Course Overview

United States History A explores the origins and early development of the United States, tracing social, political, and economic change from the nation's founding through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students analyze foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights to understand how ideas of liberty, government, and democracy took root and evolved.

Key Learning Focus

Students will:

• Examine the colonial era, independence movement, and founding of the republic.
• Study the Constitutional framework and debates over federal versus state power.
• Investigate the growth of democracy, westward expansion, and the rise of sectionalism.
• Analyze the Civil War, Reconstruction, and their long-term consequences.
• Evaluate how early events shaped American identity and laid the foundation for future change.

Instructional Approach

Students engage with primary sources, maps, timelines, and interactive activities to deepen historical understanding. They develop critical thinking by evaluating cause-and-effect relationships and comparing perspectives across eras.

Outcome

By the end of United States History A, students will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the founding principles of American democracy.
• Explain the major social, political, and economic developments from the colonial period through Reconstruction.
• Apply historical reasoning to analyze how early challenges shaped the nation's trajectory.