New Hampshire History
The history of New Hampshire is as unique as the Granite State itself. While there are traits of the state’s geography, economy, society, and culture that are similar to its neighbors, New Hampshire has always stood out from the rest of New England. This course aims to capture and highlight this exceptionalism as it leads students from a time before New Hampshire through the turn of the 21st Century.
The five inquiry-based units are taught horizontally and vertically, meaning material is covered chronologically but studied by groups of students thematically. Provided is a five-unit framework with which teachers can employ the Everything is a Primary Source method, complete with learning and assessment materials which emphasize collaboration, analysis, evaluation and synthesis. Included with each unit is a set of vocabulary terms, quizzes, and tests correct to each era and state-wide interest, but you are encouraged to include topics of local and regional interest as well.
After all, it is the ingenuity and authenticity of Granite Staters as well as our deep connection to our towns, cities, and counties which has long made New Hampshire the distinctive place that it is.
Unit 1: A Time Before New Hampshire
Pre-1623 to 1700
The first part of this unit explores the ways First Nations developed their societies and interacted with the land from pre-history to the arrival of Europeans in increasing numbers in the early 17th century. It then transitions to learning about the arrival of explorers, merchants and settlers and their interactions with Native peoples as the Atlantic World began to take shape.
Unit 2: Colonial New Hampshire
1700 to 1763
Much of New Hampshire’s identity is rooted in the 18th Century, and this unit investigates why that might be. Although it was a royal colony since 1679, the 18th century saw the province of New Hampshire actively and purposefully take shape geographically, commercially, socially, and politically
Unit 3: Revolutionary New Hampshire
1763 to 1800
New Hampshire joined with the other New England colonies to spark a revolution, but did so in its own unique way. Throughout the time period, the colony-turned-state contributed and reacted to the rapid national changes that forged a new country.
Unit 4: Emergence of the Granite State
1801 to 1900
From beginning to end, the 19th century saw, arguably, the most dramatic changes in technology the world has ever seen. The result was drastic changes in economics followed by society and culture. New Hampshire rapidly developed into an industrial center as the whole nation hurdled towards civil war. Post-War attitudes and trends showed themselves in the Granite State as it provided the backdrop for Gilded Age recreation and leisure.
Unit 5: New Hampshire in the Modern World
1901 to 2001
Despite its diminishing role in industry, New Hampshire found itself on the national and global stage throughout the 20th Century, particularly in political and cultural endeavors. As the nation raced towards the new Millennium, the Granite State proved its unique ability to be simultaneously reflective and forward-thinking.