U.S. History I (10th Grade)

Unit 1 – Creating A Nation: The settlement of North America brought together three cultures- European, African, and Native American- and created several new colonial societies. Students analyzed the reasons European competed for power during this time and how geography affected the development of colonies. Then, students study life in colonial America and the events leading up to the American Revolution. The unit closes with the American Revolution and the creation of a new government.

Unit 2 – A Young Nation – Conflict and Reform: This unit examines how George Washington helped define the presidency, how early political parties argued to established federal and state’s roles, new technology led to manufacturing and innovation, reform movements began to address the abolition of slavery and women’s rights.

Unit 3 – Growth and Division: As the U.S. expands, students examine the controversial issues of expansion. Disagreements over the westward expansion of slavery increased sectional tensions. The abolition movement grows stronger as John Brown stages a rebellion. The fate of the union is challenged at Fort Sumter and the outbreak of the Civil War.

Unit 4 – The Civil War: The Civil War brought great suffering and widespread changes to civilians, as well as soldiers. Students examine how the North was able to defeat the South and the contributions African Americans made. Students also examine Lincoln’s decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation and the effects of the war and Lincoln’s assassination.

Other topics include geography and current events.