1900s
8th Grade
Rigorous Rigor

Eighth Grade American History (1900)

Survey of American history with emerging attention to social and economic factors alongside political history. Progressive themes appeared.

4

Hours/Week

8

Skills Expected

Progressive Era

Era

Historical Context

Progressive Era influenced history teaching to include social and economic themes. Immigration and industrialization became important topics.

Progressive Era (1900-1909)

Progressive education emerging. Emphasis on learning by doing alongside traditional methods.

Skills Expected
What students were expected to master by the end of 8th grade
  • Chronological thinking
  • Understanding cause and effect in history
  • Knowledge of key events and figures
  • Geographic influences on history
  • Understanding of government institutions
  • Connecting past to present
  • Use of primary sources (introduction)
  • Historical writing skills
Sample Topics & Assignments
Typical problems, readings, or assignments from this era

Typical Resources of the Era
Common textbooks and materials used in 1900s classrooms
  • Montgomery's American History
  • Muzzey's American History
  • McLaughlin's History of the American Nation