American History – Part 3 of a 4-Semester Journey Through America’s Past

A Nation Divided & A World at War

America had won its independence — but building and preserving a new nation would bring challenges of its own.

In the next chapter of our 4-semester American History journey, students will follow the United States through some of the most dramatic periods in its history as the young nation grows, divides, rebuilds, and begins to take its place on the world stage.

Throughout the semester, we’ll explore major events and turning points including:

The growing tensions that divided the United States
The causes of the Civil War
Major battles, leaders, and events of the Civil War
The challenges of rebuilding a divided nation
America’s changing role in the world
The Spanish-American War
World War I
The social and economic changes of the early 20th century
The Great Depression
The events that eventually lead America toward World War II

But just like the previous semesters, this class goes far beyond memorizing dates.

Students will dig into the people, decisions, conflicts, documents, inventions, and stories that shaped each period while learning how one event in history connects to the next.

Along the way, students will:

Examine original historical documents and sources
Explore important battles and turning points
Discover fascinating people, inventions, and stories
Challenge common historical myths with evidence
Build a deeper understanding of how America changed over time

Continuing the series? Get ready for an entirely new chapter of America’s story!

New to American History? Previous semesters are not required. Each semester is designed so students can join the journey, with the background and context they need to understand what we’re studying.

Students should be able to complete copywork assignments, as these will continue to be part of our weekly activities.

From a nation divided to a country facing challenges at home and abroad, this semester is packed with events that changed America forever.

The journey continues — and history is about to get BIG!