Democracy in America

Gr 8 Up—This series contains many primary source documents including images of period maps, political cartoons, paintings, and newspaper headlines. Democracy in America is the most comprehensive of the four programs, covering the period 1814–38. It focuses on the Missouri Compromise, Andrew Jackson, and other presidents. (The famous political cartoon showing Jackson as King Andrew is explained.) There is a frank discussion of the Indian Removal Act and the strong role Andrew Jackson played in literally pushing the Native Americans off their lands. The cruelty of the Trail of Tears is shown with the examples of the famous painting by Robert Lindneux and the refusal of Jackson to abide by John Marshall's decision in Cherokee Nation v. Georgia. Expansion and Reform begins with a description of the pioneering settlers and explains how difficult pioneering life was. Relevant quotes from John James Audubon and Robert Fulton demonstrate controversial views about economic expansion. Manifest Destiny covers the period 1830–49, including the Mexican-American War. Securing the Republic covers the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the War of 1812. The commentary uses words such as lynch pin, precarious, sovereignty, which may require the teacher to prepare a vocabulary list before viewing.