Background

Many Washingtonians are talking about a new state-the 51st. They would like to divide Western Washington from Eastern Washington along the Cascade Mountains.

Washington became a state in 1889. Washington didn't have many residents, but the residents who were here supported statehood. Today, the issue of statehood is more complex than in the 1800s. Residents now believe that more than the Cascade Mountains divide Western Washington from Eastern Washington. Western Washington is a large urban region with many industries including technology, aerospace, and shipping. Many residents in Western Washington are politically liberal. Eastern Washington, however, is rural and agricultural, raising wheat, barley, and livestock. Many residents of Eastern Washington are politically conservative.

Discussion Items

During the past few years, many residents have been asking to divide our state along the Cascade Mountains. Discuss this issue with your class.

• What does it mean to be liberal?
• What does it mean to be conservative?
• What problems would Eastern Washington face without Western Washington?
• What problems would Western Washington face without Eastern Washington?
• What benefits would be derived by splitting the state into two states?
• Do you think splitting into two states is a good idea?
• What requirements must be met before a new state can be created?