How this course works
The chapters and lessons below are the fixed course structure. When you start, LearnLive teaches each lesson interactively and adapts examples, pacing, and questions to you.
Complete syllabus
Every chapter and lesson
- 01
Chapter 1 · 3 lessons
Colonial America
- 1.1
Indigenous peoples & contact
8 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the impact of European contact on Indigenous peoples in North America.
- Define Indigenous peoples and their diverse cultures before European contact.
- Describe the initial encounters between Indigenous peoples and European explorers.
- Analyze the consequences of European colonization on Indigenous populations, including disease and displacement.
- 1.2
Colonial settlement
9 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can identify key factors that led to the establishment of colonial settlements in North America.
- Define colonial settlement and its significance in American history.
- Discuss the motivations for European nations to establish colonies, including economic and religious factors.
- Examine the role of key settlements such as Jamestown and Plymouth in the development of colonial America.
- 1.3
Toward revolution
8 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can summarize the events that led to the American Revolution.
- Define the term 'revolution' in the context of American history.
- Identify key events and policies that increased tensions between the colonies and Great Britain, such as the Stamp Act and Boston Tea Party.
- Analyze the growing desire for independence among colonists and the formation of revolutionary groups.
- 1.1
- 02
Chapter 2 · 3 lessons
A New Nation
- 2.1
The Revolution
9 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the causes and outcomes of the American Revolution.
- Define the American Revolution and its significance.
- Identify key events leading to the Revolution.
- Discuss the impact of the Revolution on American society.
- 2.2
The Constitution & early republic
9 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the principles of the Constitution and the early republic.
- Define the Constitution and its main components.
- Explain the significance of the Bill of Rights.
- Discuss the challenges faced by the early republic.
- 2.3
Jefferson to Jackson
8 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the political changes from Jefferson to Jackson.
- Define the key policies of Thomas Jefferson.
- Identify the major events during Andrew Jackson's presidency.
- Discuss the impact of these changes on American democracy.
- 2.1
- 03
Chapter 3 · 3 lessons
Division & Civil War
- 3.1
Expansion & slavery
9 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the relationship between westward expansion and the institution of slavery in the United States.
- Define westward expansion and its significance in American history.
- Identify the economic motivations behind the expansion and how they related to slavery.
- Discuss the impact of the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act on the slavery debate.
- 3.2
The Civil War
9 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the key events and causes that led to the outbreak of the Civil War.
- Define the term 'Civil War' and its historical context in the United States.
- Identify the major causes of the Civil War, including sectionalism and states' rights.
- Discuss the significance of key events such as the attack on Fort Sumter and the Emancipation Proclamation.
- 3.3
Reconstruction
8 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the challenges and achievements of the Reconstruction era in the United States.
- Define Reconstruction and its goals following the Civil War.
- Identify the major amendments passed during Reconstruction and their impact on civil rights.
- Discuss the challenges faced during Reconstruction, including resistance from Southern states and the rise of Jim Crow laws.
- 3.1
- 04
Chapter 4 · 3 lessons
Industrial America
- 4.1
Industrialization & labor
9 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the impact of industrialization on labor in the United States.
- Define industrialization and its significance in American history.
- Identify key changes in labor practices during the industrial era.
- Discuss the rise of labor unions and their role in advocating for workers' rights.
- 4.2
Immigration & the Gilded Age
8 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the effects of immigration during the Gilded Age on American society.
- Define the Gilded Age and its historical context.
- Examine the reasons for increased immigration during this period.
- Discuss the cultural and economic contributions of immigrants to American society.
- 4.3
The West & Populism
8 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the relationship between the West and the Populist movement.
- Define Populism and its origins in American politics.
- Identify key issues faced by farmers and Western settlers during this time.
- Discuss the impact of the Populist movement on American political discourse.
- 4.1
- 05
Chapter 5 · 3 lessons
Modern America
- 5.1
Progressivism
8 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the key principles and goals of Progressivism.
- Define Progressivism and its historical context.
- Identify the main goals of the Progressive movement.
- Discuss key figures and their contributions to Progressivism.
- Analyze the impact of Progressivism on American society.
- 5.2
World War I & the Twenties
9 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the causes and effects of World War I and the cultural changes of the 1920s.
- Define the causes of World War I.
- Explain the major events and outcomes of the war.
- Discuss the social and cultural changes during the 1920s, including the Harlem Renaissance.
- Analyze the economic impact of the war and the subsequent decade.
- 5.3
Depression & New Deal
8 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the causes and consequences of the Great Depression and the New Deal.
- Define the Great Depression and its causes.
- Identify key policies and programs of the New Deal.
- Discuss the impact of the New Deal on American society and economy.
- Analyze the long-term effects of the Great Depression and the New Deal.
- 5.1
- 06
Chapter 6 · 3 lessons
The American Century
- 6.1
World War II
9 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the major causes and consequences of World War II.
- Define World War II and its global impact.
- Identify the key players involved in World War II.
- Discuss the major battles and events that shaped the war.
- Analyze the consequences of World War II on the United States and the world.
- 6.2
The Cold War & civil rights
9 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the key events and movements during the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Define the Cold War and its ideological conflict.
- Identify significant events of the Cold War, including the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Discuss the Civil Rights Movement and its key figures.
- Analyze the relationship between the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement.
- 6.3
America since 1968
8 min · Quick check
Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the social, political, and economic changes in America since 1968.
- Define key events in American history since 1968.
- Identify major social movements and their impacts.
- Discuss the evolution of American politics and policies since 1968.
- Analyze the economic changes and challenges faced by America in recent decades.
- 6.1