5th Grade Social Studies Key Connections 2019-2020

 

*These key connections are the main themes of each unit. If you memorize them, you will be better prepared to answer any question pertaining to the unit. If Mrs. Brass steps in the room and asks "Tell me something about the Aztecs, the explorers, geography of the colonies, or about civilizations" you should be able to respond appropriately using a "key connection" to the question.*

 What is a key connection.mp3 (To play audio, download and listen on your device)

 

 

Unit 1: Indigenous Cultures of the Americas

 

1. The Maya, Aztec, and Inca developed large and complex civilizations that flourished economically, socially, and politically.
2. Surplus food in the Maya, Aztec, and Inca empires allowed trade to develop, and brought in goods that city-states did not have.
3. Development of civilizations across the Americas depended on geographic resources, and shared common characteristics

 Unit 1 Key Connections.mp3 (To play audio, download and listen on your device)

 

Unit 2: European Exploration

 

1. Motivations of European people and nations influenced the colonization and physical environment of North America.
2. Supply, demand, and scarcity motivated European exploration and settlement in the Americas.
3. The Columbian Exchange brought new goods, people, ideas, innovations, and diseases to the Americas, Europe, and West Africa.
4. Interactions between Europeans and indigenous peoples sometimes led to cooperation and trade, but mostly resulted in conflict and devastation for indigenous peoples.

 

Unit 3: Settlement of the Present-Day United States

 

1. Geography and climate influenced the success or failure of a settlement.
2. Colonization led to the development of new economies and types of government.
3. Colonies were established for economic and religious reasons.

 

Unit 4: Colonial Advancements

 

1. Trade shaped the economic and political relationship among Europe, the Colonies, and West Africa.
2. Geography influenced the economies of the New England colonies, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies.
3. Colonial governments took a variety of forms based on the goals of their colonial founders.
4. Triangular Trade led to the economic interdependence and cultural diffusion.
5. Agricultural and industrial specialization led to the development of regional economies in the colonies.

 

Unit 5: The French and Indian War

 

1. European rivalries and British economic policy led to conflict and war in Colonial North America.