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Teacher Lesson PLan
NatioNal INterstate
aNd DefeNse
Highways Act
introduction
In the Constitution, Congress is charged with providing for the general welfare of the country’s citizens. Historically, this has meant improving transportation, promoting agriculture and industry, protecting health and the environment and seeking ways to solve social and economic problems.
In 1956, Congress passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, popularly known as the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act, authorizing federal funding for the extension and construction of a robust network of interstate highways. This project was one of the largest public works in U.S. history establishing key transportation infrastructure that impacted lives of all Americans — changing communities, access and economic possibilities and also providing key routes for evacuating urban centers — a critical national defense issue in the Cold War era.
Analyzing primary source material, students discuss the origins and reasons for the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act. Then, they work with historical and contemporary maps as they consider the impact this important congressionally funded project. While intended for 8th grade students, the lesson can be adapted for other grade levels.
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teacHer lessoN PlaN
estimated time
One to two class sessions
National standards
National Geography Standard 1 United States History National Standards United States Era 9 — Post War United States (1945 – early 1970s), Standard 1A
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, grade 8 Writing 4 Speaking and Listening 1, 4
Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, grade 8 Reading 2, 6, 7
learning skills
Reading, analysis of primary source documents, group discussion, working with maps
essential Question
What role did Congress play in the development of the national interstate system? What evidence did President Dwight Eisenhower cite to justify Congressional funding for the National System of Interstate Highways? How did the passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act fulfill Congress’ mission “to provide for the…general Welfare” (Article 1, Section 8, Constitution of the United States)?
documents and worksheets
Primary source material:
- President Eisenhower’s message to the Congress of the United States, February 22, 1955 (http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/research/online_documents/interstate_highway_ system/1955_02_22_Message_to_Congress.pdf)
- H.R. 10660, Federal Highway Act of 1956 (here)
- Photograph of cars from the 1940s (here)
- Map of National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, 1956 (here)
- Access to Google maps or current map of the United states/your state
teacher tip
When introducing maps, consider reviewing some general numbering systems for roadways. For example, interstate highways created in 1956 have a number starting with “I.” Older federal highways start with “US.” State or local roads may have other identifying characteristics. Also, for the most part, odd numbered highways run north-south and even numbered routes run east-west.
extended activity
- Students identify someone (parent, grandparent, community member) to interview about transportation when they were young. Brainstorm interview questions (or offer them a prepared list of questions) and have students conduct interviews and collect information about travel and transportation in their neighborhood, city or region in the past (even before the interstate!)
- Consider reviewing the following related lesson plan, Building Suburbia: Highways and Housing in Postwar America http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/building-suburbia-highways-and- housing-postwar-america#sect-introduction
