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History, Civics & Social Studies · Grade 5

Early Republic, Expansion and Consequences

Fifth graders follow the young United States from George Washington's first term and the first peaceful transfer of power, through the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition (and the Native nations who made it possible), to the growth of the nation's territory by 1848, and they weigh its consequences: new land for settlers, fierce debates over slavery's spread, and forced removal of Native nations such as the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 110 minutes
  • Early republic and expansion check: 9 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, pin a map, match pairs, type a number, put in order and sort into groups
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What learners will discover

  • Describe how the new government began and the precedents set under George Washington, including the peaceful transfer of power.
  • Explain the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition, including the role of Native nations.
  • Sequence and locate the major additions to U.S. territory from 1783 to 1848.
  • Analyze the consequences of expansion for different groups, including Native nations, enslaved people and settlers.

Lessons

  1. A new government begins 4 steps3 practiceabout 24 min
  2. The Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark 4 steps3 practiceabout 30 min
  3. A growing map 4 steps3 practiceabout 26 min
  4. Consequences of expansion 4 steps2 practiceabout 30 min
  5. Early republic and expansion check 9 questions at the end

Keep exploring

More 5th grade social studies

Guide for grown-ups