The Social Studies Component of the Southern Literacy Campaign: 1915–1930

Social studies aspects of the southern literacy campaign of 1915–1930 are examined. Special adult schools dedicated to instruction in reading and writing frequently attempted to meet simple goals of civic education. Relevant topics included the assumed link between literacy and crime, patriotic goals related to support of our role in World War I, support for public works such as road construction, personal values such as thrift and cleanliness, and general knowledge of history and geography. Texts and instructional methods which now seem quaint nevertheless have some striking similarities to current practice.