United States History students will explore the major events in United States History from colonial times to the present. This required course is designed to study the essential topics, personalities, and events of our nation's history. During the first semester the cause and effects of the American Revolution and French and Indian War will be examined as well as history changing personalities such as William Penn and Andrew Jackson. During the second semester students will then trace the development and expansion of America, while examining the forces, values, individuals, ideas, and institutions that have shaped our country. Students will examine selected major issues in depth such as the causes and effects of the Vietnam War and how that war influenced and continues to influence American foreign policy today. Students will acquire information through historical research (utilizing primary and secondary sources), class lectures, and our video library. Students are expected to determine why a historical event occurred, the consequences of the event and most importantly, students should be able to determine the relationship of the past to the present, and how, by engaging in problem-solving and civic decision-making they can impact their own history.