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United States History Course
Standards & Learning Targets

Date: Dec. 18, 2023

We’re excited to begin another year of growth and learning at SCS. Below, you’ll find important updates on various school activities, schedules, and upcoming events.

Units Overview
1. Foundations of the United States (1607-1783)
  • Exploration and Colonization
  • Wear comfortable clothes and appropriate running shoes.
  • The American Revolution
  • Formation of the U.S. Constitution
Expansion and Reform (1783-1860)
  • Westward Expansion
  • Industrial Revolution
  • Reform Movements (Abolition, Women’s Suffrage)
3. Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
  • Causes of the Civil War
  • Civil War Battles and Strategies
  • Reconstruction Era
4. Industrialization and Gilded Age (1877-1914)
  • Rise of Big Business
  • Immigration and Urbanization
  • Progressive Era Reforms
5. World War I and the Roaring Twenties (1914-1929)
  • Causes and Impact of WWI
  • Jazz Age and Cultural Changes
  • The Great Depression
6. World War II and Postwar America (1939-1960)
  • U.S. Involvement in WWII
  • Cold War and McCarthyism
  • Civil Rights Movement
7. Vietnam War to Present (1960-Present)
  • Vietnam War and Protest Movements
  • Social Changes in the 1960s and 1970s
  • Contemporary Issues and Globalization
Vietnam War to Present (1960-Present)

Unit Breakdown

Unit 1: Foundations of the United States (1607-1783)
Standards
  • Analyze the impact of European exploration and colonization on the development of the United States.
  • Investigate the causes and consequences of the American Revolution.
  • Examine the formation and principles of the U.S. Constitution.
Learning Targets
  • Identify key explorers and describe their contributions to early American history.
  • Evaluate the motivations for and consequences of early colonization.
  • Analyze primary documents to understand different perspectives on the American Revolution.
  • Explain the major battles and events of the American Revolution.
  • Examine the key principles and compromises of the U.S. Constitution.
Unit 2: Expansion and Reform (1783-1860)
Standards
  • Investigate the factors influencing westward expansion.
  • Analyze the impact of the Industrial Revolution on American society.
  • Examine the goals and achievements of reform movements in the 19th century.
Learning Targets
  • Assess the impact of westward expansion on Native American communities.
  • Analyze the economic and social changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution.
  • Evaluate the goals and effectiveness of reform movements, including abolition and women’s suffrage.
Unit 3: Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
Standards
  • Examine the causes and consequences of the Civil War.
  • Analyze the challenges and outcomes of the Reconstruction Era.
Learning Targets
  • Identify the key events and battles of the Civil War.
  • Evaluate the different perspectives on the causes of the Civil War.
  • Analyze the successes and failures of the Reconstruction Era.
Unit 3_ Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
Unit 4: Industrialization and Gilded Age (1877-1914)
Standards
  • Investigate the rise of big business and its impact on American society.
  • Examine the effects of immigration and urbanization during the Gilded Age.
  • Analyze the goals and outcomes of the Progressive Era.
Learning Targets
  • Evaluate the impact of industrialization on workers and the economy.
  • Analyze the push and pull factors of immigration and their effects on society.
  • Investigate the goals and achievements of key Progressive Era reforms.
Unit 5: World War I and the Roaring Twenties (1914-1929)
Standards
  • Investigate the causes and consequences of World War I.
  • Analyze the cultural and societal changes of the Roaring Twenties.
  • Examine the impact of the Great Depression on American society.
Learning Targets
  • Evaluate the factors leading to World War I and the United States’ involvement.
  • Analyze the cultural and social changes of the Roaring Twenties, including the Jazz Age.
  • Examine the economic and social impact of the Great Depression.
Unit 6: World War II and Postwar America (1939-1960)
Standards
  • Analyze the U.S. involvement in World War II and its global consequences.
  • Examine the Cold War era, including McCarthyism.
  • Investigate the Civil Rights Movement and its impact on American society.
Learning Targets
  • Analyze the key events and strategies of World War II.
  • Evaluate the impact of the Cold War on domestic policies and society.
  • Examine the key figures and events of the Civil Rights Movement.
Unit 7: Vietnam War to Present (1960-Present)
Standards
  • Investigate the causes and consequences of the Vietnam War.
  • Analyze social changes in the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Examine contemporary issues and the impact of globalization.
Learning Targets
  • Evaluate the factors leading to the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
  • Analyze the social and cultural changes of the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Investigate contemporary issues such as globalization, technology, and social justice movements.