Middle School Resource

19th-Century America in Art & Literature by NGA

In the United States, the nineteenth century was a time of tremendous growth and change. The new nation experienced a shift from a farming economy to an industrial one, major westward expansion, displacement of native peoples, rapid advances in technology and transportation, and a civil war. In these lessons, works of art from the nineteenth century are paired with written documents to be used as primary sources for students to reconstruct the influence of technology, geography, economics, and politics on daily life.

Related NY State Academic Standards: ARTS.VA.I.1.1.B, ARTS.VA.I.1.1.D, and ARTS.VA.I.1.1.E!

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