Extending the Content Writing Activity

Many scholars of American history consider Abraham Lincoln to be the country’s greatest president. Historians of other nations have sometimes described their greatest leaders by calling them “Lincolns.” In this activity, you will consider whether or not you agree that Benito Juárez was the “Abraham Lincoln of Mexico.”

1. Search the Internet or other library resources for information about President Lincoln and President Juárez. Be sure to keep track of the sites and/or reference materials from which you draw information. The following two links will help you get started.
   http://www.washtimes.com/civilwar/20021005-16462964.htm
   http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/history/jtuck/jtbenitojuarez.html
2. Organize your thoughts by creating a Venn diagram that compares and contrasts the two leaders. What similarities did they share? In what ways were they different?
3. Drawing on the information you gathered, write a paragraph in which you either support or refute the following statement: Benito Juárez was “the Abraham Lincoln of Mexico.” Be sure that you defend your position with strong examples.
   

Download a worksheet to accompany this activity.

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