Course Overview

This course explores the history of the United States from the era of industrialization to the present day. Students will analyze the political, economic, social, and cultural developments that shaped the nation during this period. The course will provide an in-depth examination of key events, influential figures, and major themes in U.S. history, fostering critical thinking, historical analysis, and a deeper understanding of the nation's past and its implications for the present.  Students will analyze the causes and consequences of industrialization and urbanization in the United States, including the growth of industries, technological advancements, and the impact on American society.  They will investigate the challenges and changes in American society during the Progressive Era, including reform movements, social inequality, and the expansion of political and civil rights. Students will examine the United States' involvement in World War I, the Roaring Twenties, and the Great Depression, evaluating the political, economic, and social impact of these events.  They will analyze not only the United States' role in World War II but also develop a deep understanding of the Holocaust from the perspective of the victims.  An emphasis in this unit will be on the historical study of the systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews, and others, by Nazi Germany and its collaborators.  Students will then explore the post-World War II era, including the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s.  They will then investigate the social, political, and cultural changes of the late 20th century, including the rise of conservatism, the end of the Cold War, and the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization.  Finally, students will analyze contemporary issues and challenges facing the United States, such as immigration, environmental concerns, racial and ethnic tensions, and political polarization.