This video portrays how the structure, powers and authority of a new federal government led to political conflict, negotiation, and compromise through an examination of the actions and belief structures of key players such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Bothe commentary and theatrical reenactment are used to present the information.

Students will demonstrate understanding of contributions made by George Washington by analyzing symbols and symbolism in primary source documents.

In this lesson, students read and interpret George Washington's first and second inaugural addresses, comparing and contrasting the information of each speech. Then students will write an imaginative narrative based on the events of the two inauguration days.

Students will explore the potential impact the Great Awakening on the colonists' desire to declare their independence from England.

George Whitefield was one of the most influential preachers in Britain and North America in the 18th century and an important figure in the First Great Awakening. In this lesson, students will critically examine three historical documents to answer the question: Why was Whitefield so popular? In doing so, they will practice key aspects of historical thinking.

In this lesson, students will analyze the views surrounding the meaning/action of the Emancipation Proclamation as well as actions taken by Northerners to show their discontent with the conscription draft and the liberating of slaves. By the end of the case study, students will have analyzed and categorized primary sources revolving around the Emancipation Proclamation and the reaction to the conscription act by the people of the North and will construct an essay response to the case study question.

In this lesson, students will understand the history of the Social Justice movement and how it continues to shape the political, economic and social development of this country.

In this lesson, students create a digital (or paper/pencil) representation of a civil rights character from history.

In this activity students read three letters written by African-American soldiers during the Civil War to determine why black soldiers felt compelled to join the Union Army.

In this lesson, students read and analyze a series of excerpts from George Washington's letters, journal, speeches, and other documents in order to match the quotation to the event or date in his life.

Compelling Question: Was the American Revolution justified? Supporting Question I What were colonist’s justifications for revolution?Supporting Question II What were British justifications for revolution? Supporting Question III What just and unjust actions did both sides take leading up to the revolution?

This video re-enactment portrays Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton debating issues of scope and power of the state and national governments.

In this lesson, students learn about the Christian religious revival known as the Great Awakening. A set of discussion questions is provided. In an associated activity, students consider the question: "Was the Great Awakening a rehearsal for the American Revolution?" Students will write an essay, defending their position on this question with evidence from the reading.

Discover the stories of the men, women, and children that were enslaved and lived at Vance Birthplace in the mountains of North Carolina from 1795-1865. This audio tour was completed in partnership with the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission.

In this lesson on an adapted article about President Abraham Lincoln, students will learn about his life, legacy, and importance to the American history. Lesson includes speaking, listening, reading and writing activities, games, homework and on line quiz. This resource supports English language development for English language learners.

This resource supports English language development for English language learners. This online activity follows a young slave's escape from a Kentucky plantation. At each of the four "stops" on this journey, students can listen to audio support of the reading, read primary source quotes, listen to an audio slideshow of primary source images, and write about what they've learned. The teacher's guide provides background information, a Words to Know list, discussion questions, and extension activities.

Students examine the Autobiography of Frederick Douglass to discover how his skilled use of language painted a realistic portrait of slavery and removed some common misconceptions about slaves and their situation.

In the middle of the 18th century, a series of evangelical religious revival movements swept across colonial America. By examining primary documents from the time, this lesson will introduce students to the ideas, practices, and evangelical spirit of the First Great Awakening.

Using primary documents, this lesson aims to introduce students to how the American revolutionaries employed religion in their arguments for independence.

Using primary documents, this lesson explores how religion aided and hindered the American war effort; specifically, it explores how Anglican loyalists and Quaker pacifists responded to the outbreak of hostilities and how the American revolutionaries enlisted religion in support of the fight for independence.