Social Studies – Grade-4

SS.4.13

Demonstrate an understanding of the various factors that influenced the founding of the original colonies (e.g., economic, political, cultural, etc.).

• Analyze the southern, middle and northern colonies (e.g., origins, early government, resources, religious and cultural diversity, etc.).
• Compare and contrast community life, family roles and social classes in colonial America (e.g., indentured servants, slaves, colonists, etc.).
• Compare and contrast backgrounds, motivations and occupational skills among English, French and Spanish settlers (e.g., economics, culture, trade, new agricultural products, etc.).

SS.4.14

Demonstrate an understanding of the conflict between the American colonies and England that led to the Revolutionary War.

• Explain the political and economic factors leading to the American Revolution (e.g., the French and Indian War; British colonial policies, and American colonists’ early resistance, etc.).
• Explain the major ideas reflected in the Declaration of Independence.
• Summarize the roles of the principal American, British and European leaders involved in the conflict (e.g., King George III, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, and Marquis de Lafayette, etc.).
• Explain the contributions of Native Americans, the French and Dutch during the Revolutionary War, and list the contributions of women and African Americans during and after the American Revolution.

SS.4.15

Trace the beginnings of America as a nation and the establishment of the new government.

• Compare and contrast the various forms of government in effect from 1774-1854 (e.g., Continental Congress, Articles of Confederation, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, etc.).
• Research the contributions of early American historic figures (e.g., George Washington, John Adams, Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Andrew Jackson, James Madison, Dolly Madison, etc.).
• Explain the political, social and economic challenges faced by the new nation (e.g., development of political parties, expansion of slavery, taxation, etc.).

SS.4.16

Demonstrate an understanding of the causes and effects of Westward Expansion.

• Investigate the economic, political and cultural factors involved in Westward Expansion (e.g., Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Indian Removal Act, Trail of Tears, Manifest Destiny, resources, trade, etc.).
• Analyze the people and events that facilitated Westward Expansion (e.g., Daniel Boone, Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark, Northwest Territory, Alamo, Gold Rush, etc.).
• Trace transportation innovations and explain their impact on Westward Expansion (e.g., bridges, canals, steamboats, railroads, steam engines, clipper ships, flat boats, roads, dams, locks, ports, harbors, etc.).