8th Grade

Class Description

Course Title: 8th Grade U.S. History
Textbook: The American Venture: A History of the United States
Publisher: Catholic Textbook Project
Grade Level: 8th Grade
Course Length: Full Academic Year
Format: Narrative-based textbook with integrated Catholic themes, supported by teacher manuals, student workbooks, maps, primary sources, and digital resources

Overview:

This course explores the development of the United States from early European settlements through the mid-20th century. Students will examine political, social, and economic transformations while also learning about the role of the Catholic Church and its contributions to American history. The curriculum emphasizes historical thinking, civic understanding, and moral reflection. 

Table of Contents (Units Overview)

1. The First Americans and Early Explorers

2. Colonial America

3. The Road to Independence

4. The American Revolution

5. The Constitution and the New Republic

6. Expansion and Reform

7. Slavery and Sectionalism

8. The Civil War

9. Reconstruction and the Gilded Age

10. America Becomes a World Power

11. The Great Depression and World War II

12. The Catholic Church in American History

13. Civics and Citizenship

Scope and Sequence

Unit 1: The First Americans and Early Explorers

• Indigenous cultures and civilizations

• European exploration and colonization

• Catholic missions and evangelization

Unit 2: Colonial America

• Settlement patterns and colonial life

• Religious freedom and diversity

• Catholic contributions in Maryland and beyond

Unit 3: The Road to Independence

• British policies and colonial resistance

• Enlightenment ideas and Catholic thinkers

• Early calls for liberty and justice

Unit 4: The American Revolution

• Major battles and leaders

• Role of Catholics in the war effort

• Declaration of Independence

Unit 5: The Constitution and the New Republic

• Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Convention

• Federalism and civic structure

• Catholic perspectives on governance

Unit 6: Expansion and Reform

• Manifest Destiny and territorial growth

• Immigration and Catholic communities

• Reform movements and moral leadership

Unit 7: Slavery and Sectionalism

• Economic and cultural divisions

• Abolition and Catholic voices

• Prelude to conflict

Unit 8: The Civil War

• Causes and consequences

• Catholic chaplains and soldiers

• Emancipation and unity

Unit 9: Reconstruction and the Gilded Age

• Rebuilding the nation

• Industrialization and labor

• Catholic schools and social teaching

Unit 10: America Becomes a World Power

• Spanish-American War and imperialism

• Catholic missions abroad

• Progressive reforms

Unit 11: The Great Depression and World War II

• Economic collapse and recovery

• Catholic responses to suffering

• WWII and global leadership

Unit 12: The Catholic Church in American History

• Saints and leaders in U.S. history

• Catholic education and healthcare

• Church-state relations

Unit 13: Civics and Citizenship

• U.S. Constitution and civic duties

• Catholic social teaching and civic life

• Contemporary issues and moral reflection