Online Class: American History Review

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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15Lessons
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54Exams &
Assignments -
3,575Students
have taken this course -
13Hours
average time -
1.3CEUs
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:
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Understand the roots of America's birth and its eventual metamorphosis into a dominant global player.
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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.
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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

Course Lessons
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the impact of European exploration on the socio-economic structures of Native American societies in pre-colonial America, utilizing specific historical examples
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse cultural exchanges and conflicts between indigenous tribes and European settlers during the early history of North America
- Describe how Native American knowledge contributed to the survival and success of early European settlements in North America.
- Identify the diverse motivations of European settlers who migrated to the New World from 1600 to 1775.
- Identify and analyze the principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, and explain their significance in global democratic movements.
- Recognize the key events and Acts leading to the American Revolution and describe their impact on colonial resistance efforts.
- Explain the significance of the Northwest Ordinance in the territorial expansion of the United States and its attempt to limit slavery.
- Recognize the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and how they led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
- Define how the Alien and Sedition Acts contradicted the First Amendment's free speech protections.
- Describe the impact of Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase on American territorial expansion.
- Describe the impact of key events, such as the Emancipation Proclamation and the Battle of Gettysburg, on the Civil War's outcome and its legacy.
- Recognize the economic, social, and political differences between the North and South leading to the American Civil War.
- Define the impact of the Civil War on the rapid industrialization and economic expansion of the United States between 1860 and 1920.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

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- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
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Student Testimonials
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