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Year 4: American History

If you thought you knew all about American history, you'll be surprised by how much is left out of most history books!

Year 4 includes nine units spanning the earliest meeting of Columbus with the Taino Indian tribe through the early 20th century.

Table of Contents:

1. The Spanish in the New World and Intro to Native Americans
2. The French in the New World
3. English in the New World - Colonial Life – French & Indian War
4. The American Revolution
5. The New Nation
6. Moving Westward
7. The Civil War
8. Frontier Life
9. Immigration and Industry

We examine the interactions, both positive and negative, between various European and Native American cultures; the influences of the Spanish and French Catholic explorers, missionaries, and martyrs; the arrival of English and Dutch Protestants; the French and Indian War and its relationship to the Revolutionary War; and the vital contributions of Catholics in the American Revolution.

The New Nation continues with the aftermath of the Revolution as the colonists struggle to define and structure a new government like no other in history. Topics include the Articles of Confederation, writing of the Constitution, Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists, states' rights, the further explorations of the vast American continent, the arrival of Catholic priests and teachers from Europe to tend to the spiritual and educational needs of the poor and marginalized, and the tragedies of slavery and the Civil War.

The post-Civil war units focus of the treatment of Native Americans as the nation moves further westward and the treatment of new immigrants to the United States in the age of industry.


Themes explored include the dignity of the human person, persistence and perseverance, Catholic teaching of subsidiarity, ordered liberty, the pursuit of true happiness, and confronting our prejudices, the power of intercession, and authentic social justice.

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