Welcome to 8th grade U.S. History! I hope that you will find this class interesting,
informative—and fun! You will be working very hard to develop new skills and
understand new concepts this year. I strongly believe in challenging students through a
variety of activities that will make history “come alive”. This class is an exploration into the birth and development of America with special focus on the geography, economy, government, military, foreign affairs and the people who helped to shape the new nation. The class will begin with a look at Colonial America and
the events that lead to revolution and independence from England. Students will examine
the United States Constitution and the major debates that helped to shape the young
Republic. Students will study Westward Expansion and the affects it had on Native
Americans, the land and other nations. We will look at the causes and main events that
lead to the American Civil War. Students will study the complex issues connected to
American Reconstruction. Students will comprehend the economic and social factors that
contribute to American Industrialization.