Modern American History 5

5th Grade Modern American History introduces students to key events, people, and movements that have shaped the United States from the 1800s to the present day. Students explore U.S. history, geography, economics, and government while examining how physical and cultural characteristics have influenced national growth and development.

Throughout the course, students study economic expansion in the 1800s, the westward movement, the Civil War, Progressive Era reforms, the two world wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and the ongoing pursuit of civil rights leading into the modern era.

Lessons emphasize critical thinking skills by encouraging students to question, examine facts and opinions, analyze, evaluate information from both primary and secondary sources, and compare and contrast through conducting research. Students also strengthen social studies skills by reading and interpreting maps, charts, and graphs, identifying relationships and cause-and-effect, writing persuasively, and developing independent study habits that prepare them for future academic success.