Subject Area American History -- Post Civil War to-present Grade 8 Date June 29, 2005 Month Content Standards Addressed Skills/Benchmarks Essential Questions Assessments Chapter 18-21 Reshaping the nation and the Emergence of Modern America, 1877-1916 The student will analyze the transformation of the American economy and the changing social and political conditions in response to the Industrial Revolution. Students will understand that discoveries of gold and silver drew thousands of fortune seekers to the West. impact of settlers moving west after the Civil War. How did the rush to find gold and silver change the West? In what ways did the transcontinental railroad help to boost the American economy? s Letter describing mining experience Historical Resources The students will begin to use historical resources. changes the Plains Native Americans were forced to make when white people settled their lands. Students will describe how farmers worked together to try to improve their situation during the late 1800 s. What affect did the United States government and white settlers have on the traditional Native American way of life? In what ways can groups of people try to improve their conditions? Poster analyzing westward expansion Map on immigration Creation of a Hull House for today Creation of a Bookmark on famous person changes brought about by the rapid growth of railroads. How did the change in transportation affect people and our country? Students will identify major inventions and inventors of the late 1800 s and early 1900 s. How do we benefit from inventions? The Market Economy (Micro Economics) business organizations, market structures, and financial institutions that operate within our economy. Students will understand how the growth of corporations in industries influenced economic developments. How is the American economy affected by corporations?
Historical Inquiry The student will apply research skills by investigating a topic in United States history. working conditions found in industries and the efforts of workers to organize and improve those conditions. opportunities and hardships that many immigrants faced in the United States. Why did workers think that forming organized labor unions would help them get what they wanted from employers? What were some of the cultural differences that immigrants had to adjust to in the United States? Students will understand why cities changed during the late 1800 s. What efforts were taken to improve living conditions in the cities? changing culture in the urban population. In what ways did urban populations become more educated? Civic Values, Skills, Rights and Responsibilities. Ch.21 (sec 4)-Ch. 22 World Wars and the Emergence of Modern America, 1900 1930 s. The student will recognize the importance of individual action and character in shaping civic life. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political, geographical, cultural, social, and economic forces shaping the modern United States. The student will demonstrate impact of the Progressive Movement on child labor and the working conditions; the rise of organized labor; women s suffrage and the temperance movement, and identify the contributions of individuals in these movements. Students will identify and understand the struggles and contributions of African American leaders of this period. expansion of American economic, political, and What were three reforms that gave the American people more direct control of the government? In what ways did women try to improve the conditions of others? How did the views of Booker T. Washington differ from those of W.E.B. Du Bois? What economic reasons did the United States have for expanding its foreign interests? Newscast on one event from the Spanish-American War.
Western Civilizations, Age of Revolution and Reaction, 1640 1920 AD Ch. 23 World Wars and the Emergence of Modern America, 1900 1930 s. knowledge of the rise of colonialism and its effects worldwide. World War I, its causes and effects. military power around the world. Students will know and understand the reasons for the Spanish-American war and its resulting impact. factors that led to World War I. Students will know and understand the reasons for the United States neutrality and delayed entry and involvement in World War I. What was the purpose of the Roosevelt Corollary? How did the United States role in global affairs grow after the Spanish-American War? What factors led to World War I? Why do people respond to war in different ways? Tracing the War s Conclusion (TM p. 678) Historical Inquiry The student will analyze historical evidence and draw conclusions. Students will describe how the entry of the United States into the war turned the tide against Germany. What role did the American troops play in the fighting? economic challenges and opportunities at home during World War I. Where did the United States get most of the money to finance the war? Ch. 25 26 A World at War, 1930 s 1945. The students will understand and analyze the economic, social, and political transition of the United States before, during and after World War II. Students will describe President Wilson s peace plan and why people opposed it. Students will identify the causes of the 1929 stock market crash and explore the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. How did President Wilson think the League of Nations would help maintain world peace? How did the trend of buying on credit in the 1920 s affect banks during the Depression?
The Market Economy (Micro Economics) The National Economy (Macro Economics) business organizations, market structures, and financial institutions that operate within our economy. the economic activities of government. Students will describe President Roosevelt s New Deal and Second New Deal programs in order to rectify the economic problems of the country. Students will analyze how the Depression affected minority groups. How did Hoover s and Roosevelt s programs to combat the Depression differ? How did the Depression affect minority groups? Poster illustrating the New Deal programs Research paper on a topic related to WWII: leaders, events, battles. The National Economy (Macro Economics) the concepts that measure the national economy. Students will describe dictators in several countries that threatened world peace and the attempts by the United States to follow a policy of neutrality. What goals did the leaders of the nations of Germany, Italy, and Japan share in the 1930 s? Historical Inquiry The students will present and explain the findings of a research project. Students will recognize major events, battles and significant leaders in World War II and analyze their impact. Why did the Allies focus first on the war in Europe rather than on the war in the Pacific? What was significant about the Battle of Midway? Ch. 27-31 Post World War II Era, 1945 1980. The student will analyze the economic, social, and political transformation of the United States and the world between the end of World War II and the present. Students will evaluate the impact of World War II on the home front and on American culture. Students will describe how events at the end of World War II led to the beginnings of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. How did wartime industrial production help the American economy recover from the Depression? What was the purpose of the Truman Doctrine? How did the Marshall Plan help to contain the spread of communism? causes, strategies, and What was the outcome of the Korean War? Poster analyzing the Cold War, Korean War, or
effects of the Korean War. Vietnam War fear of communism in American life. Students will examine the economic growth and prosperity felt by some Americans while the rural and urban poor were suffering in the 1950 s. Who did the government respond to the growing fears of communism? What factors helped the economy grow during the 1950 s? How did the mass movement to the suburbs affect inner cities? Journal entries surrounding the Civil Rights movement. Beliefs and Principles of United States Democracy The student will explain the importance of law in the American constitutional system. Students will explore the efforts of African Americans, women, disabled Americans, native Americans, and Hispanic Americans to gain equal rights and opportunities. causes of the Vietnam War and its lingering effects. Why do you think the civil rights movement gained momentum during the 1960 s? Why did most Americans support the war effort during World War II, but many did not support the Vietnam War? Students will explore the issues surrounding the Nixon administration and the Carter administration. What were the negative effects that the Watergate scandal had on the presidencies of Nixon and Ford? Which presidential candidate would you have voted for in 1980? Explain why. Ch. 32 Contemporary America, 1980 present. The student will recognize the opportunities and challenges facing the united States and explore its role in the world since 1989. Students will explore the issues surrounding the Reagan administration, Clinton administration and the two Bush What responses, solutions, or counterterrorist measures might be necessary for some of the acts of terrorism mentioned in this class?
administrations. Why is having a sound economy good for an incumbent president? What events would you consider to be both successful and unsuccessful in Reagan s presidency? Paragraph describing measures necessary for acts of terrorism. Civic values, Skills, Rights and Responsibilities. the importance of participation in civic life and demonstrate effective civic skills process involved in voting in the United States. How does a person become a leader in our government? Participation in mock election or short journal entry.