America The Story Of Us Division Answer Key

The story of America is a complex tapestry woven from threads of triumph, struggle, innovation, and conflict. Understanding this narrative is crucial for any student of history, and the "America: The Story of Us" documentary series provides a visually engaging way to explore key moments. However, simply watching the series isn't enough. Solidifying your understanding requires active learning, and that's where a division-by-division approach, along with a thoughtful answer key, can be invaluable.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the major divisions explored in "America: The Story of Us," providing summaries, key themes, and potential answers to questions that might arise from each episode. It's designed to help you not just memorize dates and names, but to truly grasp the driving forces behind American history.

I. The Division of Colonization and Revolution (Episodes 1-3)

This section examines the initial European settlements in North America, the growing tensions with Great Britain, and the eventual fight for independence.

• Episode 1: Rebels

  • Summary: This episode introduces the early colonists and their struggle to survive in a harsh new environment. It highlights the Jamestown settlement, the importance of tobacco, and the burgeoning spirit of self-reliance.

  • Key Themes:

    • Adaptation and Innovation: The colonists had to adapt to a new environment and innovate to survive.
    • The Allure of Opportunity: The promise of land and freedom attracted people from diverse backgrounds to the New World.
    • Early Seeds of Conflict: The seeds of conflict with Native Americans and the British crown were sown early on.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What were the main challenges faced by the Jamestown settlers?
      • A: Disease, starvation, and conflict with Native Americans were major challenges. The settlers were ill-prepared for the harsh realities of the New World.
    • Q: How did tobacco transform the colony of Virginia?
      • A: Tobacco became a cash crop, driving the economy and attracting more settlers. It also led to the expansion of plantations and the reliance on indentured servants and eventually slaves.
    • Q: What was the significance of the House of Burgesses?
      • A: It was the first representative assembly in the colonies, marking an early step towards self-government.

• Episode 2: Revolution

  • Summary: This episode focuses on the escalating tensions between the colonies and Great Britain, leading up to the American Revolution. It covers events like the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the battles of Lexington and Concord.

  • Key Themes:

    • Taxation Without Representation: The colonists resented being taxed by the British Parliament without having any representatives to voice their concerns.
    • The Power of Ideas: Enlightenment ideals of liberty and self-government fueled the revolutionary movement.
    • The Courage to Resist: The colonists demonstrated courage and determination in standing up to the powerful British Empire.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What were the main grievances of the colonists against British rule?
      • A: Taxation without representation, restrictions on trade, and the presence of British troops in the colonies were major grievances.
    • Q: How did the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party contribute to the revolution?
      • A: These events inflamed public opinion and further polarized the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain. They served as rallying cries for the revolutionary movement.
    • Q: What were the advantages and disadvantages of the American colonists at the beginning of the Revolutionary War?
      • A: Advantages included fighting on their own territory, a strong motivation to defend their freedom, and the leadership of figures like George Washington. Disadvantages included a lack of training, supplies, and a unified government.

• Episode 3: Westward

  • Summary: This episode deals with the westward expansion of the United States following the Revolutionary War. It highlights the challenges and opportunities of settling the frontier, including conflicts with Native Americans and the Louisiana Purchase.

  • Key Themes:

    • Manifest Destiny: The belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent.
    • The Cost of Expansion: Westward expansion came at a great cost to Native American populations and the environment.
    • Innovation in Transportation: The development of canals and steamboats facilitated westward migration and trade.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What was the concept of "Manifest Destiny" and how did it influence westward expansion?
      • A: Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was destined by God to expand its dominion and spread democracy and capitalism across the entire North American continent. This belief fueled westward expansion and justified the displacement of Native Americans.
    • Q: What were the main challenges faced by settlers moving westward?
      • A: Challenges included harsh weather conditions, disease, attacks by Native Americans, and the lack of infrastructure.
    • Q: How did the Louisiana Purchase impact the United States?
      • A: The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, providing access to vital resources and waterways. It also opened up new opportunities for westward expansion.

II. The Division of Industrialization and Conflict (Episodes 4-6)

This section examines the rapid industrial growth of the 19th century, the growing divide between the North and South, and the devastating Civil War.

• Episode 4: Division

  • Summary: This episode explores the growing tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery. It covers events like the Missouri Compromise, the Dred Scott decision, and the election of Abraham Lincoln.

  • Key Themes:

    • The Moral and Economic Divide Over Slavery: The North increasingly viewed slavery as morally wrong, while the South depended on it for its economic survival.
    • Political Compromises and Failures: Attempts to compromise on the issue of slavery ultimately failed to prevent the Civil War.
    • The Rise of Abolitionism: The abolitionist movement gained momentum, challenging the institution of slavery and demanding its end.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What were the main differences between the economies of the North and the South?
      • A: The North had a diversified economy based on industry, commerce, and agriculture, while the South's economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly cotton production, which relied on slave labor.
    • Q: How did the Dred Scott decision contribute to the outbreak of the Civil War?
      • A: The Dred Scott decision denied citizenship to enslaved people and declared that Congress had no power to prohibit slavery in the territories. This decision inflamed tensions and further divided the nation.
    • Q: What were Abraham Lincoln's views on slavery before the Civil War?
      • A: Lincoln opposed the expansion of slavery into the territories but initially did not advocate for its immediate abolition in the South. His primary goal was to preserve the Union.

• Episode 5: Civil War

  • Summary: This episode covers the major events of the Civil War, including the battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg, and the Emancipation Proclamation.

  • Key Themes:

    • The Brutality of War: The Civil War was the bloodiest conflict in American history, with devastating consequences for both sides.
    • The Turning Point of Gettysburg: The Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point in the war, shifting the momentum in favor of the Union.
    • The Significance of the Emancipation Proclamation: The Emancipation Proclamation declared the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate territories, transforming the war into a fight for human liberation.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What were the main advantages of the Union and the Confederacy at the beginning of the Civil War?
      • A: The Union had a larger population, more industrial capacity, and a more developed infrastructure. The Confederacy had strong military leadership, a defensive strategy, and the advantage of fighting on their own territory.
    • Q: Why was the Battle of Gettysburg considered a turning point in the Civil War?
      • A: The Battle of Gettysburg was a major Union victory that halted the Confederate advance into the North. It marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.
    • Q: How did the Emancipation Proclamation change the course of the Civil War?
      • A: The Emancipation Proclamation transformed the war into a fight for human liberation, making it more difficult for European powers to support the Confederacy. It also allowed African Americans to enlist in the Union Army.

• Episode 6: Heartland

  • Summary: This episode examines the impact of the Civil War on the American heartland and the challenges of Reconstruction. It highlights the growth of industry and agriculture in the West, as well as the struggles of African Americans in the South.

  • Key Themes:

    • Reconstruction and Its Failures: Reconstruction aimed to rebuild the South and integrate African Americans into society, but it was ultimately undermined by white resistance and political corruption.
    • The Rise of the Industrial West: The West experienced rapid industrial and agricultural growth, fueled by railroads, mining, and farming.
    • The Continuing Struggle for Equality: African Americans continued to face discrimination and violence in the South, despite the end of slavery.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What were the goals of Reconstruction?
      • A: The goals of Reconstruction were to rebuild the South after the Civil War, reintegrate the Confederate states into the Union, and protect the rights of newly freed African Americans.
    • Q: Why did Reconstruction ultimately fail?
      • A: Reconstruction failed due to white resistance, political corruption, economic hardship, and a lack of commitment from the federal government to enforce civil rights.
    • Q: What were the challenges faced by African Americans in the South during Reconstruction?
      • A: African Americans faced widespread discrimination, violence, and economic exploitation. They were denied basic rights and opportunities, despite the passage of constitutional amendments aimed at protecting their rights.

III. The Division of Progress and Global Power (Episodes 7-12)

This section explores the rise of the United States as a global power, the challenges of industrialization and urbanization, and the major events of the 20th and 21st centuries.

• Episode 7: Cities

  • Summary: This episode focuses on the rapid growth of American cities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by industrialization and immigration. It highlights the challenges of urban life, including poverty, overcrowding, and crime.

  • Key Themes:

    • The Allure and Challenges of Urban Life: Cities offered opportunities for economic advancement and cultural exchange, but also presented challenges such as poverty, overcrowding, and crime.
    • The Impact of Immigration: Immigration fueled urban growth and transformed American society, but also led to nativism and discrimination.
    • Innovations in Urban Infrastructure: The development of skyscrapers, subways, and other innovations helped to accommodate the growing urban population.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What factors contributed to the rapid growth of American cities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
      • A: Industrialization, immigration, and the migration of rural populations to urban areas all contributed to the rapid growth of American cities.
    • Q: What were the main challenges faced by urban residents in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
      • A: Challenges included poverty, overcrowding, disease, crime, and pollution.
    • Q: How did immigration transform American society during this period?
      • A: Immigration brought new cultures, ideas, and skills to American society, contributing to its diversity and dynamism. However, it also led to nativism and discrimination against immigrants.

• Episode 8: Boom

  • Summary: This episode examines the economic boom of the 1920s, fueled by consumerism, mass production, and the stock market. It also highlights the social and cultural changes of the decade, including the rise of jazz music and the flapper culture.

  • Key Themes:

    • The Roaring Twenties: A period of economic prosperity, social change, and cultural innovation.
    • The Rise of Consumer Culture: Mass production and advertising fueled a consumer culture, with Americans buying more goods and services than ever before.
    • The Dark Side of Prosperity: The economic boom was unevenly distributed, with many Americans living in poverty. The stock market bubble also threatened the stability of the economy.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What factors contributed to the economic boom of the 1920s?
      • A: Mass production, technological innovation, increased consumer spending, and the expansion of credit all contributed to the economic boom of the 1920s.
    • Q: How did the rise of consumer culture transform American society?
      • A: Consumer culture led to a greater emphasis on material possessions and leisure activities. It also contributed to the standardization of American culture and the decline of traditional values.
    • Q: What were the social and cultural changes that characterized the 1920s?
      • A: Changes included the rise of jazz music, the flapper culture, increased freedom for women, and a growing interest in new technologies such as the radio and the automobile.

• Episode 9: Bust

  • Summary: This episode focuses on the Great Depression of the 1930s, triggered by the stock market crash of 1929. It highlights the widespread unemployment, poverty, and suffering that resulted from the economic collapse.

  • Key Themes:

    • The Devastating Impact of the Great Depression: The Great Depression was the worst economic downturn in American history, with devastating consequences for millions of Americans.
    • The Failure of Laissez-Faire Economics: The Depression exposed the limitations of laissez-faire economics and led to calls for government intervention in the economy.
    • The Resilience of the American People: Despite the hardships of the Depression, Americans demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What were the causes of the Great Depression?
      • A: The causes of the Great Depression were complex and interconnected, but included the stock market crash of 1929, overproduction, underconsumption, and a flawed banking system.
    • Q: What were the effects of the Great Depression on American society?
      • A: The Great Depression led to widespread unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and despair. It also had a profound impact on American culture and politics.
    • Q: How did President Franklin D. Roosevelt respond to the Great Depression?
      • A: President Roosevelt implemented a series of programs known as the New Deal, which aimed to provide relief to the unemployed, stimulate the economy, and reform the financial system.

• Episode 10: WWII

  • Summary: This episode covers the United States' involvement in World War II, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

  • Key Themes:

    • The Attack on Pearl Harbor and the Entry into WWII: The attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II, uniting the nation against a common enemy.
    • The Mobilization of American Society: The war effort required the mobilization of American society, with millions of men and women serving in the military and working in war industries.
    • The Impact of the Atomic Bomb: The dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki brought an end to World War II, but also raised ethical questions about the use of such devastating weapons.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What were the main reasons for the United States' entry into World War II?
      • A: The attack on Pearl Harbor was the immediate cause of the United States' entry into World War II. However, the United States also had strategic and economic interests in Europe and Asia that led it to oppose the Axis powers.
    • Q: How did World War II impact American society?
      • A: World War II had a profound impact on American society, leading to increased industrial production, greater social mobility, and the expansion of the federal government. It also led to the internment of Japanese Americans and the rise of the civil rights movement.
    • Q: What were the arguments for and against the use of the atomic bomb on Japan?
      • A: Arguments for the use of the atomic bomb included the belief that it would save American lives by shortening the war and preventing a costly invasion of Japan. Arguments against the use of the atomic bomb included the belief that it was morally wrong to target civilian populations and that Japan was already on the verge of surrender.

• Episode 11: Superpower

  • Summary: This episode examines the rise of the United States as a superpower after World War II, the Cold War with the Soviet Union, and the civil rights movement.

  • Key Themes:

    • The Cold War and the Threat of Nuclear War: The Cold War was a period of intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, with the threat of nuclear war looming over the world.
    • The Civil Rights Movement and the Struggle for Equality: The civil rights movement challenged racial segregation and discrimination in the United States, leading to landmark legislation and social change.
    • The American Dream and Its Limitations: The American Dream promised opportunity and prosperity for all, but it was often out of reach for African Americans and other marginalized groups.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What were the main characteristics of the Cold War?
      • A: The Cold War was characterized by ideological conflict, proxy wars, an arms race, and a constant threat of nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union.
    • Q: What were the main goals of the civil rights movement?
      • A: The main goals of the civil rights movement were to end racial segregation and discrimination, secure voting rights for African Americans, and promote equality of opportunity.
    • Q: How did the civil rights movement transform American society?
      • A: The civil rights movement led to the passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed discrimination and protected voting rights. It also raised awareness of racial injustice and inspired other social movements.

• Episode 12: Millennium

  • Summary: This episode brings the story up to the present day, examining the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the 21st century, including terrorism, globalization, and technological change.

  • Key Themes:

    • The Impact of 9/11 and the War on Terror: The 9/11 terrorist attacks had a profound impact on American society, leading to increased security measures and the war on terror.
    • Globalization and Economic Interdependence: Globalization has led to increased economic interdependence between nations, but also to job losses and economic inequality in the United States.
    • Technological Change and the Digital Age: Technological change is transforming American society, creating new opportunities and challenges in areas such as communication, information, and employment.

  • Potential Questions and Answers:

    • Q: What were the main consequences of the 9/11 terrorist attacks?
      • A: The 9/11 terrorist attacks led to increased security measures, the war on terror, and a shift in American foreign policy.
    • Q: How has globalization impacted the United States?
      • A: Globalization has led to increased trade and investment, but also to job losses and economic inequality in the United States.
    • Q: What are the main challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the 21st century?
      • A: Challenges include terrorism, economic inequality, climate change, and political polarization. Opportunities include technological innovation, economic growth, and the promotion of democracy and human rights.

Conclusion

"America: The Story of Us" offers a compelling overview of American history. By dividing the series into thematic divisions and actively seeking answers to key questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of the events, people, and ideas that have shaped the nation. This guide provides a framework for that learning, encouraging critical thinking and a more nuanced appreciation of the American story. Remember, history is not just about memorizing facts; it's about understanding the complexities of the past and how they continue to influence the present. Use this framework to explore further, research different perspectives, and form your own informed opinions about the ongoing story of America.