Summary: In this lesson, students will understand and analyze an excerpt from George Washington’s “Farewell Address,” with a focus on the themes of divisiveness and national unity. Also, students will compare Washington’s perception of the early United States to modern perceptions and apply their understanding of history to our current context.· Finally, students will create their own “address” in order to explore the civic themes raised by Washington as they relate to the students’ own communities
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.2.b: Examine the emergence of early political parties and their views on centralized government and foreign affairs and compare these positions with those of today’s political parties.
- 6.1.12.HistoryCA.2.a: Research multiple perspectives to explain the struggle to create an American identity.
Link to Lesson: George Washington, The Farewell Address, and the Challenge of National Unity