Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Eighth Grade

Other Tennessee Social Studies sets

Social Studies Practices

  • 1

    Collect data and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including:SSP.01

    1. 1

      Printed materialsSSP.01.1

    2. 2

      Graphic representationsSSP.01.2

    3. 3

      ArtifactsSSP.01.3

    4. 4

      Media and technology sourcesSSP.01.4

    5. 5

      Oral HistorySSP.01.5

  • 2

    Critically examine a primary or secondary source in order to:SSP.02

    1. 1

      Extract, summarize, and paraphrase significant ideas and relevant informationSSP.02.1

    2. 2

      Distinguish the difference between fact and opinionSSP.02.2

    3. 3

      Recognize author’s purpose and point of view, and potential biasSSP.02.3

    4. 4

      Draw logical inferences and conclusionsSSP.02.4

    5. 5

      Assess the strengths and limitations of argumentsSSP.02.5

  • 3

    Synthesize data from multiple sources in order to:SSP.03

    1. 1

      Recognize differences among multiple accountsSSP.03.1

    2. 2

      Establish validity by comparing and contrasting multiple sourcesSSP.03.2

    3. 3

      Frame appropriate questions for further investigationSSP.03.3

  • 4

    Construct and communicate arguments by citing supporting evidence to:SSP.04

    1. 1

      Demonstrate and defend an understanding of ideasSSP.04.1

    2. 2

      Compare and contrast viewpointsSSP.04.2

    3. 3

      Illustrate cause and effectSSP.04.3

    4. 4

      Predict likely outcomesSSP.04.4

    5. 5

      Devise new outcomes or solutionsSSP.04.5

    6. 6

      Engage in appropriate civic discourseSSP.04.6

  • 5

    Develop historical awareness by:SSP.05

    1. 1

      Recognizing how and why historical accounts change over timeSSP.05.1

    2. 2

      Perceiving and presenting past events and issues as they might have been experienced by the people of the time, with historical empathy vs. present mindednessSSP.05.2

    3. 3

      Evaluating how unique circumstances of time and place create context and contribute to action and reactionSSP.05.3

    4. 4

      Identifying patters of continuity and change over time, making connections to the presentSSP.05.4

  • 6

    Develop geographic awareness by:SSP.06

    1. 1

      Using the geographic perspective to determine relationships, patterns, and diffusion across space at multiple scalesSSP.06.1

    2. 2

      Determining the use of diverse types of maps based on their origin, structure, context, and validitySSP.06.2

    3. 3

      Analyzing locations, conditions, and connections of places and use maps to investigate spatial relationshipsSSP.06.3

    4. 4

      Analyzing interaction between humans and the physical environmentSSP.06.4

    5. 5

      Examining how geographic regions and perceptions of the regions are fluid across time and spaceSSP.06.5

Colonization (1607-1750): Students will examine the European settlement of North America, geographic features that influenced early colonies, and the social, religious, political, and economic reasons for colonization.

  • 1

    Compare and contrast the British, Dutch, French, and Spanish colonies in North America, including their geographic location, economic focus, and treatment of American Indians. 8.01

  • 2

    Explain the religious and/or economic motivations for the founding of the Thirteen English Colonies.8.02

  • 3

    Describe hardships experienced by the early colonists, including the first years of the Jamestown and Plymouth colonies.8.03

  • 4

    Identify and locate on a map the physical and political features of the Thirteen English Colonies, including:8.04

    1. 1

      Location of each colony8.04.1

    2. 2

      Three colonial regions (i.e., New England, Middle, and Southern)8.04.2

    3. 3

      Mississippi River8.04.3

    4. 4

      Appalachian Mountains8.04.4

    5. 5

      Ohio River8.04.5

  • 5

    Compare and contrast the religious groups in the Thirteen English Colonies, including the Puritans and the Quakers.8.05

  • 6

    Compare types of government in the Thirteen English Colonies, including self-government, representative government, and theocracy.8.06

  • 7

    Explain the development of democratic ideologies that developed in the Thirteen English Colonies, including expansion of voting rights (e.g., Connecticut), freedom of religion, town meetings, and separation of church and state (e.g., Rhode Island). 8.07

  • 8

    Describe the three colonial regions, and explain the relationship between the geography and economy in the development of each area (e.g., resources and industries).8.08

  • 9

    Describe the labor systems of the colonial period, including indentured servants, apprenticeships, and African enslavement.8.09

  • 10

    Examine the origins and growth of African enslavement in the colonies, including the conditions of the Middle Passage, the impact of Bacon’s Rebellion, and the slave codes.8.10

  • 11

    Explain the economic impact of the triangular trade.8.11

  • 12

    Describe the significance of the First Great Awakening, including its role in unifying the colonies and the growth of religious tolerance.8.12

The American Revolution (1700-1783): Students will explore the growing tensions between Great Britain and its colonies as well as the major events and outcomes surrounding the American Revolution.

  • 13

    Explain the significance of the Ohio River Valley leading to the French and Indian War and the events and consequences of the conflict, including the Treaty of Paris of 1763, war debt, and the Proclamation Line of 1763.8.13

  • 14

    Identify the influence of the Cumberland Gap in the settling of Tennessee. 8.14

  • 15

    Analyze the influence of Benjamin Franklin as a revolutionary thinker, including the "Join or Die" cartoon, the Albany Plan of Union, and serving as an ambassador. 8.15

  • 16

    Analyze the events, ideas, and groups that led to the American Revolution, including:8.16

    1. 1

      Mercantilism8.16.1

    2. 2

      Navigation Acts8.16.2

    3. 3

      The Sugar Act, 17648.16.3

    4. 4

      The Quartering Act, 17658.16.4

    5. 5

      The Stamp Act, 17658.16.5

    6. 6

      The Boston Massacre, 17708.16.6

    7. 7

      The Boston Tea Party, 17738.16.7

    8. 8

      Intolerable/Coercive Acts, 17748.16.8

    9. 9

      Sons of Liberty8.16.9

    10. 10

      “taxation without representation”8.16.10

    11. 11

      Influence of colonial protests (e.g., boycotts)8.16.11

  • 17

    Explain the significance of the battles of the American Revolution prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, including Lexington and Concord and Bunker (Breed’s) Hill. 8.17

  • 18

    Explain the historical purposes and consequences of Thomas Paine's Common Sense. 8.18

  • 19

    Analyze and interpret the Declaration of Independence, and determine the historical and present-day significance of the document. (T.C.A. 49-6-1028)8.19

  • 20

    Examine various perspectives of men and women during the American Revolution including, loyalists, patriots, neutral colonists, and persons of African descent.8.20

  • 21

    Identify and explain the significance of the following during the American Revolution: 8.21

    1. 1

      Struggles of the Continental Army (e.g., Valley Forge)8.21.1

    2. 2

      Battles of Trenton and Princeton8.21.2

    3. 3

      Battle of Kings Mountain8.21.3

    4. 4

      Battles of Saratoga8.21.4

    5. 5

      Battle of Yorktown8.21.5

    6. 6

      Guerrilla warfare8.21.6

The New Nation (1775-1800): Students will explore the foundation of U.S. government, the principles of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution, and the individuals who played influential roles in the development of the new nation. In addition, students will examine the steps taken by Tennessee to achieve statehood and the initial development of government.

  • 22

    Describe the significance of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 and its impact on the process of gaining statehood, the spread of public education, and the banning of slavery in the territory. 8.22

  • 23

    Identify the Articles of Confederation as America’s first constitution, and explain its weaknesses as exemplified by:8.23

    1. 1

      Government structure (e.g., one branch, no power to tax)8.23.1

    2. 2

      The Lost State of Franklin8.23.2

    3. 3

      Shays’ Rebellion8.23.3

  • 24

    Describe the influence of James Madison during the Constitutional Convention, and analyze the major issues debated, including the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise. (T.C.A. § 49-6- 1028)8.24

  • 25

    Examine the principles and purposes of government listed in the Preamble and stated in the Constitution, including: (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)8.25

    1. 1

      Checks and balances8.25.1

    2. 2

      Federalism8.25.2

    3. 3

      Limited government8.25.3

    4. 4

      Popular sovereignty8.25.4

    5. 5

      Separation of powers8.25.5

  • 26

    Describe the origins of the presidential election process, including the electoral college. (T.C.A. § 49-6- 1028)8.26

  • 27

    Describe the conflict between Federalists and Anti-Federalists over the ratification of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. (T.C.A. 49-6-1028)8.27

  • 28

    Analyze the major events of George Washington's administration, including the precedents he set, the Whiskey Rebellion, and ideas presented in his farewell address.8.28

Growth of a Young Nation (1800-1820): Students will analyze the strengthening of the judicial branch, the major events of Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, the War of 1812, and the role of the United States on the world stage.

  • 29

    Explain how conflicts between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton resulted in the emergence of two political parties, and examine their viewpoints on issues such as foreign policy, economic policy, a national bank, and strict versus loose interpretation of the Constitution.8.29

  • 30

    Explain the significant domestic and international events that impacted the administration of John Adams, including trade conflicts with Great Britain and France.8.30

  • 31

    Identify how westward expansion led to the statehood of Tennessee and the importance of its first state constitution (1796). (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)8.31

  • 32

    Analyze the effects of the election of 1800, including: 8.32

    1. 1

      Peaceful transition of power8.32.1

    2. 2

      Midnight judges8.32.2

    3. 3

      Marbury v. Madison (e.g., judicial review)8.32.3

  • 33

    Explain the major events of Thomas Jefferson’s administration, including:8.33

    1. 1

      Conflict with Barbary Pirates8.33.1

    2. 2

      Embargo Act8.33.2

    3. 3

      Lewis and Clark Expedition8.33.3

    4. 4

      Louisiana Purchase8.33.4

  • 34

    Evaluate the effectiveness of negotiations between the U.S. government and American Indians during the time period. 8.34

  • 35

    Explain the causes, course, and consequences of the War of 1812, including:8.35

    1. 1

      Use of impressment and trade restrictions between the United States and Great Britain8.35.1

    2. 2

      Roles of Andrew Jackson and Tecumseh8.35.2

    3. 3

      Impact on American Indians8.35.3

    4. 4

      Rise of nationalism in the United States8.35.4

  • 36

    Explain the purpose and provisions of the Monroe Doctrine.8.36

  • 37

    Determine the role played by Chief Justice John Marshall, including key decisions of the Supreme Court, such as Gibbons v. Ogden (i.e., impact on interstate commerce) and McCulloch v. Maryland (i.e., impact on the national bank). 8.37

  • 38

    Examine the importance of the elections of 1824 and 1828, including expansion of voting rights, the corrupt bargain, the spoils system, and Jacksonian Democracy.8.38

  • 39

    Determine the historical significance of key events of Andrew Jackson's administration, including the battle with the Bank of the United States and the Nullification Crisis. 8.39

  • 40

    Describe the impact of the Indian Removal Act and the struggle between the Cherokee Nation and the U.S. government, including the significance of Worcester v. Georgia and the Trail of Tears.8.40

  • 41

    Identify changes to voting rights under the Tennessee Constitution of 1834, including the expansion of voting rights to non-property owners and the removal of voting rights for free African-American men. (T.C.A. 49-6-1028)8.41

Sectionalism and Reform (1790s-1850s): Students will analyze the social, political, and economic development of the North and South during the early 19th century, including the growth of sectionalism and reform movements.

  • 42

    Describe the development of the agrarian economy in the South, including:8.42

    1. 1

      The location of the Cotton Belt8.42.1

    2. 2

      The significance of cotton and the cotton gin8.42.2

    3. 3

      The growth of enslavement8.42.3

    4. 4

      The significance of the planter class and yeoman farmers8.42.4

  • 43

    Describe the daily life and culture of enslaved persons in the South prior to the Civil War, such as jobs performed, punishments and consequences, oral history, and the influence of religion and music. (T.C.A. 49-6-1028)8.43

  • 44

    Explain how enslaved persons resisted bondage in their daily lives, including passive and overt resistance and Nat Turner’s Rebellion. 8.44

  • 45

    Explain the development of the American Industrial Revolution, including:8.45

    1. 1

      Eli Whitney and interchangeable parts8.45.1

    2. 2

      Role of the textile industry8.45.2

    3. 3

      Mass production8.45.3

    4. 4

      Introduction of women in the work force8.45.4

  • 46

    Explain how technological developments affected the growth of the industrial economy and cities in the North, including working and living conditions. 8.46

  • 47

    Identify the push-pull factors for Irish and German immigrants, and describe the impact of their arrival in the United States prior to the Civil War.8.47

  • 48

    Analyze the development of roads, canals, railroads, and steamboats throughout the United States, including the Erie Canal.8.48

  • 49

    Describe the significance of the Second Great Awakening and its influence on reform in the 19th century.8.49

  • 50

    Analyze the development of the Woman Suffrage Movement, including the Seneca Falls Convention, and the ideals of reform leaders such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott and Sojourner Truth.8.50

  • 51

    Analyze the significance of leading abolitionists, including William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman, and the methods they used to spread the movement. 8.51

Expansion and Division of the Nation (1820s-1860s): Students will analyze the social, political, and economic impact of expansion on the United States, the growing tensions between the North and South, and how compromise sought to hold the country together.

  • 52

    Analyze the concept of Manifest Destiny and its impact on the development of the nation, including economic incentives for westward expansion, impact on American Indians, and the territorial expansion of slavery. 8.52

  • 53

    Explain the reasons for and the provisions of the Missouri Compromise (i.e., Compromise of 1820) and its impact on expansion.8.53

  • 54

    Describe the motivations for American settlements in Mexican-ruled Texas after 1821 and the causes of the Texas War for Independence, and determine the legacy of the Alamo, including Davy Crockett and Sam Houston.8.54

  • 55

    Analyze the reasons for and outcomes of groups moving west, including the significance of: 8.55

    1. 1

      Fur traders8.55.1

    2. 2

      Mormons8.55.2

    3. 3

      Families on the Oregon Trail8.55.3

    4. 4

      Opportunities for women and African Americans8.55.4

  • 56

    Identify the major events and impact of James K. Polk's administration, including:8.56

    1. 1

      Settlement of the Oregon boundary8.56.1

    2. 2

      The annexation of Texas8.56.2

    3. 3

      Border disputes over the Rio Grande River8.56.3

    4. 4

      Mexican-American War8.56.4

    5. 5

      Mexican Cession8.56.5

  • 57

    Analyze the discovery of gold in California, its social and economic impact on the United States, and the major migratory movements including the forty-niners and Asian immigrants.8.57

  • 58

    Explain the reasons for and the impact of the Compromise of 1850, including:8.58

    1. 1

      Henry Clay’s role as “The Great Compromiser”8.58.1

    2. 2

      Fugitive Slave Act8.58.2

    3. 3

      Harriet Beecher Stowe’s influence with Uncle Tom’s Cabin8.58.3

  • 59

    Analyze the motivations and divisional effects of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, including:8.59

    1. 1

      Rise of the Republican Party8.59.1

    2. 2

      “Bleeding Kansas”8.59.2

    3. 3

      Preston Brooks’ attack on Charles Sumner8.59.3

    4. 4

      John Brown’s raid at Harper’s Ferry8.59.4

  • 60

    Analyze the impact of the Supreme Court's 1857 Dred Scott v. Sanford decision on the debate over slavery in the United States. 8.60

  • 61

    Explain the arguments presented by Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln on slavery in the Illinois Senate race debates of 1858.8.61

The Civil War (1860-1865): Students will examine the political changes that sparked the Civil War, the differences in the North and South, and the key leaders, events, battles, and daily life during the war.

  • 62

    Describe how sectional division of the United States led to Abraham Lincoln's victory in the election of 1860. 8.62

  • 63

    Describe the significance of the Battle of Fort Sumter and Tennessee’s struggle over the decision to secede. 8.63

  • 64

    Compare and contrast the Union and Confederacy at the outbreak of the Civil War, including: 8.64

    1. 1

      Military and political leadership8.64.1

    2. 2

      Military strategies8.64.2

    3. 3

      Infrastructure8.64.3

    4. 4

      Agricultural and industrial strengths8.64.4

    5. 5

      Population8.64.5

  • 65

    Examine the goals, strategies, and outcomes throughout the Civil War, including:8.65

    1. 1

      The Union's Campaign (e.g., General Ulysses S. Grant)8.65.1

    2. 2

      The Confederacy's Campaign (e.g., General Robert E. Lee)8.65.2

    3. 3

      General William T. Sherman’s use of total war8.65.3

    4. 4

      Control of Tennessee8.65.4

  • 66

    Analyze the significance and motivations of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address and their relationship to the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Gettysburg, respectively. 8.66

  • 67

    Describe African American involvement in the Union army, including the Massachusetts 54th Regiment at Fort Wagner. (T.C.A. § 49-6-1006)8.67

  • 68

    Examine the technological and medical advancements during the Civil War, and their impact on the role of women and the daily life of the common soldier. 8.68

  • 69

    Examine the conclusions of the Civil War, including the passing of the 13th amendment, the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, and impact of the assassination of President Lincoln.8.69

Reconstruction (1865-1877): Students will analyze the social, economic, and political changes and conflicts during Reconstruction, the events and lasting consequences of Reconstruction, and Reconstruction’s impact on Tennessee.

  • 70

    Explain the structure of Reconstruction under the Radical Republicans, including:8.70

    1. 1

      14th and 15th amendments8.70.1

    2. 2

      Five military zones8.70.2

    3. 3

      Readmittance of Tennessee into the Union8.70.3

    4. 4

      Southern reaction to northern presence8.70.4

  • 71

    Identify the significance of the Tennessee Constitution of 1870, including the right of all men to vote and the authorization of a poll tax. (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)8.71

  • 72

    Examine the conflict between President Andrew Johnson and the Radical Republicans over Reconstruction, and determine the significance of Johnson’s impeachment. 8.72

  • 73

    Explain the opportunities for and restrictions placed on freedmen, including:8.73

    1. 1

      Racial segregation8.73.1

    2. 2

      Black codes8.73.2

    3. 3

      The efforts of the Freedmen's Bureau8.73.3

    4. 4

      The emergence of vigilante actions by the Ku Klux Klan8.73.4

  • 74

    Explain the outcome of the Election of 1876, including the Compromise of 1877 and its role in ending Radical Reconstruction. 8.74

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 8
Where can I read the official document?
Tennessee Social Studies Standards

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