8th Grade Social Studies. Michigan Academic Standards Michigan Academic Standards

Geographic Map TermsThere are many geographical settings that make up the earth’s surface. Many of these characteristics can be seen on maps as well as from satellites because of their size. Many land formations are a result of weather and time, and often they can co-exist with one another. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Geographic ToolsThroughout history, many different tools have been used to transfer graphical information. Graphs, charts, and maps are a few ways that we can represent ideas and places. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Medieval EuropeThe document entitled “The Articles of Confederation” was the first governing document of the United States. The Articles of Confederation made the laws regarding how the newly united colonies handled and shared money, reacted to war, and settled disputes. Once the Articles were in use, it became clear that some additions needed to be made for effective governance. Some new Acts were added to the Articles of Confederation. The Land Ordinance of 1785 was an example of this. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The Renaissance in EuropeWhat do you know about the Renaissance in Europe? The European Renaissance was a time of social, scientific, artistic, and religious rebirth. From 1463 to 1650, inventors, artists, philosophers, and scientists created and brought to light new ideas and perspectives that changed the shape of society and daily life. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

The Protestant ReformationAfter the Renaissance, there was a change in thought throughout Europe. The Catholic Church was having financial problems and its role with several Kings and governments had changed; it was claimed that the Church had too much influence, and that clergy members were receiving indulgences or gifts in exchange for important Church Sacraments, such as forgiveness of sins. One man, Martin Luther, challenged the Church and their actions. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The Scientific RevolutionFreeThe Scientific Revolution changed the way that many people saw the world. The work of scientists and philosophers revolutionized the beliefs that had been accepted for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years. Some notable leaders of the Scientific Revolution are Isaac Newton, Galileo, Nicholas Copernicus, and Andreas Vesalius among others. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

European Exploration and SettlementEuropean exploration in North America began with Christopher Columbus’ discovery of what he thought was Asia. Since that time, there have many attempts by Europeans to settle in America, some successful, others not. There are many reasons why Europeans settled outside of Europe. Political, social, and economic forces encouraged the exploration of the New World, and money was almost always a motivating factor in the settlement of new colonies. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

The AztecsThe Aztecs lived in the area that is now Mexico, and were one of the largest Mesoamerican societies. The Aztecs were a complex society with a governmental structure advanced for their time. The Aztecs were also known for their religious ceremonies and great temples that were built to honor their gods. The Aztecs believed in human sacrifice and were quite brutal in the sacrificial rites. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The MayaIn the 1st century, a group of people called the Maya rose to civilization in Central and South America. Their society was very interactive and organized around individual city states, each with their own governmental system. They created a system of writing which consisted of individual symbols to represent sounds and words. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The IncasThe Incas were a civilization that lived in South America, the largest civilization to have existed in that region up to the time of their rule. The Incan people conquered much of South America using force and warfare, but treated those they conquered quite well. The Incas lacked the use of wheeled vehicles. They lacked animals to ride and draft animals that could pull wagons. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Colonial SettlementEurope was a leader in the settlement of colonies in America. Although their attempts were not always successful, by the turn of the 17th century they had a pretty firm start in the New World. Jamestown, the first successful settlement, was founded in 1607 by a stock company searching for gold. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Colonial LifeLife in the new colonies was often challenging. While the settlers were free from the restrictions of life in European society, they also did not have the amenities of European life in the 1600s. Many families in the colonies worked on a small farm. The roles of society in colonial America were clearly defined. Men were the decision-makers, and women were in a supporting role. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The American RevolutionIn the second half of the 18th century, the colonies began to seek independence from Great Britain. One of the main causes of the Revolutionary War was the colonist’s reaction to the taxes being placed on the necessary goods and activities of the colonies. The Revolutionary War began in 1775, when colonial militias began to fight against the British army. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

The Articles of ConfederationThe Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was an agreement among the 13 original states of the United States of America that served as its first constitution. The Articles of Confederation made the laws regarding how the newly united colonies handles and shared money, reacted to war, and settled disputes. Once the Articles were in use, it became clear that some additions needed to be made for effective governance. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

The United States ConstitutionThe United States Constitution is a document created by a group of delegates to the Constitutional Convention after the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. The need for a governing document other than the Articles of Confederation was growing clear to the Constitutional Congress, and so they came together to devise a new document. The Constitution is the absolute law in the United States and has been that way since 1789. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

The New Government in OperationAfter the signing of the Constitution, the leaders and citizens of the United States had many goals and aspirations for the growth of the nation. One type of growth was the interest in expanding the existing boundaries of the new country. The first of these initiatives was the Louisiana Purchase, under President Thomas Jefferson. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The AlamoThe Alamo was a fort in Texas that became the defining point of a conflict between Texan-Americans and the Republic of Mexico. The Texans were part of Mexico but wanted to be part of the United States. A major battle in this conflict happened at the Alamo on March 6, 1836. Today it is a museum in the Alamo Plaza Historic District. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The Nation Grows and ExpandsAround the turn of the 19th century, many changes were occurring in the United States. The industrialization of what had previously been rural and agricultural land led to a different lifestyle for many people. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

The Erie CanalDuring the 18th and 19th century, there was a need for more advanced ways of trade and travel in the United States. One method of travel, by waterway, had proved successful in other parts of the world. The Erie Canal was America’s answer to the need for transportation across New York. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The Jackson AgeAndrew Jackson was an influential leader in the 19th century, known for many reforms to the American government and society during his presidency. President Jackson is credited for the founding of the Democratic Party. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Moving Southward and WestwardManifest Destiny was the idea that the United States was destined to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This motivated the government to acquire lands in the Oregon Territory as well as in areas that became Texas, Florida, and California. Many people started to move west in hope of a better life. The California Gold Rush triggered a large movement of people to California. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The Abolitionist MovementThe Abolitionist Movement started with the denunciation of slavery by the Quakers of Pennsylvania, a religion community of believers in equality and peace. After their public resistance to slavery, many other groups of people joined their fight for the abolition of slavery. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Women's RightsIn 1848, leaders of what became the Women’s Rights Movement invited Americans to attend the Seneca Falls Convention to discuss the need for women to have the rights of suffrage (voting), education, and others. They devised a document, modeled after the Declaration of Independence, of resolutions promoting women’s civil rights. The “Declaration of Sentiments” was written by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Causes of the Civil WarFreeIn the 1800's, America was expanding and gaining new territories. The issue of slavery was everywhere and there was much conflict over whether or not the new territories should be slave states or not. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The Civil WarAfter Lincoln was elected in 1860, southern states seceded from the Union in an effort to uphold their stance on slavery. During the war, the Confederacy continued to own slaves and support slavery. After many devastating battles and thousands of casualties, the Civil War ended but many problems that existed before the commencement of battle still existed. However, slaves were officially free and the economies of the North and South were in a new era of growth. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Reconstruction after the Civil WarThe years after the Civil War were dedicated to trying to resolve the problems that were not only the cause of the war but were aggravated by four years of fighting between the Union and the Confederacy. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Industrial GrowthAfter the Civil War and Reconstruction, the United States began to see a rise in industry and the growth of businesses. The Transcontinental Railroad, the first railroad to span the United States from Atlantic to Pacific, opened up the opportunity for social and economical growth towards the West. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Progressive EraOne of the biggest reform goals was the process in which government officials were elected. This, along with the need for government involvement in reform, were two of the motivating factors for people such as Eugene Debs, Susan B. Anthony and W.E.B. DuBois to become leaders during the Progressive Era. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

ExpansionismOver the past two centuries, the Unites States has sought to expand its territories both in North America and other parts of the world. While one of the biggest reasons for this is to continue economic growth, during the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, America found itself in a position to demonstrate its strength by intervening in other countries. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

World War IDuring the first half of the 20th century, European countries were struggling for control over land and sea. Many countries wanted to establish new colonies in newly discovered territory, which led to power struggles across Europe. Technological advancements also attributed to the beginning of World War I. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

The Roaring TwentiesThe 1920’s were a time of social, economical, and political change in the United States. After World War I, the economy changed drastically. Men and women began to raise their standards of living, spending money on new technologies that they put on credit. Cars began to become a huge influence on society, and soon millions of people owned Ford’s invention. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

The Great DepressionIn the last years of the decade commonly referred to as the Roaring Twenties, the United States saw a great gap between the rich and the poor citizens. Businesses and corporations were booming and productivity rose. However, increased production and decreased consumption took its toll and eventually the American people saw a drastic fall in the stock market. The stock market crash virtually ruined the American economy of the time and the greater part of the next decade was spent trying to reverse the damage. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

World War IIAfter World War I and the Great Depression, many countries all over the world were trying to come back from an economic recession. Adolf Hitler, the leader of a party developed a philosophy for Germany and ignore the Treaty of Versailles. Soon, Germany was at war with many European countries and so began the reign of the Nazi Party. Germany soon invaded Poland and World War II was set in motion. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

The Cold WarDuring and after World War II, tension between the United States and the USSR grew. Stalin was disappointed in many of the United States' decisions regarding post-war aid and nuclear research. As a result of this, the Soviet Union had little trust in the United states and President Truman. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Civil RightsThe American Civil Rights Movement developed as many worked to ensure equality and civil rights for many groups, mainly African Americans. Despite being citizens in theory, many black citizens were not granted the same constitutional rights as other American citizens. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

The Vietnam WarThe Vietnam War was a war fought over decades in the mid to late 20th century. It is considered to be connected to the Cold War, and many of the causes of the conflict have roots imbedded in the fear of the spread of Communism that was at the front of the Cold War. Ho Chi Minh, the leader of North Vietnam, wanted independence for Vietnam and a Communist-run government. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

The New MillenniumGlobal conflicts have increased over time and the United States has seen the effects of this in the new millennium. On September 11th, 2001 the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were targets of terrorist attacks. As a result of this, the United States declared a “War on Terror” and has since seen the loss of many American lives. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

MesopotamiaThe area that is called Mesopotamia is an ancient region of land located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that saw the rise of many civilizations. Because of the relationship to the two rivers, these civilizations, like many modern-day cities, thrived culturally. The Sumerians are credited with the creation of the first system of writing, irrigation, an advanced knowledge of mathematics, and the twelve month calendar. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

EgyptAncient Egypt refers to the people and area surrounding the Nile River in Africa. This period of history called Ancient Egypt extends beyond the 3000 BC-1200 BC era. During this time period, Ancient Egypt saw the rise of the Early Dynastic Period to the fall of the New Kingdom. Many things happened during those times, such as the creation of the pyramids, the creation of paper, and the growth of a writing system called hieroglyphics. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Ancient IsraelThe history of Ancient Israel is documented in one of the world’s most widely read books: the Bible. This history is told through the lives of famous biblical characters as well as remains and inscriptions found in the Middle East. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the three founding patriarchs of Israel, settled in Canaan almost four thousand years ago. The people of Canaan were divided into tribes and were ruled by judges. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

PhoeniciaPhoenicia (1000-300 BC) was an ancient civilization in Asia that was made up of a number of city-states. The most prominent city-state in Phoenicia was Carthage, a city that is still a part of Asia. The Phoenicians were a polytheistic culture and celebrated many gods and goddesses. Phoenicia was well known for the extensive trading network they established during their rise as a civilization. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Ancient GreeceTo define Ancient Greece (800-200 BC) is to define an area that surrounds the modern-day country of Greece and the culture that it represents. In ancient times, the city-states of Greece expanded their culture and influence to many other places. Ancient Greece is also well known for its contributions to literature, art, science and mathematics. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Ancient RomeAncient Rome (500 BC-500 AD) is characterized by many different leaders, governments and events. The history of ancient Rome spans a number of centuries, and is divided into three main categories: the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire. Ancient Rome is also known for many famous leaders. Caesar, Augustus, Constantine and Nero are just a few of the historic figures that led to the expansion of Rome. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Ancient ChinaFreeThe history of Ancient China spans thousands of years and a number of different dynasties. Certain Chinese dynasties lasted hundreds of years, while others were overthrown and replaced quickly by new leaders. Despite this, much of Chinese culture and religion was steadfast. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

MexicoMexico is a country located in North America; it neighbors the United States to the South and shares a border that spans from California to Texas. While parts of Mexico are home to snow covered mountains, the country is also known for its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. After the Spanish exploration of the Americas, Mexico was under Spanish rule until they declared independence in the 19th century. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

CanadaCanada has a rich history of being home to many aboriginal peoples, including Indian tribes and the Inuit. When European explorers began to reach Canada, they found a land rich in resources and began to settle in this area of North America. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Central AmericaCentral America is the small isthmus that separates the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and connects North America and South America. It is made up of these seven countries: Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica. Central America is considered a Mesoamerican civilization. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

South AmericaSouth America includes twelve sovereign states: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, and French Guiana (a part of France). In addition, the ABC islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Falkland Islands, (a British Overseas Territory), Trinidad and Tobago, and Panama may also be considered part of South America. Read more...iWorksheets :3

EconomicsThe functions of an economy depend largely on the goods and services that are created by the producers. In any economy, the consumers are the people who buy or exchange money or goods, and without the demand or need for goods the economy would be unsuccessful. The difference in the cost of retail sale and the cost of production is the meaning of profit for a business, and is also the goal of producers and businesses. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Environmental ChangesThe issue of global warming has been the cause of much debate in the past fifty years. Greenhouse gases, overpopulation, fossil fuel usage, and deforestation have been at the top of the list of reasons that the world’s environment is changing for the worse. Many plants and animals are becoming extinct due to these environmental changes. Industrialization and overpopulation have caused a decrease in land available for other species. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1