What grade levels do these standards cover?

Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12

Where can I read the official document?

Tennessee Social Studies Standards

K–12 Standards

Tennessee History
Other Tennessee Social Studies sets
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
First Grade
Grade 1
Grade 2
Second Grade
Grade 3
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Grade 4
Fifth Grade
Grade 5
Grade 6
Sixth Grade
Grade 7
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
Grade 8
African American History
Ancient History
Contemporary Issues
Economics
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Psychology
Sociology
United States Government and Civics
United States History and Geography
World Geography
World History and Geography

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
  Field observations/Landscape analysisSSP.01.3
4. 4
  ArtifactsSSP.01.4
5. 5
  Media and technology sourcesSSP.01.5
6. 6
  Oral HistorySSP.01.6
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
  Discern differences between evidence and assertionSSP.02.2
3. 3
  Recognize the significance of author’s purpose, point of view, and 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 a variety of sources in order to:SSP.03
1. 1
  Establish accuracy and validity by comparing sources to each otherSSP.03.1
2. 2
  Recognize disparities among multiple accountsSSP.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 patterns of continuity and change over time, making connections to the presentSSP.05.4
6
Develop geographic awareness by:SSP.06
1. 1
  Analyzing and determining the use of diverse types of maps based on the origin, authority, structure, context, and validitySSP.06.1
2. 2
  Using the geographic perspective to analyze relationships, patterns, and diffusion across space at multiple scalesSSP.06.2
3. 3
  Analyzing locations, conditions, and connections of places and using maps to investigate spatial associations among phenomenaSSP.06.3
4. 4
  Examining how geographers use regions and how perceptions of regions are fluid across time and spaceSSP.06.4
5. 5
  Analyzing interaction between humans and the physical environmentSSP.06.5

Indigenous Peoples of Tennessee (c. 10,000-1,000 BC): Students will examine the indigenous peoples of Tennessee and the impact of European exploration on the region.

1
Describe the geographic features that make up the three grand divisions of Tennessee (i.e., East, Middle, and West).TN.01
2
Describe changes in life in the Tennessee region from the late ice age through the Archaic period.TN.02
3
Compare and contrast features of life in the Tennessee region during the Woodland and Mississippian periods.TN.03
4
Analyze the customs and traditions of American Indians present in the Tennessee region prior to European contact, including:TN.04
1. 1
  CherokeeTN.04.1
2. 2
  ChickasawTN.04.2
3. 3
  CreekTN.04.3
4. 4
  IroquoisTN.04.4
5. 5
  ShawneeTN.04.5
5
Describe the impact of European exploration in the Tennessee region, including the significance of Christopher Columbus, Hernando de Soto, and Juan Pardo.TN.05

The Struggle for Tennessee’s Frontier (1600s-1700s): Students will discuss settlement in the Tennessee region, evaluate the effects of trade and migration on the region, and analyze Tennessee’s role in the American Revolution.

6
Describe the influx of British and French settlers and fur traders in the Tennessee region and their impact on American Indian tribes.TN.06
7
Explain the conflict between the British, the French, and American Indians for land in the Tennessee region prior to the French and Indian War.TN.07
8
Describe the effects of migration into the Tennessee region, including the development of the Watauga and Cumberland Settlements.TN.08
9
Identify episodes of fighting that occurred in the Tennessee region during the American Revolution (e.g., Battle of Kings Mountain) and the effects of American victory on the area.TN.09

From Territory to Statehood (1784-1796): Students will identify reasonsfor the settlement of Tennessee, discuss conflicts between settlers and American Indians, and examine the process of Tennessee becoming a state.

10
Identify reasons for the foundation and failure of the independent state of Franklin in 1784.TN.10
11
Analyze the effects of land speculation on settlement in the Southwest Territory (i.e., the Territory South of the River Ohio).TN.11
12
Describe the conflicts between early Tennessee settlers and American Indians.TN.12
13
Describe the events leading to Tennessee's achievement of statehood in 1796.TN.13
14
Describe major features of the Tennessee Constitution of 1796. (T.C.A. §49-6-1028)TN.14

Tennessee’s Coming of Age (1796-1812): Students will evaluate reasons for the growth of the three grand divisions of Tennessee, the lives of various populations found therein, and the role of Tennessee in the War of 1812.

15
Analyze the growth of Middle Tennessee in the early 1800sin power and influence, including the relocation of the capital.TN.15
16
Describe the trafficking of enslaved persons between the three grand divisions of Tennessee, the lives of free blacks and enslaved persons, and the role of Tennesseeans in the early abolition movement (e.g., Elihu Embree).TN.16
17
Describe aspects of farm life, work, religion, and community for families in the early 19th Century. TN.17
18
Describe the economy of Tennessee in the early 19th century.TN.18
19
Describe the New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811-12 and the resulting effects on the land and culture of Tennessee. TN.19
20
Analyze the War of 1812’s impact on Tennessee, including:TN.20
1. 1
  American Indian peoplesTN.20.1
2. 2
  Andrew JacksonTN.20.2
3. 3
  Felix GrundyTN.20.3
4. 4
  Tennessee VolunteersTN.20.4
21
Describe the significance of the Mississippi River, the Jackson Purchase, and the introduction of cotton in the rapid growth of Memphis and West Tennessee.TN.21
22
Explain the importance of transportation, technology, and geography in Tennessee’s growing involvement in the national economy after the War of 1812, including the significance of:TN.22
1. 1
  Cash crops(e.g., cotton, tobacco)TN.22.1
2. 2
  Natchez TraceTN.22.2
3. 3
  Road improvementsTN.22.3
4. 4
  SteamboatsTN.22.4
5. 5
  TelegraphTN.22.5
23
Describe the influences of Presidents Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk on American history.TN.23
24
Analyze the impact of the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears on Tennessee.TN.24
25
Discuss the contributions of important figures during Tennessee’s “golden age,” including:TN.25
1. 1
  John BellTN.25.1
2. 2
  Newton CannonTN.25.2
3. 3
  William CarrollTN.25.3
4. 4
  David CrockettTN.25.4
5. 5
  Elihu EmbreeTN.25.5
6. 6
  Ephraim FosterTN.25.6
7. 7
  Sam HoustonTN.25.7
8. 8
  SequoyahTN.25.8
9. 9
  Hugh Lawson WhiteTN.25.9
26
Identify the significance of the Tennessee Constitution of 1834. (T.C.A. §49-6-1028)TN.26
27
Describe the development of slavery in Tennessee from 1800 to 1860, including the distribution of enslaved persons and conflicting attitudes among the three grand divisions.TN.27
28
Discuss the importance of the Nashoba Community and Free Hill as settlements for formerly enslaved people.TN.28

Tennessee: A Time of Troubles (1860-1865): Students will examine the role of Tennessee and important Tennesseans during the Civil War.

29
Explain the causes of the Civil War and how geographic and political divisions impacted Tennessee’s secession.TN.29
30
Describe important Civil War battles in Tennessee by region, including:TN.30
1. 1
  Sieges of Fort HenryTN.30.1
2. 2
  Fort DonelsonTN.30.2
3. 3
  Battle of ShilohTN.30.3
4. 4
  Knoxville CampaignTN.30.4
5. 5
  Chattanooga CampaignTN.30.5
6. 6
  Battle of Stones RiverTN.30.6
7. 7
  Fort Pillow MassacreTN.30.7
8. 8
  Battle of FranklinTN.30.8
9. 9
  Johnsonville CampaignTN.30.9
10. 10
  Battle of NashvilleTN.30.10
31
Identify the influences of Tennesseans during the Civil War, includingTN.31
1. 1
  Sam DavisTN.31.1
2. 2
  William DriverTN.31.2
3. 3
  David FarragutTN.31.3
4. 4
  Nathan Bedford ForrestTN.31.4
5. 5
  Isham HarrisTN.31.5
6. 6
  Andrew JohnsonTN.31.6
7. 7
  Sam WatkinsTN.31.7
32
Describe the importance of the Medal of Honor, its origins in Tennessee, and its continued legacy to present-day.TN.32
33
Explain the significance of the Sultana disaster.TN.33

Tennessee during Reconstruction (1865-1880): Students will analyze the impact of Reconstruction on Tennessee, including the effects on the population, rise of the Ku Klux Klan, efforts of the Freedmen’s Bureau, and writing of a new state constitution.

34
Describe how the Civil War impacted various populations in Tennessee (e.g., African Americans, American Indians, and women).TN.34
35
Explain William Brownlow’s role in the development of Reconstruction.TN.35
36
Explain the impacts of impeachment of President Andrew Johnson.TN.36
37
Describe the rise, influence, and opposition of the Ku Klux Klan in Tennessee.TN.37
38
Explain the development and efforts of the Freedmen’s Bureau schools, including Fisk University.TN.38
39
Identify and describe the significance of of early elected black lawmakers and leaders (e.g., John W. Boyd, Sampson Keeble, and William Yardley). TN.39
40
Explain the development, legacy, and changes of the 1870 Tennessee Constitution. (T.C.A. § 49-6- 1028)TN.40
41
Describe the experiences of exodusters, including Benjamin “Pap” Singleton.TN.41

Tennessee in the New South (1880-1890s): Students will identify the changesin Tennessee post-Reconstruction.

42
Explain developments in Tennessee’s farming during the late 19th century as a result of industrialization.TN.42
43
Describe the social, economic, and political changes to Tennessee in the post-Reconstruction era, and identify the laws put in place to exclude black lawmakers by 1890. TN.43
44
Discuss the impact of the yellow fever epidemic on Memphis.TN.44
45
Describe the events that led to the Coal Creek Wars in Anderson and the surrounding counties over the state of Tennessee’s decision to replace coal miners with prisoners.TN.45
46
Describe Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition, and explain itssignificance.TN.46
47
Analyze the effects of Jim Crow laws on Tennessee, including the efforts of advocates for African Americans:TN.47
1. 1
  W.E.B. Du BoisTN.47.1
2. 2
  James NapierTN.47.2
3. 3
  Mary Church TerrellTN.47.3
4. 4
  Ida B. Wells-BarnettTN.47.4

Tennessee: Reform and War (1900-1945): Students will learn about the major events, people, and moments in Tennessee history in the first half of the 20th century and the effects they had on the state and the United States.

48
Summarize the influence of and reactions to the temperance movement in Tennessee, including the murder of Senator Edward Carmack.TN.48
49
Describe Tennessee’s impact on the suffrage movement, including Harry Burn, Anne Dallas Dudley, and A.H. Roberts.TN.49
50
Explain Tennessee’s connection to World War I, including the impact of Alvin C. York and the Alcoa plant.TN.50
51
Identify Governor Austin Peay and hisinfluence on Tennessee’sinfrastructure and education. TN.51
52
Analyze how the Scopes Trial reflected societal tension between tradition and modernity.TN.52
53
Describe major developments in music in Tennessee during this era:TN.53
1. 1
  Country Music (e.g., Grand Ole Opry, WSM, Carter family, Bristol Sessions)TN.53.1
2. 2
  Blues Music (e.g., W.C. Handy and Bessie Smith)TN.53.2
54
Analyze how the Great Depression and New Deal programs impacted Tennesseans, including:TN.54
1. 1
  Agricultural Adjustment ActTN.54.1
2. 2
  Civilian Conservations CorpsTN.54.2
3. 3
  Tennessee Valley AuthorityTN.54.3
4. 4
  Great Smoky Mountains National ParkTN.54.4
55
Explain the impact Tennessee innovators had on the nation (e.g., David Crosthwait and Clarence Saunders).TN.55
56
Describe Tennessee’s contributions during World War II, including the impact of Camp Forrest, Camp Tyson, and Oak Ridge (e.g., Manhattan Project) as well as the influence of Tennesseans during the war (e.g., Cornelia Fort and Cordell Hull).TN.56

Tennessee in Modern Times (1945-present): Students will learn about Tennessee in modern times, including the significance of Tennesseans, key economic and social developments of Tennessee, and Tennessee’s entertainment and business industry.

57
Describe major agricultural shiftsin Tennessee post-World War II and their impact economically and socially.TN.57
58
Analyze the significance of key Tennesseans on both state and national levels during the 1950s and 1960s, including: TN.58
1. 1
  Frank ClementTN.58.1
2. 2
  Ed CrumpTN.58.2
3. 3
  Al Gore, Sr.TN.58.3
4. 4
  Estes KefauverTN.58.4
5. 5
  John SeigenthalerTN.58.5
59
Describe Tennessee’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, including:TN.59
1. 1
  Sit-insTN.59.1
2. 2
  Diane NashTN.59.2
3. 3
  John LewisTN.59.3
4. 4
  Highlander Folk SchoolTN.59.4
5. 5
  Tent City Movement of Fayette CountyTN.59.5
6. 6
  Columbia Race RiotsTN.59.6
7. 7
  Scarboro 85 and the Clinton 12 (T.C.A. § 49-6-1006)TN.59.7
60
Identify major Tennessee figuresinvolved in the Civil Rights Movement (e.g., Rev. James Lawson, Kelly Miller Smith). (T.C.A. § 49-6-1006)TN.60
61
Describe the purpose of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s presence in Memphis, the circumstances leading to his assassination, and the significance of the placement of the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. (T.C.A. § 49-6-1006)TN.61
62
Discuss the development of rock ‘n’ roll music in Tennessee and its impact on the changing American culture, including the significance of Elvis Presley, Stax Records, and Sun Studio.TN.62
63
Describe cultural developments in Tennessee during the 1970s and 1980s, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Music Row, Opryland, and the 1982 World’s Fair.TN.63
64
Identify the contributions of influential Tennesseans of the era, including:TN.64
1. 1
  Lamar AlexanderTN.64.1
2. 2
  Howard BakerTN.64.2
3. 3
  Al Gore, Jr.TN.64.3
4. 4
  Alex HaleyTN.64.4
5. 5
  Dolly PartonTN.64.5
6. 6
  Wilma RudolphTN.64.6
7. 7
  Pat SummittTN.64.7
8. 8
  Fred ThompsonTN.64.8
9. 9
  Oprah WinfreyTN.64.9
65
Identify major attractions and events that fuel the tourism industry in Tennessee, including the impact of:TN.65
1. 1
  Bristol Motor SpeedwayTN.65.1
2. 2
  Pigeon Force (e.g., Gatlinburg)TN.65.2
3. 3
  Civil War sitesTN.65.3
4. 4
  State and national parksTN.65.4
5. 5
  CMA Music FestivalTN.65.5
6. 6
  Tennessee AquariumTN.65.6
7. 7
  GracelandTN.65.7
8. 8
  National Civil Rights MuseumTN.65.8
66
Discuss the impact of major businesses in Tennessee, for example:TN.66
1. 1
  AutoZoneTN.66.1
2. 2
  NissanTN.66.2
3. 3
  EastmanTN.66.3
4. 4
  ToyotaTN.66.4
5. 5
  FedExTN.66.5
6. 6
  VolkswagenTN.66.6
7. 7
  HCATN.66.7
67
Describe significant and/or unique products from Tennessee (e.g., Cracker Barrel, Goo Goo Cluster, Moon Pie, Mountain Dew, Jack Daniels/Uncle Nearest).TN.67

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?: Tennessee Social Studies Standards

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