The Civil War was the deadliest conflict in American history, with the nation nearly torn apart over slavery and the very meaning of the Union.

In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we explore slavery as the cause of the Civil War and how it led to the secession of Southern states after Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860. We’ll review some major battles, important figures like Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, the impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, and how the war transformed American society. From the first shots at Fort Sumter to the surrender at Appomattox, this episode provides an overview of the war that changed the United States forever.

This episode is designed to accompany our Civil War unit in our complete American History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in American History, along with World History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. They're perfect for middle school and high school social studies classrooms. You can learn more at Students of History.

As America expanded, divisions grew across the young nation. At the same time, reformers worked to reshape and improve society for many people. The early 19th century was a time of both conflict and progress.

In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we explore the growing tensions over slavery and the economic differences that fueled sectionalism. We also examine the major reform movements of the era, including abolitionism, women’s rights, temperance, and education reform. From the Missouri Compromise to the Seneca Falls Convention, this period set the stage for the Civil War and lasting social change.

This episode is designed to accompany our Sectionalism & Reform unit in American History, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in American History, along with World History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at Students of History.

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

In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we review the motivations behind Manifest Destiny, from economic opportunities to territorial ambitions. We’ll examine key events such as the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail, the Mexican-American War, and the California Gold Rush. We’ll also discuss the impact of expansion on Native American communities and the growing sectional tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

This episode is designed to accompany our Manifest Destiny unit in American History, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in American History, along with World History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at Students of History.

The presidency of Andrew Jackson marked a turning point in American politics, expanding democratic participation while also igniting fierce debates over government power and individual rights.

In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we explore the rise of Jacksonian Democracy and the political, social, and economic changes of the era. We’ll examine Andrew Jackson's complicated legacy. While Jackson helped to expand voting rights and end America's national debt, he also enslaved people and forced Native Americans to be removed from their ancestral lands. The Indian Removal Act and Trail of Tears, in addition to the Nullification Crisis, and his war on the National Bank are why Jackson is still a controversial figure today.

This episode is designed to accompany our Age of Jackson unit in American History, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in American History, along with World History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

After ratifying the U.S. Constitution, the young United States faced the enormous challenge of turning words on paper into a functioning government.

In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we explore the critical early years of the American Republic, from George Washington’s presidency through the War of 1812 and period known as the Era of Good Feelings. We’ll examine the formation of political parties, the challenges of governing a new nation, the Louisiana Purchase, and the foreign and domestic policies that shaped America's early identity. Discover how leaders like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison set precedents that continue to influence the nation today.

This episode is designed to accompany our Early American Republic unit in American History, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in American History, along with World History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at Students of History.

After winning independence, the young United States faced a critical challenge—how to create a government strong enough to unite the nation while protecting individual freedoms.

In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we explore the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where delegates debated the future of the country. We’ll examine the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the compromises that shaped the Constitution—including the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise—and the principles of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. Finally, we discuss the Bill of Rights and the lasting impact of the U.S. Constitution as the foundation of American democracy.

This episode is designed to accompany our Constitutional Convention & U.S. Constitution unit in American History, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in American History, along with World History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at Students of History.

The American Revolution was more than just a war—it was a turning point in world history that gave rise to a new nation founded on the ideals of liberty and self-government.

In this episode of The U.S. History Curriculum Companion, we examine the causes and key events of the Revolutionary War, from salutary neglect through to the Boston Tea Party, Declaration of Independence, and the battles that shaped the war. We also explore the perspectives of both Patriots and Loyalists, the role of foreign allies, and the lasting impact of the revolution on American and world history.

This episode is designed to accompany our American Revolution unit in US History, which includes engaging resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in American History, along with World History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

Before the United States was born, 13 British colonies stretched along the Atlantic coast, each with its own economy, government, and way of life.

In this episode of The US History Curriculum Companion, we review the founding of the 13 Colonies, from the first permanent English colony of Jamestown in Virginia to the religious separatists of New England to the diversity of the Middle Colonies.

The episode is designed to accompany our 13 Colonies unit in American History, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. We'll review how geography shaped colonial economies, how different regions developed distinct identities, and how early conflicts and governance set the stage for future revolution.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in American History along with World History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.