This collection brings together documents from Al Smith’s supporters and detractors in months leading up to the election of 1928. After completing the unit, students should be able to construct an argument that addresses the central question: How does Al Smith’s failed presidential bid illuminate...

This collection brings together documents from Al Smith’s supporters and detractors in months leading up to the election of 1928. After completing the unit, students should be able to construct an argument that addresses the central question: How does Al Smith’s failed presidential bid illuminate the controversies raging in the United States at the time over questions of race, immigration, religion, urbanization, politics, and the consumption of alcohol? 

Students are guided in their analyses of the documents by a learning objective, central question, historical background, source headnotes, source questions, project questions, and suggestions for further research. Through their work with these documents, they will gain a deeper awareness of the diversity of the American experience, a more complete understanding of the present in an historically-based context, an enhanced ability to read, interpret, assess, and contextualize primary sources, and practice explaining historical change over time.