The Influencer

This activity requires students to compare and contrast Kate Chase, a prominent Washington socialite, with modern-day influencers.

Day 1: Introduction to Kate Chase

1. Hook (5 min): Show an image or video of a modern influencer. Ask: What makes this person influential?
2. Mini-Lecture (15 min): Present Kate Chase’s biography, focusing on her political savvy, fashion, and social power.
3. Class Reading (10–15 min): Read excerpts from the Kate Chase text in pairs or as a class.
4. Discussion (10 min): Why was Kate Chase considered a powerful woman in her time? What did she want? Who did she influence?

Day 2: Connecting Past and Present

1. Define Influencer (10 min): As a class, create a definition of “influencer” today. What tools do they use? What do they influence?
2. Venn Diagram Activity (15–20 min): Students compare Kate Chase to a modern influencer using a Venn diagram.
3. Group Share (10 min): Discuss overlaps and differences. Highlight concepts like public image, purpose, and methods of influence.

Day 3: Culminating Writing Activity

Writing Prompt:

Today, social media influencers shape trends in fashion, politics, and public opinion through their style, personality, and online presence. Although she lived long before social media, Kate Chase was a powerful influencer in Civil War-era Washington. She set fashion trends, hosted political events, and used her social standing to promote her father’s presidential ambitions.

In your writing, define what it means to be an influencer today. Then, compare and contrast Kate Chase’s influence in the 1800s to that of a modern-day influencer.
Would Kate Chase have thrived as a social media influencer today? Why or why not?

1. Independent Writing Time (30–40 min): Students respond to the prompt in essay form.
2. Optional Sharing (10 min): Volunteers share responses aloud or in small groups.