U.S. History
The following learning targets represent the major concepts studied and assessed in this course.
Semester 1
Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy
- I can explain how Enlightenment ideas influenced the founding of the United States.
- I can describe the causes and outcomes of the American Revolution.
- I can explain the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
- I can analyze the principles and structure of the U.S. Constitution.
Unit 2: Growth and Expansion
- I can explain the political, economic, and social factors that contributed to westward expansion.
- I can analyze the impact of expansion on American Indians and other groups.
- I can describe the causes and effects of sectional conflict.
Unit 3: Civil War and Reconstruction
- I can explain the causes of the Civil War.
- I can analyze the major events and turning points of the Civil War.
- I can evaluate the successes and failures of Reconstruction.
Semester 2
Unit 4: Industrialization and Immigration
- I can explain the causes and effects of industrialization.
- I can analyze the experiences of immigrants and the growth of cities.
- I can describe the rise of labor movements and reform efforts.
Unit 5: The United States as a World Power
- I can explain the causes and effects of American imperialism.
- I can analyze the role of the United States in World War I.
- I can describe the political, economic, and social changes of the 1920s.
Unit 6: Crisis and Conflict
- I can explain the causes and effects of the Great Depression.
- I can evaluate the impact of the New Deal.
- I can analyze the causes, major events, and outcomes of World War II.
Unit 7: The Modern United States
- I can explain the causes and effects of the Cold War.
- I can analyze the Civil Rights Movement.
- I can evaluate social, political, and economic changes in the United States since World War II.