8th Grade
A History of the United States
A History of the United States
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.
The First Americans and Early Explorers
Colonial America
The Road to Independence
The American Revolution
The Constitution and the New Republic
Expansion and Reform
Slavery and Sectionalism
The Civil War
Reconstruction and the Gilded Age
America Becomes a World Power
The Great Depression and World War II
The Catholic Church in American History
Civics and Citizenship
Indigenous cultures and civilizations
European exploration and colonization
Catholic missions and evangelization
Settlement patterns and colonial life
Religious freedom and diversity
Catholic contributions in Maryland and beyond
British policies and colonial resistance
Enlightenment ideas and Catholic thinkers
Early calls for liberty and justice
Major battles and leaders
Role of Catholics in the war effort
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Convention
Federalism and civic structure
Catholic perspectives on governance
Manifest Destiny and territorial growth
Immigration and Catholic communities
Reform movements and moral leadership
Economic and cultural divisions
Abolition and Catholic voices
Prelude to conflict
Causes and consequences
Catholic chaplains and soldiers
Emancipation and unity
Rebuilding the nation
Industrialization and labor
Catholic schools and social teaching
Spanish-American War and imperialism
Catholic missions abroad
Progressive reforms
Economic collapse and recovery
Catholic responses to suffering
WWII and global leadership
Saints and leaders in U.S. history
Catholic education and healthcare
Church-state relations
U.S. Constitution and civic duties
Catholic social teaching and civic life
Contemporary issues and moral reflection
Important Upcoming Dates