Correlate biographical data and primary source documents. Introduction Since George Washington assumed the presidency in 1789, United States Presidents have struggled with the issues that shape our nation and the world. Over the years, their concerns have shifted from building a new nation, to preserving the Union, to defining the role of the United States in the world. Often the President's inaugural address will preview the issues with which that President will most concern himself. In this activity, you will examine several inaugural addresses for clues to the most pressing issues of the incoming administration.
Procedure Go to the United States Presidents Web site.
Choose five Presidents to research. Include at least two Presidents who served before the Civil War, and at least one President from the twentieth century. Read the biographical sketches of the Presidents you chose. Take notes as you read. Take notes on the issues that concerned each President at the start of his administration.