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Biography

Colin Powell: A Soldier's Campaign

This BIOGRAPHY presents the life and military career of Colin Powell. Colin Powell rose through the ranks of the military to become the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. BIOGRAPHY traces his rise through the military to become the first African American to be appointed to this position. It combines an overview of Colin Powell's military, personal and political experiences and the larger historical issues of segregation and African American advancement.

Colin Powell: A Soldier's Campaign will be useful for classes on American History, African American History and civics. It is appropriate for middle and high school students.

Vocabulary Discussion Questions

  1. How did the ROTC at City University of New York change Colin Powell's life?

  2. What is it about Colin Powell that makes him so popular with the American public? If he were to run for president of the United States, would you vote for him? Why or why not?

  3. What is the Powell Doctrine and how has it shaped the decisions made by Colin Powell?

  4. What obstacles did Colin Powell face because he is an African American?

  5. What were the major differences between northern and southern states that Colin Powell discovered when he was stationed in Georgia?

  6. It seems that Colin Powell served in Washington, DC, somewhat reluctantly. Did Colin Powell have to give up his true career choice to serve his country?

Extended Activities

  1. Write an essay in which you compare Colin Powell's life with the civil rights movement. What parallels can you find? How did the conditions of African Americans affect Colin Powell?

  2. Design a campaign poster for Colin Powell to become president. What would you emphasize about Colin Powell to influence people to vote for him?

  3. Imagine you are a journalist and are assigned to interview Colin Powell. What questions would you ask him? Would you focus on his military career, political life, or his personal experiences?

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