Ohio Dept. of Education Curriculum 

for 8th Grade social studies

U.S. Studies from 1492 to 1877: Exploration through Reconstruction

HISTORICAL THINKING AND SKILLS 

1. Primary and secondary sources are used to examine events from multiple perspectives and to present and defend a position. 

COLONIZATION TO INDEPENDENCE 

2. North America, originally inhabited by American Indians, was explored and colonized by Europeans for economic and religious reasons. 

3. Competition for control of territory and resources in North America led to conflicts among colonizing powers. 

4. The practice of race-based slavery led to the forced migration of Africans to the American colonies and contributed to colonial economic development. Their knowledge, skills and traditions were essential to the development of the colonies. 

5. The ideas of the Enlightenment and dissatisfaction with colonial rule led English colonists to write the Declaration of Independence and launch the American Revolution. 

6. Key events and significant figures in American history influenced the course and outcome of the American Revolution. 

A NEW NATION 

7. The outcome of the American Revolution was national independence and new political, social and economic relationships for the American people. 

8. Problems arising under the Articles of Confederation led to debate over the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. 

9. Actions of early presidential administrations established a strong federal government, provided peaceful transitions of power and repelled a foreign invasion. 

EXPANSION 

10. The United States added to its territory through treaties and purchases. 

11. Westward expansion contributed to economic and industrial development, debates over sectional issues, war with Mexico and the displacement of American Indians. 

CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION 

12. Disputes over the nature of federalism, complicated by economic developments in the United States, resulted in sectional issues, including slavery, which led to the American Civil War. 

13. Key events and significant figures in American history influenced the course and outcome of the Civil War. 

14. The Reconstruction period resulted in changes to the U.S. Constitution, an affirmation of federal authority and lingering social and political differences. 

SPATIAL THINKING AND SKILLS HUMAN SYSTEMS

15. Modern and historical maps and other geographic tools are used to analyze how historic events are shaped by geography.

 HUMAN SYSTEMS 

16. The availability of natural resources contributed to the geographic and economic expansion of the United States, sometimes resulting in unintended environmental consequences. 

17. The movement of people, products and ideas resulted in new patterns of settlement and land use that influenced the political and economic development of the United States. 

18. Cultural biases, stereotypes and prejudices had social, political and economic consequences for minority groups and the population as a whole. 

19. Americans began to develop a unique national identity among diverse regional and cultural populations based on democratic ideals. 

CIVIC PARTICIPATION AND SKILLS 

20. Active participation in social and civic groups can lead to the attainment of individual and public goals. 

21. Informed citizens understand how media and communication technology influence public opinion. 

ROLES AND SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT 

22. The U.S. Constitution established a federal republic, providing a framework for a national government with elected representatives, separation of powers, and checks and balances. 

23. The U.S. Constitution protects citizens’ rights by limiting the powers of government. 

ECONOMIC DECISION MAKING AND SKILLS 

24. Choices made by individuals, businesses and governments have both present and future consequences.

 PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION 

25. The Industrial Revolution fundamentally changed the means of production as a result of improvements in technology, use of new power resources, the advent of interchangeable parts and the shift from craft work to factory work. 

MARKETS 

26. Governments can impact markets by means of spending, regulations, taxes and trade barriers.