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Chronological Reasoning and Causation

We the People: Henry Johnson and the Harlem Hellfighters

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  1. Load "Our Colored Heroes" in Main Document Viewer
  2. Load Commemorative Coin for Sergeant Henry Johnson in Main Document Viewer
  3. Load Commemorative Coin for Sergeant Henry Johnson in Main Document Viewer
  4. Load Two African Americans win Croix De Guerre in Main Document Viewer
  5. Load National Guard Muster Roll Abstract for Henry Johnson, 1917-1919 in Main Document Viewer
  6. Load National Guard Muster Roll Abstract for Henry Johnson, 1917-1919 in Main Document Viewer
  7. Load National Guard Muster Roll Abstract for Henry Johnson, 1917-1919 in Main Document Viewer
  8. Load National Guard Muster Roll Abstract for Henry Johnson, 1917-1919 in Main Document Viewer
  9. Load National Guard Muster Roll Abstract for Henry Johnson, 1917-1919 in Main Document Viewer
  10. Load 369th Regiment 'Harlem Hellfighters' Combat Record, n.d. in Main Document Viewer
  11. Load 369th Regiment 'Harlem Hellfighters' Unit Biography, n.d. in Main Document Viewer
  12. Load The Famous 369th Regiment Arrives in New York City in Main Document Viewer
  13. Load Dog Tag for T. E. Leeboo PVT CO G 15 NY U.S.A. in Main Document Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

New York State Social Studies Framework
8.4 WORLD WAR I AND THE ROARING TWENTIES: Various diplomatic, economic, and ideological factors contributed to the United States decision to enter World War I. Involvement in the war significantly altered the lives of Americans. Postwar America was characterized by economic prosperity, technological innovations, and changes in the workplace. (Standards: 1, 2, 4; Themes: SOC, GOV, ECO, TECH)
8.4e After World War I, the United States entered a period of economic prosperity and cultural change. This period is known as the Roaring Twenties. During this time, new opportunities for women were gained, and African Americans engaged in various efforts to distinguish themselves and celebrate their culture.
Students will examine examples of World War I and postwar race relations, such as the East St. Louis riots, the Silent March, and the Tulsa riots.

11.6 THE RISE OF AMERICAN POWER (1890 – 1920): Numerous factors contributed to the rise of the United States as a world power. Debates over the United States’ role in world affairs increased in response to overseas expansion and involvement in World War I. United States participation in the war had important effects on American society. (Standards: 1, 2, 3, 4: Themes: GEO, SOC, GOV, ECO)
11.6c World War I had important social, political, and economic effects on American society.
Students will investigate the effects of mobilization on the United States economy, including the role and contributions of women and African Americans in the war effort.

Resources:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Graphic Novel: https://www.ausa.org/sites/default/files/AUSA-Medal-of-Honor_Vol2-Issue2_Henry-Johnson.pdf

From Harlem to the Rhine: The Story of New York’s Colored Volunteers by Arthur W. Little, https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015005896116&seq=9

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:369th_15th_New_York.jpg

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2015/05/14/wwi-heroes-johnson-shemin-to-receive-medal-of-honor/

https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/johnson/?from=hp_spotlight​​​​​​​

YouTube video of discovery of WWI Dog Tag from 15th NY: https://youtu.be/qe7hweEC1ig?si=YEV7tktNZdXt_NBx 14:22 mark

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