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US History Part 1: Beginnings to 1877

A Self-Paced Online Course for Independent Learners

A Complete, Self-Paced U.S. History Curriculum

Designed for middle school and early high school students, this self course provides a complete, structured curriculum for families who want engaging, academically sound history - without daily lesson planning.

This course includes:

  • A full curriculum from Exploration & American Indian societies, through the Civil War
  • Self-paced lessons students can complete independently
  • Guided notes, readings, and interactive activities
  • Lifetime access for a 1-time charge
  • No prep required -  just log in and begin

Lessons are taught through short video instruction, guided notes, primary source analysis, and hands-on interactive activities. These were created by a former classroom teacher and used by thousands of students nationwide.

The course can be used as a full-year U.S. History program or completed at your family’s pace over a semester or summer.

Below is the full course outline.

US History I: Beginnings to 1877

  1. Intro to US History Part 1

    1 lesson
    1. Introduction and Directions

  2. Exploration & Encounter

    10 lessons
    1. Introduction to Unit 1
    2. American Indian Groups
    3. American Indian Groups Foldable Activity
    4. Knowledge Check: American Indian Groups
    5. Early European Explorers
    6. Knowledge Check: Early European Explorers
    7. Primary Source: The Transatlantic Slave Trade
    8. The Columbian Exchange
    9. Knowledge Check: The Columbian Exchange
    10. Unit Assessment: Exploration and Encounter

  3. The American Colonies

    13 lessons
    1. Introduction to Unit 2
    2. Jamestown Colony
    3. Knowledge Check: Jamestown Colony
    4. The New England Colonies
    5. Knowledge Check: The New England Colonies
    6. Primary Source: The Mayflower Compact
    7. The Middle Colonies
    8. Knowledge Check: The Middle Colonies
    9. The Southern Colonies
    10. Knowledge Check: The Southern Colonies
    11. 13 Colonies Foldable Activity
    12. The 13 Colonies
    13. Unit Assessment: The American Colonies

  4. The American Revolution

    9 lessons
    1. Introduction to Unit 3
    2. The French and Indian War
    3. Knowledge Check: French & Indian War
    4. Causes of the American Revolution
    5. Knowledge Check: Causes of the Revolution
    6. Primary Source: The Boston Massacre
    7. Revolutionary War Timeline Activity
    8. The Revolutionary War
    9. Unit Assessment: Revolutionary War

  5. The Constitution

    7 lessons
    1. Introduction to Unit 4
    2. The Articles of Confederation
    3. Knowledge Check: Articles of Confederation
    4. The Constitutional Convention
    5. Articles of the Constitution Foldable Activity
    6. Primary Source: The Bill of Rights
    7. Unit Assessment: The Constitution

  6. The Early Republic

    11 lessons
    1. Introduction to Unit 5
    2. The Washington & Adams Presidencies
    3. Knowledge Check: Washington & Adams
    4. Dilemmas in Early America Foldable Activity
    5. The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson
    6. Knowledge Check: Jefferson's Presidency
    7. Primary Source: What is an American?
    8. The War of 1812
    9. Knowledge Check: The War of 1812
    10. The Era of Good Feelings
    11. Unit Assessment: Early Republic

  7. The Age of Jackson

    7 lessons
    1. Introduction to Unit 6
    2. The Age of Jackson
    3. Jackson & the Common Man Foldable Activity
    4. Knowledge Check: The Age of Jackson
    5. Primary Source: The Indian Removal Act
    6. The Market Revolution
    7. Unit Assessment: Age of Jackson

  8. Manifest Destiny

    9 lessons
    1. Introduction to Unit 7
    2. Manifest Destiny
    3. Knowledge Check: Manifest Destiny
    4. The Alamo and Mexican-American War
    5. Primary Source: William B. Travis & the Alamo
    6. Knowledge Check: The Alamo & Mexican American War
    7. America Coming Together Notebook Activity
    8. The California Gold Rush
    9. Unit Assessment: Manifest Destiny

  9. Sectionalism & Reform

    7 lessons
    1. Introduction to Unit 8
    2. Sectionalism
    3. Knowledge Check: Sectionalism
    4. Reform Movements Foldable Activity
    5. The Underground Railroad
    6. Primary Source: Sojourner Truth's "Ain’t I a Woman?"
    7. Unit Assessment: Sectionalism & Reform

  10. The Civil War & Reconstruction

    8 lessons
    1. Introduction to Unit 9
    2. The Civil War
    3. Primary Source: The Sullivan Ballou Letter
    4. Knowledge Check: The Civil War
    5. Lincoln's Speeches & Proclamations Foldable Activity
    6. The Reconstruction Era
    7. Unit Assessment: Civil War & Reconstruction
    8. U.S. History 1 Final Exam

How it Works

Enroll & Get Instant Access

Create an account for immediate access to the full course. Your student starts right away and moves through the lessons at their own pace.

Guided, Independent Learning

Students learn through video lessons, guided notes, readings, and interactive activities designed for self-paced progress.

Check Your Understanding

Each lesson includes quick learning checks followed by unit assessments to show what students learned and track progress.

Here's what others are saying... 

Kathlene Quinton

“I was looking for a program that was engaging - my boys loved the program with all of the videos and guided notes - they retained a ton of the info!”

Stephanie Brooks

“My children thoroughly enjoyed the flipped classroom videos. They learned so much, and have retained the knowledge because the presentation was so engaging and interesting. We are all a little sad to be finished."

Leslie Near

“I very suddenly took on a high school US History class at a homeschool tutorial when a teacher quit unexpectedly. It is truly great. I loved how I could find almost anything I needed.”