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Early & Modern U.S. History Curriculum

These curriculums include supporting activities and you will receive Instant Access to Lesson Plans and Activities in both Print and Google Versions. 

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U.S. HISTORY RESOURCES THAT ARE DIVERSE

ORGANIZED

Planning and Classroom Prep

  • Agendas
  • I Can Statements
  • Word Walls

CONTENT RICH

Bellwork

  • Anchor Charts and Activity Pages

Background Content

  • Guided Notes & PowerPoints with Videos
  • Bullet Notes
  • Close Readings, DBQ, Textbook Replacement Background

ENGAGING

Engaging Activities 

  • Choice Boards
  • Mapping Activities 
  • Vocabulary Matching Puzzles
  • Picture Puzzles
  • Vocabulary Puzzles
  • Biography Profiles 
  • Wheel of Knowledge
  • Timeline Activities and Wall Decor

DIFFERENTIATED

Review Activities 

  • Digital Escape Rooms
  • Game Cards

Projects

  • Foldable Brochures
  • End of the Year Quilt 

Assessments

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Let’s be honest, teachers are the hardest workers out there.  These ready to use activities  will just help you work smarter, not harder. 

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This course will provide teachers will ready to use activities in print and digital (google links) to get through the beginning and end of of an lesson.  Full units covering everything you need to teach, engage, differentiate, and assess student learning.

Step-By-Step Processes

Step-By-Step Processes:  In this course you will get student engagement activities to walk you through the planning and assessment process and save you time. You will be given tools to keep your students actively engaged and free up your planning time.  

Modules for Success

Modules for Success:   Each module will cover a specific unit and ensure you have a variety of differentiated lessons to make each day of learning fun and meaningful. 

Bonus Items

Master Lesson Planning Course

Back To School Bundle of Resources

Early & Modern U.S. History Curriculum Modules

Each module will include easy to access links both print and digital versions of each activity. Examples and rationales will be given for each of the lesson planning components.

 

13 Colonies

  • Identify the thirteen original colonies, their geographic locations, and characteristics.
  • Analyze the economic, social, and political reasons for the establishment of each colony.
  • Understand the relationship between the colonies and Indigenous peoples, as well as the impact of European settlement on Native American societies.

Colonialism - 2 weeks

  • American Colonies & Settlement(1 day)
  • Government in the Colonies (1 day)
  • New England Colonies (1 day)
  • Middle Colonies (1 day)
  • Southern Colonies (1 day)

Road to Revolution

  • Discuss the series of events and policies that led to growing tensions between the British government and the American colonies.
  • Evaluate the impact of taxation without representation on colonial attitudes toward British rule.
  • Examine the role of propaganda, boycotts, and acts of rebellion in escalating the conflict toward revolution.

Road to American Revolution – 2 weeks

  • Road to Revolution (Acts) (2 days)
  • 1st Continental Congress (1 day)
  • Lexington and Concord(1 day)
  • 2nd Continental Congress (1 day)
  • Declaration of Independence (1 day)

American Revolution

  • Identify the key battles, strategies, and figures of the American Revolution.
  • Understand the Declaration of Independence's principles and its significance in justifying the colonies' break from Britain.
  • Analyze the challenges faced by the Continental Army and the factors that contributed to American victory.

American Revolution – 2 weeks

  • Advantages (1 day)
  • Battles of the Revolution (2 days)
  • Fighting in the West (1 day)
  • Fighting in the Water (1 day)
  • Battle for Yorktown (1 day)
  • Treaty of Paris (2 days)
  • Major Figures (1 day)

New Nation

  • Examine the causes and outcomes of the American Revolution.
  • Analyze the Articles of Confederation strengths and weaknesses and the reasons for the shift to a new constitution.

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks

  • Background up to Constitution (4 days)
  • Constitutional Convention (4 days)
  • Compromises (4 days)
  • Bill of Rights, Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist (4 days)

Constitution

  • Describe the structure, principles, and drafting process of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Understand the significance of the Preamble, the articles, and the amendment process.

 

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 week

  • Roots and Principles (2 days)
  • Legislative Branch (2 days)
  • Executive Branch (2 days)
  • Judicial Branch (2 days)
  • Checks and Balances (1 day)
  • Amendments (1 day)
  • Clauses (2 days)
  • Citizenship (1 day)

Federalist Era

  • Examine the policies and visions for the United States proposed by Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
  • Understand the significance of landmark events and decisions, such as the establishment of the national bank, the Jay Treaty, and the XYZ Affair.
  • Analyze the impact of the Federalist Era on American political development and foreign policy.

The Federalist Era – 3 weeks

  • Washington’s Presidency (1 day)
  • Court System and Judiciary Act (1 day)
  • Bill of Rights (1 day)
  • Economy and National Bank (1 day)
  • Tariffs and Taxes (1 day)
  • Western Expansion & Northwest Territory (1 day)
  • Pinckney’s Treaty (1 day)
  • Washington’s Farewell Address (1 day)
  • Two Political Parties (1 day)
  • Adam’s Presidency, XYZ Affair, Alien & Sedition Acts (1 day)

Western Expansion

  • Explore the motives, methods, and consequences of westward expansion, including the Louisiana Purchase and Manifest Destiny.
  • Discuss the impact of expansion on Native Americans, the environment, and the spread of slavery.
  • Evaluate the role of pioneers, explorers, and cultural interactions in shaping the American West.

Western Expansion- 7 weeks

  • Expansion and Conflict, Jefferson to Madison Presidencies
      • Thomas Jefferson, Election 1800, Marbury v. Madison (1 day)
      • Louisiana Territory, Lewis and Clark (1 day)
      • Pike’s Expedition (1 day)
      • Hamilton vs. Burr (1 day)
      • War with Tripoli (1 day)
      • Embargo Act 1807 (1 day)
      • Election 1808 (1 day)
      • War of 1812, War Hawks (1 day)
      • Industrial Revolution 1800s
      • Inventions, Free Enterprise, Agriculture (1 day)
      • Western Exploration, Wilderness Road, Cumberland Trail (1 day)
      • The Steamboat and River Travel (1 day)
      • New States Added (1 day)
  • Expansion and Conflict, Monroe Presidency
    • Election 1816, Tariffs (1 day)
    • Sectionalism to Missouri Statehood (1 day)
    • Foreign Affairs, West Florida, Monroe Doctrine (1 day)
  • Expansion and Conflict, Adams to Taylor Presidencies
    • Election of 1924 (1 day)
    • Election of 1928 (1 day)
    • Jackson Presidency  & Tariffs (1 day)
    • Western Land Conflicts, Indian Removal Act, Seminole Wars (2 days)
    • Election 1932 (1 day)
    • Election 1936, Panic (1 day)
  • Manifest Destiny
    • Northwest Territory Election 1936, Panic (1 day)
    • Oregon & Utah Election 1936, Panic (1 day)
    • Manifest Destiny Election 1936, Panic (1 day)
    • 1944 Election, Florida Election 1936, Panic (1 day)
    • Election 1936, Panic (1 day)
    • Texas & California (1 day) 

Reform Movements

  • Identify the major reform movements of the 19th century, including abolition, temperance, women's rights, and education.
  • Analyze the causes, significant figures, and outcomes of these movements.
  • Discuss the interconnections between various reform movements and their impact on American society.

Reform Movements – 2 weeks

  • Religion, Education, Disabilities (1 day)
  • Cultural Changes (1 day)
  • Abolitionists (2 days)
  • Women’s Rights (2 days)

Sectionalism

  • Understand the economic, political, and social differences between the North, South, and West that led to increased sectional tensions.
  • Discuss the role of slavery in exacerbating sectional divisions and the events leading to the Civil War.
  • Examine the compromises attempted to resolve these tensions and their ultimate failure.

Sectionalism – 2 weeks

  • Northern States (2 days)
  • Southern States (2 days)
  • Western States (2 days)
  • Slaves and Underground Railroad (1 day)

Civil War

  • Identify the causes, major battles, and turning points of the Civil War.
  • Analyze the leadership strategies of Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, and key military figures.
  • Understand the effects of the war on the American population, including soldiers, civilians, and enslaved people.

Civil War – 4 weeks

  • Election 1860 (1 day)
  • Secession & Fort Sumter (1 day)
  • Taking Sides, Advantages, Goals of War, Strategies (1 day)
  • Soldier’s Life (1 day)
  • 1st Battle of Bull Run (1 day)
  • Battle of Ironclads & Shiloh (1 day)
  • Capture of New Orleans, War for Richmond (1 day)
  • Emancipation Proclamation (1 day)
  • Life During War (1 day)
  • War in East (1 day)
  • 54th Massachusetts (1 day)
  • Battle of Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Port Hudson (1 day)
  • Gettysburg Address (1 day)
  • General Grant, Petersburg, Sherman & Atlanta (1 day)
  • Election 1964, 13th Amendment (1 day)
  • Richmond Falls, Appomattox Court House Surrender (1 day)
  • Legacy of War (1 day)

Reconstruction

  • Discuss the goals, successes, and failures of the Reconstruction period following the Civil War.
  • Analyze the political struggles between Radical Republicans and Presidents Andrew Johnson and Ulysses S. Grant.
  • Evaluate the long-term impacts of Reconstruction on the South, African Americans, and the nation as a whole.

Reconstruction – 2 weeks

  • Debate over Reconstruction, Lincoln’s Plan (1 day)
  • Johnson’s Plan (1 day)
  • 14th Amendment, Reconstruction Acts (1 day)
  • Johnson’s Impeachment (1 day)
  • Election of 1868 (1 day)
  • Republicans in South (1 day)
  • End of Reconstruction (1 day)
  • Election 1876, New South, Voting Restrictions (1 day)

 

Western Frontier

  • Understand the concept of Manifest Destiny and its impact on the expansion of the United States.
  • Analyze the effects of the expansion on Native American communities and their responses.
  • Evaluate the economic and social development of the West during the period.

Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

  • Plains Indians, Settling the West (1 day)
  • Restrictions on Native Americans (1 day)
  • Sand Creek, Bozeman Trail, Assimilation, Battle of Wounded Knee (1 day)
  • Cattle Industry (1 day)
  • Homestead Act, Innovations (1 day)
  • Farmers &  Railroads (1 day)
  • Populism, “Cross of Gold” Speech (1 day) 

Industrial Age

  • Describe the transformation of the American economy through industrialization.
  • Identify key inventions and technological advancements and their impact on society.
  • Discuss the rise of labor unions and the fight for workers' rights.

Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

  • Industry Expansion and Railroads (1 day)
  • Big Business, Robber Barons (1 day)
  • Organization of Workers (1 day)
  • Government vs. Labor Unions (1 day)

Immigration and Urbanization

  • Examine the causes and effects of the surge in immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Analyze the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants in urban areas.
  • Evaluate the impact of urbanization on American society, including changes in living conditions, social stratification, and cultural diversity.

Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

  • Immigration to Ellis and Angel Island (1 day)
  • Ethnic Communities, Melting Pot, Nativism, Exclusions (1 day)
  • Urban Culture (1 day)
  • Urban Problems & Reformers (1 day)
  • Political Machines (1 day)
  • Hayes, Garfield and Arthur Reforms ( 1day)
 

Progressive Era

  • Identify the key leaders and movements of the Progressive Era and their goals.
  • Discuss the major reforms enacted during this period, including those related to labor, suffrage, and government.
  • Assess the successes and limitations of the Progressive Era reforms.

Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

  • Expansion of Cities, Education, Culture (1 day)
  • Segregation and Discrimination in 1900 (1 day)
  • Mass Culture (1 day)
  • Progressive Goals (1-2 days)
  • Women and Suffrage (1 day)
  • Roosevelt’s Square Deal (1 day)
  • Taft, Wilson, and the Election of 1912 (1 day)

Imperialism

  • Explain the reasons behind the United States' expansion overseas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Evaluate the consequences of American imperialism for both the U.S. and the territories it acquired.
  • Discuss the debate over imperialism in American society.

Pacing Suggestion: 2 week

  • Global Imperialism, Hawaii, Cuba (1 day)
  • Spanish-American-Cuban War (1 day)
  • US & Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Philippines (1 day)
  • China (1 day)
  • Imperialism to Americans (1 day)
  • Panama Canal & Roosevelt Corollary, Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy, Wilson’s Moral Diplomacy (1-2 days)

World War I

  • Understand the causes of World War I and the reasons for American neutrality.
  • Examine the factors that led to American entry into the war and its role in the conflict.
  • Analyze the effects of the war on American society and the global balance of power.

Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

  • Main Cause of WWI (1 day)
  • Assassination and Fighting in Europe Begins (1 day)
  • American Neutrality to Entering War (1 day)
  • Fighting Techniques and Tools à End of War  (1 day)
  • The War on the Home front, Civil Liberties ( 1day)
  • Wilson’s Fourteen Points & League of Nations (1 day)
  • Treaty of Versailles (1 day)  
  • Legacy of the War (1 day)

1920s

  • Describe the economic, cultural, and social changes of the 1920s, including the Roaring Twenties and the Harlem Renaissance.
  • Discuss the impact of Prohibition and the rise of organized crime.
  • Examine the causes and effects of the 1929 stock market crash.

Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

  • Postwar Issues, Bolsheviks, Red Scare (1 day)
  • KKK, Labor Unions, Need for “Normalcy” (1 day)
  • War Debts (1 day)
  • Immigration (1 day)
  • Business & Changing Landscape (1 day)
  • Roaring Life of the the 1920s (1 day)
  • Women, Education, Culture (1day)
  • Writers “The Lost Generation” (1 day)
  • Harlem Renaissance (1 day)

Great Depression/New Deal

  • Analyze the causes of the Great Depression and its impact on American society.
  • Evaluate the New Deal policies implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt and their effectiveness in addressing the Depression.
  • Discuss the long-term impacts of the New Deal on American government and society.

Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

  • Financial Collapse (1 day)
  • Effects on Americans & Hoover’s Response (1 day)
  • FDR & the 1st New Deal (1 day)
  • New Deal is Attacked (1 day)
  • The 2nd New Deal (1 day)
  • Opportunities the New Deal Offered, Coalition (1 day)
  • Society and Culture (1 day)
  • Impact of the New Deal (1 day)

World War II

  • Understand the causes of World War II and the reasons for American involvement.
  • Examine the major events and turning points of the war, including the Holocaust and the use of atomic bombs.
  • Analyze the impact of World War II on the United States and the world.

Pacing Suggestion: 4 weeks

  • Dictators in Europe & Alliances  (2 days)
  • Isolationism (1 day)
  • War in Europe (2 days)
  • The Holocaust (2 days)
  • American Joins War (Pearl Harbor) (2 days)
  • Home Front (1 day)
  • War in Europe and North Africa (1 day)
  • Allies Liberate Europe (1 day)
  • War in the Pacific ( 1 day)
  • Manhattan Project, Atomic Age Begins (1 day)
  • Yalta, Nuremberg, Occupation of Japan ( 1 day)
  • The Impact of the war (2 days)
 

Cold War

  • Describe the origins and key events of the Cold War, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
  • Discuss the impact of the Cold War on American domestic and foreign policy.
  • Evaluate the strategies used by the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

​​Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

  • U.S. vs. Soviets, Germany (1 day)
  • China (1 day)
  • Korean Conflict (1 day)
  • Communism at Home (1 day)
  • Spies & McCarthy (1 day)
  • Brinkmanship (1 day)
  • Middle East and Latin America (1 day)
  • Eisenhower Doctrine (1 day)
  • Space Race (1 day)

1950s, JFK, LBJ

  • Examine the social, economic, and political changes of the 1950s, including the civil rights movement.
  • Analyze the presidencies of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, focusing on domestic policies and the Vietnam War.
  • Discuss the impact of the space race and technological advancements on American society.

Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks

  • US After WWII, Baby Boom, Election 1948 (1 day)
  • 1950s Business, Automobile, Culture (1 day)
  • The Other America (1 day)
  • Election 1960 (1 day)
  • Kennedy and the Cold War (1 day)
  • Camelot and New Frontier, Race to the Moon (1 day)
  • JFK Assassination (1 day)
  • LBJ’s Great Society (1 day)
  • 1964 Election (1 day)
  • Warren Court (1 day)
 

Civil Rights Movement

  • Identify the key figures and events of the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Evaluate the strategies used by civil rights activists and their effectiveness.
  • Discuss the major legislative achievements of the Civil Rights Movement and their impact on American society.

Pacing Suggestion: 3 week

  • Segregation, Brown v. Board of Education (1 day)
  • Bus Boycott, Little Rock (1 day)
  • SCLC, Dr. King, Sit-Ins (1 day)
  • Freedom Riders, Ole Miss (1 day)
  • Birmingham, JFK’s stance (1 day)
  • March to Washington, Civil Rights Act 1964 (1 day)
  • Freedom Summer, Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party ((1 day)
  • Selma Campaign, Voting Rights Act 1965 (1 day)
  • North Segregation, Urban Violence (1 day)
  • Malcolm X vs. MLK (1 day)
  • SNCC & Stokely Carmichael (1 day)
  • Legacy (1 day)

Vietnam

  • Understand the reasons for American involvement in Vietnam and the war's unpopularity at home.
  • Analyze the impact of the Vietnam War on American society, including its effect on the military and public opinion.
  • Evaluate the legacy of the Vietnam War in American history and foreign policy.

Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

  • Roots of War since 1800s (1 day)
  • US Enters War (1 day)
  • Johnson and Vietnam (1 day)
  • Life on the Home Front, Split Nation (1 day)
  • Tet Offensive (1 day)
  • 1968 Election (1 day)
  • Fighting in Vietnam (1 day)
  • End of the War and Legacy (2 days)

Era of Social Changes (Nixon, Carter, Ford)

  • Discuss the political and social challenges faced by the presidencies of Nixon, Ford, and Carter.
  • Examine the impact of Watergate on American politics and society.
  • Analyze the changes in American society during this period, including environmentalism, the women's movement, and the rise of conservative politics.

Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

  • Minorities (1 day)
  • Counterculture (1 day)
  • Nixon’s New Conservatism (1 day)
  • Nixon’s Southern Strategy & Economy (1 day)
  • Nixon and Foreign Policy (1 day)
  • Watergate to Resignation (2 days)
  • President Ford and President Carter (1 day)
  • Carter and the Economy, Civil Rights, and Foreign Policy (1 day)
  • The Environment (1 day)
 

Conservatives (Reagan/Bush)

  • Evaluate the domestic and foreign policies of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
  • Discuss the impact of conservative policies on the economy, military, and American society.
  • Analyze the end of the Cold War and its implications for the United States.

Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

  • Conservative Movement and Reagan (1 day)
  • American Society during the 1980s (1 day)
  • The Cold War Ends (1 day)
  • Middle East(Iran and Gulf War) (1 day)

Clinton/Bush

  • Examine the domestic and foreign policies of the Clinton and George W. Bush presidencies.
  • Discuss the impact of globalization and technological advancements on American society.
  • Analyze the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

  • Election 1992, Clinton Presidency (1 day)
  • Republican Congress, Government Shutdown, Election 1996 (1 day)
  • Election 2000, September 11, 2001 (1 day)
  • Election 2004 (1 day)

Modern US

  • Discuss the major political, social, and economic developments in the United States in the 21st century.
  • Evaluate the impact of social media and the internet on politics and society.
  • Analyze the challenges and opportunities faced by the United States in a globalized world, including issues of immigration, climate change, and international relations.

Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

  • Global Issues (1 day)
  • Election 2008, President Obama, Healthcare Reform
  • Election 2016, National Debt 
 

This has helped me so much this year with having 2 preps and having to focus on civics with the new standards, this resource has made my life so much easier –Anita

This bundle is amazing! Has everything you need to have a fun and engaging year! –Alexandria

 

 

 

What Is Being Said

Extremely thorough, good for general and special education students

Thank you

Perfect for what I needed.  This bundle makes me sad that I'm not teaching American History next year.  It was perfect!  I hope to one day be able to use it again.  Thank you!

Getting prepared for next year and feeling very ready already with this purchase. –Leslie

Amazing curriculum. I am only sad I didn't find it earlier in the year. I will definitely use it in the coming years. –Lisa

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How to Video Library: How to best use each resource library. 

Modern U.S. History Overview and How to Use and Find Resources

Units: Western Frontier, Industrial Age, Immigration and Urbanization, Progressive Era, Imperialism, World War I, 1920s, Great Depression/New Deal, World War II, Cold War, 1950s, JFK, LBJ, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, Era of Social Changes (Nixon, Carter, Ford), Conservatives (Reagan/Bush), Clinton/Bush, Modern US

Bonus: Master Lesson Planning Teacher PD Course

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How to Video Library: How to best use each resource library. 

Modern U.S. History Overview and How to Use and Find Resources

Units: Western Frontier, Industrial Age, Immigration and Urbanization, Progressive Era, Imperialism, World War I, 1920s, Great Depression/New Deal, World War II, Cold War, 1950s, JFK, LBJ, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, Era of Social Changes (Nixon, Carter, Ford), Conservatives (Reagan/Bush), Clinton/Bush, Modern US

Bonus: Master Lesson Planning Teacher PD Course

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