History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present

Dive into significant historical events that shaped our world. Gain insights into their impact and learn how they influence our present and future.

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Course curriculum

1. Course Overview and Learning Outcomes
1. Overview: Rebuilding a Nation: The Reconstruction Era, 1865–1877
2. Introduction
3. 1.1 Reuniting the Union After the Civil War
4. Quiz 1.1
5. 1.2 Congressional Efforts to Reshape the South, 1865–1866
6. Quiz 1.2
7. 1.3 Radical Reconstruction: Progress and Challenges, 1867–1872
8. Quiz 1.3
9. 1.4 The End of Reconstruction and Its Legacy
10. Quiz 1.4
11. Summary
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 1.1 Restoring the Union
13. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 1.2 Congress and the Remaking of the South
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 1.3 Radical Reconstruction, 1867-1872
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 1.4 The Collapse of Reconstruction
16. 1.2 Congressional Efforts to Reshape the South, 1865–1866
17. 1.3 Radical Reconstruction: Progress and Challenges, 1867–1872
18. 1.4 The End of Reconstruction and Its Legacy
19. 1.1 Reuniting the Union After the Civil War
1. Overview: Westward Bound: Expansion and Transformation, 1840–1900
2. Introduction
3. 2.1 The Spirit of Westward Expansion
4. Quiz 2.1
5. 2.2 Homesteading: Aspirations and Challenges
6. Quiz 2.2
7. 2.3 Prosperity in Gold Mining and Cattle Ranching
8. Quiz 2.3
9. 2.4 The Erosion of American Indian Culture and Lives
10. Quiz 2.4
11. 2.5 Westward Expansion’s Effects on Chinese Immigrants and Hispanic Communities
12. Quiz 2.5
13. Summary
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 2.1 The Westward Spirit
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 2.2 Homesteading Dreams and Realities
16. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 2.3 Making a Living in Gold and Cattle
17. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 2.4 The Loss of American Indian Life and Culture
18. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 2.5 The Impact of Expansion on Chinese Immigrants and Hispanic Citizens
19. 2.1 The Spirit of Westward Expansion
20. 2.2 Homesteading: Aspirations and Challenges
21. 2.3 Prosperity in Gold Mining and Cattle Ranching
22. 2.4 The Erosion of American Indian Culture and Lives
23. 2.5 Westward Expansion’s Effects on Chinese Immigrants and Hispanic Communities
1. Overview: The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Corporate America, 1870–1900
2. Introduction
3. 3.1 Pioneers of Innovation in the Industrial Age
4. Quiz 3.1
5. 3.2 From Inventions to Expanding Industries
6. Quiz 3.2
7. 3.3 Constructing Industrial America Through Labor
8. Quiz 3.3
9. 3.4 The Emergence of a Consumer-Driven Culture
10. Quiz 3.4
11. Summary
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 3.1 Inventors of the Age
13. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 3.2 From Invention to Industrial Growth
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 3.3 Building Industrial America on the Back of Labor
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 3.4 A New American Culture
16. 3.1 Pioneers of Innovation in the Industrial Age
17. 3.2 From Inventions to Expanding Industries
18. 3.3 Constructing Industrial America Through Labor
19. 3.4 The Emergence of a Consumer-Driven Culture
1. Reconstruction, Expansion, and Industrial Capitalism, 1865–1900
1. Overview: The Struggles of Urban Growth, 1870–1900
2. Introduction
3. 4.1 The Complexities and Challenges of Urbanization
4. Quiz 4.1
5. 4.2 The African American Great Migration and the Wave of European Immigrants
6. Quiz 4.2
7. 4.3 Finding Solace Amidst Urban Turmoil
8. Quiz 4.3
9. 4.4 Shifts in Perspective: Changes in Literature and Philosophy
10. Quiz 4.4
11. Summary
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 4.1 Urbanization and Its Challenges
13. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 4.2 The African American Great Migration and New European Immigration
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 4.3 Relief from the Chaos of Urban Life
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 4.4 Change Reflected in Thought and Writing
16. 4.1 The Complexities and Challenges of Urbanization
17. 4.2 The African American Great Migration and the Wave of European Immigrants
18. 4.3 Finding Solace Amidst Urban Turmoil
19. 4.4 Shifts in Perspective: Changes in Literature and Philosophy
1. Overview: Power and Politics in the Gilded Age, 1870–1900
2. Introduction
3. 5.1 Corruption and Scandals in Post-Civil War America
4. Quiz 5.1
5. 5.2 Central Political Debates: Patronage, Tariffs, and the Gold Standard
6. Quiz 5.2
7. 5.3 The Populist Movement and the Farmers' Revolt
8. Quiz 5.3
9. 5.4 Social Strife and Labor Unrest in the 1890s
10. Quiz 5.4
11. Summary
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 5.1 Political Corruption in Postbellum America
13. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 5.2 The Key Political Issues Patronage, Tariffs, and Gold
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 5.3 Farmers Revolt in the Populist Era
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 5.4 Social and Labor Unrest in the 1890s
16. 5.1 Corruption and Scandals in Post-Civil War America
17. 5.2 Central Political Debates: Patronage, Tariffs, and the Gold Standard
18. 5.3 The Populist Movement and the Farmers' Revolt
19. 5.4 Social Strife and Labor Unrest in the 1890s
1. Overview: Pioneering Change: The Progressive Movement, 1890–1920
2. Introduction
3. 6.1 The Beginnings of the Progressive Spirit in America
4. Quiz 6.1
5. 6.2 Progressivism and Grassroots Activism
6. Quiz 6.2
7. 6.3 Emerging Advocates for Women and African Americans
8. Quiz 6.3
9. 6.4 Progressivism’s Influence in Presidential Leadership
10. Quiz 6.4
11. Summary
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 6.1 The Origins of the Progressive Spirit in America
13. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 6.2 Progressivism at the Grassroots Level
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 6.3 New Voices for Women and African Americans
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 6.4 Progressivism in the White House
16. 6.1 The Beginnings of the Progressive Spirit in America
17. 6.2 Progressivism and Grassroots Activism
18. 6.3 Emerging Advocates for Women and African Americans
19. 6.4 Progressivism’s Influence in Presidential Leadership
1. Overview: The Age of Empire: U.S. Foreign Policy, 1890–1914
2. Introduction
3. 7.1 Turner, Mahan, and the Foundations of American Imperialism
4. Quiz 7.1
5. 7.2 The Spanish-American War and the Expansion of Overseas Territories
6. Quiz 7.2
7. 7.3 Economic Influence and Imperialism in East Asia
8. Quiz 7.3
9. 7.4 Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Approach to Diplomacy
10. Quiz 7.4
11. 7.5 Taft’s Strategy of “Dollar Diplomacy”
12. Quiz 7.5
13. Summary
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 7.1 Turner, Mahan, and the Roots of Empire
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 7.2 The Spanish-American War and Overseas Empire
16. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 7.3 Economic Imperialism in East Asia
17. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 7.4 Roosevelt's Big Stick Foreign Policy
18. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 7.5 Taft's Dollar Diplomacy
19. 7.1 Turner, Mahan, and the Foundations of American Imperialism
20. 7.2 The Spanish-American War and the Expansion of Overseas Territories
21. 7.3 Economic Influence and Imperialism in East Asia
22. 7.4 Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Approach to Diplomacy
23. 7.5 Taft’s Strategy of “Dollar Diplomacy”
1. Overview: Americans and World War I, 1914–1919
2. Introduction
3. 8.1 Isolationism and the European Roots of the Great War
4. Quiz 8.1
5. 8.2 Preparing America for the Battlefront
6. Quiz 8.2
7. 8.3 Transformations on the Home Front
8. Quiz 8.3
9. 8.4 Transitioning from War to Peace
10. Quiz 8.4
11. 8.5 Demobilization and the Challenges of Postwar Adjustment
12. Quiz 8.5
13. Summary
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 8.1 American Isolationism and the European Origins of War
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 8.2 The United States Prepares for War
16. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 8.3 A New Home Front
17. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 8.4 From War to Peace
18. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 8.5 Demobilization and Its Difficult Aftermath
19. 8.1 Isolationism and the European Roots of the Great War
20. 8.2 Preparing America for the Battlefront
21. 8.3 Transformations on the Home Front
22. 8.4 Transitioning from War to Peace
23. 8.5 Demobilization and the Challenges of Postwar Adjustment
1. Urbanization, Reform, and America’s Emergence as a Global Power, 1870–1919
1. Overview: The Roaring Twenties: Redefining America, 1919–1929
2. Introduction
3. 9.1 Economic Prosperity and the Rise of Popular Entertainment
4. Quiz 9.1
5. 9.2 Social Transformations and Cultural Backlash
6. Quiz 9.2
7. 9.3 The Emergence of a Modern Generation
8. Quiz 9.3
9. 9.4 Republican Dominance: Politics of the 1920s
10. Quiz 9.4
11. Summary
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax US History - 9.1 Prosperity and the Production of Popular Entertainment
13. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 9.2 Transformation and Backlash
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 9.3 A New Generation
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 9.4 Republican Ascendancy Politics in the 1920s
16. 9.1 Economic Prosperity and the Rise of Popular Entertainment
17. 9.2 Social Transformations and Cultural Backlash
18. 9.3 The Emergence of a Modern Generation
19. 9.4 Republican Dominance: Politics of the 1920s
1. Overview: The Great Depression: Hardship and Hope, 1929–1932
2. Introduction
3. 10.1 The Stock Market Crash of 1929: Catalyst for Economic Collapse
4. Quiz 10.1
5. 10.2 President Hoover’s Approach to the Crisis
6. Quiz 10.2
7. 10.3 The Widespread Impact of the Great Depression
8. Quiz 10.3
9. 10.4 Reflecting on Hoover’s Legacy at the Brink of Change
10. Quiz 10.4
11. Summary
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 10.1 The Stock Market Crash of 1929
13. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 10.2 President Hoover's Response
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 10.3 The Depths of the Great Depression
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: Openstax U.S. History - 10.4 Assessing the Hoover Years on the Eve of the New Deal
16. 10.1 The Stock Market Crash of 1929: Catalyst for Economic Collapse
17. 10.2 President Hoover’s Approach to the Crisis
18. 10.3 The Widespread Impact of the Great Depression
19. 10.4 Reflecting on Hoover’s Legacy at the Brink of Change
1. Overview: Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal Era, 1932–1941
2. Introduction
3. 11.1 The Emergence of Franklin Roosevelt as a Leader
4. Quiz 11.1
5. 11.2 The First New Deal: Initial Steps to Recovery
6. Quiz 11.2
7. 11.3 The Second New Deal: Expanding Reforms
8. Quiz 11.3
9. Summary
10. REFERENCE VIDEO: 11.1 The Rise of Franklin Roosevelt
11. REFERENCE VIDEO: 11.2 The First New Deal
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: 11.3 The Second New Deal
13. 11.1 The Emergence of Franklin Roosevelt as a Leader
14. 11.2 The First New Deal: Initial Steps to Recovery
15. 11.3 The Second New Deal: Expanding Reforms
1. Overview: Battling for Freedom: World War II, 1941–1945
2. Introduction
3. 12.1 The Roots of War: Europe, Asia, and America’s Entry
4. Quiz 12.1
5. 12.2 Life on the Home Front During Wartime
6. Quiz 12.2
7. 12.3 Triumph in the European Theater
8. Quiz 12.3
9. 12.4 The Pacific Campaign and the Use of the Atomic Bomb
10. Quiz 12.4
11. Summary
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: 12.1 The Origins of War Europe, Asia, and the United States
13. REFERENCE VIDEO: 12.2 The Home Front
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: 12.3 Victory in the European Theater
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: 12.4 The Pacific Theater and the Atomic Bomb
16. 12.1 The Roots of War: Europe, Asia, and America’s Entry
17. 12.2 Life on the Home Front During Wartime
18. 12.3 Triumph in the European Theater
19. 12.4 The Pacific Campaign and the Use of the Atomic Bomb
1. Depression, War, and the Expanding Power of the American State, 1929–1945
1. Overview: Prosperity and Tensions: America in the Post-War Era, 1945–1960
2. Introduction
3. 13.1 Adjusting to Peace: Post-War Challenges
4. Quiz 13.1
5. 13.2 The Cold War and Its Impact on Global Relations
6. Quiz 13.2
7. 13.3 Pursuing the American Dream
8. Quiz 13.3
9. 13.4 The Rise of Popular Culture and Mass Media
10. Quiz 13.4
11. 13.5 The Fight for Civil Rights: African American Struggles
12. Quiz 13.5
13. Summary
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: 13.1 The Challenges of Peacetime
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: 13.2 The Cold War
16. REFERENCE VIDEO: 13.3 The American Dream
17. REFERENCE VIDEO: 13.4 Popular Culture and the Mass Media
18. REFERENCE VIDEO: 13.5 The African American Struggle for Civil Rights
19. 13.1 Adjusting to Peace: Post-War Challenges
20. 13.2 The Cold War and Its Impact on Global Relations
21. 13.3 Pursuing the American Dream
22. 13.4 The Rise of Popular Culture and Mass Media
23. 13.5 The Fight for Civil Rights: African American Struggles
1. Overview: Shaping Change: America in the 1960s
2. Introduction
3. 14.1 The Vision of Kennedy’s New Frontier
4. Quiz 14.1
5. 14.2 Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society Initiatives
6. Quiz 14.2
7. 14.3 The Ongoing Struggle of the Civil Rights Movement
8. Quiz 14.3
9. 14.4 Questioning Traditions and Pushing Boundaries
10. Quiz 14.4
11. Summary
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: 14.1 The Kennedy Promise
13. REFERENCE VIDEO: 14.2 Lyndon Johnson and the Great Society
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: 14.3 The Civil Rights Movement Marches On
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: 14.4 Challenging the Status Quo
16. 14.1 The Vision of Kennedy’s New Frontier
17. 14.2 Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society Initiatives
18. 14.3 The Ongoing Struggle of the Civil Rights Movement
19. 14.4 Questioning Traditions and Pushing Boundaries
1. Overview: Political Turmoil and Change, 1968–1980
2. Introduction
3. 15.1 Identity Politics in a Divided Nation
4. Quiz 15.1
5. 15.2 A Nation Fractured Yet Seeking Unity
6. Quiz 15.2
7. 15.3 The Vietnam Conflict: A Troubling Descent
8. Quiz 15.3
9. 15.4 Watergate: Nixon’s Scandal and Its Fallout
10. Quiz 15.4
11. 15.5 Jimmy Carter: Navigating the Post-Crisis Era
12. Quiz 15.5
13. Summary
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: 15.1 Identity Politics in a Fractured Society
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: 15.2 Coming Apart, Coming Together
16. REFERENCE VIDEO: 15.3 Vietnam The Downward Spiral
17. REFERENCE VIDEO: 15.4 Watergate Nixon's Domestic Nightmare
18. REFERENCE VIDEO: 15.5 Jimmy Carter in the Aftermath of the Storm
19. 15.1 Identity Politics in a Divided Nation
20. 15.2 A Nation Fractured Yet Seeking Unity
21. 15.3 The Vietnam Conflict: A Troubling Descent
22. 15.4 Watergate: Nixon’s Scandal and Its Fallout
23. 15.5 Jimmy Carter: Navigating the Post-Crisis Era
1. Overview: Shifting Landscapes: From Cold War to Culture Wars, 1980–2000
2. Introduction
3. 16.1 The Reagan Era: A Political Revolution
4. Quiz 16.1
5. 16.2 The Intersection of Politics and Culture
6. Quiz 16.2
7. 16.3 The Emergence of a New World Order
8. Quiz 16.3
9. 16.4 Bill Clinton and the Rise of the New Economy
10. Quiz 16.4
11. Summary
12. REFERENCE VIDEO: 16.1 The Reagan Revolution
13. REFERENCE VIDEO: 16.2 Political and Cultural Fusions
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: 16.3 A New World Order
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: 16.4 Bill Clinton and the New Economy
16. 16.1 The Reagan Era: A Political Revolution
17. 16.2 The Intersection of Politics and Culture
18. 16.3 The Emergence of a New World Order
19. 16.4 Bill Clinton and the Rise of the New Economy
1. Overview: Navigating the Twenty-First Century: Challenges and Change
2. Introduction
3. 17.1 The Global Fight Against Terrorism
4. Quiz 17.1
5. 17.2 Addressing Domestic Priorities
6. Quiz 17.2
7. 17.3 Old Conflicts in a New Century
8. Quiz 17.3
9. 17.4 A Vision of Hope and Change
10. Quiz 17.4
11. 17.5 Political Polarization and the Rise of Social Movements
12. Quiz 17.5
13. Summary
14. REFERENCE VIDEO: 17.1 The War on Terror
15. REFERENCE VIDEO: 17.2 The Domestic Mission
16. REFERENCE VIDEO: 17.3 New Century, Old Disputes
17. REFERENCE VIDEO: 17.4 Hope and Change
18. 17.1 The Global Fight Against Terrorism
19. 17.2 Addressing Domestic Priorities
20. 17.3 Old Conflicts in a New Century
21. 17.4 A Vision of Hope and Change
22. 17.5 Political Polarization and the Rise of Social Movements
1. Cold War, Civil Rights, and the Contested Meaning of American Democracy, 1945–Present
1. Rubric for Assignment
2. Assignment
1. Final Exam: Instructions (Important)
2. Final Exam
3. FINAL EXAMINATION GRADING RUBRIC U.S. History II: Reconstruction to the 21st Century
4. Cumulative Assessment: U.S. History from Reconstruction to the 21st Century

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History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present

Course curriculum

U. S. History II

CHAPTER 1: Rebuilding a Nation: The Reconstruction Era, 1865–1877

CHAPTER 2: Westward Bound: Expansion and Transformation, 1840–1900

CHAPTER 3: The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Corporate America, 1870–1900

LAB 1: Reconstruction, Expansion, and Industrial Capitalism, 1865–1900

CHAPTER 4: The Struggles of Urban Growth, 1870–1900

CHAPTER 5: Power and Politics in the Gilded Age, 1870–1900

CHAPTER 6: Pioneering Change: The Progressive Movement, 1890–1920

CHAPTER 7: The Age of Empire: U.S. Foreign Policy, 1890–1914

CHAPTER 8: Americans and World War I, 1914–1919

Lab 2: Urbanization, Reform, and America’s Emergence as a Global Power, 1870–1919

CHAPTER 9: The Roaring Twenties: Redefining America, 1919–1929

CHAPTER 10: The Great Depression: Hardship and Hope, 1929–1932

CHAPTER 11: Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal Era, 1932–1941

CHAPTER 12: Battling for Freedom: World War II, 1941–1945

Lab 3: Depression, War, and the Expanding Power of the American State, 1929–1945

CHAPTER 13: Prosperity and Tensions: America in the Post-War Era, 1945–1960

CHAPTER 14: Shaping Change: America in the 1960s

CHAPTER 15: Political Turmoil and Change, 1968–1980

CHAPTER 16: Shifting Landscapes: From Cold War to Culture Wars, 1980–2000

CHAPTER 17: Navigating the Twenty-First Century: Challenges and Change

Lab 4: Cold War, Civil Rights, and the Contested Meaning of American Democracy, 1945–Present

Assignment

Final Exam

About this course

Discover your potential, starting today