How did Lincoln’s plan for Reconstruction aim to restore the Union and promote equality for all citizens? This lesson and activity examines President Lincoln’s reconstruction plans - including the Ten Percent Plan - for the South after the Civil War. Students will analyze documents including primary source resources to determine how Lincoln planned to restore the Union and attempt equality for formerly enslaved persons. Included in this resource: Do Now primary source analysis and questions - Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address Post-Civil War problems and solutions critical thinking activity - What solutions would you as President create based off of the following problems? Lincoln’s Plan for Reconstruction reading passage with scaffolding questions Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction paraphrased draft reading with scaffolding questions Summing it up conclusions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Question - How did Lincoln plan to allow Southern states to rejoin the Union under his Ten Percent Plan? ★ Please Note: I execute this lesson with my 8th grade honors students and my 11th grade gen-ed students. Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2023 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did President Lincoln try to preserve the Union? This lesson and activity examines President Lincoln’s decision making and wartime actions taken during the Civil War. Students will analyze documents including primary source resources and political cartoons to determine how President Lincoln tried to preserve the Union. Included in this resource: Complete lesson plan Do Now document analysis questions - Horace Greeley’s “Prayer of Twenty Millions” Six “stations”/documents/resources with scaffolding questions corresponding to each Station #1: President Lincoln’s response letter to Horace Greeley Station #2: Photograph of President Lincoln on the battlefield of Antietam Station #3: Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation primary source excerpt and Lincoln writing the Emancipation Proclamation lithograph Station #4: Proclamation Suspending the Writ of Habeas Corpus primary source document and Debating Habeas Corpus: Atlas and Argus and the New York Times primary source documents Station #5: The Political Rail Splitter and the National Game political cartoons Station #6: Portraits of Mr. Lincoln - Mathew Brady’s 1860 portrait of Mr. Lincoln and the Lincoln Memorial Statue Graphic organizer to record conclusions and notes Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Question - Think about the exhibits and documents you saw today analyzing Lincoln’s actions. After the Civil War, what do you believe will be America’s goals for the South? Group numbers ★ Please Note: I execute this lesson with my 9th grade honors students and my 11th grade gen-ed students. Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ★ This activity can be used during your Civil War unit or at the beginning of your Reconstruction unit. I tend to use it as the first lesson in my Reconstruction unit. ©2023 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did the differing approaches of Lincoln and Johnson to reconstruction reflect their contrasting views on the best way to reunite the country after the Civil War? This lesson examines Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson’s Reconstruction plan. Students will review and examine both plans to best conclude which plan should be implemented by Congress. Included in this resource: Do Now prior knowledge assessment - What challenges and post-war problems does President Johnson face after Lincoln’s assassination? Lincoln and Johnson Reconstruction Plans reading passage with guided questions Comparing Presidential Reconstruction Plans Activity Students will become members of Congress as they analyze the pros and cons of each presidential reconstruction plan They will create two to three questions to ask either Lincoln’s or Johnson’s team After the team presentations, they will vote on the best plan Some students will be on either Lincoln or Johnson’s team as: President Lincoln or Johnson Public Relations Person Chief Speech Writer Press Secretary ★ Please Note: I execute this lesson with my 8th grade honors students and my 11th grade gen-ed students. Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2023 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did the Oklahoma Land Rush and the concept of the “Sooners” reflect the broader American values of opportunity and competition during the end of the frontier era? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact of the Land Rush of 1889, the opening of Oklahoma, and the end of the frontier. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Harper’s Weekly “The Rush to Oklahoma” primary source article excerpt with scaffolding questions The End of the Frontier Era reading passage with scaffolding graphic organizer questions A Native American’s Perspective POV with scaffolding questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the closing of the American frontier, including events like the Oklahoma Land Rush impact the development of American identity and the relationship between settlers and Native American tribes? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did the rise of Populism and the results of the election of 1892 influence the economic policies that led to the Panic of 1893? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact of populism on the election of 1892 and the background of the Panic of 1893. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Primary Source song analysis and questions Populism, Election of 1892, Panic of 1893 reading passage with scaffolding graphic organizer questions Document analysis with scaffolding questions Document #1 - Election of 1892 electoral map Document #2 - Panic of 1893 primary source drawing Document #3 - “A Party of Patches” political cartoon Populists: Radicals or Reactionaries? reading passage with scaffolding questions Panic of 1893 POV with scaffolding questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why was the impact of Populism and the results of the election of 1892 significant in shaping the national response to the Panic of 1893? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did the Gold Standard restrict the supply of money, and why did supporters of the Free Silver Movement argue this was a problem for the economy? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact of the Gold Standard and Free Silver Movement. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Primary Source photograph analysis and questions Silver and Gold reading passage with scaffolding graphic organizer questions Primary source political cartoon analysis and scaffolding questions Create your own bumper sticker advocating or against the Gold Standard and/or Free Silver Movement Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why was the Gold Standard considered limited by some, and how did the Free Silver Movement propose to change the impact of this standard on the economy? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 change the relationship between the federal government and private businesses, particularly the railroads, in the United States? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. Students will analyze primary and secondary source documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. Included in this resource: Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 reading passage with corresponding multiple choice questions Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 primary source document with corresponding scaffolding questions Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

This primary source activity examines the trial and tribulations of a farmer during the westward expansion era. Students will analyze the primary source document answer corresponding scaffolding questions. Included in this resource: The Farmer is the Man primary source poem with scaffolding questions Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did Chester A. Arthur’s presidency contribute to the reform of the American civil service system, and what were the long-term effects of these reforms on the federal government’s operations? This lesson and activity examines the early life, education, background, presidency and legacy of President Chester A. Arthur. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Chester A. Arthur’s inaugural address primary source analysis and questions Chester A. Arthur document pass/station activity with corresponding scaffolding questions Document 1: Early Life and Career Document 2: Ascendancy to the Presidency Document 3: Tenure in Office - Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act 1883, Chinese Exclusion Act Document 4: Political Views Document 5: Legacy Spotlight On: Chester A. Arthur Chester A. Arthur POV and scaffolding questions Create a legacy brochure of Chester A. Arthur with rubric Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did Chester A. Arthur’s unexpected presidency impact the trajectory of United States governance, particularly in terms of civil service reform and government efficiency, and why do these changes remain significant in American political history? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did Grover Cleveland’s non-consecutive terms as President of the United States reflect and influence the political and economic challenges of the late 19th century? This lesson and activity examines the early life, education, background, presidency and legacy of President Grover Cleveland. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Grover Cleveland’s inaugural address primary source analysis and questions Grover Cleveland document pass/station activity with corresponding scaffolding questions Document 1: Early Life and Career Document 2: First Term 1885-1889 Electoral Victory and Reformist Agenda Tariff Reform Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) Document 3: Interterm Period Document 4: Second Term 1893-1897 Labor Unrest and the Pullman Strike Foreign Policy Document 5: Legacy Spotlight On: Grover Cleveland Grover Cleveland POV and scaffolding questions Create a legacy brochure of Grover Cleveland with rubric Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did Grover Cleveland’s approach to economic policy and reform during his presidencies impact the development of federal government policies and practices in the United States? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did James A. Garfield’s advocacy for civil service reform and his subsequent assassination influence the future direction of American political and administrative reforms? This lesson and activity examines the early life, education, background, presidency and legacy of President James Garfield. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - James A. Garfield’s presidency short reading passage analysis and questions James A. Garfield document pass/station activity with corresponding scaffolding questions Document 1: Humble Beginnings Document 2: Distinguished Military Service Document 3: Champion of Civil Rights and Government Reform Document 4: Brief Yet Impactful Presidency Document 5: Legacy of Leadership and Vision Spotlight On: James A. Garfield James Garfield POV and scaffolding questions Create a legacy brochure of James A. Garfield with rubric Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the assassination of President James Garfield catalyze the movement for civil service reform and ultimately shape the trajectory of American governmental practices? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

Why did the Long Walk of the Navajo and events like the Sand Creek Massacre, including the leadership of figures such as Chief Black Kettle, fundamentally alter the relationship between Native American tribes and the United States government? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact of the “Long Walk” of the Navajo, the Sand Creek Massacre, and the leadership of Chief Black Kettle. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - “Navajo Stories of the Long Walk Period” excerpt with scaffolding questions Experiences of Native American Peoples reading passage with scaffolding graphic organizer questions Document analysis Document #1 - The Long Walk primary source photo with analysis questions Document #2 - The Sand Creek Massacre primary source photo with analysis questions Document #3 - Chief Black Kettle primary source photo with analysis questions Chief Black Kettle POV with scaffolding questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the Long Walk of the Navajo and the Sand Creek Massacre impact the lives of Native American tribes and influence their future interactions with the United States? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

Why did farmers organize into groups like the National Grange, and how did cooperatives play a role in supporting their goals? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry and cooperatives had on the lives of farmers. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Primary Source photograph analysis and questions The Organization of Farmers reading passage with scaffolding graphic organizer questions The Homestead Act primary source text and scaffolding questions The Farmer is the Man primary source poem with scaffolding questions The Farmers Organize graphic with corresponding scaffolding questions Create your own poster advertising the National Grange activity with rubric A Farmer’s View POV and questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the formation of the National Grange and the establishment of cooperatives impact the lives of farmers and the agricultural industry in the United States? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did the Homestead Act facilitate the creation of new communities and economies in the American West? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact the Homestead Act of 1862 had on migrants who were later called homesteaders. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Primary Source photograph analysis and questions The Homestead Act reading passage with scaffolding graphic organizer questions The Homestead Act primary source text and scaffolding questions A Homesteader POV and questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the Homestead Act of 1862 impact the westward expansion of the United States? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

Why did cowboys, vigilantes, and ranchers play such a significant role in shaping the society and economy of the Wild West? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact cowboys, vigilantes, and ranchers had in shaping the “wild west.” Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Primary Source photograph analysis and questions Cowboys and the “Wild West” reading passage with graphic organizer questions Wyatt Earp: The Wild West’s Lawman reading passage and questions Wyatt Earp POV and questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did cowboys, vigilantes, and ranchers help shape the Wild West? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

Barbed Wire and the Closing of the Frontier - This lesson and activity examines the invention of barbed wire by Joseph Glidden and how the open frontier was closed. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. Included in this resource: Closing of the Frontier reading passage with graphic organizer questions Joseph Glidden POV and questions Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

Why did the cattle kingdom become such a significant part of American history, and how did it influence the development of the West? This activity examines the lives of cowboys of the open range and the challenges they faced. Students will simulate an activity from a cowboy’s point of view in this fun and engaging game! They will answer the discussion questions at the end. Included in this resource: Cattle Drive Adventure Activity Cowboy Role Cards Weather/Event cards Cattle tokens Cattle Drive Adventure activity sheet and discussion questions Cattle Drive Adventure map Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

Why did the cattle kingdom become such a significant part of American history, and how did it influence the development of the West? This lesson and activity examines the lives of cowboys of the open range and the challenges they faced. Students will analyze reading passages and a cowboy’s point of view to answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Settlers’ journey primary source photograph with analysis questions Cattle Kingdom reading passage with scaffolding questions Cattle Kingdom, Cowboys, Cattle Drive, Chisholm Trail, Diversity The End of the Open Range reading passage with scaffolding questions Life of a Cowboy POV with scaffolding questions Cattle Drive Adventure Activity Cowboy Role Cards Weather/Event cards Cattle tokens Cattle Drive Adventure activity sheet and discussion questions Cattle Drive Adventure map Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the cattle kingdom, cattle drives, the Chisholm Trail, and the diversity of cowboys change the economy, culture, and community of the American West in the 1800s? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

How did the railroad affect the development of the West? This lesson and activity examines economic, political, social, and environmental effects of the transcontinental railroad. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Primary Source photograph analysis and questions Results of the Railroad Graphic Organizer Reading Economic Impact Social and Cultural Impact Environmental Impact Political and Military Impact Technological and Infrastructure Development Effects of the Transcontinental Railroad graphic organizer scaffolding questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad alter the economic, environmental, and cultural landscapes of the United States? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.

Why was the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory Summit significant for the future of the Pony Express and communication across the United States? This lesson and activity examines the way the need to send goods, information, and people between the East and the West increased. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - The Far West: Shooting Buffalo on the line of the Kansas-Pacific Railroad primary source analysis and questions Transcontinental Railroad Document Activity Document #1: Pony Express Document #2: Transcontinental Railroad Document #3: Golden Spike Document #4: Leland Stanford Document #5: Routes West, 1870 Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the Pony Express, the establishment of the Transcontinental Railroad, and the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory Summit collectively impact the development and communication across the United States in the late 19th century? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★ This lesson can be used as a document pass activity or a document “walk” around your classroom. ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.