• Course Description

    Students demonstrate their understanding of the significant themes that contributed to the formation of the United States through research, discussion, simulation, debate and presentation. Students will use their understanding to cite evidence of those themes in contemporary issues facing our society. Themes include the evolution of American political democracy, cultural pluralism, economic and social equality, and America's development as a major world power. Students explore and appreciate the diversity of the American experience and the relevance of our nation’s past to all individuals living in today’s society.

    Grade Level(s):  10th grade

    Related Priority Standards (State &/or National):  Missouri Learning Standards for Social Studies (6-12)

    Essential Questions

    • To what extent did the Post-Civil War Era fulfill American Ideals?
    • To what extent did Industrialization and the Progressive Era fulfill American Ideals?
    • To what extent did Imperialism and World War I fulfill American Ideals?
    • To what extent did the 1920s and Great Depression fulfill American Ideals?
    • To what extent did the World War II Era fulfill American Ideals?
    • To what extent did the Cold War Era fulfill American Ideals?
    • To what extent did the Civil Rights Era fulfill American Ideals?
    • To what extent did the Modern American Era (1970s-Present) fulfill American Ideals?

    Course-Level Scope & Sequence (Units &/or Skills)

    Introductory Unit: American Ideals

    This unit will review the founding of the United States and examine its guiding principles, ideals, and government.   Instructional topics include (1) Founding Fathers and (2) Seminal Documents & American Ideals. Students will:

    • Analyze points of view in order to influence continuity and change related to equality and cross cultural connections
    • Deconstruct sources of evidence to determine its implication in the field of social science
    • Describe and evaluate laws, events, and perspectives to determine the extent to which individuals and groups could participate in, and realize, the promise of American ideals.

    Unit 1: Reconstruction-West

    The period from Reconstruction and Western Expansion through the early twentieth century was a time of contradiction, transformation, and regression for many Americans that is ongoing today. Throughout this period, the nation grappled with the political, social, and economic reintegration of the Southern states. Instructional topics include (1) Industrialization, (2) Immigration, and (3) Progressivism.  Students will:

    • Compare and contrast the plans for and results of political reintegration of Southern states after the Civil War
    • Describe the purpose, challenges, and economic incentives that impacted expansion and Westward movement.
    • Trace the contributions of individuals and institutions on social, political, artistic and economic development
    • Analyze the period of Reconstruction to determine its effect on separation of powers checks and balances power of the central government
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of major legislation, Constitutional amendments, and court decisions relating to freed slaves
    • Evaluate the causes, patterns, and outcomes of internal migrations and urbanization
    • Evaluate how the goals of Reconstruction impacted the economic recovery and growth of regions
    • Evaluate the short and long-term impact of western expansion on native American and other minority populations
    • Describe and evaluate laws, events, and perspectives to determine the extent to which individuals and groups could participate in, and realize, the promise of American ideals
    • Trace the changing motivations for, nationalities of, and responses to immigration and to immigrants coming to the
    • United States
    • Analyze the motivations for and results of changing concepts of the federal government in post-Civil War America

    Unit 2: Industrialization-Progressivism

    The United States underwent an economic transformation that involved a developing industrial economy, the expansion of big business, the growth of large-scale agriculture, and the rise of national labor unions and industrial conflict. Technological change and inventions spurred growth of industry primarily in the northern cities, bringing great fortunes to a few and raising the standard of living for millions of Americans.  Instructional topics include (1) Reconstruction and the New South, and (2) Western Expansion.  Students will:

    • Critique historic trends to generate informed decisions
    • Analyze the expansion of political parties, interest groups and political machines to determine their effect on United States' government and policy
    • Evaluate the causes, patterns, and outcomes of internal migrations and urbanization
    • Explain how the expansion of industrialization, transportation and technological developments influenced different regions and the relationship between those regions 
    • Apply the concepts of natural resources, capital, labor, investment, profit, and laissez-faire policies to explain the
    • growth of American industry
    • Analyze the developing interconnectedness among people, big business, labor unions and governments to determine their effect on individuals, society, and public policy
    • Analyze patterns of immigration to determine their effects on economic, cultural, and political developments
    • Describe and evaluate laws, events, and perspectives to determine the extent to which individuals and groups could participate in, and realize, the promise of American ideals
    • Explain the varying impact of industrialization on culture, work, education and other social institutions
    • Trace the changing motivations for, nationalities of, and responses to immigration and to immigrants coming to the United States
    • Describe the intended and unintended consequences of progressive reforms and government responses in the first three decades of the twentieth century
    • Analyze the changing social norms and conflicting mores which emerged during the first three decades of the twentieth century
    • Trace the changing relationship between government and business through economic regulation and deregulation
    • Explain the motivation for social and political reforms and their impact on the ability of individuals and groups to realize the promise of American ideals
    • Analyze the motivations for and results of changing concepts of the federal government in post-Civil War America.

    Unit 3: Imperialism-World War I

    The growth of the United States on the global stage was a result of innovation as well as the exploration and acquisition of new markets and territories. Global and American trade policies increased profits and opportunities. At the same time, increased power abroad negatively affected many regions. Eventual intervention in World War I ensured America’s role as a world power for the remainder of the century. The crisis of war and involvement in foreign policies caused Americans to refocus their efforts on internal improvements and personal wealth, while the arts and innovation of the era demonstrated the desire for “American normalcy”. Instructional topics include (1) Imperialism, and (2) World War I.  Students will:

    • Describe how the expansion of transportation and technological developments influenced the acquisition of new territories
    • Describe and evaluate the causes and consequences of the United States' imperialism at home and abroad
    • Describe and evaluate the motivations for the United States' entry into WWI
    • Describe and evaluate the impact of U.S. participation in WWI and the resulting peace efforts
    • Describe and evaluate the responses of the United States' leaders to the challenges of the period
    • Analyze how political developments and Constitutional Amendments of the period altered the relationship between government and people
    • Describe the intended and unintended consequences of progressive reforms and government responses in the first three decades of the twentieth century
    • Analyze the changing social norms and conflicting mores which emerged during the first three decades of the twentieth century
    • Analyze emerging American involvement in world trade to determine its influence on foreign policy and government actions
    • Apply the economic concepts of natural resources, markets, supply and demand, labor, and capital to analyze the costs and benefits of imperialism
    • Trace the changing relationship between government and business through economic regulation and deregulation
    • Explain the motivation for social and political reforms and their impact on the ability of individuals and groups to realize the promise of American ideals
    • Assess the impact of WWI related events, on the formation of "patriotic" groups, pacifist organizations, and the
    • struggles for and against racial equality, and diverging women's roles in the United States
    • Analyze the motivations for and results of changing concepts of the federal government in post-Civil War America.

    Unit 4: 1920s-1930s

    The roaring twenties ended with the collapse of the American economy. The Great Depression that followed was marked by a stock market crash, and paved the way for greater government involvement in many social and economic institutions throughout the nation. The effectiveness of the policies passed to decrease the severity of the Depression is still debated today. As a result of the depression, the nation experienced a second great migration westward by many suffering from unemployment and environmental factors. This migration, once again, changed the demography of the nation, resulting in lasting political and economic changes. Instructional topics include an examination of the 1920s and 1930s.  Students will:

    • Analyze how political developments and Constitutional Amendments of the period altered the relationship between government and people
    • Describe the intended and unintended consequences of progressive reforms and government responses in the first three decades of the twentieth century
    • Analyze the changing social norms and conflicting mores which emerged during the first three decades of the twentieth century
    • Analyze emerging American involvement in world trade to determine its influence on foreign policy and government actions
    • Trace the changing relationship between government and business through economic regulation and deregulation
    • Explain the motivation for social and political reforms and their impact on the ability of individuals and groups to realize the promise of American ideals
    • Analyze the changing relationship between individuals and their place in society, including women, minorities, and children
    • Analyze the technological, artistic, intellectual, economic, and cultural changes of the first three decades of the 20th century to determine their effects on individuals and groups
    • Trace the significant events and developments of the Great Depression and WWII
    • Evaluate the responses of United States' leaders to the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II
    • Analyze the relationships among the branches of government to explain conflicts and the changing power of each
    • Evaluate how the programs and policies of the New Deal and WWII changed the relationships among the government, groups, and individuals 
    • Determine the lasting impact of the New Deal and WWII on principles of government, including separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and limited government
    • Describe and evaluate the consequences, both intended and unintended, of environmental decisions such as
    • conservation movements, dam construction and the Dust Bowl
    • Apply the economic concepts of innovation, supply and demand, barriers to trade, labor, business cycle, credit, and wage gap to explain the causes of the Great Depression.
    • Describe the possible consequences, both intended and unintended, of government policies to improve economic conditions and increase productivity
    • Analyze the artistic and intellectual achievements of the 1930s to understand the human costs of the Great Depression
    • Analyze the impact of the Great Depression and World War II on the arts and culture
    • Analyze the motivations for and results of changing concepts of the federal government in post-Civil War America.

    Unit 5: World War II

    America’s involvement in World War II established America as the economic and political powerhouse of the second half of the twentieth century while at the same time reshaping American society. Following World War II, the United States emerged as a military, political, and economic superpower. Instructional topics include causes, effects, and turning points on the homefront.  Students will:

    • Describe and evaluate the motivations for the United States' entry into WWI
    • Describe and evaluate the impact of U.S. participation in WWI and the resulting peace efforts
    • Trace the significant events and developments of the Great Depression and WWII
    • Evaluate the responses of United States' leaders to the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II
    • Describe critical developments and turning points in WWII, including major battles
    • Evaluate how the programs and policies of the New Deal and WWII changed the relationships among the government, groups, and individuals
    • Determine the lasting impact of the New Deal and WWII on principles of government, including separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and limited government
    • Analyze the impact of geography in the European and Pacific theaters during WWII to compare war efforts and strategies
    • Assess the impact of war-related events on women's roles, family structures, religious identity, education, commerce, entertainment, agriculture and other elements of the home front
    • Evaluate the effects of the Great Depression and WWII on women, families, and minorities
    • Analyze the impact of the Great Depression and World War II on the arts and culture
    • Analyze the motivations for and results of changing concepts of the federal government in post-Civil War America
    • Evaluate the causes and consequences of demographic shifts and internal migrations.

    Unit 6: Cold War, Part 1

    Following World War II, the United States emerged as a military, political, and economic superpower. These great shifts taking place changed the nation, but also challenged many norms of the previous half-century. American involvement in foreign conflicts to contain communism brought great turmoil both at home and abroad. Instructional topics include both foreign and domestic issues related to the Cold War. Students will:

    • Describe the possible consequences, both intended and unintended, of government policies to improve economic conditions and increased productivity
    • Describe the causes, major conflicts, consequences, and enduring legacy of the Cold War
    • Evaluate the responses of United States' leaders to the challenges of global tensions
    • Trace changes in military strategies and technologies as a response to the challenges of the Cold War
    • Analyze treaties, agreements, and international organizations to determine their impact on world challenges along with national and international order
    • Analyze the motivations for and results of changing concepts of the federal government in post-Civil War America
    • Evaluate the causes and consequences of demographic shifts and internal migrations
    • Explain how the physical and human characteristics of places determined their influence on or importance to Cold War events
    • Trace the developing complexities of the American economy in the second half of the twentieth century
    • Compare the role of governments in various economic systems to explain competing worldviews
    • Analyze the scientific, technological, artistic, intellectual, economic, political, and cultural changes of the post- WWII period to determine their effects on individuals and groups
    • Analyze push-pull factors to explain changing immigration patterns and their continuing effects on the United States
    • Describe and evaluate the powers and responsibilities of citizens and institutions to address and solve United States' problems c. post 1750
    • Determine the lasting impact of this period on principles of government including separation of powers, executive orders, checks and balances, rule of law, judicial review, and limited government.

    Unit 7: The Fight for Rights

    Civic activism challenged previously held beliefs, and paved the way for legal and social changes.  Students will:

    • Analyze the origins, goals, and key events of the continuing US movement to realize equal rights for women, African Americans and other minorities
    • Analyze treaties, agreements, and international organizations to determine their impact on world challenges along with national and international order
    • Describe and evaluate the extent to which Supreme Court cases and legislation served to expand equal rights during this era.
    • Analyze the motivations for and results of changing concepts of the federal government in post-Civil War America
    • Trace the developing complexities of the American economy in the second half of the twentieth century
    • Evaluate the effect of the internal tensions caused by the Cold War on societal groups, organizations, and government
    • Analyze the scientific, technological, artistic, intellectual, economic, political, and cultural changes of the post- WWII period to determine their effects on individuals and groups
    • Evaluate social reforms to determine their impact on the ability of individuals and groups to realize the promise of American ideals
    • Analyze push-pull factors to explain changing immigration patterns and their continuing effects on the United States
    • Describe and evaluate the powers and responsibilities of citizens and institutions to address and solve United States' problems c. post 1750
    • Determine the lasting impact of this period on principles of government including separation of powers, executive orders, checks and balances, rule of law, judicial review, and limited government
    • Evaluate the intended and unintended impact of government decision- making on individuals, groups, and society
    • Analyze the technological, intellectual, artistic, and literary achievements of the modern era to determine how society reflects and challenges the status quo.

    Unit 8: Cold War, Part 2

    Starting with Vietnam, the United States exercised its military, political, and economic power. These great shifts taking place changed the nation, but also challenged many norms of the previous half-century.  Instructional topics include both foreign and domestic issues related to the Cold War. Students will:

    • Describe the causes, major conflicts, consequences, and enduring legacy of the Cold War
    • Evaluate the responses of United States' leaders to the challenges of global tensions
    • Trace changes in military strategies and technologies as a response to the challenges of the Cold War
    • Analyze treaties, agreements, and international organizations to determine their impact on world challenges along with national and international order
    • Analyze the motivations for and results of changing concepts of the federal government in post-Civil War America
    • Explain how the physical and human characteristics of places determined their influence on or importance to Cold War events
    • Compare the role of governments in various economic systems to explain competing worldviews.
    • Evaluate the effect of the internal tensions caused by the Cold War on societal groups, organizations, and government
    • Evaluate social reforms to determine their impact on the ability of individuals and groups to realize the promise of American ideals
    • Analyze push-pull factors to explain changing immigration patterns and their continuing effects on the United States
    • Describe and evaluate the powers and responsibilities of citizens and institutions to address and solve United States' problems c. post 1750
    • Determine the lasting impact of this period on principles of government including separation of powers, executive orders, checks and balances, rule of law, judicial review, and limited government.

    Unit 9: Modern America, 1970s-1990s

    During the last three decades of the 20th century, the United States became the world's primary superpower. Possessing the world's most productive economy and powerful military, America dominates global trade and banking. The innovation and globalization of technology, entertainment, and business proved to be both a challenge and an opportunity for the nation. Although contemporary Americans experience terrorism and economic challenges, this period also demonstrates resilience and shows the continued need for American leadership in global events. Instructional topics include an examination of foreign and domestic issues of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.  Students will:

    • Describe the causes, major conflicts, consequences, and enduring legacy of the Cold War
    • Evaluate the responses of United States' leaders to the challenges of global tensions
    • Trace changes in military strategies and technologies as a response to the challenges of the Cold War
    • Analyze the origins, goals, and key events of the continuing U.S. movement to realize equal rights for women, African Americans and other minorities
    • Analyze treaties, agreements, and international organizations to determine their impact on world challenges along with national and international order
    • Describe and evaluate the extent to which Supreme Court cases and legislation served to expand equal rights during this era
    • Trace the developing complexities of the American economy in the second half of the twentieth century
    • Compare the role of governments in various economic systems to explain competing worldviews.
    • Evaluate social reforms to determine their impact on the ability of individuals and groups to realize the promise of
    • American ideals
    • Analyze push-pull factors to explain changing immigration patterns and their continuing effects on the United States
    • Describe and evaluate the powers and responsibilities of citizens and institutions to address and solve the United States' problems
    • Analyze the fall of the Soviet Union to determine its effect on U.S. foreign policy and its relationships with the rest of the world
    • Trace the origins of twenty-first century conflicts to understand U.S. policies and actions
    • Evaluate how the ability to access and distribute information affects individuals, groups, industry, and governments in the latter 20th and early 21st centuries
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of organizations, groups, agreements, and treaties to promote cooperation and maintain international order
    • Determine the lasting impact of this period on principles of government including separation of powers, executive orders, checks and balances, rule of law, judicial review, and limited government
    • Evaluate the changing roles and influence of political parties and interest groups on governmental decision- making
    • Evaluate the response of individuals, groups, and governments to economic, environmental, health, and medical challenges to understand how systems change and evolve over time.

    Unit 10: Modern American, 2000s-Present

    Instructional topics include an examination of foreign and domestic issues of the 2000s through the present. Students will:

    • Analyze the technological, artistic, intellectual, economic, and cultural changes of the first three decades of the 21st century to determine their effects on individuals and groups
    • Evaluate the responses of United States' leaders to the challenges of global tensions.
    • Analyze the origins, goals, and key events of the continuing U.S. movement to realize equal rights for women, African Americans and other minorities
    • Describe and evaluate the extent to which Supreme Court cases and legislation served to expand equal rights during this era.
    • Analyze push-pull factors to explain changing immigration patterns and their continuing effects on the United States
    • Describe and evaluate the powers and responsibilities of citizens and institutions to address and solve the United States' problems
    • Trace the origins of twenty-first century conflicts to understand U.S. policies and actions
    • Evaluate how the ability to access and distribute information affects individuals, groups, industry, and governments in the latter 20th and early 21st centuries
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of organizations, groups, agreements, and treaties to promote cooperation and maintain international order
    • Determine the lasting impact of this period on principles of government including separation of powers, executive
    • orders, checks and balances, rule of law, judicial review, and limited government
    • Evaluate the changing roles and influence of political parties and interest groups on governmental decision- making.

    Course Resources & Materials: United States History & Geography: Modern Times

    Date Last Revised/Approved:  2017