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?