Modern World History Curriculum

Unit 1: Renaissance

• Objective: Understand the origins and impact of the Renaissance on art, culture, and science.
• Understand the origins and characteristics of the Renaissance in Europe, including its emphasis on humanism, art, and science.
• Analyze the impact of Renaissance ideas on art, culture, and society.
• Focus: Humanism, Renaissance art and literature, scientific advancements, and the spread of Renaissance ideas across Europe.

Renaissance (2 weeks)

• The Italian Renaissance (2 days)
• Renaissance Society & the Intellectual Artistic Renaissance (3 days)
• Renaissance Lifestyle (1 day) 
• Scientific Achievements (1 day) x

Unit 2: Reformation

• Objective: Examine the causes and consequences of the Protestant Reformation.
• Explain the causes and effects of the Protestant Reformation, including the role of Martin Luther and other reformers.
• Discuss the Counter-Reformation and its significance.
• Focus: Martin Luther, John Calvin, the English Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, and the religious wars.

Reformation (2 weeks) 

• Background of Reformation (1 day) 
• Church before the Reformation (1 day)
• Martin Luther (1 day)
• Politics and Reformation (1 day)
• Spread of Protestant Reformation and Catholic Response (1 day0
• Reformation in England (1 day) 
• Anabaptists (1 day) 
• Impact of Reformation (1 day) 

Unit 3: Exploration

• Objective: Analyze the motivations, discoveries, and effects of European exploration.
• Identify the motivations, innovations, and outcomes of the Age of Exploration.
• Evaluate the impact of European exploration on the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
• Focus: Key explorers, the Columbian Exchange, impact on indigenous peoples, and the beginning of global trade networks.

Exploration (2 weeks) 

• Technology and Portugal (2 days) 
• Spain (2 days)
• Netherlands (1 day)
• French & English (3 days) 
• Slave Trade (1 day) 

Unit 4: Royal Power/Absolutism

• Objective: Explore the rise of absolute monarchies and their impact on Europe.
• Describe the rise of absolute monarchies in Europe and the centralization of royal power.
• Analyze the implications of absolutism for society, economy, and governance.
• Focus: Louis XIV of France, Peter the Great of Russia, the concept of divine right, and the challenges to absolutist rule.

Royal Power and Conflict (2 weeks) 

• Leading Families of Europe (1 day review and map introduction)
• Spain, Phillip II, Charles II (1 day) 
• England, Tutors, Henry VIII, Mary, Elizabeth I, Netherlands and Independence (1 day)
• France, Bourbons, Louis XIV, War of Spanish Succession (1 day) 
• Germans, Holy Roman Empire, 30 Years War (1 day) 
• Austria, Prussia, War of Austrian Succession (1 day) 
• Russia, Ivan IV, Peter the Great, Catherine the Great (1 day) 

Unit 5: Scientific Revolution

• Objective: Understand the changes in scientific thought and their implications for European society.
• Understand the key discoveries and figures of the Scientific Revolution and their challenge to traditional beliefs.
• Discuss the long-term effects of the Scientific Revolution on scientific thought and human understanding.
• Focus: Key figures such as Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton, and the impact of scientific discoveries on traditional beliefs.

Scientific Revolution (1 week) 

• New Scientific Ideas, Scientific Philosophy (1 day)
• Impact of Science on Government & Politics (1 day)
• Reasoning (1 day)
• Enlightenment (1 day)

Unit 6: English Civil War

• Objective: Investigate the causes, main events, and outcomes of the English Civil War.
• Examine the causes and consequences of the English Civil War, including the struggle for power between the monarchy and Parliament.
• Analyze the significance of the Commonwealth period and the Restoration.
• Focus: Conflicts between monarchy and parliament, Oliver Cromwell, and the establishment of constitutional monarchy.

English Civil War (1 week) 

• British Revolutions & concessions of monarch ( 1 day) 
• People to Know (1 day) 
• Roots/Causes of English Civil War (2 days)
• Constitutional Monarch (1 day) 

Unit 7: American Revolution

• Objective: Analyze the causes and consequences of the American Revolution.
• Identify the causes of the American Revolution and the key events leading to American independence.
• Discuss the effects of the Revolution on the development of the United States and its government.
• Focus: Colonial grievances, Declaration of Independence, revolutionary war, and the creation of the United States.

American Revolution (1 week) 

• The Road to Revolution/ Causes (1 day)
• 1st and 2nd Continental Congress, Lexington and Concord, Declaration of Independence (1 day)
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Colonists and British, Battles of Revolution (1 day) 
• Treaty of Paris (1 day)

Unit 8: French Revolution

• Objective: Explore the causes, key events, and impact of the French Revolution.
• Explain the social, economic, and political factors that led to the French Revolution.
• Evaluate the outcomes of the Revolution, including the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
• Focus: The Estates-General, Reign of Terror, rise of Napoleon, and the revolution’s influence on Europe.

French Revolution (1 week) 

• Overview of French Revolution, The Old Order, Problems in France (1 day)
• The Revolution Begins, Reign of Terror (1 day)
• Changes to the Ideals, Napoleon Bonaparte (1 day)
• Peace and Effects of Revolution on Europe (1 day)

Unit 9: Industrial Revolution

• Objective: Understand the origins, development, and effects of the Industrial Revolution.
• Describe the technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution and their impact on industry, society, and the global economy.
• Analyze the changes in social structures and labor conditions resulting from industrialization.
• Focus: Technological innovations, changes in labor and society, economic theories, and global impact.

Industrial Revolution (1 week) 

• Life before Industrial Age, Capital, Natural Resources, & Labor) (1 day)
• Entrepreneurs, Laws of Supply and Demand, Inventions (1 day)
• Factory System & Growth of Industry (1 day)
• New Society, Working Class, Labor Unions (1 day)

Unit 10: Cultural Revolution

• Objective: Discuss significant cultural shifts and movements in history.
• Understand the various meanings and contexts of Cultural Revolution, particularly referencing significant movements that transformed societal norms and values.
• Discuss the implications of cultural shifts on art, education, and social policies.
• Focus: May vary, but could include the 1960s counterculture, the Enlightenment, or other periods of significant cultural change.

Cultural Revolution (1 week) 

• Industrial World (1 day)
• Scientific Advances (1 day)
• Changes in Popular Culture (1 day)
• Revolution in the Arts (1 day)

Unit 11: Democracy Spreads Pre WWI

• Objective: Examine the expansion of democratic ideals and political reforms before World War I.
• Examine the expansion of democratic ideals and suffrage movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Analyze the challenges and successes of democratization during this period.
• Focus: Suffrage movements, liberal reforms in Europe, and the spread of democratic governance.

Democracy Spreads before WWI (1 week) 

• Reform in Great Britain & The Dominions (1 day)
• Political Struggles in France (1 day)
• US Expansion (1 day)
• Independence in Latin America (1 day)

Unit 12: Nationalism Spread Pre WWI

• Objective: Analyze the rise and effects of nationalism before World War I.
• Discuss the rise of nationalism and its role in shaping state formation, imperial ambitions, and ethnic identities.
• Evaluate the impact of nationalism on international relations leading up to WWI.
• Focus: Unification of Germany and Italy, nationalist movements in the Balkans, and imperial tensions.

Nationalism Spreads before WWI (1 week) 

• Unification of Italy (1 day)
• Unification of Germany & Bismarck’s Realm (1 day)
• Czars of Russia (1 day)
• Decline of Austria-Hungary (1 day)

Unit 13: World Imperialism

• Objective: Investigate the causes, processes, and impact of imperialism.
• Identify the causes and characteristics of New Imperialism and its effects on colonized regions.
• Discuss the resistance against imperialism and its legacy.
• Focus: European empires in Africa and Asia, colonial administration, resistance movements, and the legacy of imperialism.

World Imperialism (1 week) 

• Age of Imperialism, 3 Factors behind Imperialism, Justification used for Imperialism (1 day)
• Imperialism in Africa, Imperialism in Asia (1 day)
• Imperialism in Americas (1 day)
• Effects of Imperialism (1 day)

Unit 14: World War I

• Objective: Understand the causes, major battles, and outcomes of World War I.
• Understand the causes of World War I and the reasons for the global involvement.
• Analyze the consequences of the war, including the Treaty of Versailles and the reshaping of national borders.
• Focus: Alliances, trench warfare, the Treaty of Versailles, and the war’s global implications.

World War I (2 weeks) 

• 4 MAIN causes of WWI (1 day)
• 5 Crises Which Led to War (1 day)
• The World At War & Opposition to the War (1 day)
• The Western Front (1 day)
• Eastern Front (1 day)
• US Sympathy for Allies and Entry into War (1 day)
• End of War, Fall of Germany, Fourteen Points, Treaty of Versailles (1 day)
• Eastern Europe Changes (1 day)

Unit 15: 1920s/1930s

• Objective: Explore the interwar period, focusing on cultural and economic changes.
• Examine the cultural, social, and economic developments of the interwar period, including the Great Depression.
• Discuss the rise of totalitarian regimes during this time.
• Focus: The Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, rise of totalitarian regimes, and preparations for war.

Between WWI and WWII (1 week) 

• Postwar 1920s, Art, Music, The Great Depression (1 day)
• Italy between Wars (1 day)
• Germany between Wars (1 day)
• Soviet Union between Wars (1 day)

Unit 16: Nationalism Post WWI

• Objective: Examine the resurgence of nationalism after World War I.
• Analyze the resurgence of nationalism after WWI and its implications for international relations and internal politics.
• Evaluate the role of nationalism in the lead-up to WWII.
• Focus: Nationalist movements, changes in national borders, and the lead-up to World War II.

Nationalism in Asia, Africa, & Latin American before World War II (1 week) 

• Middle East & Africa, Greece and Turkey (1 day)
• India (1 day)
• China, Japan (1 day)
• Latin America (1 day)

Unit 17: World War II

• Objective: Analyze the causes, key events, and outcomes of World War II.
• Understand the causes, major events, and outcomes of World War II.
• Discuss the Holocaust and its impact on the world.
• Focus: Axis and Allies, Holocaust, atomic bombings, and the war’s aftermath.

World War II (4 weeks) 

• Failures of Treaty of Versailles (1 day)
• Japanese Aggression (1 day)
• Italian Aggression (1 day)
• Rise of Dictators (1 day)
• 6 Acts of Aggression (1 day)
• Alliances (1 day)
• War Begins (1 day)
• US Involvement (1 day)
• The Nazi Order and the Holocaust (1 day)
• The Atlantic Charter and Course of War, Battles (1 day)
• Japan in Asia and Second Front in Europe (1 day)
• The Manhattan Project (1 day)
• Yalta, Nuremberg Trials, Occupation of Japan (1 day)
• Pre and Post War Conferences (1 day)
• Impact of WWII (1 day)

Unit 18: Cold War

• Objective: Understand the origins, major conflicts, and resolution of the Cold War.
• Describe the origins, major conflicts, and conclusion of the Cold War.
• Evaluate the impact of the Cold War on global politics, culture, and economics.
• Focus: US-Soviet rivalry, nuclear arms race, proxy wars, and the fall of the Soviet Union.

The Cold War (3 weeks) 

• Origins, US and Soviets Clash, US Policy of Containment (1 day)
• Cold War in Europe (1 day)
• Germany After WWII (1 day)
• Soviets in Eastern Europe (1 day)
• Communist Bloc (1 day)
• Cuban Missile Crisis (1 day)
• Cold War In Asia (1 day)
• Cold War in Africa, Israel, Cuba (1 day)
• Korea (1 day)
• US Ideas and JFK (1 day)
• Vietnam War (1 day)
• Space Race (1 day)
• Ronald Reagan and End of Cold War (1 day)

Unit 19: Asia & Pacific Post WWII

• Objective: Explore post-World War II developments in Asia and the Pacific.
• Analyze the decolonization process and the economic, social, and political transformations in Asia and the Pacific.
• Discuss the conflicts and developments in the region during the Cold War and beyond.
• Focus: Decolonization, the Korean and Vietnam wars, economic miracles in Japan and South Korea.

Asia after WWII (2 weeks) 

• Japan: The Land of the Rising Sun (1 day)
• China (1 day)
• Divided Korea (1 day)
• Vietnam War (1 day)
• Other Countries after WWII (1 day)
• India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka--Resources and Population Growth, The Pacific (1 day)
• East Asia (1 day)
• Southeast Asia (1 day)

Unit 20: Africa Post WWII

• Objective: Examine Africa’s political and social landscape after World War II.
• Examine the challenges and achievements of African nations following decolonization.
• Discuss the impact of post-colonialism on the continent's development.
• Focus: Independence movements, post-colonial challenges, and modern developments.

Africa after WWII (2 weeks)

• African Independence (1 day)
• North Africa (1 day)
• Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Congo (1 day)
• East Africa (1 day)
• South Africa & Apartheid (1 day)
• Africa Today (1 day)
• Africa’s Challenges (1 day)
• Sub-Saharan Africa Today (1 day)

Unit 21: Middle East Post WWII

• Objective: Investigate the geopolitical and cultural changes in the Middle East after World War II.
• Understand the geopolitical significance of the Middle East and the factors contributing to regional conflicts.
• Evaluate the impact of oil, religion, and external interventions on Middle Eastern societies.
• Focus: Israeli-Palestinian conflict, oil politics, Islamic revolution in Iran, and recent conflicts.

Middle East after WWII (2 weeks)

• Abrahamic Religions (1 day)
• Modern Middle East and North Africa (1 day)
• After WWII Middle East (3 Days) 
• 1990s to Present (1 day)

Unit 22: Latin America Post WWII

• Objective: Discuss the political, economic, and social evolution of Latin America post-World War II.
• Discuss the political, economic, and social changes in Latin America, including movements toward democracy and social justice.
• Analyze the role of the United States in the region's development.
• Focus: Revolutionary movements, military dictatorships, economic policies, and steps towards democratization.

Latin American after WWII (2 weeks)

• Latin American Dictators (1 day)
• Brazil, Argentia, Mexico, Guatemala (1 day)
• Cuban Revolution (1 day)
• Democracy in Latin America (1 day)
• Modern Latin America (2 days)
• Key Facts about Latin America (1 day)

Unit 23: World in Modern Times

• Objective: Analyze contemporary global challenges and the interconnectedness of the world.
• Identify the major political, technological, and environmental challenges facing the world today.
• Discuss the impact of globalization and the role of international organizations in addressing global issues.
• Focus: Globalization, technological advancements, environmental issues, and ongoing conflicts and resolutions.

Modern World History (1 week)

• End of the Cold War (1 day)
• European Union, Global Interdependence, Economy (1 day)
• Computers & Communication Revolution, Scientific Advances (1 day)
• Immigration (1 day)
• Nuclear Technology, Cyber Terrorism, Terrorism (1 day)
• Below are key topics that are ongoing and need to be discussed and woven into the curriculum

• Immigration
• Health Care
• Equity
• Racial Divisions
• Human Rights