Year at a Glance

Topic 1: Pre-Columbian America/European Explorers/Worlds Collide
We will explore how present-day North America looked in the years before it was "discovered" by Columbus. Students will gain an understanding of how the geography influenced how the indigenous people of North America lived. We will learn about Columbus discovering the New World and how this led to European exploration and eventual colonization of the lands in the Western Hemisphere. 

Topic 2: Colonies of North America
We will explore the colonies that developed in North America and how geography impacted their economies, labor systems, and ways of life. We will also learn about the institution of chattel slavery that Europeans brought to North America during the colonial period. 

Topic 3: The Rise to Rebellion and American Revolution. 

We will also explore the various conflicts that arose between the colonies and England that eventually led to the Declaration of Independence and revolution. 

Topic 4: A New Nation/US Constitution
After analyzing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation as a form of government we will explore the drafting and ratification of the US Constitution.  We will learn about the limits placed on government and the protection of individual rights included in the Constitution. 

Topic 5: The Early Days of the USA
Together we will discuss Washington's presidency and the precedents he set for the future presidents of the United States. We will learn how the functioning of the government under the US Constitution evolved during the first few administrations. 

Topic 6: The Age of Jackson and Westward Expansion
How did the US grow to its current size? What were the causes and effects of such expansion? Who benefitted and who faced hardship because of Manifest Destiny? 

Topic 7: Society and Culture before the Civil War
We will look at some of the big changes to America during the years before the Civil War. We will explore immigration and industrialization as well as how cotton transformed the southern economy and increased the dependence on the labor of enslaved persons. 

Topic 8: A Nation Divided/Civil War
We will explore sectionalism and the disagreements and division that resulted. We will analyze the various compromises related to slavery and the eventual Civil War that ensued.

Topic 9: Reconstruction
How do we rebuild a country divided by civil war? What steps did the government take to ensure "equal protection of the law" ? We will analyze the various methods used by the Jim Crow South to undermine Reconstruction efforts and the legacy of such actions.

Topic 10: Industrial and Economic Growth
We will explore the rise of industry in America in the decades following the Civil War. The growth of cities, immigration, and the unchecked rise of big businesses will also be examined. 

Topic 11: The Progressive Era
In this topic we will learn about the  problems associated with  rapid industrialization and the actions taken by individuals, groups, and governments to counter the negative effects of rapid growth. 

Topic 12: Imperialism and WW1
Together we will analyze America's expanding role in world affairs including the rise of  American Imperialism. We will also explore America's role in the First World War and its aftermath 

Topic 13: Prosperity and Depression
In the years between WW1 and WW2 a lot happened. The Roaring 20's, Great Depression, and The New Deal will be examined.  

Topic 14: World War II
The  focus of this topic is the diversity and interactions of ecosystems.

Topic 15: Postwar America
America's entry into World War 2 and the three fronts of the war (Europe, Japan, and The Homefront) will be analyzed and discussed. 

Topic 16: A Global Superpower Facing Change
The Cold War between the US and USSR that began immediately after WW2 as well as the various conflicts that arose as a consequence will be examined. The Civil Rights Movement will also be explored in-depth. Current events and issues will also be examined in the context of US History.