Change in America! Late 1800’s to early 1900’s

Define Primary Source Document Mrs. Myers 8th Grade Social Studies

Instructions

!   You will be analyzing primary source documents from the time period in which we are studying.

!   First, study the picture closely and look at all details!

!   Next, after analyzing the picture, please answer the questions on your screen on a separate sheet of paper.

Transcontinental Railroad

Question 1

!   What does ‘transcontinental’ mean? If you’re unsure, break the word into pieces

!   Why do you think it was so exciting?

!   Who do you think the people in the picture are?

!   Have you ever been on a train? What was it like?

Compare Boom Town Ghost Town

Question 2

!   Why do you think towns changed from ‘boom towns’ to ‘ghost towns?’

!   Have you ever been to the West? What was it like?

!   Based on the pictures, what do you think it was like living in a boom town?

Plains Indians

Question 3

!   What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Native American?’

!   How do you think the Plains Indians felt about the Westward Expansion?

!   In the first picture, there are white men meeting with Plains Indians, what do you think is happening?

Child Labor

Question 4

!   What do you think the cartoon is trying to say?

!   Have you ever had a job? What was it like?

!   How old do you think the boy in the photo is? What do you think he’s doing?

!   Describe a day in a factory, based off the picture

Immigration

Question 5

!   What do you think it was like going through Ellis Island?

!   What does the quote mean to you? Do you know where it is found?

!   Compare the picture to the significance of the quote

Your turn!

!   Based on these pictures, choose who you’d like to be during this time period. Your options are: !   Gold Miner

!   Railroad builder

!   Native American

!   Cowboy

!   Immigrant

!   After you’ve selected your ‘person,’ create a picture of what you think your life would have been like:

!   Include at least TEN significant details!