View
219
Download
1
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
L1: Agrarian AmericaThe Shifting Size and Scope of the National
Government: Part One
AgendaObjective:To understand…1. Life in Agrarian America
(1776-1820s)2. The myths associated with
this time period3. The relevance of the these
myths for a unit on the shifting size and scope of the national government
Schedule: 4. Intro Unit5. Group Work6. Whole Class Discussion
Homework:1. Consult unit schedule
for background reading
2. JT Dates:1.Notecards and
Preliminary Thesis (Tues 1/22)
2.Preliminary Outline (Tan & Red = Thurs 1/24; Blue = Fri 1/25)
3.Annotated Bibliography (Red & Blue = Mon 1/28; Tan = Tues 1/29)
4.Rough Draft #1 (Fri 2/1)
New Unit!
• Title:– The Shifting Size and Scope of the National
Government: How has the U.S. Government Expanded or Contracted its Intervention and Regulation in the U.S. Economy, Politics and Our Personal Lives Since Reconstruction? Part One: Reconstruction to the 1920s
• What does this mean?• Unit Schedule, Assignments, and
Assessments
In the Beginning…Early America
• To begin our unit, we want to understand what economic and political life was like in early America (1776-1820s)
• Important because:– Gives us a starting point– Sets up a point of contrast
with where America is headed– Establishes a legacy on which
future arguments for and against the growth of the American government will draw on
Early America: Agrarian America
• We might call this early period in American history Agrarian America
• Task:– You will be given a series of images to
explore with your group.– With your group describe what early America
was like in terms of:• Nature/Experience of Work• Type of Economy• Political System• Nature/Size/Scope of American government
Discussion: Agrarian America
• Nature/Experience of Work• Type of Economy• Political System• Nature/Size/Scope of American
government
What is Agrarianism?
What is Agrarianism?
• Belief that values rural society as superior to urban society, values the independent farmer as superior to the paid worker, and sees farming as a way of life that can produce ideal social values.
• Stresses the superiority of a simpler rural life as opposed to the complexity of industrial life.
• Thomas Jefferson is a representative agrarian. Viewed farmers as “the most valuable citizens” and the truest republicans.
What is the Agrarian Myth?
What is the Agrarian Myth?
• Sentiment attached to rural life across American history
• Belief that American was founded on rural origins, and that the small time farmer, small business, or entrepreneur is the back bone of our democracy and economy
• Belief that America is truly about the “little guy”
What are The Implications of the Agrarian Myth for a Unit on the Shifting Size and Scope of Government Intervention?
What are The Implications of the Agrarian Myth for a Unit on the Shifting Size and Scope of Government
Intervention?
• Who should the government defend, the rural sector or the urban sector?
• Should the government get involved in the economy, politics, or our personal lives or should we leave individuals alone?
• What is the true foundation of the U.S. economy: the small business or the giant corporation?
Recommended