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Gavin Walton
- October 21, 2024
Are you prepared for one of the most exciting explorations of American history? Welcome to study.com History 105: US History from Settlement to Present Day! This can be a fascinating class for learners who love history or simply those who want to pass the exam; it takes them through the early days right to the present day and ensures a learner has a broad picture of how the US transformed over the centuries. More akin to a story that progresses ‘Chapter by Chapter’, it offers a nice way of linking an event with the next and more importantly, the effects of these events in today’s world.
But it is not all academic here: dates and names are not the only things that are complicated around the bend. This course is designed to help you understand such concepts as the American Revolution, the Civil Rights Movement, principal wars, and others by explaining all these concepts as clearly as possible. When you get through, you will be ready to tackle your test as well as be familiar with American history. Okay then why not let’s start now; grab a coffee and let me take you on a journey which I assure you will be way more thrilling than you can imagine.
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What to Expect from Study.com History 105 Class 📖
Okay here it goes, the purpose of study or what you are likely going to find when at study.com History 105: US History from Settlement to Present Day. Most of the materials included in this course are history materials that took years to happen in the American community. For as far back as Native American tribes and the first waves of European immigrants starting colonies; through the Revolutionary War, the drafting of the Constitution, the Civil War, both World Wars, the Cold War, 9/11, and the present day, people keep coming back for more. As a student here you will focus on key American themes such as democracy, wars, civil rights, and changes in the economy among others. But of course, each and every one of these will be on your exam!
A few key things will be tested heavily in the exam, so pay extra attention to these: The key eras include the American Revolution, the Civil War and Reconstruction, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. You will also discover important eras in America’s development such as the Gilded Age, the Roaring Twenties, and the great depression. Every period will introduce you to the personalities, political or social movements as well as events that influenced the formulation of the United States. Consider this as your handbook to the causal relationships of past events to present-day America.
Another good thing about this particular course is that the point of learning does not stop with the rote of dates and names. It is about having to know why things were done in a certain way. For example, you will not only study the document entitled the Declaration of Independence but also study the philosophies that lay behind that document, as well as their relevance to contemporary American politics. Further, there are some topics that are known to elicit ‘awkward’ questions, for instance, the Cold War or Vietnam War –one needs to know wider perspectives of these events.
So buckle up! By the end of this class, you will have not only learned more about the history of the U.S. but the strategies to kill that exam. Don’t lose control, just keep it slow and continue and you will be absolutely okay!
Week-by-Week Study Plan to Ace Study.com History 105 Exam📝
To ensure that you develop a good timetable in order to follow your studying schedule this is a week-by-week study schedule. This will extend the course in quite small portions so that you do not get to cover a lot of material at a time. By following this schedule you will be able to find yourself exam-ready in no time at all!
Week 1: Foundations of America
- Focus Areas: Early settlements, Native American societies, and colonization.
- Goal: Learn about the origins of Americans’ historical narrative. Concentrate on such aspects as the appearance of Europeans in America, the creation of Jamestown, and relations between the white people and indigenous people.
- Action Items: Watch introductory videos on early U.S. history. Read up on how the British, French, and Spanish influenced early colonies.
- External Link: CrashCourse US History: Colonization
Week 2: The Road to Revolution
- Focus Areas: American Revolution and key documents such as the Declaration of Independence for example.
- Goal: Understand why the revolution occurred and who were the key players like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams.
- Action Items: Dive into the battles and strategies of the war and the philosophies behind American independence.
- External Link: Khan Academy: The American Revolution
Week 3: Constitution & Early Government
- Focus Areas: The development of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the preparation for the formation of the early American government.
- Goal: Understand the structure of affairs of the U. S. governorship and the most important of the compromises.
- Action Items: Understand the purpose of writing the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution and what the Federalist Papers entail.
- External Link: CrashCourse US Government: Constitution
Week 4: Civil War and Reconstruction
- Focus Areas: This paper focuses on how the American Civil War, the proclamation of emancipation together with the reconstruction period affected the US.
- Goal: Examine the factors that led to the Civil War as well as the results of the war, battles, and Reconstruction period.
- Action Items: Learn about the things that changed socially and politically during the Reconstruction period and in relation to African Americans.
- External Link: PBS LearningMedia: Civil War Overview
Week 5: The Gilded Age & Industrialization
- Focus Areas: Industrial Revolution, Labor Unions, and the Growth of Political Bosses.
- Goal: Learn the changes in meanings of people’s economic and social life in the time of industrialization and the impact of monopolists such as Carnegie and Rockefeller.
- Action Items: Analyze the impact of industrialization on the working classes, immigrants, and the position of political machines in the cities.
- External Link: Khan Academy: The Gilded Age
Week 6: The World Wars
- Focus Areas: Such social events as the First and Second World Wars, the Great Depression, and others.
- Goal: Relate the causes and consequences of both the world wars and the Great Depression to the rising international role of the U. S., as well as the effects of the Great Depression on the country.
- Action Items: Recall US participation in both World War I and World War II and discuss events such as the Treaty of Versailles, and D–Day.
- External Link: Simple History: World War I and II
Week 7: The Cold War and Civil Rights
- Focus Areas: Post World War II developed conflicts namely, the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam war as well as Civil Rights Movement.
- Goal: Learn the U. S. foreign policy during the Cold War and the American domestic struggle for Civil Rights led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
- Action Items: Centrality of orally transmitted culture – naming major events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Civil Rights Act, and The Vietnam War protests.
- External Link: History Channel: Civil Rights Movement
Week 8: Review & Practice
- Focus Areas: Review all key topics and concepts from the entire course.
- Goal: Solidify your understanding by revisiting tricky topics and practicing past exam questions.
- Action Items: Take practice quizzes and review study notes. Focus on areas where you feel less confident.
- External Link: Quizlet US History 105 Flashcards
That is why if you adhere to this study plan, by the end of week 8 you will feel confident and prepared to take the exam. Just to remind you, it is as simple as ABC – Almanac is what you should consult, not cram exactly one week into the exam period. You’ve got this!
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Top Free Resources to Deepen Your Understanding of US History📂
∙ CrashCourse YouTube Channel
- Why it’s great: If you like your courses with some humor, in a storytelling-like format, then CrashCourse is ideal. There are lessons on the Revolution, the Constitution, Westward Expansion, the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, the Roaring Twenties, World War II, the Cold War, and the fight for Civil Rights for African Americans and Women; and the videos are humorous, often no more than 5 minutes long and are instantly compelling.
- Recommended Playlist: CrashCourse US History
- Best for: Quick refreshers and concise overviews of complex topics.
∙ Khan Academy
- Why it’s great: The Khan Academy provides comprehensive and great instruction pertaining to major eras of the U. S. history with free tutorials. It comes with quizzes and further practice which makes it perfect to revisit what you have been taught over and over.
- Recommended Link: Khan Academy US History
- Best for: Deep dives into major events like the Constitution, the Civil War, and the World Wars.
∙ Quizlet Flashcards
- Why it’s great: The homepage of Quizlet presents sets of flashcards that are made by the users, including the students and teachers. Flash cards are one of the best aids to remember dates, names, or any other important facts.
- Recommended Link: Quizlet US History 105 Flashcards
- Best for: Memorizing key terms and testing yourself on the go.
∙ History.com Articles
- Why it’s great: History.com is filled with detailed articles on major events, figures, and movements. It’s a reliable resource when you need to explore specific topics more deeply.
- Recommended Link: History.com US History Topics
- Best for: Reading up on specific topics like the Civil Rights Movement, WWII, or the Cold War.
∙ PBS LearningMedia
- Why it’s great: If you’re more of a visual learner, PBS LearningMedia offers documentaries and short clips about key historical periods. Their educational material is top-notch.
- Recommended Link: PBS LearningMedia US History
- Best for: Watching real-life footage and documentaries for deeper understanding.
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Critical Themes and Events to Focus On in US History🔑
This section will provide an analysis of some of the most complex paradigms in “study.com History 105” US History from Settlement to Present Day” and make understanding those paradigms easier for the audience. To help you better understand the key topics, we’ll make use of comparisons, and tools in the form of tables, and examples. After the completion of this section, you don’t have to shy away from any topic you don’t understand because you will be fully equipped to handle them all!
- Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
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Aspect
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Federalists
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Anti-Federalists
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Belief in Government
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Strong central government
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Strong state governments, fear of central power
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Key Figures
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Alexander Hamilton, John Adams
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Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry
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Support Base
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Urban areas, merchants, and manufacturers
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Rural areas, farmers, and landowners
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Favored Documents
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Supported the Constitution
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Opposed the Constitution, wanted a Bill of Rights
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Real-World Example: Imagine Federalists as modern-day advocates for strong federal regulations on national issues like healthcare or education. Anti-Federalists would be those who argue for more local (state) control over these matters. Their debates shaped the core of American governance!
- The Great Depression vs. The Great Recession
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Aspect
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The Great Depression
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The Great Recession
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Time Period
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1929-1941
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2007-2009
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Main Cause
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Stock market crash and widespread banking failures
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Collapse of the housing market and financial industry
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Unemployment Rate
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Peaked at 25%
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Peaked around 10%
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Government Response
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New Deal programs by Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Bailouts, stimulus packages, and reforms under Bush and Obama
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Why it’s important: Consequently, both disorders greatly affected the economy in the U. S., though they took place at different times and owing to different reasons. Or, the manner in which the government responded can help you decipher how the role of federal intervention was changing.
- World War I vs. World War II
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Aspect
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World War I
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World War II
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|---|---|---|
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Time Period
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1914-1918
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1939-1945
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Main Causes
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Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, alliances
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Expansionist policies of Germany, Italy, and Japan
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U.S. Involvement
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Entered in 1917, after German U-boats targeted U.S. ships
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Entered in 1941, after the attack on Pearl Harbor
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End Result
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Treaty of Versailles, formation of the League of Nations
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Allied victory, formation of the United Nations
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Focus for the exam: These wars changed the map of international relations and the American position in the world. Expectations: Students should be ready to discuss why the U. S entered these wars and how these wars altered American foreign policy.
4. Civil Rights Act of 1964 vs. Voting Rights Act of 1965
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Aspect
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Civil Rights Act of 1964
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Voting Rights Act of 1965
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Purpose
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Outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
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Prohibited racial discrimination in voting
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Key Feature
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Ended segregation in public places
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Banned literacy tests and provided federal oversight in areas with low voter turnout
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Real-Life Impact
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Led to greater social equality
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Expanded voting rights, especially in the South
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Why it matters: Both laws are cornerstones of the Civil Rights Movement. Understanding the specific ways they improved equality is crucial for answering exam questions on the movement.
These four key topics appear quite frequently in exams and if you have a clear understanding of the comparisons or contrasts, you will be able to approach similar questions rather easily.
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Study.com History 105 FAQ❓
Q1: What’s the best way to study for this class?
Break down the material into weekly chunks and focus on the bigger picture, like how events connect. Review the study materials on study.com, and use Quizlet flashcards and YouTube for reinforcement.
Q2: How do I remember all the dates and events?
Focus on the sequence of events and their causes and effects rather than just dates. Visual timelines and grouping events under broad themes can help with recall.
Q3: Which topics are the most important for the exam?
Key topics include the Civil War, Reconstruction, World Wars, and the Civil Rights Movement. Pay close attention to turning points, major laws, and influential figures.
Q4: How can I understand complex concepts like the New Deal or foreign policies?
Break down each concept into smaller parts, focusing on key programs or policies. Use videos or diagrams to simplify complex ideas and relate them to modern examples.
Q5: What should I do if I’m struggling with the amount of reading?
Skim readings for the main ideas and focus on key themes. Use flashcards and summary videos to supplement your understanding and keep pace.
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Final Thoughts on Mastering US History 📄
And that’s the beauty of it! If you are getting a little bored and pressed with study.com History 105: US History from Settlement to Present Day, don’t worry, you are not the only one! I have learned a lot about American history starting from when they were colonized all through to the present generation but with a concrete study timetable and necessary resources, one will always be prepared for the examination. Just please note that the main points to concentrate on are the key themes, the study includes the list of tools that can be used for the study. Use other resources such as Quizlet and YouTube to supplement what you learn at com and fasten your comprehension of what is taught.
If you learn ten lessons per week while turning your attention towards the overall scheme of things, not only will you pass the exam with flying colors but also gain new perspectives on U. S. history. You’re done? Good luck, and happy studying—you’ve got this!
