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8th Grade Social Studies: US/NC History

Themes:
 * 1) 1. Immigration and the struggle of immigrants
 * 2) 2.American Wars
 * 3) 3.Industrialization and its effects on society
 * 4) 4.The Struggle for Social Justice
 * 5) 5.The impact of isolationism, imperialism, nationalism and internationalism on the evolution of the American political system
 * 6) 6. Colonization and settlement


 * Expanded Theme: **
 * Theme #1: ** The Struggle for Social Justice is a one that has been going on since the start of America and that continues to rage on as we move into the future. The first people to colonize America invaded what was already home for Native Americans and they claimed it as their own. African slaves were brought against their will to “the New World” and owned as property. America’s roots led to the persisting systematic inequality that all those who aren’t rich, white, straight Christian males still may face today. This theme can consists of topics like woman’s suffrage, the civil rights movement, abortion, death penalty, labor laws, etc. Because this issue is one that continues to present itself pretty much weekly in America, students will have no problem connecting it to their own lives. An awareness of social justice issues is so important for any students from any background to possess.

Susan B. Anthony- She was a feminist social reformer who played a key role in the woman’s suffrage movement. She was born into a Quaker family that instilled in her strong morals regarding social justice. She was very active in temperance, which means that se was against the abuse of alcoholic beverages. She, along with Elizabeth lady Stanton dedicated her life to woman's suffrage and in 1900, she persuaded the University of Rochester to admit women. Students, especially female students would definitely enjoy learning about the accomplishments of women. Oftentimes, men are the only individuals considered national heroes. Frederick Douglass- Frederick Douglass was a former slave who eventually went on to become an African American abolitionist and writer. He lectured about anti-slavery and convinced Lincoln to let African Americans fight in the Civil War. He helped push the Emancipation Proclamation. It is important for students to know the power of a single voice. Richard Nixon- Nixon is one of the former presidents of the United States. He was in office when abortion was legalized. However, he didn't come out with a public statement. Tapes were later released that revealed Nixon's true feelings about abortion. Nixon said that abortion "breaks the family" but said it certain cases it was necessary, like "when you have a black and a white...or a rape." It is interested for students to know that even though a motion or law may be passed or overturned, the commander and chief may or may not agree with said law or motion.
 * Essential or Highlighted Individuals: **

The Bill of Rights- The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments of the United States Constitution. they list the fundamental rights of citizens of the United States. Rights include the right to bear arms, right to a fair trail, freedoms of speech, petitions and assembly, etc. Students need to know their rights and how often or not often these rights are questioned and disputed. Emancipation Proclamation- issued on January 1, 1863. It led the way to total abolition of slavery. It declared that "all persons held as slaves...are, and henceforward shall be free." This allowed freed slaves and free black to become a part of the Union army. This contributed to the Union victory and their own freedom cause. Slavery is so important to American history and its abolition changed America forever. I think students would be intrigued but the fact that many African Americans actually physically fought for their freedom in the civil war. Roe vs. Wade Case Brief- Roe v. wade was a Supreme Court decision that declared a state law that banned abortions unconstitutional. Abortion is very sensitive topic even today so the fact that it is now legal is very important. Students can formulate their own opinions and decide if they lean towards pro-life or pro-choice.
 * Core Texts: **

John Rolfe and Pocahontas: John Rolfe arrived with the Jamestown settlement and married the daughter of a Native American chief, Pocahontas. Students enjoy this topic simply because of the Disney movie. William Penn: He was a Quaker who founded Pennsylvania colony as a refuge for Quakers and other people in the religious minority. It is important for students to know that America was founded my many groups seeking relief from religious persecution. Anne Hutchinson: She is known for her liberal religious views and was defendant in the trials at the Massachusetts Bay Colony. She was one of the first female activists. Magna Carta: Established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, also known as "freedom under law." Plays a key role in American constitutional law. Excerpt from the Mayflower Compact: This was the first written framework of government established in the colonies. It served a precedent for the future American government. Students will probably be intrigued by how different and how similar or government is now. Slave ship drawing: This drawing helps to visualize slave quarters during the transatlantic slave trade. Students need to know just how horrific conditions were for African slaves.
 * Condensed Themes: **
 * Theme #2: ** Colonization and settlement is an important theme in United States history, and specifically North Carolina history. European settlers traveled to the New World for a multitude of reasons that included the desire for more wealth, to escape religious strife, and the toll of war and horrible economic situations. America would not be without its history of colonization. Students would enjoy learning about the roots of America and how many tries it took to make the New World stick. Topics could include the Jamestown colony, the Ohio River Valley, the lost colony, etc.
 * Essential or Highlighted Individuals: **
 * Core Texts: **

President Barack Obama: He is a known advocate for legal immigration. Obama's plan to keep millions of illegal immigrants from being deported was shot down by the Supreme Court. Lyndon B. Johnson: He was a former president who signed the landmark immigration reform bill, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This changed the demographics of American greatly. Eliseo Medina: Mexican labor union activist and advocate for immigration reform. He has worked to help organize the Latino vote. DREAM Act: Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minor, grant conditional residency and later permanent residency. Immigrants who came to the US as children who go to college or serve in the military can be granted citizenship. some students may know someone or actually be a part of this program. // West Side Story // play: This play broke ground for Puerto Ricans in entertainment and it addressed immigration. Students would enjoy watching the original or the newer version in class. Proposition 187: The goal of this California proposition was to make illegal aliens ineligible for public benefits. It was never enforced.
 * Theme #3: ** Immigration and the struggle of immigrants is an issue that is very much alive. Political stances regarding immigration are definitely a factor that voters take into consideration when deciding whom they want to put in office. Students need to be aware of the impact of immigration on the United States, past and present, and they would definitely be excited to form their own opinion on the issue. Topics could include illegal immigration, refugee policies, border enforcement, etc.
 * Essential or Highlighted Individuals: **
 * Core Texts: **

Abraham Lincoln: He was president and a prominent leader during the Civil War. Honest Abe is always an interesting person for students to learn about. George W. Bush: He was president during the 9/11 attacks in New York. Middle schoolers weren't alive for this but the only world that they know were shaped by that event in history and Bush's presidency. George Washington: He was president and leader of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Students love learning about the first president with the wooden teeth. Uncle Tom’s Cabin: by Harriet Beecher Stowe is an anti-slavery novel that “helped lay the groundwork for the civil war.” This novel helped readers empathize with slaves. Common Sense by Thomas Paine: Pamphlet written that advocated for independence from Great Britain for the 13 colonies. Americans began to crave independence and this resulted in the Revolutionary War. Treaty of Paris: This treaty ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.
 * Theme #4: ** The wars that took place on American soil each made everlasting impacts and forever changed the history of this country. Students need to know the causes and effects of these wars so that they can understand why America is the way that it is. Students will be intrigued by specific battles and also inspired by the individuals that played a key role in transforming our country. Topics could include the Korean War, the Battle of Gettysburg, the war in Afghanistan, etc.
 * Essential or Highlighted Individuals: **
 * Core Texts: **

Thomas Edison: He was an American inventor (lightbulb, phonograph, motion picture, camera, etc.). His inventions (especially the lightbulb) revolutionized the way that people lived. John D. Rockefeller: He was American oil industry tycoon considered to be the wealthiest American of all time. I think students would like to hear about the richest American of all time and why Rockefeller is a household name. Eli Whitney: He invented the cotton gin, which sped up cotton production significantly. Cotton clothes and material are everywhere so his impact is influential to all of our lives. // Progress and Poverty // by Henry George: “T his classic work is an enquiry into the cause of industrial depressions and the persistence of poverty amid advancing wealth.” It seeks to explain why poverty exists. // Gospel of Wealth // by Andrew Carnegie: describes the responsibility of philanthropy by the new upper class of self-made rich. Carnegie himself kind of represents the "american dream. Photo of Henry Ford standing next to one of his Model T automobiles: First car to be sold for little money which made transportation easier and more affordable. Students know the Ford brand name.
 * Theme #5: ** Industrialization and its effects on society: Industrialization truly transformed American society. Wealthy industrialists emerged as well as the middle class and the blue-collar working class. Immigrants were coming to America by the millions and American society became more diverse. Students will definitely enjoy learning about life before and after the industrialization revolution and the technological revolution. They probably can’t even comprehend a life without smartphones, electricity and automobiles. This unit would be insightful for them. Topics can include the transformation of the textile industry, the steam engine, the New York Stock Exchange, etc.
 * Essential or Highlighted Individuals: **
 * Core Texts: **

Alexander Hamilton: On the Rutgers v. Washington case, which led to the creation of judicial review. Judicial review helps to maintain validity and fairness. Franklin Roosevelt: His "New Deal" brought America back from the Great Depression. Liberals vs. Conservatives: Liberal policies generally emphasize the need for the government to solve problems. Conservatives believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense. Magna Carta: established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, also known as "freedom under law." Plays a key role in American constitutional law. The Constitution: established American fundamental and government laws and guarantees rights for the citizens. Students need to know their rights and the rights of Americans. Strive and Succeed by Horatio Alger Jr: This was a commentary on “The American Dream.” Can hard work really take one from rags to riches?
 * Theme #6: ** The impact of isolationism, imperialism, nationalism and internationalism on the evolution of the American political system: Liberty and equality are rights that America claims to offer. However, the way America has gone about maintaining order over the years has changed time and time again. Students will be excited to learn about how our political system has attempted to control Americans. They can compare then to now. Topics may include federalism, McCullough vs. Maryland, the Watergate scandal, etc.
 * Essential or Highlighted Individuals: **
 * Core Texts: **