Social Studies

Topics for the year:

1. COLONIALIZATION: European exploration of the New World resulted in various interactions with Native Americans and in colonization. The American colonies were established for a variety of reasons and developed differently based on economic, social and geographic factors. Colonial America had a variety of social structures in which not all people were treated equally.

2. AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE: Growing tensions for political power and economic problems caused a movement for the independence of Great Britain. New York played a fundamental role in the development and outcome of the American Revolution.

3. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION: The new independent states faced political and economic struggles under the Articles of Confederation. These challenges resulted in a Constitutional Convention, a debate on ratification, and the eventual approval of the Bill of Rights.

4. THE CONSTITUTION IN PRACTICE: The Constitution of the United States is the basis of the United States government and describes the rights of citizens. The Constitution is considered a living document that can respond to political and social changes. The Constitution of the State of New York has also changed over time.

5. EXPANSION TO THE WEST: Driven for political and economic reasons, the United States expanded its physical boundaries to the Pacific Ocean between 1800 and 1860. This settlement of displaced indigenous people as the border was pushed west.

6. A DIVIDED NATION: Westward expansion, the industrialization of the North, and the increase of slavery in the South contributed to the growth of sectionalism. Constitutional conflicts between the defenders of the rights of the states and the supporters of the federal power created tension in the nation.

7. RECONSTRUCTION: Regional tensions after the Civil War complicated efforts to heal the nation and redefine the situation of African Americans.