United States History Themes

Theme 1: The Peopling of the United States

Focus Question: How did the United States become a multiracial/multicultural society?

  • What qualities or characteristics make someone uniquely "American"?
  • What factors contributed to ethnic and racial diversity within the United States?
  • How effectively have Americans responded to the challenges of living in a diverse society? Are we a "model" multicultural nation?
  • How has cultural diversity positively contributed to American life?

Theme 2: The Economy of the United States

Focus Question: How did the United States evolve economically?

  • What natural resources does America have in great supply? In limited supply?
  • How has the growth of our economy impacted the natural environment?
  • Should the government focus on establishing economic equality or equality of economic opportunity?
  • Should wealthy people living in the United States pay more in taxes to support the government than those who are poor?

Theme 3: The United States and the World

Focus Question: How have relations with foreign nations shaped the history of the United States?

  • What are America's "vital foreign policy interests"? Rank order your list.
  • How might the presence of immigrant groups in America influence our relationship with other nations? How might American foreign policy impact immigrant groups present in the United States?
  • Have American wars generally resulted from economic needs or political principles? Which should be the basis of American policy towards other nations?
  • Should America play the role of "World Policeman"?

Theme 4: An Evolving American Democracy

Focus Question: How has the government of the United States changed?

  • Has the United States become more or less democratic over the last 200+ years? What about the last 25 years?
  • Can you think of an example in which preserving the rights of the individual are in conflict with the needs of the entire community? In cases like this which should the government defend?
  • To what extent has the United States lived up to the principles embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?
  • Does our political system operate better or worse now than it did during the days of the Founding Fathers?

Theme 5: Americans Fighting for Change

Focus Question: How did individuals or groups initiate change in American life?

  • Can you cite examples in which people formed groups to fight for their rights? Were they successful?
  • What methods have been used by various groups to achieve social change?
  • To what extent have reform movements changed the habits and laws under which Americans live?
  • Why might groups fighting for the same cause face internal dissention and conflict?