In the first year of a two-year U.S. History program, students will have the opportunity to explore some of the most exciting and revolutionary aspects of our country. The highlights of the program focus on several key areas. The causes of the American Revolution leading to independence from Great Britain and the subsequent war from 1775-1781 lead the way. Students will then have the opportunity to study the creation of our form of government as they examine the development of the U.S. Constitution. Students will also learn about the Founding Fathers, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison to name a few. The spring will involve studying the underlying causes of the Civil War, political and sectional conflicts over slavery, and the seminal event of the 19th century---the Civil War. Students will explore the political, social, economic and military aspects of the Civil War and the ramifications for the Union. One of the key learning tools students will utilize throughout the year in studying history is the use of primary sources. Examples of primary sources would include Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, Lewis and Clark's journals, and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Primary sources can also be newspaper articles, photographs, drawings, diary entries and journals of some of the most extraordinary events of our nation's history.

THE DARKEST DAYS OF THE REVOLUTION-DECEMBER, 1776 In December, 1776, Washington and the Continental Army have retreated to the west bank of the Delaware River and the Revolution is in jeopardy. Many enlistments will expire at the beginning of the year, and desertions have plagued the army. Morale is at an all-time low and many are questioning the viability of the cause. In a brilliant stroke, Washington decides to attack the Hessian outpost at Trenton on Christmas night. Crossing the Delaware during a storm, Washington marches his troops nine miles in the middle of the night and by morning overwhelms the Hessian garrison. After defeating British troops at Princeton on January 2, 1777, Washington reverses the fortunes of the American cause and is considered a hero throughout the colonies, and the Continental Army survives to fight another day. This drawing of the crossing illustrates the difficulties faced by Washington and the conditions under which  the average soldier existed.

Link to 7th Grade Research Links.