Students learn about Washington's foreign policy, the Proclamation of Neutrality, and Washington's Farewell Address. They discover the impact that Washington's address has on our government today.
Students learn about Washington's foreign policy, the Proclamation of Neutrality, and Washington's Farewell Address. They discover the impact that Washington's address has on our government today.
Students are introduced to Washington’s role in establishing the new government and his policy of neutrality. They review key vocabulary (neutrality, nationalism), examine an image of Washington’s Farewell Address, and respond to a word cloud prompt by entering a synonym for “neutrality.”
Teacher MovesHighlight the lesson objective and key vocabulary. Use the word cloud to prompt students to notice patterns in their synonyms for neutrality and to discuss why Washington might have wanted the United States to remain neutral, including possible advantages and disadvantages of neutrality.
Students read background text about the wars in Europe during the 1790s, the debate within Washington’s cabinet over supporting France or remaining neutral, and Washington’s decision to issue the Proclamation of Neutrality. Using the primary source Proclamation of Neutrality, they complete a graphic organizer by identifying its main idea and up to three key points. They then read about how the proclamation deepened divisions between Federalists and Republicans and how these conflicts concerned Washington.
Teacher MovesUse student entries in the graphic organizer to check understanding of the main idea and key points of the Proclamation of Neutrality and to surface how it contributed to emerging political parties. Use student responses to identify understandings and misconceptions, and to guide follow-up discussion.
Students read sections of Washington’s Farewell (Issues Addressed: Public Morality, Unity and Sectionalism, Foreign Relations and Free Trade) to learn Washington’s key themes and recommendations. They answer multiple-choice questions about which themes appeared in the Farewell Address, which policy aligns with avoiding permanent alliances, and which areas Washington described as “great pillars of human happiness.”
Teacher MovesUse students’ responses to the questions to reinforce Washington’s views on neutrality, political parties, and the roles of religion and morality, clarifying any misconceptions revealed by incorrect choices.
Students read a summary of the major themes in Washington’s Farewell Address—patriotism, national unity, neutrality in foreign affairs, and the dangers of political parties—then watch Senator Tim Kaine Discusses Washington’s Farewell Address to see how these ideas still influence government leaders today. They post to a class wall explaining how two key themes from the Farewell Address connect to current political issues.
Teacher MovesEmphasize that this scene prepares students for a later quiz question. After students post to the wall, select and share interesting or exemplary responses with the class to spark discussion about how neutrality, party division, and debates over constitutional issues continue to shape contemporary politics.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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