Teaching the Early Republic
We all learned U.S. History in school… But teaching U.S. History is another story! With so much information, it can be hard to determine what exactly students need to know. In addition, researching periods of history, like the Early Republic, can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
I want to save you time and help you fall in love with teaching history! So, in this blog post, I outline the most important things you need to know about teaching the Early Republic Era.
Below is a list of topics covered in this guide. You can click on any of the links below to be taken to a specific section.
- Early Republic Overview
- Early Republic Timeline
- Teacher Resources for Teaching About the Early Republic
- Pacing Guide
- Free Early Presidents Booklet Activity
- Early Republic Primary Sources
- Early Republic Videos
- Early Republic Picture Books
- Early Republic Interactive Lesson Plans
Early Republic Overview
What was the Early Republic?
The Early Republic refers to the era just after the English colonies declared independence from Great Britain. During this time (1780-1850), the young nation experienced unprecedented change.
Early U.S. Presidents
George Washington
In office: April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797 (2 terms)
As the very first president of the United States, George Washington had a lot of decisions to make. In his famous Farewell Address (link to farewell address transcript – or the primary sources blog post), he set a two-term precedent for future presidents and warned the country against regionalism, partisanship, and foreign entanglements.
John Adams
In office: March 4, 1797 – March 4, 1801 (2 terms)
John Adams was the first president elected who belonged to a political party (the Federalists). The opposing party was the Democratic-Republicans. When he lost the election of 1801, Adams tried and failed to fill the courts with Federalist judges before leaving office.
Thomas Jefferson
In office: March 4, 1801 – March 4, 1809 (2 terms)
While in office, Thomas Jefferson purchased a large area of land from France, known as the Louisiana Purchase. This led to many Americans moving out West. He also passed a ban on the international slave trade. While this ban did not end the slave trade between states, it was a small step forward in the fight for abolition.
James Madison
In office: March 4, 1809 – March 4, 1817 (2 terms)
In 1812, James Madison declared war on Great Britain, hoping to stop the British trade restrictions and further American expansion. The Treaty of Ghent was signed in 1815, bringing the war to an end. Although this treaty didn’t end up changing anything, Americans felt like they had won. This brought a surge of patriotism, nationalism, and unity to the country, and an “Era of Good Feelings” began.
James Monroe
In office: March 4, 1817 – March 4, 1825 (2 terms)
In James Monroe’s 1823 State of the Union Address, he presented a foreign policy called “The Monroe Doctrine.” This policy warned European countries to stay out of the United States. The Monroe Doctrine was a powerful expression of the United States’ intention to become a world power. It also became a key part of U.S. foreign policy throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
John Quincy Adams
In office: March 4, 1825 – March 4, 1829 (1 term)
In the election of 1825, John Quincy Adams ran against Andrew Jackson. Jackson won the popular vote, but the electoral vote was not clear. So, the decision went to the House of Representatives who picked Adams. Jackson’s supporters thought this was unfair. During his presidency, Adams supported using national funds to improve transportation between states.
Andrew Jackson
In office: March 4, 1829 – March 4, 1837 (2 terms)
Andrew Jackson was a controversial president. Those who opposed him often referred to him as “King Andrew” because of his efforts to expand the power of the executive branch while president. Jackson is well-known for signing the “Indian Removal Act.”
19th Century Revolutions
During the first half of the 19th century, there were several new inventions in factory work, transportation, and communication. These inventions led to major changes in what people did for work, how they produced goods, and how they did business.
This market revolution brought remarkable change to the American way of life. In fact, some historians say that the market revolution was even more revolutionary than the American Revolution.
Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution was a change in how people produced goods. Before the industrial revolution, the nation was made up of small independent farmers. People worked in family units and were largely self-sufficient. But with inventions like the textile mill and the sewing machine, production became more efficient and factories emerged. As a result, people began working as independent employees for factories where they received hourly wages. And for the first time, women were able to find work outside of the home – specifically in the textile mills.
Another invention that drove the industrial revolution was the cotton gin. The cotton gin was invented by Eli Whitney in 1794. This machine separated the cotton ball from the cotton seed. Before, laborers were required to undertake the long and arduous process of separating the cotton balls by hand. The cotton gin allowed a single person to process over 50 pounds of cotton in one day.
A model of a 19th-century cotton gin on display at the Eli Whitney Museum in Hamden, Connecticut, Link
The cotton gin brought a dramatic increase in slavery across America. As the cotton gin made cotton more profitable, plantation owners created larger plantations and “bought” more enslaved laborers.
Transportation & Communication Revolution
The transportation and communication revolutions changed how goods, people, and ideas were transported. New technologies like the railroad, steamship, and canals reshaped the way business was done throughout America. Rather than being limited to nearby markets, people could do business across greater distances and at faster speeds.
Aqueduct over the Mohawk River at Rexford, one of 32 navigable aqueducts on the Erie Canal, Link
For instance, farmers who once produced crops for their own families could now sell their produce in markets across states. In addition, it was much easier for people to travel further distances.
Before the communication revolution, people used letters to transmit information. This was a relatively slow process as it could take up to several weeks for a letter to be delivered. In 1844, Samuel Morse invented the telegraph. This technology allowed people to send and receive messages over extremely long distances almost instantly.
Market Revolution
The industrial, transportation and communication revolutions transformed the lives of the American people. This transformation brought a major shift to the market system of the United States.
A society that was once largely self-sufficient was now dependent upon others. Rather than working for themselves, people worked for a boss earning hourly wages. Over time, there was a loss of “skilled artisans.” Instead of becoming masters of a specific trade, people worked on the assembly lines of factories.
Illustration of power loom weaving, Link
During the War of 1812, the U.S. placed an embargo on England. In response, people invested in their own factories and domestic industrialization increased throughout the nation. In turn, the United States became part of both a national and international market, experiencing “booms and busts.”
Because of these changes, many Americans felt increasing uncertainty and fear. As a result, people began looking for comfort in religion and a religious revival occurred. This revival was known as the Second Great Awakening.
Reform Movements
Second Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening was a period of religious revival in the United States. Traveling preachers moved from town to town, setting up “camp meetings.” At these meetings, preachers gathered massive audiences together and preached on big stages where they tried to convert people to their religion. Most of these meetings were held in Kentucky, Tennessee, New England, and western New York. During this time, people learned more about their relationship with God, and many joined new churches.
A Methodist camp meeting in 1819 (hand colored engraving), Link
The Second Great Awakening led to new religious groups like the Shakers, Adventists, and Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Thousands of people converted.
It also led to a shift in religious ideology. Before the reformation, most Christians believed that only certain people could know God’s will. Predestination – or the idea that God had already decided if someone would be saved or not – was another common belief. During the Second Great Awakening, people started to promote the idea that anyone could have a relationship with God. And, in turn, that anyone could repent and be saved.
The beliefs encouraged in this movement paved the way for the other reforms that occurred during the 19th century.
Temperance Movement
The Second Great Awakening led to a belief that Americans should be “good and moral” people. Many religious sermons preached that it was “anti-Christian” to drink alcohol. And with the rise of factory work, it became dangerous for employees to drink while working. It also meant that people could now lose their jobs for drinking.
Nativism, or anti-immigrant sentiment, was also a big issue during this time. People had negative stereotypes about various groups that immigrated to the U.S. For example, some Protestant Americans believed that Catholic immigrants were “drunks” and wanted them to change.
The Temperance Movement was a push for the prohibition of alcohol. Activists formed temperance societies throughout the nation. At society meetings, members would talk about their experiences and problems with alcohol. Many of these societies encouraged their members to sign a pledge to stop drinking alcohol. In addition to establishing societies, temperance advocates launched campaigns to educate the public about the damaging effects of alcohol on families and the community.
“Woman’s Holy War. Grand Charge on the Enemy’s Works”, An allegorical 1874 political cartoon print, Link
Ultimately, the early Temperance Movement wasn’t able to stop the use of Alcohol in America. With the rise of Abolitionism, the Temperance Movement was put on “hold” for a little while. Years later, after the Civil War, Congress passed a Constitutional amendment outlawing the sale and import of alcohol. This lasted from 1920-1933.
Education Reform
In America’s early history, formal education was a privilege few children enjoyed. Most educated children in the U.S. belonged to white, upper-class families. Some teachers were taught by a tutor at home while others were educated in expensive private schools.
Educational reformers believed education should be “universally available to all children, free of charge.” Reformers fought for education to be funded by the state and federal governments. One of the most influential early reformers was Horace Mann. He helped create the first common (public) schools.
Southworth & Hawes: Horace Mann, Link
Even with these reformation efforts, all children did not receive equal instruction. For example, girls were taught different subjects than boys. In many cases, Black children were not given access to high-quality education – especially in the South. In addition, many Indigenous and immigrant children were forced to let go of their heritage and assimilate to “American culture.”
Prison Reform
When colonists first settled in America, punishments such as fines, forced work, whipping, public shaming, maiming, and death were common for lawbreakers. Judges also sentenced many criminals to work off their sentences in workhouses that were often overcrowded, dangerous, and filled with diseases.
During the 19th century, there was a new focus on the “common man” and the belief that every human had value – even criminals. In turn, there was a push for punishment to be more fair and humane. Prison reform activists wanted to build safer, cleaner, and more purposeful prisons. Unfortunately, reformers had different ideas about how to achieve these goals, and two prison systems emerged.
The Pennsylvania System was based on the Quaker belief that humans are essentially good. In these prisons, inmates were kept alone in jail cells. The idea was that this solitary confinement would allow prisoners to reflect on their lives and become better people. In turn, prisoners ate, slept, and worked in their cells. There was also strict discipline and hard manual labor. It was found that endless solitary confinement was damaging to prisoners’ mental health, and this system ultimately failed.
The Auburn System was based on the Puritan belief that some people are born evil. Acting under the belief that prisoners were “predestined” to be bad people, these reformers weren’t necessarily interested in helping prisoners change their ways. Inmates in these prisons slept in individual jail cells but worked and ate meals together. In addition, prisoners were expected to be silent at all times as they worked and forced to walk in lockstep. The Auburn System became the standard system for prisons in the United States.
Lockstep in the Auburn Prison, Link
Mental Health Care Reform
In the early 19th century, many did not understand mental disorders and viewed them as “madness.” As a result, people with mental illness were often taken away from their families and locked up in terrible conditions. Mental health care reformers fought to improve the conditions for the mentally ill.
Dorothea Dix was one of the most influential leaders of this reformation. She worked tirelessly throughout her life, speaking out about the conditions of sick houses and pleading for change.
Dix circa 1850-55, Link
She wrote: “I proceed, Gentlemen, briefly to call your attention to the present state of Insane Persons within this Commonwealth, in cages, closets, cellars, stalls, pens! Chained, naked, beaten with rods and lashed into obedience.”
This reform movement led to the creation of several hospitals to care for the mentally ill. In addition, doctors and researchers developed new forms of treatment. And, over time, people began to have more compassion for those with mental disorders.
Irish & German Immigration
Between 1820 and 1870, over 5 million German and Irish immigrants arrived in the United States. Most Irish immigrants moved to the U.S. to escape the Irish Potato Famine, while many Germans immigrated to escape political unrest and religious persecution.
With this huge influx of immigrants came a growing ideology of Nativism throughout the country. Many were afraid that the immigrant workers would take their jobs. As a result, anti-immigrant policies were popular. For example, many job listings included the phrase, “No Irish Need Apply.” Anti-Catholic prejudice was also common, as most German and Irish immigrants were Catholic. Americans saw the Catholic religion as a threat to Protestantism and democracy.
London version of NINA song, Feb. 1862, Link
Women’s Rights Movement
Major Leaders
- Susan B. Anthony – Anthony was one of the most famous leaders of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. She fought tirelessly throughout her life to change voting laws so women could vote in elections.
- Lucretia Mott – In 1848, Mott and Stanton organized the first Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, NY.
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton – Stanton wrote a speech called “The Declaration of Rights,” that was patterned after the Declaration of Independence. This speech listed many rights that American women were denied – like the right to vote, the right to equal pay, and the right to hold property.
- Sojourner Truth – Throughout her life, Sojourner Truth spoke out against injustice and advocated for the abolition of slavery and equal rights for all people.
The Portrait Monument in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, by Adelaide Johnson (1921), features (left to right) suffrage leaders Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Mott, Link
Cotton, Slavery, & Abolition
By 1850, cotton made up most of the United State’s exports. As a result, much of the country’s wealth was built upon the cotton industry. And the cotton industry was built upon the backs of the enslaved Black Americans who labored to grow and harvest cotton.
Balls of cotton ready for harvest, Link
With the invention of the Cotton Gin in 1794, cotton production became much more efficient. In turn, cotton became more profitable and cotton plantations grew drastically. As cotton production grew, so did the demand for enslaved workers. Between 1790-1850, the number of enslaved people in the U.S. increased from 700,000 to over three million.
Wherever slavery has existed, enslaved people have sought freedom. Although most enslaved people could not escape, they resisted bondage through their everyday actions. For example, they would slow down their work, break tools, and fake illnesses.
Throughout the mid-19th century, there was a big push for the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Major Abolitionist Leaders
- William Lloyd Garrison – In 1831, Garrison published an anti-slavery newspaper called The Liberator. He advocated for the immediate emancipation of all enslaved people. He also helped organize the American Anti-Slavery Society.
- Frederick Douglass – After being enslaved for 20 years, Douglass escaped to Massachusetts. He joined several anti-slavery organizations and created his own newspaper called The North Star. He spent his life fighting to improve the lives of Black Americans.
- Harriet Tubman – Harriet Tubman was born into slavery. Almost 30 years later, she was able to escape to Philadelphia. She dedicated the rest of her life to fighting for freedom and rights of Black Americans. She worked as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad and helped over 70 enslaved people find freedom.
Early Republic Timeline
- 1789 – George Washington is elected the first President of the United States
- 1790 – Samuel Slater opened the first water-powered textile mill in the U.S.
- 1794 – Washington sends thousands of soldiers to end an uprising known as “The Whiskey Rebellion”
- 1794 – Eli Whitney invents the Cotton Gin
- 1796 – Washington gives his Farewell Address
- 1797 – French diplomats asked the U.S. for bribes in the XYZ Affair
- 1798 – Congress pass the Alien and Sedition Acts, making it more difficult for immigrants to become U.S. citizens
- 1803 – In Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court shows that is has the power to review and overturn unconstitutional laws
- 1803 – The Louisiana Purchase
- 1807 – Congress passed the Impressment and Embargo Act, ending all trade with Britain and France
- 1807 – The first successful steamboat was built
- 1808 – The U.S. outlaws the international slave trade
- 1812-1814 – The War of 1812
- 1814 – U.S. and Britain sign the Treaty of Ghent, formally ending the War of 1812
- 1815 – Andrew Jackson is seen as a national hero after he defeats the British forces at Battle of New Orleans
- 1819 – The U.S. purchases Florida from Spain for $5 million in the Adams-Onis Treaty
- 1820 – The Missouri Compromise admits Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state
- 1825 – The Erie Canal is completed
- 1828 – The Tariff of Abominations highly taxed imported goods
- 1828 – New York State abolishes slavery
- 1830 – The Indian Removal Act allows Jackson to forcibly remove Native American tribes from their homes in the South
- 1831 – William Lloyd Garrison publishes the Liberator
- 1833 – The Force Bill allows Jackson to use the army to force people to pay taxes
- 1833 – The American Anti-Slavery Society is formed
- 1837 – Jackson vetoed the charter to reorganize the National Bank, leading to the “Panic of 1837”
- 1844 – Samuel Morse invents the Telegraph
- 1844 – Congress repeals the “gag rule”
- 1848 – The first Women’s Rights Convention is held in Seneca Falls, NY
- 1849 – Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery
- 1876 – The Declaration of Rights is published, outlining the inequality of women’s rights
I recommend displaying a timeline like this in your classroom. For further engagement, have students help you create the timeline as you go through the unit!
Teacher Resources for Learning About the Early Republic
Now that you know the basics, here are a few amazing resources to help you better understand the Early Republic.
- Free Online U.S. History Textbooks
- Open Stax – Chapters 8-12 discuss key topics of the Early Republic.
- The American Yawp – Chapters 7-11 discuss key topics of the Early Republic.
- Kahn Academy – Articles and videos explaining the important people, events, and movements of the Early Republic.
- Crash Course U.S. History – In episodes 9-16, John Green gives a detailed overview of the Early Republic.
- Crash Course Black American History #13 – Clint Smith discusses the history of the cotton economy in the U.S. and the impact it had on the lives of Black Americans during the Early Republic.
- Learning for Justice American Slavery Framework – These frameworks outline key concepts that middle school students should know in order to better understand the historical significance of slavery.
Early Republic Pacing Guide
If creating your own Early Republic lessons seems overwhelming, check out my Early Republic unit.
This unit includes helpful PowerPoints, engaging simulations, and ready-to-print student worksheets. I’ve also created Google slides for each lesson to make this unit more accessible to you and your students.
Free Early Presidents Booklet Activity
I hope these 5 Early Republic primary sources for kids help bring this unit to life in your classroom!
Do you need more help teaching about the Early Republic?
Grab my free Early Presidents booklet! In this activity, students learn about key events from the first seven presidencies (from George Washington to Andrew Jackson).
Then, students create a timeline including the most important events from the Early Republic.
Download your FREE Early Presidents Booklet
Early Republic Primary Sources
Primary sources bring history to life in your classroom. Giving students a glimpse into what life was like in past eras, primary sources are an incredible tool to add to your U.S. history units. But finding high-quality and age-appropriate primary sources can be difficult.
To help you use primary sources in your classroom, I’ve compiled a list of Early Republic primary sources.
One of my favorite Early Republic primary sources is this political cartoon:
Description of Primary Source:
This political cartoon King Cotton by Thomas Nast is a powerful Early Republic primary source. This illustration shows a king with “hair and beard of cotton” sitting on a throne. Enslaved African Americans are serving him.
Also found in this image are several symbolic words and images. For example, underneath the throne is the word, “Slavery,” revealing that the cotton kingdom was built upon the work of enslaved laborers. In addition, European leaders are found bowing down to King Cotton, representing that several European countries depended on the United States’ cotton production.
Class Discussion Questions:
- What can you tell about the artist’s point of view from this illustration?
- Why do you think the artist depicted cotton as a king?
- What do you think the artist is trying to say through this illustration?
- Who is the audience?
- What symbolism do you notice?
Resources for this Primary Source:
- Download the cartoon (Library of Congress)
- Read an analysis of the cartoon (Thomas Nast Website)
- Worksheet for analyzing cartoons (National Archives)
Need more Early Republic primary sources? Click here to read the blog post.
Early Republic Videos
Videos are a sure way to bring engagement and excitement to any lesson. But, as most teachers know, finding videos that are historically accurate and age-appropriate can be tricky. To help provide you with some fun, informative videos, I have compiled a list of 5 Early Republic Videos for Kids.
Here is a hilarious video about the Monroe Doctrine that is sure to grab your students’ attention!
Mr. Bett’s Class – The Monroe Doctrine
- In this parody of Adele’s Hello, Mr. Bett gives a super cringy but helpful overview of the foreign policy laid out by the Monroe Doctrine.
- Time: 3 minutes
- My Rating: Ages 10+
- Notes: I love how the lyrics are printed in the description of this video. It would be fun to have students sing along!
Need more Early Republic videos? Click here to read the blog post.
Early Republic Picture Books
There is just something special about reading a picture book aloud with your students. Picture books not only captivate student attention, but they also allow students to connect to history in a more personal way.
One of my favorite picture books that takes place during the Early Republic is this story about an Irish immigrant named Fiona:
Fiona’s Lace by Patricia Polacco
Book Description:
Fiona and her family struggle to make ends meet in Ireland. Like many in their town, they decide to immigrate to America to make a better life for themselves. But once there, they find it isn’t what they expected! To make money for her family, Fiona makes beautiful Irish lace. But her lace does much more than provide for her family’s needs – it saves their lives!
This book is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Ideas for Using this Book:
It can be difficult for students to understand cultures different from their own. With Irish words, traditions, and stories, this book gives a first-hand look into what life was like for a young girl living in Ireland.
As students read the book, have them pay attention to the Irish culture they notice. How does it compare to their own culture? Use a worksheet like this one to guide their cultural reflection.
Watch this video showing the process of making Irish lace. Have students create their own paper lace. Here is a video demonstration of how to do this.
Need more Early Republic picture books? Click here to read the blog post.
Early Republic Interactive Lesson Plans
How would you like your Early Republic Unit to be completely planned for the next 3 weeks? I’m talking 15 lessons, worksheets, answer keys, and activities completely ready to go.
Fantastic, right?
I’m a former 5th grade teacher myself. I’ve been in your shoes! With the ever-increasing demands placed upon teachers, it can be hard to keep up. For me, that often meant letting my social studies lessons fall through the cracks.
Now, I work full-time creating U.S. History curriculum to help busy teachers like you. I want to help you fall in love with teaching history.
My history units have been loved by thousands of 5th-8th grade teachers! Keep reading to find out why you will love my newest interactive unit all about the Early Republic.
What’s Included in the Early Republic Unit?
- 15 detailed lesson plans
- 3 weeks of activities
- Pacing guide
- Answer keys
- 195+ pages with a variety of activities (PowerPoint presentations, task cards, simulations, an original game, Reader’s Theaters, and so much more!)
- Editable end-of-unit test and study guide
- Google slides access for virtual learning
Early Republic Unit Table of Contents
Part 1: The First Seven Presidents
- George Washington’s Presidency— write and perform a news broadcast about George Washington’s presidency
- John Adams’s Presidency— summarize the most important events from John Adams’ presidency and create a political cartoon about one event
- Election of 1800 Simulation— contrast the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans and vote in a simulated election of 1800
- Thomas Jefferson’s Presidency— research and teach about a key event from Thomas Jefferson’s presidency
- James Madison & The War of 1812— describe the causes, major events, and effects of the War of 1812
- James Monroe & The Monroe Doctrine— examine the Monroe Doctrine and its effects on foreign policy and create a foreign policy doctrine
- John Quincy Adams’s Presidency— write and perform a news broadcast about John Quincy Adams’s presidency
- The Age of Jackson— summarize the most important events from Andrew Jackson’s presidency, participate in a reader’s theater, and create a timeline with important events from the Early Republic
Part 2: Economic & Societal Changes during the Early Republic Era
- 19th Century Revolutions— identify the causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution, the Communication Revolution, the Transportation Revolution, and the Market Revolution; compare the Market Revolution to the American Revolution
- Market Revolution Simulation— experience the forces of supply and demand by participating in a Market economy simulation
- The Cotton Economy & Slavery— describe the impact of cotton on the U.S. economy, the world economy, and slavery
- 19th Century Immigration— analyze primary and secondary sources to explain why and where Irish and German immigrants settled in the U.S., describe their experiences, and identify how they’ve impacted American culture
- Reform Movements— investigate the causes and effects of early 19th-century reform movements (Second Great Awakening, Temperance Movement, Education Reform, Prison Reform, Mental Health Reform)
- Women’s Rights Leaders— research and teach about an influential women’s rights leader (Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth)
- Abolitionist Movement— sequence and analyze events relating to the abolitionist movement in the Early Republic Era
The Early Republic Unit: Help For The Teacher
- Table of contents (also available in the preview)
- Suggested pacing guide
- 15 lesson plans
- Answer Keys (Of course!)
- Editable end-of-unit test and study guide
- Easy printing file with all student worksheets and articles
I hope this resource saves you time so you can focus on what you love – teaching!
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