1. “Essential Questions”
An “essential question” is a question, the answer of which strikes at the heart of an issue. To answer such a question means that you have a deep understanding of a topic—that you really know it from the inside out. It means that you can explain it in such a way that your listener or reader is able to understand it with the same depth as you. It’s like telling “The whole truth and nothing but the truth,” by supporting every statement you make with facts and examples. It is expressed in such a way that it paints a detailed picture of a topic that is clear to all.

2. “Essential Definitions”
These are terms that you will need to understand and remember. You will use them to help you explain and justify your answers to some of the Essential Questions for this unit and for future units this year and the next, so…
HOLD ONTO THEM!

3. “Essential Definitions”
“imperialism”- a policy used by the government of a country to expand by taking control of the territory of another nation or culture for political, economic or cultural reasons. (A stronger government takes over a weaker one for financial gain, to defend its way of life or to spread its form of government.)
“Manifest Destiny” - imperialism which is justified as being “necessary” or “for the good of others”. (“God- given right”)
“culture” - the beliefs, customs, ways of life, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time
“Social Darwinism” – the belief that those who are stronger are meant to rule or control those who are weaker.
(AKA: “Survival of the Fittest”)

4. Revolution: “Essential Questions”
 You will need to be able to explain the answers to these questions (using examples from your notes and video presentations) for your Final Exam!
1. What is revolution?
2. Why does a country experience revolution?
3. What social, economic and political factors lead to revolution?
4. How important is it to have a clear reason for a revolution?
5. How does the strength of one’s belief in a cause determine success in achieving it?
6. How necessary is a strong leader, an alternative government and a strong military for a successful revolution?   
7. What are the “costs” of a revolution?

5. 6. If good citizens must obey laws, what happens when those laws are unjust?
7. Was “no taxation without representation” the major cause of the American Revolution? If not, explain what was.
8. Slavery was an issue in the colonies well before the Revolution. How did the Founding Fathers decision to handle this issue affect later generations of Americans?