself whether or not this is credible.
http://rense.com/general76/hunt.htm
And this one is just for fun... but a little creepy...
http://www.school-for-champions.com/history/lincolnjfk.htm
Task 2.
Read pages 52 - 54 of your text book. Class discussion about whether or not assassination can ever be justified. Is their a clear Christian view on this?
Read pages 52 - 54 of your text book. Class discussion about whether or not assassination can ever be justified. Is their a clear Christian view on this?
Task 3.
Read pages 55 and 56 and answer the following questions:
Read pages 55 and 56 and answer the following questions:
- What should be a historians approach to discovering the truth?
- What does this textbook claim to be the problem with the Warren Commission?
- What was the conclusion of the House of Representatives select committee on assassination?
- Explain the magic bullet theory and why it has caused so much debate?
Task 4.
Read pages 57 and the top of 58. make a summary of the events that actually happened on that day.
Read pages 57 and the top of 58. make a summary of the events that actually happened on that day.
Task 5.
- Read through all 7 of the accounts of various witnesses on pages 58 to 60. Make a table of which accounts suggest the shots came from the Texas School Book Depository (Oswald) and which ones suggest they came from the Grassy Knoll.
- Read the rest of page 60 and answer the review questions at the bottom.
Task 6.
There is no doubt that Lee Harvey Oswald was involved in the assassination to at least some degree. Make a list of all the evidence that shows that he is guilty of being involved, if not being the lone killer.
The textbook says that Jack Ruby never offered any more information to the assassination... however, watch the youtube clip and write down what you think this suggests about who is responsible for the assassination...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we2eucWXqjg
There is no doubt that Lee Harvey Oswald was involved in the assassination to at least some degree. Make a list of all the evidence that shows that he is guilty of being involved, if not being the lone killer.
The textbook says that Jack Ruby never offered any more information to the assassination... however, watch the youtube clip and write down what you think this suggests about who is responsible for the assassination...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we2eucWXqjg
Task 7.
What we have on pages 62-67 are various arguments put forward about what happened and who was involved in the Kennedy assassination. In a lot ways this can be seen as different historical opinions. What we learn from this is that there are different views on History. Your job is to engage with different historical views. You should decide which ones you agree with and which ones you disagree with and why.
Make a summary of each of the views presented on these pages and give your evaluation as to whether you find this theory credible or not and why.
What we have on pages 62-67 are various arguments put forward about what happened and who was involved in the Kennedy assassination. In a lot ways this can be seen as different historical opinions. What we learn from this is that there are different views on History. Your job is to engage with different historical views. You should decide which ones you agree with and which ones you disagree with and why.
Make a summary of each of the views presented on these pages and give your evaluation as to whether you find this theory credible or not and why.
Task 8.
Watch Clickview video from Chapter 9-11 onwards: Hot Docs. Episode 2. JFK. 3 Shots that changed America.
Watch Clickview video from Chapter 9-11 onwards: Hot Docs. Episode 2. JFK. 3 Shots that changed America.