US History – 1865 to Present

Unit 1 – Reconstruction Era: New South (1865-1877)

Unit 2 – The Gilded Age & American West (1870-1900)

Unit 3 – Industrialization & Immigration (1870-1900)

Unit 4 – Progressive Era: Reform & Change (1890-1920)

Unit 5 – American Imperialism & World War I Era

Unit 6 – Roaring Twenties & Great Depression: 1920-39

Unit 7 – The New Deal & WWII Era (1933-1945)

Unit 8 – Cold War and Affluent America (1945-1960)

Unit 9 – Civil Rights & Great Society (1954-1968)

Unit 10 – Vietnam War and Domestic Turmoil (1960-1974)

Unit 11 – Conservative Resurgence & Cold War's End

Unit 12 – Globalization & Challenges: 1991-Present

## What do you learn in United States History Since 1865

You'll cover major events and developments in the U.S. from the end of the Civil War to the present. Topics include Reconstruction, industrialization, the Progressive Era, World Wars, the Great Depression, Civil Rights movement, Cold War, and modern political and social issues. You'll analyze how these events shaped American society, culture, and politics.

## Is United States History Since 1865 hard?

It's not usually considered one of the toughest classes, but it does require a fair amount of reading and memorization. The real challenge is connecting the dots between events and understanding their long-term impacts. If you're good at remembering dates and names, you'll have an easier time. The workload can be heavy, but most students find the material interesting enough to keep them engaged.

## Tips for taking United States History Since 1865 in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline to visualize the chronology of events
3. Focus on understanding cause-and-effect relationships between historical events
4. Use mnemonic devices to remember key dates and figures (e.g., "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue")
5. Watch documentaries like Ken Burns' "The Civil War" or "The Vietnam War" for context
6. Read primary sources to get a feel for the time period
7. Participate in class discussions to reinforce your understanding
8. Form a study group to review and discuss key concepts
9. Check out books like Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States" for alternative perspectives

## Common pre-requisites for United States History Since 1865

1. United States History to 1865: Covers American history from pre-Columbian times to the Civil War. You'll learn about colonial America, the American Revolution, and the early republic.

2. World History: Provides a broad overview of major global events and civilizations. This course helps you understand the context of American history within the larger world stage.

## Classes similar to United States History Since 1865

1. African American History: Explores the experiences and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. You'll delve into topics like slavery, emancipation, civil rights, and contemporary issues.

2. American Foreign Policy: Examines the evolution of U.S. foreign relations and its role in world affairs. You'll study key diplomatic events, international conflicts, and the development of America as a global power.

3. History of the American West: Focuses on the expansion and development of the western United States. You'll learn about frontier life, Native American relations, and the myth of the Wild West.

4. 20th Century American Culture: Analyzes social and cultural trends in modern America. You'll explore topics like popular culture, consumerism, and changing social norms.

## Majors related to United States History Since 1865

1. History: Focuses on studying and interpreting past events, societies, and cultures. Students develop critical thinking and research skills while gaining a deep understanding of how the past shapes the present.

2. Political Science: Examines government systems, political behavior, and public policy. Students analyze political theories, institutions, and processes, often with a focus on American politics.

3. American Studies: Combines history, literature, and cultural studies to explore the American experience. Students examine various aspects of American society, including popular culture, social movements, and national identity.

4. Sociology: Studies human society, social behavior, and group interactions. Students analyze social structures, institutions, and processes, often with a focus on American society and its development.

## What can you do with a degree in United States History Since 1865?

1. Teacher: Educate students about American history in middle or high schools. You'll develop lesson plans, lead classroom discussions, and help students understand the significance of historical events.

2. Museum Curator: Manage and interpret historical collections for museums or cultural institutions. You'll research artifacts, design exhibits, and develop educational programs to engage the public with American history.

3. Journalist: Report on current events with a historical perspective. You'll use your knowledge of American history to provide context and analysis for news stories and feature articles.

4. Policy Analyst: Work for government agencies or think tanks to research and analyze public policies. You'll apply your understanding of historical trends and events to inform policy decisions and recommendations.

## United States History Since 1865 FAQs

1. How much writing is involved in this course? Expect to write several short papers and possibly one longer research paper. Writing assignments typically focus on analyzing primary sources or discussing the significance of specific historical events.

2. Are there any field trips or hands-on activities? Some professors organize visits to local historical sites or museums. You might also participate in reenactments or role-playing exercises to bring historical events to life.

3. How does this course relate to current events? You'll often find connections between historical events and contemporary issues. Many professors encourage students to draw parallels between past and present, helping you understand how history shapes our current political and social landscape.

History

1.2 African American Rights and Freedmen's Bureau

1.3 Rise of Jim Crow and the Ku Klux Klan

1.4 Economic and Social Changes in the New South

1.1 Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction

2.4 Agrarian Discontent and Populism

2.2 Industrialization and the Rise of Big Business

2.1 Political Corruption and Reform

2.3 Westward Expansion and Native American Conflicts

3.1 Technological Innovations and Industrial Growth

3.2 Labor Movements and Worker's Rights

3.3 Urbanization and City Life

3.4 New Immigration and Nativism

4.1 Progressive Political Reforms

4.2 Social and Economic Reforms

4.4 Conservation and Environmental Protection

4.3 Women's Suffrage Movement

5.2 U.S. Involvement in World War I

5.3 Home Front During World War I

5.4 Treaty of Versailles and Wilson's Fourteen Points

5.1 American Expansionism and the Spanish-American War

6.1 Cultural and Social Changes of the 1920s

6.2 Economic Boom and Consumerism

6.3 Causes and Effects of the Great Depression

6.4 Hoover's Response to the Great Depression

7.1 Roosevelt's New Deal Programs

7.2 Social and Political Impact of the New Deal

7.5 U.S. Military Campaigns and the Allied Victory

7.3 U.S. Entry into World War II

7.4 The Home Front During World War II

8.1 Origins and Early Years of the Cold War

8.2 McCarthyism and the Red Scare

8.4 The Space Race and Scientific Advancements

8.3 The American Consumer Economy and Suburbanization

9.1 Brown v. Board of Education and School Desegregation

9.2 Civil Rights Activism and Legislation

9.3 Johnson's Great Society Programs

9.4 Other Rights Movements (Women, Latinos, Native Americans)

10.1 Escalation of U.S. Involvement in Vietnam

10.3 Nixon's Foreign Policy and Détente

10.4 Watergate Scandal and Constitutional Crisis

10.2 Anti-War Movement and Counterculture

11.4 Changing Demographics and Multiculturalism

11.2 Economic and Social Policies of the 1980s

11.1 Rise of Conservatism and the Reagan Revolution

11.3 End of the Cold War and Fall of the Soviet Union

12.1 Globalization and the New World Order

12.2 9/11 Terrorist Attacks and the War on Terror

12.3 Great Recession and Economic Challenges

12.4 Social and Political Polarization in Contemporary America

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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