US History Curriculum Companion

The late 20th and early 21st centuries have been a time of rapid change and technological advancements for the United States and the world. From the end of the Cold War to the rise of the internet, modern America has seen  In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we review major events in recent American history, beginning with Richard Nixon's resignation due to the Watergate...

The Civil Rights Movement was one of the most important periods in American history. Brave activists stood up to those in power to fight for equal rights for all citizens. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we explore the key events, figures, and strategies of the Civil Rights Movement. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Greensboro sit-ins to the March on Washington and...

For nearly 50 years, the world was divided between two superpowers locked in an ideological and geopolitical struggle—the United States and the Soviet Union. Democracy vs. communism. The Cold War shaped international relations, military conflicts, and daily life around the globe. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we explore the key events of the Cold War, from the arms race...

World War 2 was the deadliest conflict in human history, reshaping nations, economies, and societies across the globe. It was a war fought on battlefields, in factories, and on the American home front, leaving a lasting impact on the world. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we explore the causes of World War 2, from the rise of dictatorships to the policy of appeaseme...

The Great Depression was the worst economic crisis in American history, leaving millions unemployed, banks failing, and families struggling to survive. It was a time of hardship—but also of resilience as millions of Americans endured the difficult times. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we review the causes of the Great Depression, including the stock market crash of 1929...

The 1920s were a decade of dazzling prosperity, cultural revolutions, and social tensions that reshaped American life. Known as the "Roaring 20s," this era saw booming industries, jazz music, and the rise of modern consumer culture... but also deep divisions over race, immigration, and Prohibition. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we explore the highs and lows of the 1920...

When World War I erupted in Europe, the United States initially remained neutral—but as the war raged on, America’s entry would help tip the balance in favor of the Allies. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we review the causes of World War I, the reasons behind America’s involvement, and the impact of the war on both the battlefield and the home front. We’ll discuss trench...

At the turn of the 20th century, the United States underwent dramatic changes—pushing for social and political reforms at home while expanding its influence overseas. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we review the Progressive Era, a time of trust-busting, labor rights, women’s suffrage, and efforts to curb political corruption. We’ll examine key reformers, muckrakers, and...

Gilded Age America was a time of rapid industrialization, economic growth, and massive wealth—but beneath the surface, it was also an era of corruption, inequality, and social struggles. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we explore the Gilded Age, a period marked by the rise of powerful industrialists like Rockefeller and Carnegie, the growth of monopolies, and the st...

After the Civil War, the United States faced the enormous challenge of reunifying the nation and redefining freedom for millions of formerly enslaved people. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we review the Reconstruction Era, examining efforts to rebuild the South and secure rights for African Americans. We’ll discuss the Reconstruction Amendments, the Freedmen’s Bureau, a...

The Civil War was the deadliest conflict in American history, with the nation nearly torn apart over slavery and the very meaning of the Union. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we explore slavery as the cause of the Civil War and how it led to the secession of Southern states after Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860. We’ll review some major battles, important figures like...

As America expanded, divisions grew across the young nation. At the same time, reformers worked to reshape and improve society for many people. The early 19th century was a time of both conflict and progress. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we explore the growing tensions over slavery and the economic differences that fueled sectionalism. We also examine the ma...

In the 19th century, the idea of Manifest Destiny fueled America’s expansion westward, reshaping the nation and its people. This expansion came with both opportunity and conflict and left a devastating impact on many of the continent's Native American tribes like the Arapaho, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, and Sioux Nation. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we review the motivations...

The presidency of Andrew Jackson marked a turning point in American politics, expanding democratic participation while also igniting fierce debates over government power and individual rights. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we explore the rise of Jacksonian Democracy and the political, social, and economic changes of the era. We’ll examine Andrew Jackson's complicated l...

After ratifying the U.S. Constitution, the young United States faced the enormous challenge of turning words on paper into a functioning government. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we explore the critical early years of the American Republic, from George Washington’s presidency through the War of 1812 and period known as the Era of Good Feelings. We’ll examine the format...

After winning independence, the young United States faced a critical challenge—how to create a government strong enough to unite the nation while protecting individual freedoms. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we explore the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where delegates debated the future of the country. We’ll examine the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation,...

The American Revolution was more than just a war—it was a turning point in world history that gave rise to a new nation founded on the ideals of liberty and self-government. In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion , we examine the causes and key events of the Revolutionary War, from salutary neglect through to the Boston Tea Party, Declaration of Independence, and the battles...

Before the United States was born, 13 British colonies stretched along the Atlantic coast, each with its own economy, government, and way of life. In this episode of The US History Curriculum Companion , we review the founding of the 13 Colonies, from the first permanent English colony of Jamestown in Virginia to the religious separatists of New England to the diversity of the Middle Colonies...

Long before Europeans arrived, diverse American Indian tribes thrived across North America, developing unique cultures, governments, and trade networks. This episode of The US History Curriculum Companion is designed to accompany the first unit in our American History curriculum which covers Native American groups and their early encounters with European explorers. In this episode, we review the m...