The Fall semester of this class will begin with the European settlers and the search for religious freedom and will end with the Reconstruction after the Civil War. In between we will explore the Revolutionary War, Founding Fathers, early Presidents, the Native Americans and their struggle to keep their own livelihood, slavery and the toll it took on the nation. We will study our history with Christian viewpoints and learn from the bravery, wisdom, and mistakes of those shaping our country. Students will be required to write a research paper or book critique during the semester. The final exam will be a take-home essay.