American History Before 1865

The first half of a detailed two-year survey of the history of the United States, this course takes students from the arrival of the first people in North America through the Civil War. Lessons integrate topics in geography, civics, and economics. Building on the award-winning series from Oxford University Press, A History of US, American History Before 1865 will guide students through critical episodes in the story of America. Students will:

• Explore the development of various Native American civilizations.
• Learn about European exploration and the growth of the 13 colonies.
• Investigate the causes and consequence of the American Revolution.
• Examine the Constitution and the growth of the new nation.
• Become familiar with Jacksonian democracy, westward expansion, and “manifest destiny.”
• Study the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Standard Curriculum Items

• Inflatable Globe (3–6)
• US/World Map (3–5)
• Understanding Geography Level 5 - Map Skills and Our World (maps.com, 2006)
• The First Americans by Joy Hakim (Oxford University Press, 1999)
• Making Thirteen Colonies by Joy Hakim (Oxford University Press, 1999)
• From Colonies to Country, Vol. 3 by Joy Hakim (Oxford University Press, 1999)
• The New Nation, Vol. 4 by Joy Hakim (Oxford University Press, 1999)
• Liberty for All, Vol. 5 by Joy Hakim (Oxford University Press, 1999)
• War, Terrible War, Vol. 6 by Joy Hakim (Oxford University Press, 1999)

Total lessons: 180

Lesson time: 60 minutes

You might choose to split the lessons into smaller segments, for example, from 20 to 25 minutes. The K¹² online lesson tracking system allows you to pick up wherever you left off in any given lesson.