• The American Experience (Focus: US History I)

    Summary of Unit I: Click to access The American Experience _Unit1

    North American colonial societies adapted European governmental, economic, and cultural institutions and ideologies to meet their needs in the New World.  The war for independence was the result of growing ideological, political, geographic, economic, and religious tensions resulting from Britain’s centralization policies and practices.  The United States Constitution and Bill of Rights were designed to provide a framework for the American system of government, while also protecting individual rights. Debates about individual rights, states’ rights, and federal power shaped the development of the political institutions and practices of the new Republic. 

     

    Summary of Unit II: Click to access The American Experience_Unit2

    Multiple political, social, and economic factors caused American territorial expansion.  The rapid expansion and transformation of the American economy contributed to regional tensions, social reform, political compromises, and an expansion of democratic practices.  The expansion, however, was not without its costs to Native Americans, African Americans and women. The Civil War was caused by ideological, economic, and political differences about the future course of the nation.  Efforts to reunite the country through Reconstruction were contested, resisted, and had long-term consequences. 

     

    Summary of Unit III: Click to access The American Experience_Unit3

    Technological developments and unregulated business practices revolutionized transportation, manufacturing, and consumption, and changed the daily lives of Americans.  The Industrial Revolution and immigration had a powerful impact on labor relations, urbanization, the environment, cultural values, and created tensions between ethnic and social groups.

     

     

    The Political Experience (Focus: US History II)

    Summary of Unit I: Click to access Political Studies _Unit1

    The Great Depression resulted from government economic policies, business practices, and individual decisions, and it impacted business and society.  The New Deal programs were aimed at recovery, relief, and reform and had a lasting impact on the expansion of the role of the national government in the economy.  The United States participated in World War II as an Allied force to prevent military conquests by Germany, Italy, and Japan.  Domestic and military policies during World War II continued to deny equal rights to African Americans, Asian Americans, and women. 

     

    Summary of Unit II: Click to access Political Studies _Unit2

    Cold War tensions between the United States and communist countries resulted in conflict that influenced domestic and foreign policy for over forty years.  The Civil Rights movement marked a period of social turmoil and political reform, resulting in the expansion of rights and opportunities for individuals and groups previously discriminated against. 

     

    Summary of Unit III: Click to access Political Studies Unit3

    Differing views on the government’s role in social and economic issues led to greater partisanship in government decision making.  The increased economic prosperity and opportunities experienced by many masked growing tensions and disparities experienced by some individuals and groups.  Immigration, educational opportunities, and social interaction have led to the growth of a multicultural society with varying values and perspectives.