Online Class: American History Review

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of America's past in this course, where you’ll journey from its indigenous roots to its current global prominence. Lessons cover pivotal periods like the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, encouraging reflection on liberty, equality, and national evolution.

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  • 15
    Lessons
  • 46
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 51
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 13
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.3
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

American History Review

Dive deep into the mesmerizing tapestry of American history with this comprehensive review course, which delves into the transformative events, influential personalities, and socio-cultural evolutions that have defined and continually shape the United States.

From the harmonious whispers of the indigenous peoples to the fervent calls for independence from colonial rulers, America's narrative is as vast as its landscapes. With a unique story borne out of diversity and unity, challenges and triumphs, the nation has matured from thirteen colonies to a federation of fifty states, further ascending to its eminent position on the global stage. This course aims to not only recount historical facts but also to inspire a profound appreciation for the resilience, innovation, and spirit that embodies the American journey.

Course Highlights:

  • Understand the roots of America's birth and its eventual metamorphosis into a dominant global player.

  • Navigate the nation's dynamic voyage through periods of internal and external conflicts and its pursuit of the cherished ideals of liberty, equality, and happiness.

  • Reflect upon the profound words of the Declaration of Independence from July 4, 1776, a monumental document that underscored the intrinsic rights and aspirations of its citizens.

Detailed Lesson Breakdown:

Lesson 1: Beginnings - 1600 Discover the early settlements, cultures, and societies that thrived on American soil. From indigenous civilizations to the first European explorers, embark on a voyage back in time.

Lesson 2: European Settlements 1600 - 1775 Examine the burgeoning colonies, their dynamics, and the European influence that permeated through socio-economic structures and geopolitical strategies.

Lesson 3: Forming a New Nation 1775-1800 Experience the fervor of the revolutionary era, the fight for freedom, and the foundational moments that birthed a new nation.

Lesson 4: The Establishment of the New Nation Delve into the initial years of the United States: the crafting of the Constitution, early governance, and the challenges of a fledgling democracy.

Lesson 5: The Nation Expands 1801 - 1850 Track the westward expansion, the concept of Manifest Destiny, and the social and economic transformations that came with territorial acquisitions.

Lesson 6: The Nation Divides 1850 - 1865 Confront the heart-wrenching period of the Civil War, understanding its roots, the key battles, and the long-lasting implications on the nation's psyche.

Lesson 7: Developing into a Modern Nation 1860 - 1920 Witness America's industrial revolution, urbanization, and the waves of immigration that added layers of complexity and richness to its national fabric.

Lesson 8: Establishing a World Presence Uncover America's initial forays into global diplomacy, wars, and the establishment of its international stature.

Lesson 9: The Nation in Turmoil 1920 - 1935 Navigate the Roaring Twenties, followed by the despair of the Great Depression, and the measures undertaken for economic recovery.

Lesson 10: Nation at War 1935-1945 Relive the harrowing years of World War II, America's involvement, and its pivotal role in shaping the post-war world order.

Lesson 11: The Aftermath 1945 - 1949 Survey the immediate post-war period, the onset of the Cold War, and America's evolving geopolitical strategies.

Lesson 12: National Identity Issues and Scandals 1950 - 1969 Dive into the era of the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, and the societal upheavals that challenged traditional norms.

Lesson 13: The Rise of the Individual 1970-1993 Explore the cultural renaissance, the empowerment of individuals, and the changing facets of American society.

Lesson 14: A Time of Growing Suspicions and Fears 1994-2009 Understand the post-Cold War era, the challenges of terrorism, and the technological advancements that redefined lifestyles.

Lesson 15: American Lifestyle after WWII to Today Chronicle the modern American experience, the mosaic of cultures, technological innovations, and the nation's visions for the future.

With a blend of engaging assignments, insightful examinations, and an array of resources, this course promises a holistic learning experience. Chart the course of a nation, understand its heartbeats, and appreciate the collective and individual stories that have sewn the American tapestry. Welcome to a journey through time!

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.53 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,840 votes)

Lesson 1. America's Origins: A Tapestry of Cultures

Scandinavian explorers like Leif Eriksson had ventured to North America before Columbus, marking the earliest known European contact. The subsequent race for exploration saw Spain, Portugal, and later France and England, jockey for global influence and wealth in the New World. Additional lesson topics: Giovanni de Verrazano 93 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video A
  • Lesson 1 Video B : Introduction Discussion
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Complete Assignment: Christopher Columbus
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Seeds of a New Nation: The Birth of American Colonization

The Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded by Puritans in 1630, aimed to be a model Christian society, with a strong focus on education and community. However, the colony's rigid religious structure led to dissent and the founding of new settlements, demonstrating early American ideals of religious tolerance and self-rule. 47 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video A
  • Lesson 2 Video B : Lesson 2 Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Liberty's Birth: America from Colony to Sovereign State

The American Revolution began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, marking the colonies' armed response to British military actions and triggering an eight-year struggle for independence. The emergence of revolutionary ideas, chiefly through Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense,' resonated with all societal classes, accelerated calls for independence, leading to the Declaration of Independence. Additional lesson topics: French and Indian War 65 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video A
  • Lesson 3 Video B : Lesson 3 Discussion
  • Lesson 3 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. From Articles to Constitution: The Transformation of Early American Governance

The Articles of Confederation were an early and ineffective attempt at federal unity, leaving the young nation economically tentative and politically fragmented. Urgent reform led to the Philadelphia Convention and ultimately to a Constitution that balanced state autonomy with centralized authority. Additional lesson topics: George Washington; John Adams 73 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video A
  • Lesson 4 Video B : Lesson 4 Discussion
  • Lesson 4 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. The Evolution of America: 1801-1850

The period from 1801 to 1850 saw the United States solidify its governance structure, address civil liberties concerns, and initiate westward expansion, making significant territorial and diplomatic achievements. Amidst these advancements, social reforms and contentious policies concerning slavery and Native American rights highlighted tensions that would continue shaping the nation's future. 61 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video A
  • Lesson 5 Video B : Lesson 5 Discussion
  • Lesson 5 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. Shadowed by Prosperity: How Slavery and Ideology Fractured America

The economic boom of the mid-19th century was overshadowed by stark contrasts between the industrial North and the agrarian South, ultimately driving the United States into the Civil War as tensions flared over slavery, states' rights, and westward expansion. Key figures like Frederick Douglass advocated against slavery, while events such as the Fugitive Slave Act, Dred Scott decision, and Lincoln's election underscored the growing chasm that led to Southern secession. Additional lesson topics: Bull Run; Emancipation Proclamation 93 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video A
  • Lesson 6 Video B : Lesson 6 Discussion
  • Lesson 6 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Slavery and the American Civil War
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Industrialization and Nation-Building in the U.S. (1860-1920)

From 1860 to 1920, the U.S. navigated industrialization and global conflicts, shaping a path toward becoming an influential global force with an advancing economy and dynamic societal changes. Key developments included technological innovations, the consolidation of corporate power, and labor movements striving for fair treatment in industrial environments. 100 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video A
  • Lesson 7 Video B : Lesson 7 Discussion
  • Lesson 7 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Carpetbaggers and Scalawags
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Shifting Sands: US Foreign Policy During the Turn of the Century

The acquisition of Alaska in 1867 symbolized a pivotal U.S. mindset shift towards global expansion, later evidenced by the decisive actions in the Spanish-American War, which extended American influence into the Caribbean and Pacific regions. This period of expansion was marked by strategic maneuvers like the annexation of Hawaii and the construction of the Panama Canal, which not only showcased U.S. engineering prowess but also its geopolitical ambitions. Additional lesson topics: Causes of World War 1; Treaty of Versailles 93 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video A
  • Lesson 8 Video B : Lesson 8 Discussion
  • Lesson 8 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: The Treaty of Versailles and the Middle East
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Jazz, Innovation, and Despair: The 1920s to 1930s

The Great Depression devastated the American economy, prompting President Roosevelt to implement the New Deal, focusing on immediate relief, economic recovery, and reform. With iconic programs like Social Security and the WPA, Roosevelt redefined the role of federal government in the lives of citizens and laid the foundation for future reform. Additional lesson topics: F. Scott Fitzgerald; Ernest Hemingway 82 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video A
  • Lesson 9 Video B : Lesson 9 Discussion
  • Lesson 9 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: The KKK
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. America's Role in World War II

As the Pacific tensions crescendoed, Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor propelled the U.S. into full-scale military engagement, unifying the nation. This shift saw a booming wartime economy, with women assuming crucial industrial roles and altering traditional gender dynamics. 82 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video A
  • Lesson 10 Video B : Lesson 10 Discussion
  • Lesson 10 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. Postwar Transition: 1945-1949

Rising tensions with the Soviet Union following World War II led to the Cold War, characterized by ideological clashes and geopolitical conflicts, starting with Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe. The U.S. pursued a containment strategy, exemplified by the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan, to curb communism. Additional lesson topics: Senator Joseph McCarthy; Nuremberg Trials 84 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video A
  • Lesson 11 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Nuremberg Trials
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. Shaping a Nation: American Identity from 1950 to 1969

Presidential leadership in the 1950s, marked by Truman's domestic reforms and Eisenhower's policy moderation, navigated the early Cold War anxieties. Landmark decisions during this time laid the groundwork for civil rights advancements that would blossom in the 1960s. 79 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video A
  • Lesson 12 Video B
  • Lesson 12 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Brown v. Board of Education 1954
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13. From Disillusionment to Empowerment: The Rise of Individualism in America, 1970-1993

From the aftermath of Vietnam and Nixon's tarnished presidency, America navigated through political and economic strife, turning towards individualism and reshaping societal norms in the 1970s and beyond. As Reagan's policies painted the 1980s with economic liberalization and confidence, the Cold War neared its end, heralding a transition into the multifaceted global stage of the 1990s. 82 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video A
  • Lesson 13 Video B : Lesson 13 Discussion
  • Lesson 13 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: The Iran Hostage Crisis
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14. Era of Suspicion: Navigating a Nation's Turmoil and Transformation (1994-2009)

The USA Patriot Act and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security radically reshaped American security policies, prompting ongoing debates over civil liberties versus national protection. Meanwhile, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan introduced unprecedented global military challenges, and the financial crisis revealed fundamental vulnerabilities in the U.S. economy. Additional lesson topics: World Trade Center Bombing Video 76 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video A
  • Lesson 14 Video B
  • Lesson 14 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 14.1 Exam

Lesson 15. War to Baby Boom: Shaping America's Social Fabric in the 40s and 50s

World War II profoundly impacted American life, with society rallying around wartime efforts while women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers. Post-war America saw a surge in births, the democratization of higher education through the GI Bill, and the rise of television as a cultural staple. Additional lesson topics: President Biden's letter to Americans announcing his withdrawal from the Presidential Election. 98 Total Points
  • Lesson 15 Video A
  • Lesson 15 Video B : Lesson 15 Discussion
  • Lesson 15 Video C : Lesson Discussion Video B
  • Lesson discussions: What do you think about this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
1208
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the Beginnings to 1600.
  • Summarize the European Settlements 1600-1775.
  • Summarize the Forming a New Nation 1775-1800.
  • Summarize the the Establishment of the New Nation.
  • Summarize the Nation Expands 1801-1850.
  • Summarize the Nation Divides 1850-1865.
  • Summarize the development into a Modern Nation 1860-1920.
  • Summarize the Nation in Turmoil 1920-1935.
  • Summarize the Nation at War 1935-1945.
  • Summarize the The Aftermath 1945-1949.
  • Summarize the National Identity Issues and Scandals 1950-1969.
  • Summarize the Rise of the Individual 1970-1993.
  • Summarize the Time of Growing Suspicions and Fears 1994-2008.
  • Summarize the American Lifestyle after WWII to Today.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: American History Review
Course Number: 32962
Lessons Rating: 4.53 / 5 Stars (1,840 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Accessible from any state in the U.S., this course covers key areas such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also offered in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: June 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.3 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Thank you very much for sharing all of your knowledge and feedback. It was wonderful taking this course. I loved the sequencing of this course. I have learned so much that will help me in the future both personally and professionally. Thank you!" -- Denise C.
  • "I was extremely inspired by instructor he was very knowledgeable and helpful. I really enjoyed his help and his advice. Outstanding." -- Wanda W.