United States History II

The United States entered the twentieth century on the verge of becoming a world power and by the century’s end was the most prosperous and powerful country in the world. This course is a survey of that rise to prominence. It begins with the Progressive Era and the attempts to curb the excesses of Big Business and to empower the people of America. The United States found itself involved in two conflicts in the first twenty years of the twentieth century, one to gain land and power and the other to prevent European countries from doing the same. After World War I America grew and prospered through the Roaring Twenties only to have that roar silenced with the Crash and the Great Depression. As the depression nearly sapped the resolve of the American people they rose to answer the greatest call to arms of its existence, World War II. No greater global conflict has ever been fought and hopefully will never have to be again. After the war the United States experienced a meteoric rise to power and prominence in the Cold War. America was prospering at home and was the most powerful country in the world. Its rival the Soviet Union competed with the United States in conflicts across the globe. During this time African Americans were tired of waiting for what they were promised at the end of the Civil War began to demand change and band together with many other Americans in the Civil Rights Movement. The achievements of the Civil Rights Movement inspired others to seek equality and justice as well. As the Civil Rights Movement escalated so did American activity in Vietnam. A war half a world away tore the nation in half and had a profound effect on every generation of Americans. After Vietnam the United States struggled to find its identity and there was a resurgence of Conservatism and national pride. Finally, as the Cold War ended, the United States still was the most powerful country and world and struggled to understand its new role in the ever changing world with new promise and potential threats.

Test/Quizzes 60%

Projects/Essay 20%

Homework/Classwork 20%