Assassinations That Changed The World: Murder That Changes The World, Or Does It?

Assassinations That Changed the World presents an in-depth examination of assassinations that have changed the course of political events and world history. It provides not only a journalistic account of pivotal assassinations, but also an historical analysis, emphasizing the political/social prelude to the assassination and the repercussions. Using assassinations as a lens, Assassinations That Changed The World provides a complex study of modern world events. This series would be useful for classes on World History, Political Science, Religion and World Cultures. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Part IV: Murder That Changes the World, Or Does It?

Murder That Changes The World examines the impact of assassinations on the course of world events, focusing on how these changes rarely, if ever, meet the expectations of the assassins. While the assassinations discussed in this segment do alter the course of history, the goals of the assassins are never achieved.

Vocabulary Discussion Questions

  1. Huey Long, in his tenure as governor of Louisiana, brought many benefits to the citizens of his state. However, while his motives may have been honorable, many feel his methods were not. How did Long's methods undermine his achievements?
  2. How did Long's unethical methods of achieving his political goals lead to his assassination?
  3. Some historians speculate that Long's assassination was a blessing in disguise for the United States. Why? How did Long's assassination change the course of American history?
  4. During the 1950s and the 1960s, Martin Luther King, Jr. led the largest civil rights movement in American history. His impact on American history and culture cannot be overestimated. How did the relatively new medium of television aid King in his quest for African-American equality?
  5. James Earl Ray is the convicted assassin of Martin Luther King, Jr. He is currently serving a life sentence for this crime. Recently, there has been speculation that Ray may not be the assassin, or that he did not act alone, and is petitioning the courts for a trial. (Ray never went to trial but pleaded guilty in a plea bargain). The family of Martin Luther King supports Ray's request for a new trial. Why do you think that the King family would want a new trial? Why do you think it is possible that Ray is not guilty, or that he did not act alone?
  6. When Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, cities across America erupted in violence. Given that King was a pacifist and never advocated violence of any type, why did his death cause an outbreak of violence?
  7. Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1968, less than 7 months after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. The two men were assassinated for very different reasons. What role did foreign events play in the assassination of Kennedy?
  8. Lord Mountbatten was assassinated by the Irish Republic Army, a terrorist group. Why did they choose Mountbatten, an old man? What was Mountbatten symbolic of?
  9. How did the assassination of Aquino lead to the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos, the opposite of its intended purpose?

Extended Activities

  1. Imagine that you are a journalist for a newspaper. You are assigned to cover the assassination of any of the leaders mentioned in Murder That Changes the World. Write an article chronicling the effects of the assassination.
  2. Write an obituary for Martin Luther King, Jr., listing all of his achievements and contributions to America.
  3. Draw a memorial poster for any of the assassination victims mentioned in Murder That Changes the World. Try to capture the achievements and spirit of the slain leader, and what made him so popular and dear to his people.

Classroom Materials
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