American History, 2-Semester Course (Independent Use Student License)

Description

This course invites students to discover for themselves the tremendous blessings that have been bestowed by the Creator upon the “choice land” known today as America. Read reflections of America’s Founders on the divine purposes of the nation. Experience the joy of reading inspiring stories of the Lord’s providential hand in American history.

Part 1

What happened when three worlds met, on the American continent? How do historians use artifacts, oral histories, legends and primary sources to explain the reasons for exploration and early settlements? Learn how European powers shaped the dominant political, economic, linguistic, and religious traditions of the United States. Find out about the daily lives of the variety of people who inhabited America during the Colonial Era. Study the mind and heart of the patriots of the American Revolution, the cause of liberty and its long term effects on American identity. Meet key individuals who helped shape the new nation. Gain insight into the origins and drafting of the US Constitution. Learn about the development of political institutions and processes. Gain insights into the growth of religions, western expansion, immigration, transportation and communication. Find out about the Mexican War and how it relates to Latter-day Saints. Learn about the causes, battles, generals and conclusion of the U.S. Civil War and the reconstruction era that followed.

Part 2

Explore the effects of industrialization, compare examples of philanthropy and greed in U.S. History with similar examples from the Book of Mormon. Review various reform movements. Study globalization, intervention and territorial expansion. Learn why and how the U.S. entered World War I, their involvement, and the influence of media and propaganda. Gain a basic understanding of the Spanish American War. Learn about migration, trade and the Spanish Flu. Explore the cultural changes in the early 1900’s including the effects of prohibition, the roaring 20’s, nativism and the growing differences between urban and rural communities. Learn about the Vietnam War and its protestors. Understand the cause and conditions of the dust bowl and the Great Depression. Learn about the New Deal, the Progressive Movement and pros and cons of government involvement during economic crises. Learn why and how the U.S. entered World War II and what defined the conflict for U.S. soldiers in both the European and Pacific theaters. How did the war end and how did it set the stage for the Cold War? Study Soviet expansion and the foreign policy of Eisenhower, Kennedy and Nixon. Learn how to navigate ideology and read prophetic quotes on slowing the spread of communism. How did the Reagan Revolution provide economic success which was counter to the New Deal? Explore major themes of the 21st century including the war on terrorism, immigration, the socialist agenda, populism, national debt and energy. Conclude with a presentation on preserving this “choice land” known as America.

(1 Student License; includes 36 Lessons)