Grade 11
Social Studies
United States History and Government
Key Idea 11.1
COLONIAL FOUNDATIONS (1607– 1763): European colonization in North America prompted cultural contact and exchange between diverse peoples; cultural differences and misunderstandings at times led to conflict. A variety of factors contributed to the development of regional differences, including social and racial hierarchies, in colonial America.
Essential Questions
How did Europeans adapt their colonial societies to the new environment they encountered in North America?
Conceptual Understandings
11.1a Contact between Native American groups and Europeans occurred through cultural exchanges, resistance efforts, and conflict.
11.1b A number of factors influenced colonial economic development, social structures, and labor systems, causing variation by region.
11.1c Colonial political developments were influenced by British political traditions, Enlightenment ideas, and the colonial experience. Self-governing structures were common, and yet varied across the colonies.
Key Idea 11.2
CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS (1763 – 1824): Growing political and economic tensions led the American colonists to declare their independence from Great Britain. Once independent, the new nation confronted the challenge of creating a stable federal republic.
Essential Questions
Under what circumstances is a revolution justified?
What are the unintended consequences of revolution? Are revolutions more idealistic or practical?
Conceptual Understandings
11.2a Following the French and Indian War, the British government attempted to gain greater political and economic control over the colonies. Colonists resisted these efforts, leading to increasing tensions between the colonists and the British government.
11.2b Failed attempts to mitigate the conflicts between the British government and the colonists led the colonists to declare independence, which they eventually won through the Revolutionary War, which affected individuals in different ways.
11.2c Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to a convention whose purpose was to revise the Articles of Confederation but instead resulted in the writing of a new Constitution. The ratification debate over the proposed Constitution led the Federalists to agree to add a bill of rights to the Constitution.
11.2d Under the new Constitution, the young nation sought to achieve national security and political stability, as the three branches of government established their relationships with each other and the states.
Key Idea 11.3
EXPANSION, NATIONALISM, AND SECTIONALISM (1800 – 1865): As the nation expanded, growing sectional tensions, especially over slavery, resulted in political and constitutional crises that culminated in the Civil War.
Essential Questions
How does nationalism lead to conflict?
What factors promoted or hindered the development of nationalism in the United States?
Conceptual Understandings
11.3a American nationalism was both strengthened and challenged by territorial expansion and economic growth.
11.3b Different perspectives concerning constitutional, political, economic, and social issues contributed to the growth of sectionalism.
11.3c Long-standing disputes over States rights and slavery and the secession of Southern states from the Union, sparked by the election of Abraham Lincoln, led to the Civil War. After the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves became a major Union goal. The Civil War resulted in tremendous human loss and physical destruction.
Key Idea 11.4
POST-CIVIL WAR ERA (1865 – 1900): Reconstruction resulted in political reunion and expanded constitutional rights. However, those rights were undermined, and issues of inequality continued for African Americans, women, Native Americans, Mexican Americans, and Chinese immigrants.
Essential Questions
Was the Civil War a “Second” American Revolution?
Conceptual Understandings
11.4a Between 1865 and 1900, constitutional rights were extended to African Americans. However, their ability to exercise these rights was undermined by individuals, groups, and government institutions.
11.4b The 14th and 15th amendments failed to address the rights of women.
11.4c Federal policies regarding westward expansion had positive effects on the national economy but negative consequences for Native Americans.
11.4d Racial and economic motives contributed to long-standing discrimination against Mexican Americans and opposition to Chinese immigration.
Key Idea 11.5
INDUSTRIALIZATION AND URBANIZATION (1870 – 1920): The United States was transformed from an agrarian to an increasingly industrial and urbanized society. Although this transformation created new economic opportunities, it also created societal problems that were addressed by a variety of reform efforts.
Essential Questions
How does technology transform society?
How did industrialization in the late 19th century lead to modern America?
Conceptual Understandings
11.5a New technologies and economic models created rapid industrial growth and transformed the United States.
11.5b Rapid industrialization and urbanization created significant challenges and societal problems that were addressed by a variety of reform efforts.
Key Idea 11.6
THE RISE OF AMERICAN POWER (1890 – 1920): Numerous factors contributed to the rise of the United States as a world power. Debates over the United States’ role in world affairs increased in response to overseas expansion and involvement in World War I. United States participation in the war had important effects on American society.
Essential Questions
What role(s) should emerging nations play in the world community?
How does imperialism help or hinder a nation?
Conceptual Understandings
11.6a In the late 1800s, various strategic and economic factors led to a greater focus on foreign affairs and debates over the United States’ role in the world.
11.6b While the United States attempted to follow its traditional policy of neutrality at the beginning of World War I, the nation eventually became involved in the war. President Woodrow Wilson led the nation into war with the hope of reforming the international order through his Fourteen Points.
11.6c World War I had important social, political, and economic effects on American society.
Key Idea 11.7
PROSPERITY AND DEPRESSION (1920 – 1939): The 1920s and 1930s were a time of cultural and economic changes in the nation. During this period, the nation faced significant domestic challenges, including the Great Depression.
Essential Questions
How were the 1920s and 1930s (the Inter-war years) a period of both change and conflict?
How did Americans adapt to the changes of the 1920s and 1930s?
How do periods of economic prosperity breed conflict?
Conceptual Understandings
11.7a The 1920s was a time of cultural change in the country, characterized by clashes between modern and traditional values.
11.7b African Americans continued to struggle for social and economic equality while expanding their own thriving and unique culture. African American cultural achievements were increasingly integrated into national culture.
11.7c For many Americans, the 1920s was a time of prosperity. However, underlying economic problems, reflected in the stock market crash of 1929, led to the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s responses to the Great Depression increased the role of the federal government.
Key Idea 11.8
WORLD WAR II (1935 – 1945): The participation of the United States in World War II was a transformative event for the nation and its role in the world.
Essential Questions
Was United States involvement in World War II necessary/inevitable?
How was the United States involvement in World War II a positive and/or negative influence on the nation?
Conceptual Understandings
11.8a As situations overseas deteriorated, President Roosevelt’s leadership helped to move the nation from a policy of neutrality to a pro-Allied position and, ultimately, direct involvement in the war.
11.8b United States entry into World War II had a significant impact on American society.
11.8c In response to World War II and the Holocaust, the United States played a major role in efforts to prevent such human suffering in the future.
Key Idea 11.9
COLD WAR (1945 – 1990): In the period following World War II, the United States entered into an extended era of international conflict called the Cold War which influenced foreign and domestic policy for more than 40 years.
Essential Questions
How do external threats transform internal policies?
How do ideological differences between nations breed tensions and conflict?
How does conflict lead to progress?
Conceptual Understandings
11.9a After World War II, ideological differences led to political tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. In an attempt to halt the spread of Soviet influence, the United States pursued a policy of containment.
11.9b The United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a nuclear arms race that eventually led to agreements that limited the arms buildup and improved United States-Soviet relations.
11.9c American strategic interests in the Middle East grew with the Cold War, the creation of the State of Israel, and the increased United States dependence on Middle Eastern oil. The continuing nature of the Arab-Israeli dispute has helped to define the contours of American policy in the Middle East.
11.9d A combination of factors contributed to the end of the Cold War, including American policies and Soviet economic and political problems that led to the loss of Soviet control over Eastern Europe.
Key Idea 11.10
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGE/DOMESTIC ISSUES (1945 – present): Racial, gender, and socioeconomic inequalities were addressed by individuals, groups, and organizations. Varying political philosophies prompted debates over the role of the federal government in regulating the economy and providing a social safety net.
Essential Questions
What tactics have been most effective in bringing about change in American Society?
What role should the federal government play in advocating for social and economic security of its people?
Conceptual Understandings
11.10a After World War II, long-term demands for equality by African Americans led to the civil rights movement. The efforts of individuals, groups, and institutions helped to redefine African American civil rights, though numerous issues remain unresolved.
11.10b Individuals, diverse groups, and organizations have sought to bring about change in American society through a variety of methods.
11.10c Varying political philosophies prompted debates over the role of the federal government in regulating the economy and providing a social safety net.
Key Idea 11.11
THE UNITED STATES IN A CHANGING WORLD (1990 – present): The United States’ political and economic status in the world has faced external and internal challenges related to international conflicts, economic competition, and globalization. Throughout this time period, the nation has continued to debate and define its role in the world.
Essential Questions
Was the end of the Cold War a turning point in American foreign policy?
How has globalization affected American society and government policies?
Conceptual Understandings
11.11a The United States created a coalition to defeat Iraq in the Persian Gulf War (1991), but was reluctant to commit American military power through the rest of the decade.
11.11b In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States launched the War on Terror, which involved controversial foreign and domestic policies.
11.11c Globalization and advances in technology have affected the United States economy and society.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5