Summary: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) among Canada, the United States, and Mexico took effect on January 1, 1994. Students may be aware of current debates about the trade deal but may not know that the agreement has been contentious since its inception. In this lesson, students read different perspectives on free trade and globalization to answer the question: What were arguments in the U.S. against ratifying NAFTA?
Overarching Questions:
- ECONOMICS: What is the proper role of government in the economy? (Especially with regard to economic crises, national defense/security, health and safety of the people, and economic development and practices.)
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.EconNE.15.a: Assess economic priorities related to international and domestic needs, as reflected in the national budget.
- 6.1.12.HistoryCC.15.c: Evaluate the effectiveness of United States policies and actions in supporting the economic and democratic growth of developing nations.
Link to Lesson: NAFTA | Digital Inquiry Group Add and compare NAFTA and USMCA on Costs and Benefits of US Trade Agreements The Potential Impact of the USMCA on US Manufacturing Jobs