This unit examines a variety of events, personalities, and processes to provide a broad perspective on the United States between 1820 and 1840. Materials enable students to understand more fully the context of the Indian Removal Act, the controversy over the Second Bank of the United States, and the concept of Jacksonian Democracy as strands within the broader societal reforms taking place in America. Students examine the revolution in transportation, the reformist strand represented by abolition and women’s rights, and the realities life presented for free blacks and southern slaves. In addition, the growing impact of immigration and slavery are studied. Students should be able to formulate a deeper understanding of decisions made by President Andrew Jackson and their implications for union, expansion, political participation, and slavery.

Academic activities include paired debates, political cartoon evaluation, readers’ theater, student presentations, primary resource evaluation, dialogues, and role-playing.