Unit Name:
Timeframe:
Unit 1-Colonial America
3 Weeks
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Unit Focus:
Essential
Questions:
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1.
2.
British motivation for exploration
Development of political structures in different
colonies
Geographic impact and economic development of
New England, Middle, and Southern colonies
Major cultural differences between different North
American tribes
European interaction with Native Americans
British mercantilist policy and the Triangular Trade
Impact of salutary neglect
Causes leading up to the French-Indian War
Lasting impact of the French-Indian War on the
relationship between Britain and its colonies
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How democratic was Colonial America?
How does geography shape socio-economic
development?
This unit will focus on the economic, religious, and
social factors that caused European nations to explore
the new world, with a primary focus on Great Britain.
Students will analyze and explore the political,
economic, religious, and social differences of the New
England, Middle and Southern colonies.
Unit Overview:
Unit 2- The American Revolution
3 Weeks
Additionally, students will analyze the causes and
outcomes of the French and Indian War and how it
planted the seeds of the American Revolution and
altered the relationship between Great Britain and its
colonies.
Unit 3- Shaping A Nation
4 Weeks
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Revolutionary ideals brought on by the Enlightenment
New economic policies from Parliament and colonial
response (1764-1774)
The Declaration of Independence as a blueprint for
democracy
Military strategies and the importance of international
support
The economic costs of the war
Impact of the war on women, African Americans and
Loyalists
New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history
1.
Under what circumstances is a revolution justifiable?
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2.
The identity and sense of independence rooted in the
colonial experience forged the creation of a revolutionary
ideology. The American Revolution gave birth to a new
nation that was born out of philosophical shift in the
relationship between the citizen and his/her government.
The students will access prior knowledge by reviewing 18th
century Enlightenment ideals that helped to shape the
revolutionary ideology of the colonies, and analyze how
these ideals were put to paper in the Declaration of
Independence, which remains a blueprint for democracy.
Students will analyze the abuse of power by the British
government and the extent to which that facilitated the
birth of the American Revolution.
The students will then discuss the war itself; the military
strategies used by the British and the Colonists; the
economic costs of the war; and the impact of the war on
the people and the colonies.
Common Formal
Assessment:
Revised 8/26/12
Successes and failures of the Continental
Congress and the Articles of Confederation
Key compromises made at the 1787
Constitutional Convention
The key components of the Constitution, i.e.
separation of powers, federalism, electoral
college process, judicial review, and the
amendment process
Debate between the Federalists and AntiFederalists and the ratification of the Bill of
Rights
What it the proper role of the government in
the economy and society?
Do the principles embodied in the Constitution
truly illustrate the ideals of democratic
government?
Now that the colonies had gained freedom, the
Federalists and Anti-Federalists waged
philosophical war against one another as they tried
to shape the public’s opinion about where power
should lie: with the various state government’s or
with the new federal government.
The unit will begin with a discussion of the failure
of the Articles of Confederation and how this
failure helped to shape the American political
system.
Students will then discuss the body of the
constitution and how the three branches of
government were created as way of separating the
powers of government.
Lastly, students will analyze the Bill of Rights and
the amendment process and how this helps to keep
the constitution relevant to every new generation.
(6.1.12.A.1.a) Explain how British North American
colonies adapted the British governance structure to fit
their ideas of individual rights, economic growth, and
participatory government.
(6.1.12.A.1.b) Analyze how gender, property ownership,
religion, and legal status affected political rights.
(6.1.12.B.1.a) Relate regional geographic variations
(e.g., climate, soil conditions, and other natural
resources) to economic development in the New World.
NJCCCS
Addressed in the
Unit:
(6.1.12.C.1.a) Explain how economic ideas and the
practices of mercantilism and capitalism conflicted
during this time period.
(6.1.12.C.1.b) Determine the extent to which natural
resources, labor systems (i.e., the use of indentured
servants, African slaves, and immigrant labor), and
entrepreneurship contributed to economic development
in the American colonies.
(6.1.12.D.1.a) Explain the consequences to Native
American groups of the loss of their land and people.
(6.1.12.A.2.a) Analyze the intellectual origins of the major
ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
(6.1.12.A.2.b) Evaluate the importance of the Declaration
of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights to
the spread of democracy around the world.
(6.1.12.C.2.a) Analyze the problems of financing the
American Revolutionary War and dealing with wartime
inflation and profiteering.
(6.1.12.C.2.b) Explain the effects of inflation, debt, and
attempts by new state and national governments to rebuild
the economy by addressing issues of foreign and internal
trade, banking, and taxation.
(6.1.12.A.2.b) Evaluate the importance of the
Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and
the Bill of Rights to the spread of democracy
around the world.
(6.1.12.A.2.c) Compare and contrast state
constitutions, including New Jersey’s 1776
constitution, with the United States Constitution,
and determine their impact on the development of
American constitutional government.
(6.1.12.A.2.d) Compare and contrast the arguments
of Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the
ratification debates, and assess their continuing
relevance.
(6.1.12.D.2.a) Analyze contributions and perspectives of
African Americans, Native Americans, and women during
the American Revolution.
(6.1.12.A.2.e) Explain how judicial review made
the Supreme Court an influential branch of
government, and assess the continuing impact of
the Supreme Court today.
(6.1.12.D.2.c) Relate events in Europe to the development
of American trade and American foreign and domestic
policies.
(6.1.12.B.2.b) Evaluate the effectiveness of the
Northwest Ordinance in resolving disputes over
Western lands and the expansion of slavery.
(6.1.12.D.2.d) Analyze arguments for new women’s roles
and rights, and explain why 18th-century society limited
women’s aspirations
(6.1.12.D.2.b) Explain why American ideals put
forth in the Constitution (i.e., due process, rule of
law, and individual rights) have been denied to
different groups of people throughout time.
Revised 8/26/12
Unit Name:
Timeframe:
Unit Focus:
Unit 4-The Federalist Era
2 weeks
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1.
Essential
Questions:
Unit Overview:
2.
Unit 5-The Age of Jefferson & the War of 1812
2 ½ weeks
Hamilton’s Economic Plan
Taxes, Tariffs, the Federal Budget & Trade Issues
Development of political factions and parties
Elections of 1789 and 1796
Alien & Sedition Acts
Washington’s Farewell Address
Neutrality Proclamation 0f 1793
Relations with England, France, and Spain and the
impact on America
Navigation on the Seas – Impressment, blockades
Impact of Native Americans on the impact into
Ohio Valley
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What should be the role of the American
government in foreign affairs?
What are the pros and cons of a bipartisan
government?
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2.
3.
Unit 6- The Age of Jackson
2 ½ weeks
Election of 1800
Taxes, Tariffs, the Federal Budget & Trade Issues
Marbury v. Madison & Judicial Review
Relations with England, France, & Spain
Burr Conspiracy
Navigation on Seas – Barbary Pirates, Impressment,
blockades
Debate over the War of 1812
Impact of Native Americans on expansion into
Louisiana Territory
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To what extent can the chief executive guide and
shape the development of a country?
What qualities make a good leader?
How does a country balance national and sectional
interests?
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Causes and effect of President Jackson’s
policies on both the North and the South
Analysis of the changing political landscape
relating to new political parties
Jackson’s policies toward Native Americans
How Jackson reshaped the role of the
executive
When does the President have too much
power?
Following the adoption of the constitution, the newly
established government, led by George Washington, set
the course for the new nation.
In reaction to the Federalist Era, Thomas Jefferson brings
the ideals of the Democratic-Republicans to the White
House.
The Era of Good feelings ended with the Election
of 1824 and Jackson’s relentless campaigning to
win in 1828.
In this unit, students will analyze the philosophical
differences that led to the rise of political parties and the
tradition of a bi-partisan government. Students will
measure how, under the Adams administration, the
government endures the first great test of American
Democracy with the adoption of the Alien and Sedition
Acts.
Students will examine how the birth of the 19th century
gives rise to new challenges and struggles for the fledgling
nation, both home and abroad. Thomas Jefferson makes
his mark on the American presidency and greatly expands
the nation’s size, while the War of 1812 helps to contribute
to a growing sense of nationalism in the United States and
ushers in the Era of Good Feelings.
Students examine the controversial nature of the
presidency of Andrew Jackson. Students will
analyze how he expanded the power of the
presidency beyond those powers extended to him in
Article II by his treatment of Native Americans,
destruction of the National Bank, and the
implementation of the Tariff of 1829.
Although Jackson portrays himself as the president
of the common man, many claim that he ruled his
presidency like a king.
Common Formal
Assessment:
Revised 8/26/12
(6.1.12.A.2.f) Examine the emergence of early political
parties and their views on centralized government and
foreign affairs, and compare these positions with those
of today’s political parties.
(6.1.12.B.2.a) Analyze how the United States has
attempted to account for regional differences while also
striving to create an American identity.
NJCCCS
Addressed in the
Unit:
(6.1.12.D.2.c) Relate events in Europe to the development
of American trade and American foreign and domestic
policies.
(6.1.12.A.3.b) Determine the extent to which America’s
foreign policy (i.e., Tripoli pirates, the Louisiana Purchase,
the War of 1812, the Monroe Doctrine, the War with
Mexico, and Native American removal) was influenced by
perceived national interest.
(6.1.12.C.2.b) Explain the effects of inflation, debt, and
attempts by new state and national governments to
rebuild the economy by addressing issues of foreign and
internal trade, banking, and taxation.
(6.1.12.A.3.c) Assess the role of geopolitics in the
development of American foreign relations during this
period.
(6.1.12.D.2.c) Relate events in Europe to the
development of American trade and American foreign
and domestic policies.
(6.1.12.A.3.d) Describe how the Supreme Court increased
the power of the national government and promoted
national economic growth during this era.
(6.1.12.A.3.g) Determine the extent to which state and
local issues, the press, the rise of interest-group politics,
and the rise of party politics impacted the development
of democratic institutions and practices.
(6.1.12.B.3.a) Assess the impact of Western settlement on
the expansion of United States political boundaries.
Revised 8/26/12
(6.1.12.A.3.b) Determine the extent to which
America’s foreign policy (i.e., Tripoli pirates, the
Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, the Monroe
Doctrine, the War with Mexico, and Native
American removal) was influenced by perceived
national interest.
(6.1.12.A.3.e) Judge the fairness of government
treaties, policies, and actions that resulted in Native
American migration and removal.
(6.1.12.A.3.g) Determine the extent to which state
and local issues, the press, the rise of interest-group
politics, and the rise of party politics impacted the
development of democratic institutions and
practices.
(6.1.12.D.3.c) Assess how states' rights (i.e.,
Nullification) and sectional interests influenced
party politics and shaped national policies (i.e., the
Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of
1850).
Unit Name:
Timeframe:
Unit Focus:
Essential
Questions:
Unit 7-The Age of Expansion & Reform
2 weeks
Unit 8-The Antebellum Period
1-2 weeks
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Manifest Destiny
Abolitionist Movement
Women’s Rights
Educational Reform
Transcendentalist Movement
Second Great Awakening
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Compromise of 1850
Wilmot Proviso
Kansas Nebraska Act
Popular sovereignty
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Dred Scott v. Sanford
Know Nothing Party
Bleeding Kansas
John Brown
Election of 1860
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
LeCompton Constitution
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1.
How do technological advances impact a nation’s
landscape?
Why do individuals seek to transform society?
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2.
Can an individual impact the course of history?
What are the moral implications of human
oppression?
How does a nation arrive at civil war?
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During Jackson’s presidency, the common man found
his voice and called for reform.
Unit Overview:
Unit 9-The Civil War
3-4 weeks
Students will analyze how the rapid expansion and
transformation of the American economy contributed to
regional tensions, social reform, political compromises,
and an expansion of democratic processes.
Students will analyze how the Antebellum Period is a
product of the Reform Era and the birth of the Abolitionist
Movement.
Students will assess to what extent the failure to
compromise over the issue of slavery, compounded by a
lack of leadership on both sides of the aisle, ultimately led
to dissolution of the union.
The political parties of the time possessed different views
on the extension of slavery into the new territories.
Common Formal
Assessment:
Revised 8/26/12
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Anaconda Plan
Confederacy
Emancipation Proclamation
Advantages & disadvantages of the North &
South
Gettysburg
Gettysburg Address
A selection of various battles
Appomattox Courthouse
Was the Civil War inevitable?
How did the Civil War redefine the role and
power of the Federal Government?
The Civil War was a culmination of the ideological
conflict that had long been rooted in the
constitution, between those who supported the
power of the states versus those who supported the
Federal Government.
Students will analyze how it redefined the meaning
of what it meant to be a nation, as well as what it
meant to be an American citizen. They will
evaluate differences in leadership and military
campaigns throughout the war, and how they
affected its outcome.
NJCCCS
Addressed in the
Unit:
Revised 8/26/12
Unit Name:
Timeframe:
Unit 10-Reconstruction
2-3 weeks
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Radical Republicans
Wade Davis Bill
Lincoln’s Plan for Reconstruction
Reconstruction Act of 1867
Sharecropping
Civil Rights Amendments
Impeachment of Johnson
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Capitalism
Sherman Anti-Trust Act
Captains of Industry
Monopoly
Laissez-faire
Trust
Gospel of Wealth
Social Darwinism
Unions
Haymarket Affair
Pullman Knights of Labor
Paterson Silk Strike
Chinese Exclusion Act
Great Migration
Populist Party
1.
Was reconstruction a success or failure?
1.
What should be the role of the government in the
economy?
How does government respond to the social issues
created by a changing technological and industrial
society?
Unit Focus:
Essential
Questions:
2.
Following the end of the Civil War, the nation faced the
great challenge of reconstruction. The period of
reconstruction attempted to give birth to a new nation in
the admission of the southern states back into Congress.
Students will analyze whether the ultimate goal of
reconstruction was to punish or reconcile.
Unit Overview:
Unit 11-Industrialization & The Gilded Age
2-3 weeks
Additionally, they will discuss how the 13th, 14th, and
15th Amendments attempted to change the status quo of
southern life with regards to the newly freed, former
slaves.
During the Reform Era the economic structure of the
nation was altered with the birth of the Industrial
Revolution.
Students will analyze how technological advancements in
transportation and industry helped to transform the nation
and particularly, the West. Students will assess to what
extent the Gilded Age gave rise to big business and put
wealth and power into the hands of a few due to laissezfaire policies enacted by the Federal Government.
The rapid expansion of business and the lack of support to
workers by the government allowed industry to dominate
the American landscape and oppress the American worker.
It also displaced and forced Native Americans off their
tribal lands and onto reservations.
Common Formal
Assessment:
Revised 8/26/12
NJCCCS
Addressed in the
Unit:
Revised 8/26/12