1880s: Immigration & Imperialism

Dive into Modern History with 1880s: Immigration and Imperialism! This comprehensive globally-centered interactive history lesson immerses learners in the people, events, and ideas that shaped decade of the 1880s, providing hands-on activities and engaging materials. This box is part of our Modern History Curriculum Series.

What’s Inside 1880s: Immigration & Imperialism?

• French Imperialism: Learn about French colonialism in Asia and Africa.
• Social Darwinism & The Scramble for Africa: Explore concepts related to Darwinism and how the related to scramble for territory and raw materials on the African continent.
• Electricity Sparks New Ideas: Learn about new inventions using electricity in the 1880s.
• Immigration & The Statue of Liberty: Explore the ways that people came to the United States and learn the history of The Statue of Liberty.
• Own Voices: Learn about Ida B. Wells, an African-American activist and prominent leader in the anti-lynching movement of the time.

In our YA Boxes:

• French Nightlife: Learn about the can-can and what life after dark was like in France
• Art Nouveau: Learn about how artists during the Art Nouveau period used modern materials to fuse together decorative and fine arts.

Hands-On Activities:

• Create a Polynesian Tifaifai pouch
• Make a hand-crank lightbulb
• Do a puzzle that was used at Ellis Island

Why Choose 1880s: Immigration & Imperialism?

• Rich Historical Content: Gain a global understanding of the events, ideas, and people that ushered in the modern era.
• Interactive Learning: Activities like crafting, tasting, and storytelling make history come alive for students.
• Fun and Educational: Perfect for homeschool families, this curriculum offers a hands-on approach to exploring world history.
• The 1880s was a turning point in world history. This lesson provides a dynamic way to explore the influences of colonialism and industrial revolution on the modern era .

What Makes Our 1880s History Box Unique?

The 1880s marked a dramatic shift in global power and migration. From the rise of electricity to the spread of imperialism, this decade shaped the world we live in today. Our 1880s box invites learners to think critically about major global themes—including colonialism, innovation, and identity—while developing historical empathy and curiosity.

This immersive history lesson includes:

• Student-Friendly Primary Sources – Explore history through the eyes of real people, like Ida B. Wells.

• Global Perspective – Examine imperialism from both the European and colonized viewpoints.

• Creative Expression – Use the included Tifaifai pouch craft to spark a conversation about Polynesian resistance through art.

• STEM Meets History – Learn how electricity revolutionized the modern world with a hands-on lightbulb crank kit.

Who Is This For?

This box is ideal for:

• Homeschool families seeking a secular, global history curriculum

• Teachers supplementing modern history in the classroom

• Co-ops and micro-schools focusing on project-based learning

• Families using Charlotte Mason, Classical, or Unit Study approaches

Recommended for ages 13+ (Youth) and 16+ (Young Adult version).

Discover the 1880s today and continue your study of the modern era!

Waiting for your box? Explore our 1880s Pinterest Resources!