8th Gr. US History - Industrialization and Reform

This unit bundles student expectations that address the development of the economies in the North and the South, innovations in technology and the application of the American free enterprise economic system. This unit is primarily a study in industrialization and reform. A wave of industrialization in the early nineteenth century brought economic and social changes to the United States. Most prominent was urbanization, which, when coupled with immigration, brought to light many social issues. A study of industrialization and reform is important for understanding the U.S. economy, the sectional differences in the United States, and for understanding the American ideal of progress.

What factors led to industrialization and urbanization during the nineteenth century in the United States?

What economic changes resulted from industrialization and urbanization?

What social changes resulted from industrialization and urbanization?

What motivated social reformers to advocate for social changes?

How was immigration to the United States impacted by economic conditions in Europe during the nineteenth century?

How was immigration to the United States impacted by social conditions in Europe during the nineteenth century?

How was immigration to the United States impacted by political conditions in Europe during the nineteenth century?

How can studying about industrialization and urbanization help us to understand the economic and geographic patterns in the United States?