Changes

Welcome to "American history," also known as "United States history."  This topic is much broader than "American government"; this course also includes culture and intellectual thought.  It addresses the many unsolved mysteries of who we are, and why.  Why do we speak English rather than Spanish?  Why is the United States the most prosperous society in the history of the world?  Be prepared to ask many questions, and look for the answers until you find them.

Welcome to "American history," also known as "United States history."  This topic is much broader than "American government"; this course also includes culture and intellectual thought.  It addresses the many unsolved mysteries of who we are, and why.  Why do we speak English rather than Spanish?  Why is the United States the most prosperous society in the history of the world?  Be prepared to ask many questions, and look for the answers until you find them.

Politics is about the future, while history is about the past.  But learning about the past can give us insights into where we are going in the future.  Studying history helps us understand ourselves better, and can inspire and guide us to greater achievement.  When we learn that Thomas Edison invented the phonograph (music player) even though he was mostly deaf, then we can strive to do more with the talents and abilities God gave us.

Learning about the past can give us insights into where we are going in the future.  Studying history helps us understand ourselves better, and can inspire us to attain greater achievements.  When we learn that Thomas Edison invented the phonograph (music player) even though he was mostly deaf, then we can strive to do more with the talents and abilities God gave us.

A small boat sailing into unchartered waters brought the Pilgrims to America.  Their group was not much bigger than our class, and their boat (the "Mayflower") was not much larger than our classroom.  Just before arriving on shore, the Pilgrims agreed to a written agreement or "compact" to bind them after they arrived.  The very first words of their "[[Mayflower Compact]]" were "In the name of God Amen."<ref>The Mayflower Compact is viewable here: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/amerdoc/mayflower.htm</ref>

A small boat sailing into unchartered waters brought the Pilgrims to America.  Their group was not much bigger than our class, and their boat (the "Mayflower") was not much larger than our classroom.  Just before arriving on shore, the Pilgrims agreed to a written agreement or "compact" to bind them after they arrived.  The very first words of their "[[Mayflower Compact]]" were "In the name of God Amen."<ref>The Mayflower Compact is viewable here: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/amerdoc/mayflower.htm</ref>