User:Zaksand

Course Description
This course, taught by Mr. Ian Cheney at Waterford High School in Waterford, Connencticut, is a continuation of World History I. We will begin where you left off: with the fall of Rome and the rise of the Byzantine Empire, also known as the Middle Ages. We will discuss the rise of numerous European powers, as well as their effects on Africa, Asia and the Americas. The course will finish with the United States steadily establishing its military supremacy throughout the 20th century, culminating in its victory in the Cold War.

Unit 1: The Low Middle Ages (500 CE – 1000 CE)
In this Unit, you will learn about the Fall of the Western Roman Empire, how barbaric troops contributed to this fall, and how Europe is settled (who went where). You will also learn about Charlemagne and write an essay about his rule.

Unit 2: The High Middle Ages and the Origins of Western European Nations (1000 – c. 1400)
Feudalism is highlighted in this unit as you will write an essay about feudalism. This unit portrays the lack of success of those in the High Middle Ages. It also examines how the Catholic Church came to be so powerful and how it hindered advancement of the people.

Unit 3: The Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation (c. 1400– 1600)
3a. Scientific Revolution (1543-1700)

This unit teaches how Europe broke free of the constrictive chains of the Catholic Church. It also examines how and why people began questioning the church. A great emphasis will be placed on Martin Luther and Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press. The Scientific Revolution is also highlighted in this unit.

Unit 4: The Age of Exploration and Imperialism (c. 1450– 1700)
4a: Absolutism transitions into the Enlightenment (1450 – 1800)

The Age of Exploration is taught in this unit to be a time of expansion and advancement for Europeans. It was during this time in which European colonies were settled around the world.

Imperialism in plays a major role in this unit as the motivations of god, glory, and gold spread to monarchs all over Europe. Absolutism is stressed in this unit as is the transition into the Enlightenment. There are also many philosophers that are highlighted in this unit.

Unit 5: The American and French Revolutions (1750– 1815)
The American Revolution and the French Revolution are both key events in this unit. You will learn about the formation of America and how France’s people took power from their oppressive monarchs.

Unit 6: The Industrial Revolution (late 1700’s – 1870)
In this unit, you will have to compose a 14-page paper which teaches you all you need to know about the Industrial Revolution. You will also learn how the United States, along with Europe, got to be industrialized and modernized. It is for these reasons that such countries, especially America, are at their current status in the world (all are at least relatively wealthy, especially the US).

Unit 7: Build up to World War I, World War I (1870 – 1920)
In this unit you will learn the factors that led up to World War I. One such important factor is the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, which essentially caused the war. You will also learn the effects of World War I and how it may have cause a second world war…

Unit 8: Fallout of World War I, Great Depression, Build up to World War II, World War II (1920-1945)
The Treaty of Versailles will be emphasized in this unit to tell how World War II may have been caused by the effects of World War I. You will also learn about the Great Depression. World War II highlights the dropping of the atomic bomb (Nuclear Weapon) and its significance in history.