Summary
2008 marked a milestone in U.S. history: Barack Obama became the first African American elected to hold our nation's highest office. With a Kenyan father and a Kansan mother, Obama grew up in the diverse culture of Hawaii. As a little-known senator from Illinois, Obama delivered a speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention that catapulted him to national fame. Four years later, his historic presidential campaign resulted in a landslide victory! But Obama inherited a crippling economic recession. Under his leadership, Democrats in Congress passed a relief plan to stabilize the economy. After that, the President focused on social issues like healthcare reform. The passage of the Affordable Care Act, nicknamed "Obamacare," was a major victory. But it also drew sharp criticism from Republicans and spurred the rise of the Tea Party. Despite Congressional gridlock, Obama won a second term and achieved many important goals both at home and abroad. Click "Play" to learn more about the life and legacy of the 44<sup>th</sup> President of the United States!
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Barack Obama:
- What is one new thing you learned about barack obama?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining barack obama.
- Draw or give one example of your own.