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IB History of the Americas

Explore the Rich Tapestry of the Americas:

the Stories of Nations, Movements, and Global Impact

"The past is not dead; it is living in us and will be alive in the future generations."

- Cesar Chavez

27+ History Pictures | Download Free Images & Stock Photos on Unsplash

Dive into the captivating world of the Americas and unravel the fascinating history that has shaped nations and transformed societies. The IB History of the Americas course offers a comprehensive exploration of key historical events, movements, and individuals, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of the region's rich heritage.

Junior Year Topics:

  1. Nation-building and challenges (c1780—c1870)
  2. United States' Civil War: Causes, course, and effects (1840––1877)
  3. Emergence of the Americas in global affairs (1880—1929)
  4. Civil rights and social movements in the Americas post—1945

Senior Year Topics:

  1. Authoritarian States: Josef Stalin and Mao Zedong
  2. Cold War
  3. South African Apartheid
  4. US Civil Rights Movement

Throughout the course, students will delve into the complexities of each topic, examining the historical context, causes, consequences, and global significance. Engaging with a diverse range of primary and secondary sources, students will sharpen their analytical skills, develop historical reasoning, and gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of events and movements in the Americas.

In the junior year, students will explore the challenges faced by nations in their quest for independence and the profound impact of the United States' Civil War. They will analyze the emergence of the Americas on the global stage and examine the civil rights movements that reshaped societies after World War II.

In the senior year, students will delve into the study of authoritarian states, investigating the ideologies and policies of Josef Stalin and Mao Zedong. They will navigate the intricacies of the Cold War and its far-reaching implications. Additionally, students will critically examine the South African Apartheid system and the transformative US Civil Rights Movement.

By the end of the course, students will have developed a deep understanding of the history of the Americas, its key events, influential leaders, and their enduring legacies. Through rigorous analysis, critical thinking, and research skills, students will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the IB History of the Americas exam. They will emerge with a heightened awareness of the interconnectedness of historical events and the power of history to shape our present and future.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." - Maya Angelou