Unit 4: A New Nation and Its Economy - Mr. B's Social Studies

What kind of nation — and economy — would the young United States become?

When you are the first to do a job, how do your choices become rules for everyone who comes after?
When a young nation chases profit and growth, what values does it trade away — and who pays the price?
How did early economic decisions shape who held power in America?

Signature project: “Founding an Economy” cabinet simulation — students take on advisor roles and argue the debt, the bank, and the tariff, then defend the decision they made.

Activities & Games

Early Republic Explore the challenges of the early United States. Washington was the first — everything he did became the unofficial rulebook. Precedent Cabinet When you’re the very first person to do a job, the choices you make become the unofficial rules for everyone who does that job after you. The president’s team of advisors. Washington’s first cabinet included Alexander Hamilton, who ran the Treasury. War of 1812 An interactive strategy game set during the War of 1812. Money and trade weren’t just background — they helped drive the country to war. Tariff National Bank A tax on goods coming across the border. Tariffs raise money for the government and can also protect American businesses from foreign competition. Hamilton’s idea for one national bank to keep the government’s money safe and help the young country’s economy run smoothly.

Readings

Middle School

Advanced