The American Presidency: From Founding to Modern America
This four-course U.S. history series traces the development of the United States from the American Revolution through the early twentieth century, with a continuous focus on the role of American presidents in shaping the nation.
Beginning with the founding principles of liberty and government, students will follow how those ideas were carried forward, tested, and applied through the leadership and decisions of each generation.
As students progress through the series, they will study the growth of the republic, the challenges of expansion, the trials of civil war and reconstruction, and the emergence of the United States as a modern power. Through guided discussion, primary sources, and thoughtful analysis, students will come to understand not only what happened, but how presidential leadership influenced the direction of the nation and the preservation of its founding principles.
Course 1:
From Revolution to Constitution: The American Founding
(Grades 6–8 and 9–12)
Format: One 75-minute class session once a week for twelve weeks during Autumn Session or Spring Session
The American Revolution was more than a war—it was a turning point in how people understood government, liberty, and human responsibility. In this course, students will explore the causes of the Revolution, the key figures and ideas that shaped it, and the major events that led to the founding of a new nation. Through guided discussion and primary source analysis, students will encounter the people and principles that gave rise to the United States.
The course continues beyond independence to examine the critical years from 1776 to 1789, as the new nation struggled to define and establish its government. Students will study the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the challenges of early self-governance, and the debates of the Constitutional Convention. By engaging with foundational documents and the ideas behind them, students will see how the principles of liberty were not only declared, but tested, refined, and ultimately secured in the framework of the Constitution.
Rather than simply memorizing events, students will learn to think historically—examining why decisions were made, how ideas influenced action, and what the founding documents reveal about the philosophy of liberty. By connecting events to enduring principles, students gain a deeper understanding of both the Revolution itself and its lasting significance.
What Students Will Learn
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The causes, key events, and outcomes of the American Revolution
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The ideas and principles that shaped the founding of the United States
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The structure and challenges of government under the Articles of Confederation
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The debates and compromises of the Constitutional Convention
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The meaning of liberty and the role of government in a free society
Course 2:
From Constitution to Expansion: The Early Republic
(Grades 6–8 and 9–12)
Prerequisite: completion of course "From Constitution to Expansion: The Early Republic"
Following the founding of the United States, the new nation faced the challenge of putting its principles into practice. In this course, students will study the first fifteen presidents and the development of the executive branch, examining how leadership shaped the direction of the country in its earliest decades. Through guided discussion and historical analysis, students will consider how each presidency responded to the opportunities and challenges of a growing nation.
Students will explore key events including the Barbary Wars, the War of 1812, and the expansion of the United States through Manifest Destiny. They will also examine the structure and function of the executive branch, the role of the Electoral College, and the meaning and use of impeachment within the constitutional system. By studying both decisions and consequences, students will see how the authority of the presidency developed over time.
Rather than simply learning a sequence of presidents and events, students will learn to think carefully about leadership, responsibility, and the role of government. By connecting historical events with enduring principles, students gain a deeper understanding of how the American system was tested, shaped, and expanded during the early republic.
What Students Will Learn
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The roles and responsibilities of the executive branch
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How the Electoral College functions within the constitutional system
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The leadership and decisions of the first fifteen U.S. presidents
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The causes and outcomes of the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812
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The meaning and impact of Manifest Destiny
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The purpose and process of impeachment
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How leadership shaped the growth and direction of the early United State
Course 3:
From Expansion to Industry: Conflict and Growth in America
(Grades 6–8 and 9–12)
Prerequisite: completion of courses "From Constitution to Expansion: The Early Republic" and "From Expansion to Industry: Conflict and Growth in America"
As the United States expanded across the continent, it also faced deep internal conflict that would test the nation’s unity and purpose. In this course, students will study presidents sixteen through thirty and examine how leadership shaped the country during a period of division, war, and transformation. Through guided discussion and historical analysis, students will consider how political decisions, economic pressures, and competing ideas about liberty led to the Civil War and its aftermath.
Students will explore key events including the Civil War, the Reconstruction era and its amendments, the building of the transcontinental railroad, and the impact of the Homestead Act on westward expansion. The course also examines the growing role of the Supreme Court, the influence of tariffs and economic policy, and the emergence of the United States as a global power through the Spanish-American War and World War I. By studying both events and ideas, students will see how the nation was not only preserved, but reshaped during this period.
Rather than simply learning a sequence of events, students will learn to think carefully about conflict, leadership, and the role of government in times of crisis and change. By connecting historical developments with enduring principles, students gain a deeper understanding of how the United States moved from a divided nation to an emerging modern power.
What Students Will Learn
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The leadership and decisions of presidents 16–30
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The causes, events, and consequences of the Civil War
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The purpose and impact of the Reconstruction Amendments
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The role of westward expansion, including the Homestead Act and transcontinental railroad
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The growing influence of the Supreme Court in shaping law and policy
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The causes and outcomes of the Spanish-American War and World War I
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The role of tariffs and economic policy in national development
Course 4:
From Industry to World Stage: Modern America
(Grades 6–8 and 9–12)
Prerequisite: completion of courses "From Revolution to Constitution: The American Founding", "From Constitution to Expansion: The Early Republic", and "From Expansion to Industry: Conflict and Growth in America"
As the United States entered the twentieth century, it emerged as a global power facing new challenges that extended far beyond its borders. In this course, students will study presidents thirty-one through forty-five and examine how leadership shaped the nation during a time of world war, ideological conflict, and rapid technological change. Through guided discussion and historical analysis, students will consider how presidential decisions influenced both national policy and international relations.
Students will explore key events including World War II, the Cold War, and the development of nuclear weapons, as well as the role of the United States in building alliances and maintaining global stability. The course also examines the growth of scientific and technological advancement through programs such as NASA, and the challenges of the modern era, including the events of September 11 and their lasting impact. By studying both events and ideas, students will see how the responsibilities of leadership expanded as the United States took on a central role in world affairs.
Rather than simply learning recent history, students will learn to think carefully about leadership in a complex and changing world. By connecting modern events with enduring principles, students gain a deeper understanding of how the United States continues to balance liberty, security, and responsibility on the world stage.
What Students Will Learn
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The leadership and decisions of presidents 31–45
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The causes and consequences of World War II
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The origins and impact of the Cold War
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The development and implications of nuclear weapons
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The role of the United States in global alliances
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The significance of NASA and technological advancement
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The events of September 11 and their impact on the modern world