L1: Agrarian AmericaThe Shifting Size and Scope of the National

Government: Part One

AgendaObjective:To understand…1. Life in Agrarian America

(1776-1820s)2. The myths associated with

this time period3. The relevance of the these

myths for a unit on the shifting size and scope of the national government

Schedule: 4. Intro Unit5. Group Work6. Whole Class Discussion

Homework:1. Consult unit schedule

for background reading

2. JT Dates:1.Notecards and

Preliminary Thesis (Tues 1/22)

2.Preliminary Outline (Tan & Red = Thurs 1/24; Blue = Fri 1/25)

3.Annotated Bibliography (Red & Blue = Mon 1/28; Tan = Tues 1/29)

4.Rough Draft #1 (Fri 2/1)

New Unit!• Title:– The Shifting Size and Scope of the National

Government: How has the U.S. Government Expanded or Contracted its Intervention and Regulation in the U.S. Economy, Politics and Our Personal Lives Since Reconstruction? Part One: Reconstruction to the 1920s

• What does this mean?• Unit Schedule, Assignments, and

Assessments

In the Beginning…Early America• To begin our unit, we want to

understand what economic and political life was like in early America (1776-1820s)

• Important because:– Gives us a starting point– Sets up a point of contrast

with where America is headed– Establishes a legacy on which

future arguments for and against the growth of the American government will draw on

Early America: Agrarian America• We might call this early period in American

history Agrarian America• Task:– You will be given a series of images to explore

with your group.– With your group describe what early America

was like in terms of:• Nature/Experience of Work• Type of Economy• Political System• Nature/Size/Scope of American government

Discussion: Agrarian America

• Nature/Experience of Work• Type of Economy• Political System• Nature/Size/Scope of American

government

What is Agrarianism?

What is Agrarianism?• Belief that values rural society as superior to

urban society, values the independent farmer as superior to the paid worker, and sees farming as a way of life that can produce ideal social values.

• Stresses the superiority of a simpler rural life as opposed to the complexity of industrial life.

• Thomas Jefferson is a representative agrarian. Viewed farmers as “the most valuable citizens” and the truest republicans.

What is the Agrarian Myth?

What is the Agrarian Myth?• Sentiment attached to rural life across

American history• Belief that American was founded on

rural origins, and that the small time farmer, small business, or entrepreneur is the back bone of our democracy and economy

• Belief that America is truly about the “little guy”

What are The Implications of the Agrarian Myth for a Unit on the Shifting Size and Scope of Government Intervention?

What are The Implications of the Agrarian Myth for a Unit on the Shifting Size and Scope of Government

Intervention?

• Who should the government defend, the rural sector or the urban sector?

• Should the government get involved in the economy, politics, or our personal lives or should we leave individuals alone?

• What is the true foundation of the U.S. economy: the small business or the giant corporation?