8th Grade Social Studies

The following learning targets represent the major concepts studied and assessed in this course.

Semester 1

Unit 1: Colonization

• Explain reasons for exploration and settlement
• Describe conflict and cooperation between Native Americans and settlers
• Describe colonial government foundations
• Compare economic systems
• Analyze religious and cultural identities

Unit 2: Revolution

• Trace events leading to conflict with Great Britain
• Analyze perspectives of the Revolutionary War
• Explain influences on the Declaration of Independence

Unit 3: Government

• Evaluate Articles of Confederation
• Explain debates over the Constitution
• Apply features of democracy
• Describe the Bill of Rights
• Analyze leadership responses to challenges

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Semester 2

Unit 4: Expansion

• Analyze U.S. government and Native American relationships
• Explain Jacksonian Democracy
• Explain technological developments
• Assess Manifest Destiny

Unit 5: Civil War

• Describe causes of the Civil War
• Compare North, South, and West
• Analyze impact of slavery
• Describe major battles and turning points
• Explain Civil War impacts