Teaching students about prominent political figures like Steve Bannon is essential to fostering a well-rounded understanding of modern politics. This article aims to provide educators with the pertinent information and tips for crafting effective lessons on Bannon, from his early career to his influential role in shaping 21st-century politics.
Early Career Highlights
1. Naval Officer and Goldman Sachs: Begin by discussing Bannon’s background as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, and how his experience helped him transition into his investment banking position at Goldman Sachs. Address how these two roles developed his strategic thinking and financial acumen.
2. Media Investment and Production: Explain how Bannon co-founded the media-focused investment bank Bannon & Co., which was eventually bought out by Société Générale. Discuss his role as an executive producer in numerous Hollywood films, illustrating his entrepreneurial drive.
3. Breitbart News Network: Describe how Bannon became involved with Breitbart News Network after Andrew Breitbart’s death, eventually becoming its executive chairman. Emphasize the importance of this far-right news outlet in shaping conservative thought in America.
Involvement with Trump Administration and Ideology
1. Campaign CEO and Chief Strategist: Detail Bannon’s crucial role as CEO of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, focusing on his strategic decisions that helped shape the ultimate victory. Following this, explain his appointment as White House Chief Strategist.
2. Nationalist Ideology: Explore Bannon’s economic nationalist beliefs, as well as his views on immigration and trade policy. Offer students opportunities to examine primary sources featuring interviews or speeches to grasp a better understanding of these ideologies.
3. Departure from Trump Administration: Discuss the reasons behind Bannon’s exit from the White House, including the book ‘Fire and Fury’ by Michael Wolff where Bannon allegedly made controversial remarks about the President and his family leading to their fallout.
Post-White House Activities
1. Continued Political Influence: Explain how Bannon remained an influential figure, domestically and internationally, after leaving the Trump Administration by maintaining strong connections with conservative think-tanks and far-right European political parties.
2. Border Wall Project: Teach students about the private border wall project backed by Bannon called, “We Build the Wall,” which ultimately led to his arrest on fraud charges in 2020.
3. Recent Engagements: Update students on Bannon’s most recent endeavors, such as his podcast, “War Room: Pandemic,” which covers an array of political and social issues.
Teaching Tips
1. Utilize Multimedia Resources: Supplement lectures with videos, interviews, and podcasts featuring Bannon to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of his views and roles.
2. Encourage Critical Thinking: Guide students in analyzing both positive and negative aspects of Bannon’s influence to develop their ability to think critically about significant political figures.
3. Foster Constructive Discussions: Promote inclusive classroom discussions where students can openly share their opinions and debate ideas without fear or judgment.
In conclusion, teaching students about Steve Bannon requires a balanced approach that includes historical context, ideological analysis, and open discussions to make the classroom an engaging learning environment. Following this guide can help educators convey the importance of understanding diverse political spectrums and foster an informed dialogue among students.
