REFLECTION 4: Did You See That?—When History Unfolds on Television

Sometimes, history plays itself out in real time and we are afforded a front row seat. Whether what we see inspires or terrifies us, historical events on television often captivate Americans. In fact, we often bond as a nation over these moments. For this reflection, watch excerpts from two of the following historical events. As you watch, consider why these events were significant for Americans, even if it did not pertain to us directly? And which historical events have you see played out on television?

Write about two of the following events:

• The Launch of Sputnik 1 (1957)
• The Assassination of President Kennedy (1963)
• The Assassination of Dr. King (1968)
• The Apollo 11 Moon Landing (1968)
• The Assassination of Robert Kennedy (1968)
• The Apollo 13 Splashdown (1970)
• The Resignation of President Nixon (1974)
• The "Miracle on Ice" (1980)
• The Attempted Assassination of President Reagan (1981)
• The Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer (1981)
• The Live-Aid Concerts in Philadelphia and London (1985)
• The Chernobyl Nuclear Accident (1986)
• The Space Shuttle Challenger Explosion (1986)
• "Tank Man" Faces Tanks in Tienanmen Square (1989)
• The Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)
• The LA Riots (1992)
• The OJ Simpson Murder Trial (1994 - 1995)
• The Funeral of Princess Diana (1997)
• The Attacks of September 11th (2001)
• The Inauguration of President Obama (2009)
• The Japanese Earthquake and Tsunamis (2011)
• The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (2011)
• The Boston Marathon Bombing (2013)
• Pope Francis Elected Leader of the Roman Catholic Church (2013)
• The Philea Robot's Comet Landing (2014)
• The Inauguration of President Trump (2017)
• The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (2018)

Mechanics:

• 1-1.5 pages in length
• MLA Style
• Works cited

Due: Wed 9.23