UNIT DESCRIPTION

This unit will examine how the Nation expanded West with an emphasis on the conflicts and resolutions Westward expansion created. Students will also investigate the economic, political, and cultural differences between the North & South. In addition students will begin to analyze the issue of slavery and the political unrest & compromise between the North & South.

Essential Questions Exploration · How did westward expansion change the geography of the nation, and demonstrate the determination of its people? · How did the Nation try & fail to deal with sectional differences?

Performance Task: Your goal is to persuade the American people that you are the best candidate to help the United States progress in the right direction the upcoming election of 1856. You are either a Republican or Democrat running for president at the height of sectionalism in the 1850s. Your audience is the American people of the late 1850s. You are running for office during an era of extreme sectional politics and debates over the institution and spread of slavery as well as states’ rights. Use your knowledge of the growing political and social divisions within the U.S. to create a persuasive campaign commercial that will appeal to Americans throughout the nation. Be sure to address the important issues of the day, such as the many political compromises, court cases, economic issues, and social issues. Explain you plan for solving those issues based on what you know about the nation at the time. Your commercial should include: • A rationale as to why people should vote for you • An argument addressing your opponents position • Proposed solutions to the country’s major conflicts