LC Subject Heading: Statehood (American politics)
Item 102194
Joshua B. Lowell to John Chandler, Chesterville, 1819
Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1819-01-25 Location: Chesterville Media: Ink on paper
Item 102196
Abijah Smith to John Chandler regarding Maine statehood, Waterville, 1819
Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1819-01-29 Location: Waterville Media: Ink on paper
Lesson Plan
Grade Level: 9-12
Content Area: Social Studies
Maine's quest for statehood began in the years immediately following the American Revolution. Though the state of Massachusetts consented to the separation in 1819 and Maine would ultimately achieve statehood in 1820, Maine’s split from Massachusetts was not without controversy and was not universally supported by people living in Maine. Using primary sources, students will explore the arguments for and against Maine statehood. Students will gather evidence and arguments to debate the statement: It is in the best interests of the people of Maine for Maine to become its own state.
Lesson Plan
Becoming Maine: The Votes for Statehood
Grade Level: 3-5
Content Area: Social Studies
Maine became a state in 1820 after separating from Massachusetts, but the call for statehood had begun long before the final vote. Why did it take so long? Was 1820 the right time? In this lesson, students will begin to place where Maine’s statehood fits into the broader narrative of 18th and 19th century American political history. They will have the opportunity to cast their own Missouri Compromise vote after learning about Maine’s long road to statehood.
