Artificial Boundaries in Social Studies

Artificial boundaries are political boundaries that are created by humans, often without taking into account the natural features of the land or the cultural and ethnic divisions of the people living in the area. These boundaries can be created for a variety of reasons, such as to separate different countries, to control resources, or to establish administrative regions. They are often established through treaties, agreements, or unilateral decisions by governing bodies.

Causes of Artificial Boundaries

Historical events: Many artificial boundaries were created during colonial periods, where European powers divided up territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas without regard for the existing tribal or ethnic divisions.
Political considerations: Governments may create artificial boundaries to consolidate power, control resources, or establish clear jurisdictions for governance.
Geopolitical strategies: Superpowers or neighboring countries may create artificial boundaries to maintain influence in a region or to prevent the rise of a rival power.

Effects of Artificial Boundaries

Ethnic and cultural divisions: Artificial boundaries may separate ethnic or cultural groups, leading to conflicts and tensions between different communities.
Economic disparities: Boundaries can disrupt natural trade routes and economic ties, leading to disparities in development and resource distribution.
Political instability: The imposition of boundaries without considering the political and social dynamics of the region can lead to instability and conflict.

Study Guide

Historical examples: Research and present on specific cases of artificial boundaries created during colonial periods or as a result of geopolitical strategies.
Case studies: Analyze the effects of artificial boundaries on specific regions or countries, such as the partition of India and Pakistan or the division of the African continent by colonial powers.
Cartography and geopolitics: Explore the role of maps and cartography in the creation and maintenance of artificial boundaries, and how geopolitical interests have influenced boundary-making.
Effects on communities: Discuss the impact of artificial boundaries on the cultural, economic, and political dynamics of communities living within these boundaries.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. Westward Expansion

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

What are the foundations of the American political system? What are the distinctive characteristics of American society?

Distinctive characteristics of American society. Students should be able to identify and explain the importance of historical experience and geographic, social, and economic factors that have helped to shape American society. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Explain important factors that have helped shape American society

Effects of a frontier

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

United States History Content Standards

Era 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)

United States territorial expansion between 1801 and 1861, and how it affected relations with external powers and Native Americans.

The student understands the international background and consequences of the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine.

The student understands the ideology of Manifest Destiny, the nation's expansion to the Northwest, and the Mexican-American War.

How the industrial revolution, increasing immigration, the rapid expansion of slavery, and the westward movement changed the lives of Americans and led toward regional tensions.

The student understands the settlement of the West.

Era 6: The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900)

How the rise of corporations, heavy industry, and mechanized farming transformed the American people.

The student understands how agriculture, mining, and ranching were transformed.