In a world yearning for knowledge, a new nation emerged. The story of America starts with a journey. This tale includes intense clashes between cultures, noble ideas and aspirations, and transfixing turmoil amid transcendent triumph as our nation was forged. Looking back through America’s history reveals lofty ideas treasured as sacred values that have become the American spirit.

America’s foundation rests on the self-evident truth that everyone is endowed with equal rights. Unfortunately, throughout American history, some have been denied their most basic rights of freedom and the choice to pursue a better life. This course is the story of those who helped birth a nation and their attempts to achieve the American dream. It encompasses their successes and failures in improving the human condition and espousing the unalienable rights that define the American spirit.

This course begins with the closing of the Silk Road, the European land route to Asia. It continues with European exploration and the impact Europeans had on the lives of those native to North America. Included in the course are the foundation of British colonies in North America, the founding of the United States, the War of 1812, US western expansion, the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Indian Wars, immigration, American imperialism, the Progressive movement, and World War I. Special focus is given to the ideas that shaped the history of those living in the United States.

People study history in order to understand the events and circumstances that have shaped the world today. These include the geographic, political, economic, and social characteristics that impact people. Throughout this course, you will interpret historical documents, understand the motivations for past decisions, and relate historical events to your life today. 

Introduction Video Transcript

COURSE OBJECTIVES

What are learning objectives? They are the skills, knowledge, and attitudes you will gain from your schoolwork. Upon completing this lesson, you will be able to

• Compare and contrast the influences that shaped the New England, middle, and southern colonies.
• Describe the early events and policies that shaped the newly formed the US government. 
• Describe the impacts of industrialization over time.
• Describe the process and causes of western expansion and America's territorial growth.
• Examine the philosophical foundations of the United States.
• Explain the causes, effects, and lasting significance of the American Civil War.
• Explain the impact of social and political developments near the turn of the twentieth century.
• Explain the impact that Europeans and American Indians had on one another in the colonial period.

Click the link to read through the Student Resource Guide, which provides more detailed information on what you can expect throughout the course.