Unit 3: ​The New republic 

"How do advancements affect a nation's identity?" 

Unit Description
In Unit Three students learn about the early years of the United States. After creating the Constitution the founding fathers put the constitutional principles into action and began governing the new nation. The new nation faced many domestic and foreign challenges and struggled to develop a sound governing style. The United States needed a government that would be aligned with the principles that the colonists fought so hard to preserve, while also meeting the needs of a brand new nation.

Topic 1: Governing the New Nation

Students investigate the presidency of George Washington through analyzing both domestic challenges (Native American Policy and the Whiskey Rebellion among others) and foreign policy issues (The French Revolution, Jay and Pinckney Treaties, and Neutrality Proclamation) in order to determine how those events, along with precedents set during the Washington administration, advanced the nation and impacted national identity.
Standards: (7.1.1-7.1.5; 7.2.4; 7.5.1-7.5.3, 7.7.1, 7.8.8, 7.9.3, 7.10.5, 7.11.1-7.11.3)

key questions

  • How did our notion of the early American identity shape the founding principles of the US government?
  • What impact did the political and economic policies of the Washington and Adams presidencies have on the foundation of U.S. government and foreign policy?
  • What did the United States stand to gain by remaining neutral in foreign affairs?
  • ​What impact has the development of political parties had on the development of the American identity?
  • ​What are the differences between Alexander Hamilton’s vision of America and Thomas Jefferson’s vision for America?

assessments

  • Students complete a textual analysis of Washington’s Farewell Address.
  • Students analyze the foreign challenges facing the Washington Administration and complete a graphic organizer.
  • ​Students analyze the domestic challenges facing the Washington Administration and complete a graphic organizer.
  • Students write a one to two paragraph essay on the immediate and long term impact that George Washington had on creating the office of the Presidency.
  • Students analyze the XYZ Affair and complete Analyzing the XYZ Affair graphic organizer. Collect these for a grade.

Topic 2: ​The Jefferson Era

Students analyze the social, political, and economic impact of expansion and conflict during the Jefferson Presidency. Expansion in the United States caused conflicts with Native Americans as well as war with England.
Standards: (7.1.1-7.1.5; 7.2.4; 7.3.1, 7.3.2, 7.5.1-7.5.3, 7.7.1, 7.8.8, 7.9.2, 7.9.3, 7.11.3)

Key Questions

  • How did Jefferson limit the power of government? 
  • How did Jefferson's ideas about government help define the American identity during the early 1800’s? 
  • Why was control of the Mississippi River important to the future of American growth and expansion?
  • What were the social, political, and economic influences of the Louisiana Purchase? 
  • How did the Louisiana Purchase alter the American identity?
  • What impact did the War of 1812 have on the American identity?
  • ​What impact did the Monroe Doctrine have on American foreign policy?

Assessments

  • Students explore the political ideology of President Jefferson and complete a graphic organizer by analyzing how Jefferson limited government. Check for accuracy.
  • Students analyze the domestic challenges facing the Jefferson administration and complete a graphic organizer
  • Students complete a writing prompt on the causes of the War of 1812 and how it impacted America’s identity.
  • Students work with partners and in groups to explore various documents about Jefferson’s political vision and engage in class discussions. Use a discussion tracker to keep track of students’ contributions to the discussion and use this information to assign a grade to students.
  • ​Students answer questions about the social and economic impact of the Louisiana Purchase with a partner. Ifcompleted in writing, collect these for a grade.

Topic 3:  Jacksonian Democracy 

Students analyze the causes and effects of conflict between Native Americans and white settlers. Before becoming president of the United States Andrew Jackson made his mark on the country as a war veteran in the War of 1812 and the Indian Wars. Of all the presidents before him, Andrew Jackson had the harshest Indian policy toward Native Americans.
Standards: (7.1.1-7.1.5, 7.3.1-2, 7.3.4-5, 7.5.1-.3, 7.6.1, 7.6.3-4, 7.7.1, 7.8.8, 7.9.2-3, 7.11.1-3)

Key questions

  • How did territorial and economic expansion create conflict and how were these conflicts resolved?
  • How did American government and democracy change during the presidency of Andrew Jackson?
  • To what extent did Andrew Jackson make the US more democratic?
  • With expansion and economic success, what growing pains did our young country face?
  • How did the relationship between Native Americans and white settlers change during the early 18th century?
  • What impact did Indian Removal have on Native Americans in the southeastern United States?

Assessments

  • Students examine the Election of 1824 and determine if there was a “Corrupt Bargain” between two of the candidates and complete a graphic organizer.
  • Students examine the social, political, and economic impact of John Quincy Adams’ presidency and complete a graphic organizer.
  • Students examine the social, political, and economic impact of Andrew Jackson’s presidency and complete a graphic organizer
  • Student compare and contrast historical events during the presidency of Andrew Jackson and complete a graphic organizer.
  • Student analyze the relationship between Native Americans and White Settlers during the early 18th century and complete a series of document based reading questions.
  • Students analyze Andrew Jackson message to Congress concerning the removal of Native Americans and complete a graphic organizer.

Unit 3 videos