The theme of this course is U.S. Studies from 1492 to 1877: Exploration through Reconstruction. During the eighth grade year students will continue their study of European exploration and the early years of the United States. This study incorporates all four social studies strands into a chronological view of the development of the United States. Students examine how historic events are shaped by geographic, social, cultural, economic and political factors. Major units of study include, European Exploration & Colonization of North America, the French and Indian War, Causes of the American Revolution, the American Revolution, Westward Expansion, Slavery, and Causes of the Civil War, the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Period.