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Social Studies Curriculum Social Studies - United States History I
Lesson Plans

U.S. I Strand 1: THREE WORLDS MEET

(Prehistory-Ca. 1650)

Europe's exploration of America had a profound impact on the world. For thousands of years, complex and sophisticated American Indian civilizations had flourished in the Americas, separated from other parts of the world by vast bodies of water. After Columbus' arrival, the lands of the Western Hemisphere were forever connected to the rest of the world. The international slave trade forced millions of Africans to the Americas, bringing these "three worlds" together in unprecedented ways. Patterns of trade, exploration, conquest, and settlement have ramifications that continue to the present day.

Possible Guiding Questions to Consider:

  • How do historians and archeologists construct interpretations from artifacts, oral histories, legends, primary sources, and other evidence?
  • What were the motives that led to European exploration?
  • What were the effects of European exploration, especially on the indigenous populations encountered?
  • How has physical geography affected cultures historically? How does it affect cultures today?
  • How is your own cultural history woven into the history of America?


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Robert  Austin and see the Social Studies website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

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