A place the correct letter next to the event
B C D
5000
Yrs.
Ago
_____ 1. Greek Civilization
2500
Yrs.
Ago
1250
Yrs.
Ago
235
Yrs.
Ago
_____ 3. Emergence of Civilizations
_____ 2. United States Begins _____ 4. European Middle Ages

Today’s Learning
Target (LT)
1. Define History
2. Explain why we study History
3. Describe the themes of History

History: what is it?
& what it is not
Brainstorm a definition of history

What is History
& why do we study it?
A record of past human events.
History

Be An
Informed
Citizen
Example?
Why Study History?
To understand how the past affects your everyday life.
Become A
Better Critical
Thinker
History
Example?
Know Your
Heritage &
Yourself
Example?

A
In your notebooks, create this timeline
& place the correct letter next to the event
B C D
5000
Yrs.
Ago
_____ 1. Greek Civilization
2500
Yrs.
Ago
1250
Yrs.
Ago
235
Yrs.
Ago
_____ 3. Emergence of Civilizations
_____ 2. United States Begins _____ 4. European Middle Ages

Themes of American History
Themes = are ideas and issues that arise and reappear through American History.

To begin class today,
Quietly review your definition of history
& name two (2) important events
In American History

The Themes of American History
Themes = are ideas and issues that arise and reappear through American History.
1. Democratic Ideals
Ex: Representative
Government, civil rights, equality
Govt power lies with the people, citizens have rights that can not be taken away.
The responsibilities that come with
Rights & freedoms
2. Citizenship
Ex: Voting, serving on juries,
Obey laws
3. Diversity & Unity
Ex: Religious diversity,
Ethnic differences,
Political opinions
The blend of different groups has created a unique single
American culture.

The Themes of American History
4. Impact of the Individual
Ex: George Washington,
Ben Franklin, Ulysses S. Grant
Individuals have made the
U.S. what it is today through their achievements.
5. Immigration & Migration Movements of people to and
Ex: European immigrants, Irish within the United States.
Immigrants, Chinese immigrants,
(or Pioneers settling west)
6. Economics
The U.S. has grown wealthy as a result of abundant resources
Ex: U.S. Industrial
Production, Banking,
& production
Agricultural production

The Themes of American History
7. Expansion Americans pushed westward for
Ex: Pioneers settling new opportunities.
the west, transcontinental
Railroad, California gold Rush
8. Science & Technology
Ex: Computers, space
Exploration, Environmental
(Green) technology
Inventions and new ways of doing things that have transformed the U.S.
9. America & the World
Ex: Global security, foreign aid,
Global warming research & reduction
The U.S. plays an active role in world affairs.