Continuing from the 10th grade U.S. History class, this course will focus on the United States since World War II, examining the ways in which both the United States and its role in the world changed. The once-isolationist United States had emerged from World War II as a global superpower with a military and economic presence across the globe and a sense of responsibility for leading and assisting countries committed to democracy and capitalism. While taking on this global role, the United States experienced tremendous change and significant turmoil as citizens struggled to realize their competing visions of American society, politics, economy, and culture. Potential topics include the Cold War; civil rights movements; the Vietnam War; the Reagan Revolution; interventionist foreign policy; 9/11 and the War on Terror; the polarization of U.S. politics, society, and culture; and demographic shifts in American society. Through examining primary sources and secondary sources in various media, students will better understand the shifts that occurred during this tumultuous period in U.S. history and be better prepared to navigate the world in which they live.

USH Elective