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[[American History Lecture One|Lecture]] - [[American_History_Homework_One|Questions]] <!--- [[American History Homework One Answers|Student Answers]] -->

[[American History Lecture One|Lecture]] - [[American_History_Homework_One|Questions]] <!--- [[American History Homework One Answers|Student Answers]] -->

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 most Americans 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.

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.

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.  Learning history is also an enjoyable and relaxing hobby for many people, just as playing sports or listening to music is for others.

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 which sailed 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 an ordinary 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>

Just as our Nation's founders started with a prayer, so do we.  Prayer clears out the noise in our minds.  We are looking for knowledge and inspiration here, and that comes from God.  In most countries families lack the freedom even to have a class like this.  Yet America was established on prayer and liberty, from which prosperity results.

Just as our Nation's founders started with a prayer, so do we.  Prayer clears out the noise in our minds.  We are looking for knowledge and inspiration here, and that comes from God.  In most countries families lack the freedom even to have a class like this.  Yet America was established on prayer and liberty, from which prosperity results.

A tip before we begin: '''''the best way to master American History is to find something you like about it, and then write about that topic and everything that relates to it'''''.  Now let's learn some history.

A tip before we begin: '''''the best way to master American History is to find something you enjoy about it, and then write about that topic and everything that relates to it'''''.  Now let's learn some history.

== What Students Find Challenging About History ==

== What Students Find Challenging About History ==