World Geography
Students look at relationships between groups of people, and between people and places.
Maps and Globes
Maps and Globes are the "tools" necessary for a better understanding of what is read in social studies. Maps are drawings on flat surfaces of all or part of the earth. Globes are models or small copies of the earth.
Earth's Geography
Each area on earth has a unique environment created by its combination of geographical features: land, water, climate, and resources.
Climates of the World
Several factors determine a region's climate, which in turn affects life in a region. This unit reviews the major aspects of climate and some of the factors which influence climate.
Natural Resources
Natural resources are natural benefits provided us by the earth. These include the plants, animals, rivers, minerals, and the land itself. The kind an amount of natural resources available to a group of people are what determines the development of the culture of the people. This unit reviews the types and kinds of resources which have had an influence on the development of the cultures studied in this course.
Learning About Early People
People everywhere, past and present, have lived together in social groups, and each group has developed its own culture. Ancient people developed their culture based largely on the environment in which they lived. During the Old Stone Age, people were largely nomads who hunted and gathered their food using stone tools. Culture and religion had their beginnings during this time. During the New Stone Age people began to domesticate animals and cultivate crops. This required people to live in one spot. It also enabled people to specialize. This unit reviews the major developments of these Early people and also covers some of the techniques scientists use to study them.
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt flourished because people made good use of the environment. The Egyptian civilization grew on the banks on the Nile River. This unit reviews the development of the Ancient Egyptians, their accomplishments and their importance. The information discussed includes the pharaohs, pyramids, papyrus, hieroglyphics, and Egyptian beliefs.
The Fertile Crescent
People of the Fertile Crescent extracted their basic needs from a harsh environment. They built magnificent cities, suffered many invasions, and created one of the world's first civilizations. This unit reviews the development of the Sumerian, Babylonian, and Hebrew civilizations, all of which developed in the Fertile Crescent.
Ancient India and Ancient China
Ancient India and ancient China had separate, unique histories. People in the Indus River Valley developed a civilization about the same time civilizations developed in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The people of the Huang Valley created a rich civilization that lives on today. This unit reviews the development of the Indus Valley civilization and that of the Chinese civilization that grew up along the Huang River.
Ancient Greece
Greek civilization grew and prospered more than 2,000 years ago. Greece was not a single nation, but rather a group of city-states, the two most well-known of which were Athens and Sparta. The culture of Greece was influential in the development of the European groups that would follow, and continues to show influence even today in the lives of American. This unit reviews the history and the culture of the ancient Greeks from the rise of the city-states to empire of Alexander the Great.
Ancient Rome
To the west of Athens, on the Italian peninsula, lay the city of Rome. Rome grew to become the heart of an important new civilization. Rome began as a small city on the banks of the Tiber River. It grew until it controlled the entire Italian peninsula and then expanded far beyond to a vast empire extending northward into Britain and southward to northern African and the Middle East. This unit reviews the history of the Roman Empire as well as its important contributions to our modern civilization.
The Rise of Christianity
During the time when the Roman Empire ruled the Mediterranean, the Hebrew people were also ruled by Rome. During this time Jesus was born, grew up and taught among the Hebrews, or Jews, and was executed by Roman soldiers. His teachings gave rise to the new religion, Christianity, which was destined to one of the major religions of the world. This unit reviews the development of Christianity.
The Middle Ages: Feudalism
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe went through a period during which there was not a single ruling body. People were often attacked by invaders, such as the Vikings from Scandinavia. Feudalism developed during this time as a means of protecting the people from these invaders. Large landholders granted pieces of land, or feuds, in return for their pledge of support during times on invasion. This unit reviews the principles and practices of feudalism in Medieval Europe.
Middle Ages - The Church
During the Middle Ages, the Church was the center of most communities. The Church was the center of both religion and education. They were among the only people who could read and write. Because books were scarce, they were also charged with protecting to books that were available, and making new copies. People who went into religious life to serve God and people entered monasteries or convents and spent their lives helping others. This unit reviews the important role of the Church in the Middle Ages.
Middle Ages - City Life
The cities of the Middle Ages were small and had little power, however as the crusades took place, cities became more important. They became centers of trade, and the numbers of craft workers and shop keepers increased. This resulted in the creation of the guild system, which maintained quality of goods. This unit reviews the importance of the cities in the Middle Ages. It also includes the guild system.
Middle Ages - The Crusades
People of the Middle Ages were very religious. When Muslims took control of the Holy Land, this caused concern among European Christians. Several times people would join together to travel to the Holy Land in an attempt to free the land from Muslim rule. Although the Crusades were not successful in driving the Muslims from the Holy Land, they were important because they increased trade and the desire for goods from far away. This in turn brought Europeans out of the Middle Ages. This unit reviews the major events and importance of the Crusades.
The End of the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages the land was owned by a few people. Governments were weak and kings depended on their vassals for protection during times of war. As the Middle Ages ended, trade increased and cities became very powerful while land owners lost power. Through taxation kings again became powerful and were able to govern more freely. This unit reviews some of the changes of this time, particularly in England, under Queen Elizabeth and France under Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu
The Renaissance
As the Middle Ages drew to a close, many changes occurred in Europe. There were changes in government, religion and art. All of these changes represented a new interest in creating a better way of life for the people. This unit reviews the Renaissance or renewal of the interest in classical or Greek and Roman art. The result of this interest was the rise of such great artists as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Reformation
During the Renaissance people such as Martin Luther and John Calvin began to question the practices of the Roman Catholic Church. among the criticisms of the Church were that it was too wealthy, and that it did not allow people the right to read and interpret the Bible themselves. From these beliefs grew the Protestant movement. Many new denominations were formed. In response to Protestantism, the Church began the Inquisition and eventually the counter-reformation. This unit reviews the Reformation and Counter-Reformation. It includes the Lutherans, Calvinists, and French Huguenots, as well as the importance of Luther, Calvin, Loyola, Wycliff, and Tyndale.
The Age of Discovery
The desire for trade with faraway places and the development of navigational improvements opened a great age of exploration and discovery. The crusades and the visit of Marco Polo to China were two events that lead Europeans to be interested in faraway places. This interest in turn sparked the inventions and discoveries that made it all possible. This unit reviews the major inventions and discoveries of the Age of Discovery from 1400 to 1700.
The Industrial Revolution
Before the mid-1700's most goods were made by hand. People normally made their goods at home or in small shops and sold them directly to people who needed them. Most people, however, were farmers. Then, by the mid-1700's, food production became efficient enough that people could be available for other work. This gave rise the industrial revolution. It began first in the textile industry then spread to other areas. This unit reviews the events and importance of the industrial revolution and its changes.
French Revolution
As the industrial revolution changed the lives of people all over Europe, another kind of revolution began in France. The French people had been ruled by powerful monarchs for 800 years. Unlike the English, the French had never been able to control their kings through documents like the Magna Charta or Bill of Rights. In 1789 King Louis XVI of France leveed taxes on the aristocracy. In the confusion that followed their refusal to pay, the working class people organized the National Assembly. This triggered a series of events leading to the French Revolution. This unit reviews the events of this conflict.
Russia: Geography
Russia is a large country covering parts of the continents of Europe and Asia. Because it is such a large country, a variety of landforms and climate types are found within it. This unit reviews the geograph of Russia, formerly a part of the U.S.S.R.
Russia: History
The nation of Russia has had a long and difficult history. From the ninth century AD, when the Vikings ruled Russia and the invasion of the Mongols in the thirteenth century to the invasion of the Germans in World War II, Russia has faced conquerors. It has also faced conflict within during the Communist revolution. Once again in recent years great upheaval occurred in Russia as Communism lost its control over Russia. This unit reviews the major changes that have taken place in Russia until the beginning of the twentieth century. It does not cover the Communist Revolution.
Russia: Twentieth Century
Early in the twentieth century, the history of Russia took a drastic turn. Communists, under the leadership of Lenin took control of the government. Under communism the lives of the Russian people were greatly changed. In the 1980's and 90's, even greater changes occurred as communism was weakened and finally overthrown in Russia. This unit reviews the rise and fall of communism in Russia.
Modern Europe
Following the industrial revolution, European nations began to take on the characteristics of the modern nations we know today. Two world wars and numerous other crises have occurred in the twentieth century to further modify life in these areas. This unit reviews the events of both world wars and their effects of the nations of Europe. It also covers the cold war and the more recent changes in government in Germany and the Middle East.
Middle East and North Africa- Geography
Although the Middle East and North Africa are on two separate continents, they are grouped together because of similarities in geography and culture. Both regions contain large areas of desert which have strongly influenced the cultures of their peoples. The discovery of oil in the Middle East has caused it to become a region of great importance in world political affairs. This unit reviews the climate, landforms, and resources of the Middle East and Northern Africa and how these factors have influenced the lives of its people.
The Middle East and North Africa Long Ago
The Middle East has been a center of civilization since ancient times. Egyptian, Sumerian, and Phoenician civilizations all began in this area. In later times, two major religions, Christianity and Islam began here as well. The Middle East has faced numerous conflicts throughout its history as well. This unit reviews the history of the Middle East from the middle ages to the twentieth century, including the rule of the Bedouin sheiks and the beginnings of Islam.
The Middle East and North Africa Today
After reaching its height in 1683, the Ottoman Empire grew weak and nationalist movements developed, giving rise to new, independent nations, such as Turkey, Iran, and Israel. This unit reviews the important events of the Middle East in the twentieth century. It includes the development of new nations in the area and the current conflicts in the Middle East.
Africa South of the Sahara- Geography
The vast continent of Africa offers great geographical diversity. The Sahara desert forms a boundary on the north, effectively separating northern Africa from the rest of the continent. This area is often referred to as Sub-Sahara Africa. This unit reviews the diverse geographical features of Africa south of the Sahara.
Africa South of the Sahara- Ancient Kingdoms
Contrary to beliefs of many, Africa south of the Sahara was also the home of advanced civilizations. This unit reviews the history of two of these kingdoms, Kush and Ethiopia, both of which originated before the rise of European nations.
Kingdoms of the African Savanna
Beginning in A.D. 300, kingdoms rich in gold arose both in West Africa and along the east coast by the Indian Ocean. One way in which these kingdoms became wealthy was by controlling the salt trade between the Sahara and the rest of Africa. This unit reviews these kingdoms of Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mali, and others.
Modern Africa
The arrival of the Europeans turned Africa first into a source of slaves for the world market and next into a continent of European colonies. Even after the end of slave trade, Europeans dominated Africa. They established colonies which served as sources of cheap raw material and markets for finished good. Eventually African nationalism was able to overcome colonialism and new nations were created. This unit reviews European dominance of Africa during the colonial period and the rise of the new African nations.
South Asia - Geography
South Asia, also known as the Indian subcontinent, has a wide variety of environments, from the height of the world's tallest mountains in the north to the tropical lowlands of the south. This unit reviews some of the major aspects of the geography of the Indian subcontinent, including the effects of the monsoon.
South Asia - Hinduism and Buddhism
Two of the world's major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism had their beginnings in India. Hinduism grew from the beliefs of the Aryans who invaded the region around 1500 B.C., and Buddhism grew from the ideas of a Hindu prince, Siddharta Gautama. Both religions have a wide influence in all parts of Asia today. This unit reviews the ideas of these two religions and their impact on Asian life.
The Growth of India and South Asia Today
Throughout its long history, India has absorbed influences from many sources.
The nations that emerged from Indian civilization face the challenge of adapting ancient ways to modern problems. Among the problems they face are religious differences, poverty, and political upheaval. This unit reviews the recent history of the Indian subcontinent.
The Geography of China
China is one of the largest countries in the world, both in size and population. We can divide China into three regions: Outer China, which is the western part, North China, and South China. This unit reviews the geography of China, looking at the land, climate, rivers, and industries.
Chinese History
China is an ancient civilization. It had built mighty cities long before they appeared in Europe. China was ruled by a series of dyansties from 766 B.C. until 19 A certain family would take over China and establish a strong government, but in time dishonesty and corruption would weaken the government and a new group would take over and establish a new dynasty. This unit reviews the history of China under the ten dyansties until the coming of the Manchus.
A Changing China and China Today
The last three centuries of foreign invasion, revolution, and civil war have led to China's development as the most populated communist state.
Modern China has strived, with mixed results, to turn herself into a strong and prosperous Communist nation.
Japan
Japan and Korea developed strong civilizations that have successfully withstood foreign intervention and borrowed from foreign societies. This unit reviews the history and geography of Japan.
Korea
Japan and Korea developed strong civilizations that have successfully withstood foreign intervention and borrowed from foreign societies. This unit reviews the history and geography of Korea.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia's location and its rich resources have combined to make it a center of world trade. Despite its ideal location, Southeast Asia has been the site of much turmoil in the twentieth century. The Viet Nam conflict and fighting in Kampuchea are two of the most serious conflicts. This unit reviews the geography and history of this region.
Australia and Oceania
Isolated geographically and unique in features, Australia and Oceania contain both lush and harsh environments. Australia has been linked with Britain since the days when the British sent convicts there in 178 This unit reviews the history and geography of Australia and Oceania.
The World Today
The types of government and economies that prevail in today's world range from those with high degrees of government control and repression to those that promote great individual freedom and initiative.
Challenges For The Future
Human beings must meet and overcome several environmental challenges that endanger the earth. World nations must cooperate in devising and improving ways to meet environmental challenges successfully.

The World
Students study the World, past and present, and explore the geography, history, economy, and cultures of regions of the world so they may become aware of their roles and responsibilities as citizens.
Nature and Tools of Geography
Geography involves a special way of looking at planet Earth and its people. In this unit you will review what geography is, what tools geographers use and how geographers identify and locate places.
Globes and Maps
Geographers use many different sources of information in their study of Earth. Among the most important sources geographers use are maps and globes. In this unit you will learn what kinds of information will be found on maps and globes, the basic parts of a map, and the three basics types of maps.
Landforms
Over the surface of the Earth, many different patterns have formed. The land features or patterns are made from the forces within the Earth and forces on Earth's surface. In this unit you will learn how primary and secondary landforms were created, how soil was formed, what animals and plants live in similar environments, and what changes on the Earth's surface man has caused.
Waterforms
Most of the Earth's surface is made up of water. (Only about twenty- nine per cent of the Earth's total surface is land.) Water is necessary for life on Earth; people, plants and animals cannot survive without it. In this unit you will learn how the Earth's water cycle works, how waterways form and change the land surface, what changes the motion of the oceans causes, what organisms live in the water, and finally how people have changed the waterways.
Climate and Weather
Air is everywhere. All around Earth is a sea of gases called the atmosphere. This sea of gases protects people from the harmful rays of the sun and provides them with oxygen to stay alive. In this unit you will learn what air is, what makes up the different layers, of the Earth's atmosphere, what factors produce climate, what things affect weather and climate, and what the major world climate groups are.
Population
Today, with more than five billion people living on the Earth the study of population has become more important than ever before. Geographers study how climate, land, water and vegetation influence where people live on the Earth. In this unit you will learn how a country's economy is linked to it's population growth, and how food supply, natural resource supply, migration and population have become major world issues. We will also learn where the most heavily populated areas of the world are today.
Culture
Many different groups of people live on Earth. Each group has its own traditions and customs, history, languages and religious beliefs and practices. Each culture has its own way of life, unique in its own way, and made to satisfy its needs. In this unit you will learn what is meant by a culture, what were some of the stages of development in early cultures, and what chief characteristics identify the major eleven culture areas.
United States--Land and Climate
The land of the United States is rich with fertile soil, forests, minerals, and many other resources. Today the United States is among the world's most economically developed countries. In this unit you will learn about the eleven major physical regions of the United- States. We will also examine what climates zones are found in the United States.
United States--Economy and Culture
The United States is one of the world's most developed countries. It has a large land area, many natural resources and a skilled population. The people in the United States enjoy a high standard of living. You could say that the United States has a strong and productive economy. In this unit you will learn what economic and cultural regions are found in the United States, what goods and services are produced in these regions, and how the physical features and climate help or hinder the economic growth of each region.
United States--Influences of the Past
When the first Europeans arrived in what is known today as the United States, people had already been living in the area for over ten thousand years. These people were ancestors of today's Native Americans. From the beginning, the United States has been a country to which many ethnic groups from many parts of the world have come. In this unit you will learn how colonial America was settled, how the United States expanded it's territories, what influenced settlement patterns in the United States, and what major ethnic groups make up our population.
Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the world in land area. Its land area is almost as large as the entire continent of Europe. It also belongs to the Anglo-American culture area. In this unit you will learn what major physical regions and climates can be found in Canada, what factors have led to the development of Canada's economy and culture, and finally, what key events have led to Canada's growth as a nation.
Mexico and Central America
Mexico and Central America are found on the North American continent and are two of the four major regions of Latin America. The other two are South America and the Caribbean. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climates are found in Mexico and Central America, how the economic and cultural patterns of these two subregions are similar, and what influences from the past have shaped Mexico and Central America today.
Caribbean
The Caribbean subregion of Latin America is divided into two parts. One part consists of the West Indies--the thousand of islands that sweep in a clock-like direction from Florida to the Northeastern coast of South America. The second part of the Caribbean is made up of five countries that border the Caribbean Sea along the Northern Coast of South America. In this unit you will learn what land- scapes and climate exist in the Caribbean, what economic and culture patterns dominate the region, and how the past has influenced the de- velopment of the Caribbean.
South America--The Atlantic Nations
The Atlantic region of Latin America is made up of the countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Located on the Atlantic side of South America, these countries together make up two-thirds of the continent. All of the countries except Paraguay border the Atlantic Ocean, and Paraguay is linked to the Atlantic by many rivers. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climates are found in the Atlantic Nations of South America, what factors have influenced the economic and cultural development of this region, and finally what past civilizations developed in this subregion.
South America--Andean Nations
The Andes Mountains form the world's largest mountain range, stretching from the Caribbean Sea to the southern most tip of South America. The countries in this subregion include Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climate are found in this region, how the economic and cultural development differ throughout the subregion, and how key events in the past have influenced the development of this subregion.
Northwest Europe
The continent of Europe is located at the western edge of the huge landmass of Eurasia. Europe is smaller in size than any other continent except Australia. Northwest Europe includes seventeen countries and is among the most industrialized areas in the world. In this unit you will learn of its landscapes and climates, its economic and cultural patterns and how the past has influenced the development of Northwest Europe.
Mediterranean Europe
Three large land areas make up Mediterranean Europe: the Iberian, Balkan, and Italian peninsulas. High mountains separate the peninsulas from the rest of Europe, and the Mediterranean Sea connects them. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climate can be found in this subregion, what physical features influence economic conditions in this region and what past civilizations developed in Mediterranean Europe.
Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe lies between Northwest Europe and Asia, and includes today what was the western part of the Soviet Union. In this unit you will learn about its landscapes and climates, how cultural and economic patterns differ, and how the people of this region are governed. We will also examine past influences that have helped shape this region.
North Africa and the Sahel
North Africa and the Middle East have been a crossroad throughout history, a land bridge for traders moving between Europe and Asia. Recently this region has been involved in constant conflict. Fighting over territory and cultural differences has left many undefined or changing boundaries. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climate are found in North Africa and the Sahel, what economic and cultural activities are carried on, and how population patterns and land use has affected the development of the subregion.
The Middle East--Southwest Asia
Southwest Asia or the Middle East has three parts. One part is made up of countries at the center of the Middle East. Another part is made up of countries on the Arabian Peninsula. The third part of the subregion is formed by the countries of the Northern Middle East. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climate can be found in this region, and how the many cultures differ in this subregion. We will also examine the three major world religions that developed here.
East and Equatorial Africa
For centuries the Sahara has kept the northern and southern parts of the African continent apart, acting as a barrier to the rapid spread of cultures from north to the south and from the south to the north. East Africa is the easternmost region of Africa south of the Sahara desert. It stretches about two thousand miles from the northern tip of Ethiopia to the southern border of Tanzania. Eight countries make up this subregion. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climate are found in the subregion, what economic and cultural develop- ment has taken place in this subregion, how the Europeans and Arabs have affected its development.
West and Central Africa
The region of West and Central Africa lies south of the Sahel countries and west of East Africa. It stretches about three thousand miles from Senegal on the Atlantic to Zaire in the very heart of the continent. West Africa is made up of thirteen countries and Central Africa is made up of seven countries. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climate are found in this subregion, what economic activities are carried on here, and what problems this subregion face today. We will also examine the ethnic groups that make up the populations of West and Central Africa.
Southern Africa
The region of Southern Africa lies south of Zaire and Tanzania. It runs about nineteen hundred miles from northern Angola to the southern tip of South Africa. The subregion is made up of thirteen countries. In this unit you will learn what kinds of landscapes and climate can be found in South Africa, what economic and cultural activities have developed in this subregion, and how the past has shaped the subregion today.
South Asia
Asia covers more land than any other continent. It is made up of five major culture areas. South Asia stretches southward from the southern slopes of the Himalayas, the Earth's highest mountain range, to the island of Sri Lanka. This subregion is made up of six countries. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and natural resources exist in the subregion, what factors have helped to shape the subregion's economic and cultural development, and finally how different religious and ethnic groups have influenced the politics of this subregion.
East Asia
East Asia is physically isolated form other regions in Asia. It is iso- lated by the world's highest mountains and deserts. It is made up of countries on the continent of Asia as well islands off the east Asian coast. It is challenged by population and political issues. In this unit you will learn about the landscapes, climates, natural resources, cultures and economies of East Asia.
Southeast Asia
South of China and east of India is the subregion of Southeast Asia. It is made up of peninsulas on the continent of Asia as well as islands be- tween Asia and Australia. Geographers often divide the area into two regions; Continental Southeast Asia and Insular Southeast Asia. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climate can be found in the countries of this subregion, what economic activities are carried on in Southeast Asia, what products are produced in this subregion and what cultures have developed here.
Australia and New Zealand
The subregion of Australia and New Zealand lie southeast between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Australia and New Zealand boast a population of nineteen million people, and have an area about as large as the United States. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climate can be found in Australia and New Zealand, what economic and cultural patterns have developed in this subregion and how the past of this subregion has shaped its heritage.
The Pacific Islands
The Pacific Islands cover thousands of miles and include as many as thirty thousand islands. Most are small specks in the Pacific Ocean. The area can be divided into three regions: Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. In this unit you will learn what landscapes and climates are found in the Pacific Islands, what economic activities are carried on in this subregion and how the traditional cultures of the Pacific Islands peoples have been influenced by outside cultures.
Antarctica
At the southern end of Earth is the large landmass of Antarctica. With a land area of over five million square miles, Antarctica is the fifth largest continent on the Earth. Antarctica is shaped like a circle, with the Antarctica peninsula sticking out like a tail in the Northeast. It is one of the coldest places on planet Earth. Most of its land lies buried under thousands of feet of snow and ice. In this unit you will learn what landscapes, climate, and natural resources are found in Antarctica, how it has been explored, and what scientific research has been conducted there.
Geographic Frontiers
In our world today, new frontiers are becoming open. Many of these frontiers are being discovered because of the many environmental challenges we face. In this unit some important environmental issues will be surveyed in light of the new frontiers. We hope to find unique and creative solutions to our problems.

American History
learn more about the history of our nation. to learn why the United States is unique among the world's nations.

The United States Before the Arrival of Europeans- ? to 1492
What was our country like before any explorers from europe came here? Who lived here? How did the people eat? Did they live in houses, find work, have religion? Perhaps people didn't live here at all. This unit will examine these problems, and will explain what this land was like up until the time that Christopher Columbus came to America in 149
Europeans Come to America (1492 to 1620)
Europeans never realized that America existed until it was found by accident. Explorers were looking for a short route to Asia when they bumped into America. At first no one in europe realized that a whole area they had never heard of had been found. Most people thought the land was somewhere near Asia. Slowly the europeans realized that this was indeed a land new to them. At that point many european nations began to explore this "New World" to see if there was any profit to be found here. This period of discovery is described in this unit.
Various Settlers Find a Home in America (1620 to 1763)
Spain, France, England, and several other nations had explored America by 1620 Many of these countries began to send settlers to this New World in an effort to gain control over it. This unit will describe these early attempts at settlement here, and look into this struggle for ownership of North America. By 1763, England had established itself as the master over North America. It is at that point that relations between England and her colonies in America begins to worsen. The American Revolution was on the horizon as England finally came to be the dominate force in North America.
The Revolution of the Colonies in America (1763 to 1783)
Great Britain (England) could not understand why her American colonies were so upset. The colonies had asked for help from Britain in the war against the French colony of Canada (The French and Indian War), and help had been given. Now that the war was over, the colonies did not want to help pay for the cost of the war. The Americans had found out that they were not like England as much as they had been in years past. The Americans spoke differently, thought differently, and acted differently from their fellow English citizens back "home." Many people in America felt it was time to leave England and become a separate nation-one that would meet the particular needs of Americans. This unit will tell the story of that effort. The effort is known as the American Revolution.
The Birth of a New Nation (1783 to 1801)
It would seem that all of America's problems were over once the Revolution was over. However, it was soon obvious that many problems were only be- ginning. The new states had to decide if they would stay together as a nation, or if they would go back to being thirteen separate governments as they were when they were colonies. What about the huge debts the American government had made? How should the various states pay for it? What about writing a newer, better, stronger government? Many people in europe thought that America would not last, and would soon be asking Britain to take them back as colonies. The story of how this new nation answered these questions and handled these problems is told in this unit.
The Era of Jefferson (1801 to 1817)
When Thomas Jefferson took office in 1801 he promised that he would not favor either the Federalists or the Republicans. Yet a change occurred in the government. A man of the people, Jefferson, was in command of the country. For the first time, a President with a different way of looking at how the government should work was elected. The change to this new administration was peaceful. No new revolution took place. Thus a precedent was established. In the United States, new leaders did not mean that the government changed, only the way the leader viewed the government had changed. Jefferson and those who favored a "government of the people" would dominate politics in this country for the next several years.
The Age of Jacksonian Democracy (1824 to 1841)
Andrew Jackson was the leading American figure during this time period. He seemed to represent the perfect American hero. He was born in the east and came to manhood in the western part of the nation. His reputation had been made fighting Indians and leading great armies in victory against the British and Spanish. He was fearless, brave, and strong. He also had a temper, and could often be set in his ways. When he was elected President he used these qualities to make the office stronger. His influence was felt long after he left the White House.
Westward Expansion (1817 to 1853)
When we think of the west we usually think of the period after the Civil War. Perhaps a western movie comes to mind, with the wagon trains circled up to meet the fierce Indian attack. Or maybe you think of the western town with its gunfights and saloons. However exciting the west of the movies or TV might be, the real west has been in America as long as set- tlers have been here. There has always been land to the west of the Amer- ican settlements, but it was usually occupied by the Indians, or British, or French, or Spanish. After the purchase of Louisiana, Americans began flocking to the west to get some land for themselves. This westward expansion since the War of 1812 is the subject of this unit.
Antebellum America (1820 to 1861)
What makes a nation "modern"? Is it the way people think or act? Is it the things they use? During these forty years, Americans started to think and act in a way that is similar to our outlook today. We began to use new inventions, began to expect information to come to us in an instant, and began to want to travel rapidly. Aren't these things part of modern thinking? We also began to worry about finding solutions to social problems, and to even elect our office holders the way we do today. Yet, there were problems. The issue of slavery was eventually to divide the United States and lead to the most terrible period of our history- the Civil War.
The Civil War & Reconstruction (1861 to 1877)
All attempts at bringing the north and south to a compromise had failed. When South Carolina left the United States in late 1860, she was followed by other states in a few weeks. The south insisted that slavery was not the issue or reason for leaving the Union, but that they wanted to protect the rights of the states to choose their own laws and make their own decisions. The southern states saw Lincoln as a threat to that right. The war that resulted when Lincoln tried to force these southern states back into the Union was terrible. After the war and after Lincoln's death, the Union wanted to punish the south for the war, slavery, and for the loss of Lincoln. This desire made the rebuilding, or Reconstruction, of the south as devastating to the spirit of the south as the war.
The Gilded Age (1865 to 1900)
Mark Twain called this period the Gilded Age. He said that like a piece of jewelry covered with gold (gilded), this period seemed to be good on the surface. It was indeed a time of great wealth for some, and many new and modern inventions made life easier for many. However, underneath the glittering exterior was an interior of greed and corruption. Governmental scandals were common during this period. Men made money at the expense of other men and the land. Social programs for the underprivileged were not available. So perhaps Twain was correct. While looking good on the sur- face, the Gilded Age was rotten on the inside.
The Settlement of the American West (1865 to 1890)
The American west (west of the Mississippi River) was really the last American open land. The outside border of the land had been filled in by the 1850's. However, the interior had yet to be fully settled. Once the Civil War ended in 1865, the rapid settlement of the west resumed. By 1890 there was no more frontier. Fortunes had been gained, and in some cases lost, in those 25 years, but the American frontier had been tamed. Again, it was the simple farmer who was the real hero of this settlement. This unit will detail those turbulent 25 years that seem to live a bit larger in our minds.
The Rise of American Cities (1865 to 1920)
A different United States emerged by 1920. Within sixty years after the Civil War, an American could drive a car on paved roads, communicate in an instant across the nation, and enjoy the luxury of a completely elec- trified home. The cities of our nation grew faster during this period than at any other time in our history. The greatest growth occurred in the northeast, but cities grew across the nation. Why did such growth occur? What changes did this growth cause. These questions will be addressed in this unit.
An Imperialist Power (1867 to 1914)
The American military and industrial potential had been exhibited during the Civil War. Our army and navy, our manufacturing, the strength of our people all indicated that ours was a nation destined to be the most power- ful on the globe. Like many of the other great powers of the world, the United States began an effort to look outside our borders for markets for our goods, for supplies of cheap natural resources, and for land to take under our control. While this effort progressed, American business boomed at home. Many of the great American fortunes were made during this period by men who became popular heroes. These new heroes for a new age of busi- ness helped to make the United States the wealthiest nation on earth. Thus we grew economically and geographically during this time.
The Progressive Era (1900 to 1920)
As the Nineteenth Century came to a close, it was obvious to many in the middle class that while the standard of living was indeed high in our nation, many citizens fell outside of this increase in wealth. The Pro- gressive Era was a period of reform on several levels. Not only did the middle class work to give aid to the unfortunate, they also worked to get rid of the corruption that had been a major part of party politics in the Gilded Age. On a national level the federal government passed four additions to the Constitution that can be described as being Progressive. Even in some areas of foreign affairs the Progressive reform attitude can be seen. This unit will look at this middle class reform movement.
The Roaring Twenties (1920 to 1929)
Most Americans were tired of the years of the Great War. For many, the war had caused their business to grow and prosper. Americans did not want to assume a position of leadership in the world, but to merely go about their daily business of enjoying life in our country. The man elected as President in 1920, Warren G. Harding, may have said it best. He told the public that it was time for a "return to...normalcy." Normalcy was not really a word, but Americans knew what Harding meant. However, things in the United States were not "normal." Too many changes had occurred as a result of the war. These changes affected our towns, our families, our lives, and the way we look at ourselves. Because these changes occurred so quickly, this decade has been called "The Roaring Twenties."
The Great Depression and the New Deal (1929 to 1941)
As the Great Depression began, people did not understand how it happened. Americans began blaming President Herbert Hoover simply because they did not know whom to blame. Banks failed and people lost their savings. Businesses lost money, and began laying off workers or closing down. With fewer people buying items, the economy was hurt even more. Hoover tried to stop the economic hard times, but his plans never quite worked. He attempted to have a "business as usual" approach, but people who were out of work resented this tactic. Everything Hoover tried backfired. Tired, depressed, Hoover half-heartedly worked for reelection in 19 Franklin Roosevelt, promising a fresh start, won that election and ushered in the New Deal. This unit examines the Depression and the New Deal years.
World War II (1941 to 1945)
World War II had been raging in europe since 193 Most people in the United States did not want to join this war, but many felt we would be forced to join eventually. World War II was the most destructive war in the history of the world. Some historians have said that over 50,000,000 people-soldiers and civilians-died in the war. It cost trillions of dollars. Many new and terrible weapons were developed during the war years. Also, some inventions that help mankind were developed. This unit will detail some of the contributions to the war made by Americans and will tell of events surrounding the story of the war at home and on the battlefields.
The Cold War (1945 to 1991)
As soon as World War II was over, a new and possibly larger threat to our society was on the horizon. The Soviet Union and international communism seemed to stand for everything the United States was against. The Cold War, a war of words and ideas, began. Hanging over these conflicts was the ever-present ghost of the Atom bomb. Both sides became extremely fearful that the other side would wipe out the world. It was this threat that kept the Soviet Union and the United States from ever actually going to war against each other. The Cold War had several casualties, but per- haps the greatest casualty has been our peace of mind and our ruined economies.
Post War America (1945 to 1953)
Getting back to normal would prove to be impossible for the United States after World War II. Too many things had changed about the nation and about the world. Nothing was the same as it had been before the war. Many people were living in a different place, many had started families, some were still getting used to life without someone who had died in the war. The Great Depression was over. The Cold War had started. Yet the American people had to go on with their lives and try to get by. A popular movie of this period was The Best Years of Their Lives, which depicted how hard it was for the war generation to adjust to peacetime; this unit will try to show that also.
The Prosperous 1950's (1953 to 1961)
The 1950's were a strange time. They were a time of wealth and a healthy economy, but they were also a time of anxiety, as the threat of worldwide nuclear destruction hanged like heavy clouds over the heads of America. The United States was at peace, but war talk seemed to be present every day-war on communism, war on racism, war on the senses. The post-war generation was showing signs of being vastly different from their parents. New gadgets, new toys, and new entertainment was offered to keep these kids happy. We had a President who, compared to the previous two Presi- dents, seemed to spend more time at the golf course than at the office. Change usually happens gradually, but in the 1950's, things were changing every day.
The New Frontier and the Great Society (1961 to 1969)
John F. Kennedy was elected President in one of the closest elections this century in 1960. He was quite a contrast from the older, slower Dwight Eisenhower. Kennedy seemed active, and was the youngest President ever elected. The new post-war generation looked to him as their leader. When he was killed in 1963 the nation was in shock. That feeling of shock would continue as the events of what would be a particularly violent decade unfolded. Protests, riots, more killings, and finally, a loss of faith in government would follow. The decade that began with such promise ended with the United States divided among racial, social, generational and sexual lines. The 1960's showed an America at war with itself.
America Loses Hope (1969 to 1981)
Richard Nixon became President of a divided nation in 196 People were upset about the violence in the streets and on TV, about the war in Vietnam, and perhaps most of all, upset at their perceptions of untruth in the government. Lyndon Johnson had been telling Americans one thing about the problems of the nation, while Americans had been seeing the truth on TV and out in the streets. That difference-the Credibility Gap-would only widen in the years to come under Richard Nixon. Nixon would end up causing many Americans to lose hope in their government. Politics became a dirty word. Our leaders became crooks. Our hope and our vision of who we really were was shattered.
The Reagan and Bush Era (1981 to 1993)
Ronald Reagan promised to restore American pride and prosperity when he became President. He fulfilled both promises by the time he left office in 198 However, the cost of those promises is only now becoming known. Reagan helped the economy by spending more government money than any President before him. He recorded the highest budget deficit ever. Now, with our nation in severe debt, the economy is slumping. George Bush, Reagan's Vice-President and himself President for four years, had no chance to work on his own programs. He was too busy trying to fix the problems of Reagan's years as President. Americans were too impatient to wait for Bush. They chose change in the 1992 Presidential election. Yet, Americans are still going to have to pay for Reagan's excesses.
The United States: What About Tomorrow? (1993 to ?)
What lies ahead for our nation? Can our government continue to meet the needs of our people, or are we ready to try a different form of government here? This unit will look at that and other issues that may be impor- tant to you in the future. In looking into this "crystal ball," the authors have looked at current trends in order to make our forecast for the future of our nation.
The Men Who Have Led Us: A Look At Our Presidents
Some historians have said that the office of the President is the weakest of the three branches of our government (the Supreme Court and Congress are the other two). Why then are we so interested in our Presidents? Perhaps it is because they are one person, while Congress and the Court are made up of several people. A President is someone who represents our nation to the world and in our own minds. A President must be fair, strong, smart, and be able to make difficult decisions every day. Not all of our Presidents have met these qualifications, but most have. This unit will tell you some interesting facts about all of our Presidents so far.
The Declaration of Independence
In June 1776 the Continental Congress agreed that the time was right to change the way the British Colonies in America were governed. This meant that the Colonies were ready for complete independence from England. On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposed that "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States..." The Congress sent the resolution to a committee to write a document that would declare this new independence. Why did the Colonies decide to make themselves independent? What did the independence document say? This unit examines the Declaration of Independence in depth.
The Constitution of the United States
This unit tells you a little more about our system of government. It tells about those special things in our system that has kept our nation strong, and has made the Constitution the world's oldest continuing governmental document.
The Constitutional Amendments
The Constitution is a living document. That means that it grows and changes as the nation grows and changes. The changes in our governmental document are called amendments. To look at these amendments is to see the story of the changes that have taken place in our nation since the Constitution was written.

Alaskan History
This course is a survey of Alaskan history from pre-historic times to the present. It will begin with the history of early inhabitants, continue through the six eras of history in the state, and end with as study of Alaska today.
 Pre-Contact Era- prior to 1741
 The Russian Era- 1741-1867
 The Early American Era- 1867-1897
 The Gold Rush Years- 1897-1912
 The Territorial Period - 1912-1959
 Since Statehood- 1959-present day.
 Present Alaska
     Transportation
     Regions of Alaska
     Resources
     Government
     Quick Facts About Alaska
 Famous Alaskans