History: American

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Foster a love of history as your student discovers the principles of our country’s founding. American History is filled with exciting stories told from a Christian worldview. The first course in a four-year study from Dave Raymond that spans Antiquity to Christendom, then America’s founding through Modernity. If you’re looking for a great start to a comprehensive four year history program, this is it. We recommend children be over age 13 to take this class due to brief artistic nudity in some of the historical artwork that is presented in the course.

American History is Year 1 in a series of one-year homeschool history curricula. American History consists of:

130 videos (5 lectures per lesson, ~10-15 min each, 25 hours total )
4 projects
Year-long Portfolio
284-page Student Reader based on original sources (PDF, EPUB and MOBI)
Teacher’s Guide with Scope & Sequence (PDF, EPUB, and MOBI)
Dedicated EPUB & Kindle versions of the Student Reader and Teacher’s Guide using Dyslexia-friendly fonts. View a side-by-side sample.
Weekly Exams
Dates covered: 1500s to 1910

Learn more about American History on compassclassroom.com.

View a sample of either the Student Reader or the Teacher's Guide.

Course Content

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Lesson 1: Orientation 10 Steps Sample Lesson

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1.1—Introduction & Note-taking (16 min video)

1.1—Read Table of Contents

1.2—Why School? Why the Humanities? (8 min video)

1.2—Read J.R.R Tolkien Quote

1.3—Why History? (10 min video)

1.3—Read Psalm 78

1.4—Good Quotes & Our Roadmap (11 min video)

1.4—Read Quotes & Write Essay

1.5—Readings, Assignments, Exams, Portfolios, & Projects (8 min video)

1.6–Start Portfolio (10 min video)

Lesson 2: The Banner of the Sun (Meso-America) 12 Steps Sample Lesson

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2.1—The Principle (14 min video)

2.1—Read Genesis 4 & 5

2.2—The Olmec & Maya (15 min video)

2.2—Read the Popul Vuh

2.3—The Aztec (12 min video)

2.3—Read Conquest of New Spain

2.4—The Inca (8 min video)

2.4—Read Incan Myths

2.5—The Spanish Conquest (8 min video)

2.5—Lesson 2 Portfolio

2.5—Lesson 2 Exam

2.6—Project 1: Colonial Map of the Americas (7 min video)

Lesson 3: Brave New World (The Early Explorers) 11 Steps Sample Lesson

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3.1—The Principle (12 min video)

3.1—Read Columbus’ Dedication

3.2—The Myths & Legends (15 min video)

3.2—Read the Legend of Madoc of Wales

3.3—The Evidences (8 min video)

3.3—Read the Accounts of Vineland

3.4—Christopher Columbus, Part 1 (10 min video)

3.4—Read The Book of Prophecies

3.5—Christopher Columbus, Part 2 (9 min video)

3.5—Lesson 3 Portfolio

3.5—Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: The Colossus of Empire (The Colonies) 11 Steps Sample Lesson

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4.1—The Principle (10 min video)

4.1—Progressive Map of European Colonies

4.2—Navigational Instruments (12 min video)

4.2—Sketch Marine Chronometer

4.3—The Portuguese Colonies (12 min video)

4.3—Read Vespucci’s Voyage Account

4.4—The Spanish Colonies (13 min video)

4.4—Read de Soto Letter

4.5—The French Colonies & the Missions (6 min video)

4.5—Lesson 4 Portfolio

4.5—Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Stability & Change (The Reformational Colonies) 11 Steps

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5.1—The Principle (10 min video)

5.1—Read Kuyper Quote

5.2—The Huguenot & Dutch Reformed Colonies (12 min video)

5.2—Create Map of New Amsterdam

5.3—The First English Attempts: Cabot, Drake, & Roanoke (10 min video)

5.3—Read Mayflower Compact

5.4—The English Colonies of Jamestown & Plymouth (14 min video)

5.4—Read Five Kernals of Corn

5.5—The English Colonies of Maryland & Georgia (7 min video)

5.5—Lesson 5 Portfolio

5.5—Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: A City Upon A Hill (The Puritans) 11 Steps

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6.1—The Principle (12 min video)

6.1—Read A Model of Charity

6.2—What is a Puritan? (14 min video)

6.2—Read Signs of Living to Please God

6.3—Five Puritan Values (12 min video)

6.3—Read A Father’s Resolutions

6.4—Puritan Heroes: Winthrop, the Bradstreets, & Eliot (13 min video)

6.4—Read Anne Bradstreet Poems

6.5—Cotton Mather (14 min video)

6.5—Lesson 6 Portfolio

6.5—Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: A Foreign War at Home (Wars of Control) 11 Steps

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7.1—The Principle (8 min video)

7.1—Read Chapter 1 of “The Last of the Mohicans”

7.2—The Back Story (7 min video)

7.2—Read William Camden

7.3—Wars (13 min video)

7.3—Read “The Battle of La Prairie”

7.4—And More Wars (12 min video)

7.4—Read “Ticonderoga”

7.5—Quebec and the American Experience (8 min video)

7.5—Lesson 7 Portfolio

7.5—Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Grace, the Founder of Liberty (The Great Awakening) 13 Steps

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8.1—The Principle (9 min video)

8.1—Read Revelation 21

8.2—Sleeping Dead Man (11 min video)

8.2—Research William Hogarth

8.3—The Awakeners: Freylinghuysen, Tennent, and Edwards (15 min video)

8.3—Read Jonathan Edwards

8.3—Extra Credit “Sinners in the Hands…”

8.4—George Whitefield, Part I (16 min video)

8.4—Read Whitefield Sermon

8.5—George Whitefield, Part 2 (7 min video)

8.5—Lesson 8 Portfolio

8.5—Lesson 8 Exam

8.6—Project 2: Costumed Speech (7 min video)

Lesson 9: Fathers of Independence (Adams, Franklin, Witherspoon, & Henry) 11 Steps

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9.1—The Principle (10 min video)

9.1—Read Rights of the Colonists

9.2—Samuel Adams (15 min video)

9.2—Read Divine Source of Liberty

9.3—Benjamin Franklin (12 min video)

9.3—Recreate an Invention of Benjamin Franklin

9.4—John Witherspoon (8 min video)

9.4—Read John Witherspoon

9.5–Patrick Henry (11 min video)

9.5—Lesson 9 Portfolio

9.5—Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Liberty or Death (The Declaration of Independence) 11 Steps

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10.1—The Principle (14 min video)

10.1—Read Liberty or Death

10.2—Narrative of Dates 1 (12 min video)

10.2—Read Benjamin Franklin

10.3—Narrative of Dates 2 (14 min video)

10.3—Read Paul Revere’s Ride

10.4—Narrative of Dates 3 (12 min video)

10.4—Read the Declaration of Independence

10.5—The Declaration of Independence (11 min video)

10.5—Lesson 10 Portfolio

10.5—Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Awesome Providence (The War of Independence 1) 11 Steps

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11.1—The Principle (9 min video)

11.1—Read Scripture

11.2—The Black Regiment (12 min video)

11.2—Read Sermon Given Before Battle of Kings Mountain

11.3—A Tale of Two Armies (14 min video)

11.3—Read George Washington Letter

11.4—1776, Part 1 (9 min video)

11.4—Read David Ramsay Selection

11.5—1776, Part 2 (8 min video)

11.5—Lesson 11 Portfolio

11.5—Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Awesome Providence (The War of Independence 2) 11 Steps

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12.1—The Principle (12 min video)

12.1—Read “Nathan Hale”

12.2—Saratoga (11 min video)

12.2—Read “Bennington”

12.3—Valley Forge & Benedict Arnold (11 min video)

12.3—Read “Valley Forge”

12.4—Nathaniel Greene, George Rogers Clark, & Yorktown (11 min video)

12.4—Read “The Vow of Washington”

12.5—Forgotten Founders (8 min video)

12.5—Lesson 12 Portfolio

12.5—Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: A More Perfect Union (The Constitution) 11 Steps

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13.1—The Principle (9 min video)

13.1—Read the Articles of Confederation

13.2—Precedents & Problems (14 min video)

13.2—Read Article l of the Constitution

13.3—Parties & Articles (9 min video)

13.3—Read Articles ll-Vll of the Constitution

13.4—Convention & Constitution (11 min video)

13.4—Read The Bill of Rights

13.5—Rights & Ratification (5 min video)

13.5—Lesson 13 Portfolio

13.5—Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Federal Headship (George Washington) 11 Steps

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14.1—The Principle (9 min video)

14.1—Read The Vow of Washington

14.2—American Joshua (13 min video)

14.2—Read Selection by George Washington

14.3—American Cincinnatus (14 min video)

14.3—Read Washington’s First Inaugural Address

14.4—Washington’s Lieutenants (10 min video)

14.4—Read Washington’s Farewell Address

14.5—Federal Headship (8 min video)

14.5—Lesson 14 Portfolio

14.5—Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: How Good & Pleasant It Is (Adams & Jefferson) 13 Steps

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15.1—The Principle (6 min video)

15.1—Read Daniel Webster

15.2—John Adams (13 min video)

15.2—Read Abigail Adams

15.2—Extra Credit: Read John Adams

15.3—Thomas Jefferson (14 min video)

15.3—Sketch Monticello

15.4—The Presidencies (14 min video)

15.4—Read “Letter to President Thomas Jefferson”

15.5—The Reconciliation (5 min video)

15.5—Lesson 15 Portfolio

15.5—Lesson 15 Exam

15.5—Project 3: Research and Thesis Paper (12 min video)

Lesson 16: Manifest Destiny (Settlers, Explorers, & War) 11 Steps

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16.1—The Principle (14 min video)

16.1—Read deTocqueville

16.2—Settlers (13 min video)

16.2—Read The Winning of the West

16.3—Explorers (13 min video)

16.3—Sketch Lewis Journal Entry

16.4—The War of 1812, Part 1 (12 min video)

16.4—Read The Cruise of the Wasp

16.5—The War of 1812, Part 2 (8 min video)

16.5—Lesson 16 Portfolio

16.5—Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17: Word & Deed (John Quincy Adams & Andrew Jackson) 11 Steps

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17.1—The Principle (7 min video)

17.1—Read Scripture

17.2—John Quincy Adams (14 min video)

17.2—Read John Quincy Adams

17.3—Andrew Jackson, Part 1 (14 min video)

17.3—Read Jackson’s National Bank Veto Speech

17.4—Andrew Jackson, Part 2 (7 min video)

17.4—Read the Appeal of the Cherokee Nation

17.5—The Trail of Tears (5 min video)

17.5—Lesson 17 Portfolio

17.5—Lesson 17 Exam

Lesson 18: The Original United Nations (Expansion of the Early U.S.) 11 Steps

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18.1—The Principle (8 min video)

18.1—Read Democracy in America Selection

18.2—Land (11 min video)

18.2—Read William Gilpin Quote

18.3—Technology, Communication, & Transportation (16 min video)

18.3—Read Erie Canal Journal Entries

18.4—Texas & The Mexican War (14 min video)

18.4—Read The Defense of the Alamo

18.5—Oregon, California, & The 11 Nations (9 min video)

18.5—Lesson 18 Portfolio

18.5—Lesson 18 Exam

Lesson 19: Idols of Mercy (Revivals, Counterfeits, & Art) 11 Steps

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19.1—The Principle (9 min video)

19.1—Read de Tocqueville Selection

19.2—The Digression of Ideas (14 min video)

19.2—Read Democracy in America Selection

19.3—Revivals & Revivalism (14 min video)

19.3—Read Nettleton Sermon

19.4—Heresies & Cults (10 min video)

19.4—Read “Self-Reliance” Selection

19.5—Art & Literature (12 min video)

19.5—Lesson 19 Portfolio

19.5—Lesson 19 Exam

Lesson 20: A House Divided 1 (The Age of Compromise & Divided Cultures) 11 Steps

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20.1—The Principle (12 min video)

20.1—Read “A House Divided”

20.2—The Missouri Compromise & Regional Distinctions (15 min video)

20.2—Read John C. Calhoun Selection

20.3—American Slavery (12 min video)

20.3—Read Slave Narratives

20.4—American Abolition (8 min video)

20.4—Read “On the Death of John Brown”

20.5—American Secessions (4 min video)

20.5—Lesson 20 Portfolio

20.5—Lesson 20 Exam

Lesson 21: A House Divided 2 (Abraham Lincoln & Secession) 12 Steps

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21.1—The Unifiers (16 min video)

21.1—Read John C. Calhoun Selection

21.2—The 1850s (14 min video)

21.2—Read The Fugitive Slave Act

21.3—Abraham Lincoln: His Early Life (13 min video)

21.3—Read Abraham Lincoln Letter

21.4—Abraham Lincoln: His Political Worldview and the Election of 1860 (15 min video)

21.4—Read Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address

21.5—Abraham Lincoln: His Faith (7 min video)

21.5—Lesson 21 Portfolio

21.5—Lesson 21 Exam

21.6—Project 4: The Hour Project (8 min video)

Lesson 22: The Second War for Independence (The War Between the States 1) 11 Steps

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22.1—The Principle (9 min video)

22.1—Read Jefferson Davis’ Inaugural Address

22.2—Overview & Fort Sumter (15 min video)

22.2—Read “How Men Die in Battle”

22.3—The Union Army (11 min video)

22.3—Read General McClellan Letter

22.4—The Confederate Army (10 min video)

22.4—Read Robert E. Lee Letters

22.5—The First Battle of Bull Run (6 min video)

22.5—Lesson 22 Portfolio

22.5—Lesson 22 Exam

Lesson 23: Brother Against Brother (The War Between the States 2) 11 Steps

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23.1—The Principle (14 min video)

23.1—Read “Music in the Camp”

23.2—The Shades of Blue and Grey: Anaconda to Shenandoah (16 min video)

23.2—Read Poems About Stonewall Jackson

23.3—Antietam to Gettysburg (14 min video)

23.3—Read Abraham Lincoln

23.4—Forrest to Atlanta (10 min video)

23.4—Read General Sherman Letter

23.5—Appomattox to the End (5 min video)

23.5—Read Sherman Letter to General Halleck

23.5—Lesson 23 Portfolio

Lesson 24: The Lost Cause (Reconstruction) 11 Steps

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24.1—The Principle (11 min video)

24.1—Read “Lee in the Mountains”

24.2—Reconciliation, Assassination, & Johnson (11 min video)

24.2—Read “O Captain, My Captain”

24.3—Black Codes & Amendments (12 min video)

24.3—Read Thaddeus Stevens Speech

24.4—Reconstruction Act to President Grant (15 min video)

24.4—Read Constitutional Amendments & Hill Speech

24.5—The End of Reconstruction (7 min video)

24.5—Lesson 24 Portfolio

24.5—Lesson 24 Exam

Lesson 25: A New Normal (The West, Immigration, & Robber Barons) 11 Steps

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25.1—The Principle (11 min video)

25.1—Read Introduction to Christianity and Liberalism

25.2—Passive Leaders & Powerful Ideas (17 min video)

25.2—Read Christianity and the Social Crisis

25.3—The Wild, Wild West (13 min video)

25.3—Read The Frontier in American History

25.4—Immigrants, Cities, & Railroads (17 min video)

25.4—Read The Road to Business Success

25.5—Steel & Oil (6 min video)

25.5—Lesson 25 Portfolio

25.5—Lesson 25 Exam

Lesson 26: Theology As Biography (Theodore Roosevelt & Booker T. Washington) 11 Steps

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26.1—The Principle (12 min video)

26.1—Read The Struggle for an Education

26.2—TR: From His Early Life to His Return (14 min video)

26.2—Read Character and Success

26.3—TR: From the Rough Riders to the Amazon (16 min video)

26.3—Read The Man With the Muck Rake

26.4—Booker T: His Early Life to Hampton Roads (11 min video)

26.4—Read Atlanta Exposition Address

26.5—Booker T: The Tuskegee Institute & Lost Causes (6 min video)

26.5—Lesson 26 Essay

26.5—Lesson 26 Portfolio

About Instructor

Dave Raymond

Dave Raymond lives in rural Middle Tennessee with his wife and 6 children. He has taught the humanities for 12 years through Quiller Tutorials, Franklin Classical School, and Foundations Christian Academy. His history courses for Compass Classroom have inspired thousands of students.

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Course Includes

26 Lessons
291 Steps