Kentucky Social Studies Standards

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History, Middle Level (Assessment at Grade 8)

History is an account of human activities that is interpretive in nature.

SS-M-5.1.1 Different perspectives (e.g., gender, race,region, ethnic group, nationality, age, economic status, religion, politics) result in different interpretations of historical events.

SS-M-5.1.2 Primary sources, secondary sources,artifacts, and time lines are essential tools in the study and interpretation of history.

SS-M-5.1.3 History is a series of connected events shaped by multiple cause-and-effect relationships, tying the past to the present.

The history of the United States is a chronicle of a diverse people and the nation they formed.

SS-M-5.2.1 America's diverse society began with the "great convergence" of European, African, and Native American people beginning in the late 15th century.

SS-M-5.2.2 The ideals of equality and personal liberty (rise of individual rights, economic freedom, colonial governments, religious diversity, Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States), as developed during the colonial period, were motivations for the American Revolution and proved instrumental in forging a new nation.

SS-M-5.2.3 The growth of democracy and geographic expansion were significant in American history (e.g., Louisiana Purchase, Manifest Destiny, impact on Native Americans, early industrialization, early women's rights movement).

SS-M-5.2.4 Political, social, economic, and cultural differences (e.g., slavery, tariffs, industrialism vs. agrarianism, federal vs. states' rights) among sections of the U.S. resulted in the American Civil War.

The history of the world is a chronicle of human activities and human societies.

SS-M-5.3.1 As early hunters and gatherers developed new technologies, they settled into organized civilizations.

SS-M-5.3.2 The rise of classical civilizations and empires, and the development of major religions had lasting impacts on the world in government, philosophy, architecture, art, drama, and literature.

SS-M-5.3.3 The rise of non-Western cultures continues to influence the modern world in government, philosophy, art, drama, and literature.

SS-M-5.3.4 Developments during the Middle Ages (feudalism, nation states, monarchies, religious institutions, limited government, trade, trade associations, capitalism) influenced modern societies.

SS-M-5.3.5 The Age of Exploration produced extensive contact among isolated cultures and brought about massive political, economic, and social changes.