US History I

📖 Focus: Exploring the forging of American identity, from its ancient roots, early exploration, colonialization and Indepence. Culminates in the events of 1812.

🔹 Course Format:

1-hour weekly live session
3 hours of independent reading, writing, or multimedia study per week
Assessment: Essays, readings, discussion forums, quizzes
Teacher: Charles Couloumbe, celebrated American author and lecturer.

Weeks 1-5: Pre-Columbian and Early Exploration

First Americans and Pre-Columbian Civilizations – The migration to the Americas, major civilizations (Aztecs, Incas, Mississippian culture).
The Viking Presence – Vinland and early Norse exploration.
European Expansion – Columbus and the Age of Exploration.
Spanish and Portuguese Conquests – Hernán Cortés, Francisco Pizarro, and interactions with indigenous empires.
The Catholic Missions in America – The Florida Martyrs, Junípero Serra, and Spanish missionary efforts.

Weeks 6-10: Colonization and Conflict

The French and the Fur Trade – New France and its Catholic legacy.
The English Arrive – Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth.
Life in the Colonies – Society, economy, and culture in English, Spanish, and French territories.
Conflict with Indigenous Peoples – Pequot War, King Philip’s War, Pueblo Revolt.
The Atlantic World – The role of trade, slavery, and Catholic vs. Protestant tensions.

Weeks 11-15: Toward Revolution

The Great Awakening and Religious Movements – The impact of revivalism and Catholic-Protestant dynamics.
The French and Indian War – The struggle for North America.
Colonial Unrest – British policies and the growing discontent.
The American Revolution Begins – Early battles, the role of Catholic allies like Spain and France.
The Declaration of Independence – Revolutionary ideals and key figures.

Weeks 16-20: Birth of a Nation

The Revolutionary War – Key battles and figures.
The Role of France and Spain – Global aspects of the war.
The Treaty of Paris – The war’s end and its consequences.
The Articles of Confederation – The first attempt at governance.
The Constitutional Convention – The new government framework.

Weeks 21-25: Early Republic and Challenges

The Federalist Era – Washington’s presidency and Hamilton vs. Jefferson.
Expansion and Conflict – The Northwest Ordinance and Native American resistance.
The Adams Presidency – Alien and Sedition Acts, U.S. diplomacy.
The Jeffersonian Era – Louisiana Purchase, Lewis & Clark.
The Prelude to 1812 – British conflicts, impressment, and tensions.

Weeks 26-30: The War of 1812 and Its Aftermath

The War of 1812 – Causes, major battles, and impact.
The Burning of Washington – British invasion and resilience.
The Treaty of Ghent – The war’s conclusion.
The “Era of Good Feelings” – Economic growth and nationalism.
Course Review and Final Project – Recap, assessments, and discussions.