Unit 7 US History Part 1--Reading and Writing Workshop
​Workshop Overview:This workshop will focus on the early years of the American Republic, including key events, documents, and figures that shaped the nation's expansion. Students will read primary sources, analyze the text's historical context, and then engage in writing exercises that encourage reflection, synthesis, and argumentation.
Objective:

• To explore the political, social, and economic developments during the Early Republic and Expansion.
• To critically analyze primary source documents from this era.
• To develop skills in historical argumentation through writing.

Day 1: The Early RepublicReading Assignment:1. George Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)

• Link: Washington's Farewell Address
  This document outlines Washington's views on foreign policy, the dangers of political factions, and the importance of national unity.

2. The Constitution of the United States (1787)

• Link: The U.S. Constitution
  Students should examine the structure of the U.S. government and consider the intentions of the framers.

Activity:

• Guided Reading: Discuss Washington's warnings about political parties and foreign alliances.
  • What does Washington fear about political factions?
  • How does he envision America's role in the world?
• Discussion: The U.S. Constitution and its framework of government.
  • What compromises were made at the Constitutional Convention?
  • How do the principles of federalism and separation of powers reflect the time's concerns?

Writing Prompt:

• Write a reflection on Washington's Farewell Address. How do you think his concerns about political factions have influenced the development of political parties in the U.S. today?

Day 2: The Age of Jefferson and the Louisiana PurchaseReading Assignment:1. Thomas Jefferson’s Letter to John Dickinson (1801)

• Link: Letter to John Dickinson
  In this letter, Jefferson discusses his views on government, liberty, and the expansion of the United States.

2. The Louisiana Purchase Treaty (1803)

• Link: Louisiana Purchase Treaty
  The treaty documents the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory, effectively doubling the size of the U.S.

Activity:

• Document Analysis: Analyze Jefferson's letter and the Louisiana Purchase treaty.
  • What are Jefferson’s motivations for supporting the Louisiana Purchase?
  • How did the Louisiana Purchase influence U.S. political and economic development?

Discussion:

• Debate: Was Jefferson’s decision to purchase Louisiana consistent with his political philosophy?
  • Should the federal government have the power to acquire territory?
  • Was the Louisiana Purchase a positive development for the United States?

Writing Prompt:

• Write a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the American people explaining why the Louisiana Purchase was essential for the future of the republic. Use evidence from the letter to John Dickinson and the treaty itself.

Day 3: The War of 1812 and Its AftermathReading Assignment:1. James Madison’s War Message to Congress (1812)

• Link: Madison’s War Message
  In this message, President Madison justifies the declaration of war against Great Britain, citing violations of American sovereignty.

2. The Treaty of Ghent (1814)

• Link: Treaty of Ghent
  The treaty that ended the War of 1812, essentially restoring prewar boundaries between the U.S. and Great Britain.

Activity:

• Document Comparison: Compare Madison’s message with the Treaty of Ghent.
  • What were the causes of the War of 1812, according to Madison?
  • How did the Treaty of Ghent resolve the conflict, and what was the war’s ultimate outcome?

Discussion:

• Discuss the War of 1812's role in defining the U.S. as an independent nation.
  • Was the War of 1812 a necessary conflict, or was it avoidable?
  • How did the war shape American identity?

Writing Prompt:

• Write a letter from James Madison to a friend explaining why the War of 1812 was crucial for the nation's future. What benefits did the war provide, and what lessons should be learned from the conflict?

Day 4: The Monroe Doctrine and the Expansion of U.S. InfluenceReading Assignment:1. The Monroe Doctrine (1823)

• Link: The Monroe Doctrine
  In this address, President Monroe outlines a policy of opposing European colonization in the Western Hemisphere and the non-interference of European nations in the affairs of the Americas.

2. Excerpts from the "Report of the Senate Committee on the Expulsion of the Seminoles" (1824)

• Link: Senate Report on Seminoles
  This document outlines U.S. actions to remove Native American tribes from their land, a controversial policy that contributed to the expansion of U.S. territory.

Activity:

• Document Analysis: Analyze the Monroe Doctrine and the Senate report on the Seminoles.
  • What did the Monroe Doctrine signal about American foreign policy and the nation’s role on the world stage?
  • How does the treatment of Native Americans during this period reflect U.S. policies toward expansion?

Discussion:

• Debate: Was the Monroe Doctrine an expression of U.S. isolationism or imperialism?
  • How did it shape U.S. foreign policy in the 19th century?

Writing Prompt:

• Write a position paper on the Monroe Doctrine. Argue whether it was a defensive or expansionist policy, using evidence from the document and your analysis.

Day 5: Review and SynthesisActivity:

• Group Discussion: Reflect on the early years of the Republic and the challenges of expansion.
  • How did the U.S. government balance the principles of liberty and expansionism during this period?
  • What role did the American public play in shaping U.S. foreign and domestic policies?

Writing Assignment:

• Essay:
  Write a 3–5 page essay analyzing the Early Republic and the expansion of the United States. In your essay, discuss how key events, like the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine, shaped the development of the nation. Use at least three primary source documents from the week’s readings to support your analysis.

Assessment:

• Participation in group discussions.
• Quality and depth of responses to writing prompts.
• Final essay synthesis of the readings and discussions.

This workshop format will help students engage deeply with the historical period of the Early Republic and Expansion through primary sources, critical thinking, and writing.