8th Grade U.S. History Curriculum
Below is a list of the standards covered in 7th grade social studies, including some detail about each one.
1.) Describe the lead-up to the American Revolution and its consequences
2.) Analyze the Constitution as a new form of government
3.) Analyze the challenges the new government faced
4.) Describe and analyze the early growth of the United States
5.) Analyze the growth of pre-Civil War reform movements
6.) Analyze and evaluate early attempts at abolishing slavery
7.) Evaluate the causes, key events, and consequences of the Civil War
1.) Describe the lead-up to the American Revolution and its consequences
- This is a review of the Revolutionary War period from 7th grade. We will review the British tax policies that started the Revolution, a few of the key battles, and the results of the war.
2.) Analyze the Constitution as a new form of government
- This is also a review from 7th grade. Students will examine the Virginia and New Jersey Plan and the results of the Great Compromise. Other topics include debates Federalists and Anti-Federalists, the Bill of Rights (amendments) and the Three-Fifths Compromise.
3.) Analyze the challenges the new government faced
- Students look at the development of U.S. foreign policy, political parties, and the federal government under the presidencies of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
4.) Describe and analyze the early growth of the United States
- This is a long unit in which students cover the growth of the United States' economy and government as it expands west across the continent. Students will analyze evidence to understand both the positive and negative consequences of this growth.
5.) Analyze the growth of pre-Civil War reform movements
- This is a short unit that examines reforms such as the beginning of the Women's Rights Movement, the Underground Railroad, and the Temperance Movement.
6.) Analyze and evaluate early attempts at abolishing slavery
- Students will look at the number of compromises and other deals between free and slave states delaying the American Civil War.
7.) Evaluate the causes, key events, and consequences of the Civil War
- The final unit covers the American Civil War. Students will look at the key causes, characters, battles, and outcome of the turning point in American history.