This lesson explores nationalism, regionalism, and their roles in shaping the political boundaries of Europe

Title – Nationalism
By – Tim Samsa
Primary Subject – Social Studies
Course/Class – Global Studies
Grade Level – 9-12
Length – 90 minutes

Note from LessonPlansPage.com: The following lesson plan refers to worksheets that were not included in the original submission. Even so, we feel that this lesson contains many valuable ideas and could serve as a good template on the subject. Objectives:

The student will consider the topic of nationalism. The student will be able to define nationalism and describe how the concept holds nation-states together. Additionally, the student will be introduced to the role that nationalism played in shaping the political boundaries of Europe.

South Carolina Global Studies Standards:

GS-4.3 Compare the key elements of the revolutions that took place on the European and American continents in the nineteenth century, including social and political motivations for these revolutions and the changes in social organization that emerged following them. (H, P)

GS-4.4 Explain the causes and effects of political, social, and economic transformation in Europe in the nineteenth century, including the significance of nationalism, the impact of industrialization for different countries, and the effects of democratization. (H, G, P, E)

Learning Plan:

1. Journal:
   • Project South Carolina Barbecue Map where entire class can see it.
   • Prompt: What does this map mean to you? Is it “correct?”

2. Nationalism Notes:
   • Explain the concept of Nationalism .
   • Explain Nation , State , and Nation-State .
   • Relate to American (Nation) and United States (Nation-State).
3. Handout: Defining America.
   • Let students work together to define the key characteristics of the United States.
   • Explore regional differences, but we should agree that there are several key attributes that define the United States and hold the country together (language, democracy…)
4. Regional Differences:
   To explore the differences among regions further, project various cultural maps of the United States
5. Handout blank outline maps of the U.S.:
   • Explain to students that they are to create their own pictorial representation of the United States as they see it.
   • Ask for volunteers to share their maps when completed.
   • Explain how mapping is very important for how we think about space and place – reference the Congress of Vienna.
6. Common Characteristics:
   • Explain to students that while the U.S. is held together by some common characteristics, Europe, especially in the 19th century, was very different.
   • Moreover, the lack of these common characteristics was emphasized in a smaller space.
   • Language difference played a key role in separating and distinguishing people.
7. Handout: Languages Define Europe.
   • Have students complete the handout.
   • Go over the handout and compare the map on the handout to the map of the political boundaries of Europe in 1815
   • Source: Document Based Assessment Activities for Global History by Theresa Noonan
8. Exit slip: In one sentence, tell me what nationalism means to you.

Assessment of Learning:

1. Journal
2. Discussion around handout completion
3. Maps
4. Exit Slip

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