Late Medieval Period
Session 2: The Formation of Nation States in Europe

Materials

• A copy of the Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights for each student
• Display of the “Nation States Chart” (Attachment A) on an overhead and a copy of the chart for each student
• Display of notes for “European Nation States (Class Notes)” (Attachment B) and a copy of the notes for each student
• Overhead projector
• Teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or activity (optional)

Instructional Activities

NOTE: The following Web resources may be helpful in teaching this session:
“The Rights of Englishmen.” Jamestown Virtual Colony. <http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/socialstudies/projects/jvc/unit/govt/english_rights.html>. This site provides a lesson plan on teaching the Magna Carta.
The Bill of Rights Institute. <http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org>. This site provides lesson plans and other information on the Bill of Rights, as well as opportunities for teacher training.

1. Begin by having students consider the following question:
   
   How do rulers gain more power?
   
   Elicit student responses by asking for ethical and unethical ways to gain power.
   
   
2. Display the “Nation States (Class Notes)” (Attachment B) on an overhead, and distribute a copy to each student. Discuss each concept, asking questions periodically to ensure that students are understanding the information. NOTE: This activity may require two sessions.
   
   
3. Display the “Nation States Chart” (Attachment A) on an overhead. As chart is discussed, students should complete their copy of the chart. NOTE: This activity can be done in small groups or as a teacher-directed activity.
   
   
4. After the chart is completed, have students read excerpts from the Magna Carta and excerpts from the U.S. Bill of Rights. Discuss the similarities and differences between the two documents, as well as the influence England has on the United States.
   
   
5. Create a timeline to display how countries became nation-states. Use symbols as well as words, for wars, expansion, and accomplishments.
   
   
6. Finish the chart (if not completed in class) and/or assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.