America: from new nation to divided union, 1783–1877 (iGCSE history, Edexcel, paper 2, B1)

This is a series of lessons that cover Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (iGCSE) in History, paper 2, B1 America: from new nation to divided union, 1783–1877.

• Each lesson begins with knowledge recall that is self-assessed.

• Relevant past exam questions are included, with mark schemes, for each lesson (where applicable).

• There is a Personalised Learning Checklist (PLC) that breaks the specification down into its constituent parts and tracks what exam questions have been asked for each topic. This reveals what topics seem to be asked multiple times and allows students to practice those questions.

• No textbook is required. Printable reading materials provided.

Lesson titles include:

1.1 Tensions between large and small states
1.2 The significance of Shay’s Rebellion
1.3 The Connecticut Compromise
1.4a Founding Fathers – federalism
1.4b Founding Fathers - Bill of Rights
1.5 Constructionists
1.6 Jefferson’s Presidency

2.1 opposition to westward expansion
2.2a Louisiana Purchase
2.2b Transcontinental Treaty
2.2c Annexation of Texas
2.3 Missouri Compromise
2.4 Indian Removal Act
2.5 Settling the West
2.6 California Gold Rush

3.1 Compromise of 1850
3.2 Kansas–Nebraska Act
3.3 Economic origins of the division between Union and Confederacy
3.4 Causes of the American Civil War

4.1 The Civil War and Union victory
4.2 Role of military leadership
4.3 Naval blockade
4.4 Political leadership
4.5 The Emancipation Proclamation
4.6 Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and march through Georgia
4.7 Destruction of the Sothern economy

5.1 John and Reconstruction
5.2a Freedmen’s Bureau, Southern response and Black Codes
5.2b Civil Rights Acts and Amendments
5.3 Failure of Grant’s Peace Policy