This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the influence of slavery on the history of individual states, particularly highlighting Kentucky. (The blueprint for this inquiry was purposefully written so as to allow for other states or regions to adapt it to their local particulars.) By investigating the compelling question–How did slavery shape my state?–students examine the growth and development of slavery, the ways in which the slave system differed from place to place, the violence endured by slaves, and how this portion of the country’s history is (or isn’t) being remembered. By completing this inquiry, students will begin to understand how slavery had a significant impact on the development of the country and their particular region, while also have them consider the extent to which historical memory is appropriately reflecting its impact.
Login to add Inquiry to Stack
About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How Did Slavery Shape My State?
Staging Question
In staging the compelling question, teachers may prompt students with images depicting slavery and have a class discussion about slavery’s origins and possible consequences on individuals involved. This will provide an opportunity to review the causes of the development of slavery, as well as allow students to consider how the system affected both slaves and slave owners.
Where did slave populations grow?
Formative TasksComplete a graphic organizer that explains where slavery grew in consideration of geographic features.
SourcesSource A: Interactive map, “The Spread of U.S. Slavery”
Source B: 1860 Census Map
Source C: Slave Population Statistics
How did the slavery system differ from place to place?
Formative TasksCompare and contrast how slavery differed from place to place using a graphic organizer.
SourcesSource A: Excerpt from Takaki, A Different Mirror
Source B: Excerpt from “Slavery in Colonial British North America,” Teaching History, Zagarri
Source C: Excerpt from A Concise History of Kentucky, Klotter
Source D: Excerpt from “Kentucky and the Question of Slavery,” KET Education
How did your state’s former slaves describe their treatment?
Formative TasksWrite a summary that describes slaves’ discussion of their treatment.
SourcesSource A: Kentucky Slave Narratives, Works Progress Administration Records, 1941
Source B: Slave Auction Advertisements, Kentucky Digital Library, 1853-59
How is the legacy of slavery visible in your community?
Formative TasksWrite a claim supported by evidence concerning how the legacy of slavery is visible in your community.
SourcesSource A: Images of Cheapside Slave Auction, Lexington, KY, c. 1862
Source B: Images of Cheapside Historical Marker
Source C: Articles on Cheapside statues, 2015-17
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that discusses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical and contemporary sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Create a timeline of your state’s history, incorporating slavery’s influence.
Taking Informed Action
No data found.