Learning plan cover

American History

LEARNING PLAN

American History

This comprehensive survey of American history is essential for anyone seeking to understand the forces that shaped the modern United States and its role in the world. It's ideal for students, professionals working in policy or education, new citizens, or anyone who wants to grasp the historical context behind today's political and social debates. Understanding America's past—from its founding ideals to its struggles with inequality—provides crucial perspective for navigating current events and participating meaningfully in civic life.

ByCommunity User
2 h 27 m
12 coursesUpdated 4 days ago
Founding BrothersBenjamin FranklinAmerica's Founding Contradictions: The Real Story12 sources

How This Learning Plan Was Made

This plan was crafted by BeFreed’s proprietary AI to help you learn American History with ease. It is curated from in-depth research on the topic and structured around the most effective learning journeys proven by BeFreed users.

Each episode delivers bite-sized, high-impact lessons distilled from world-class sources — bestselling books, research papers, and expert insights. Together, they form a sophisticated yet accessible path to mastering American History.

What You'll Learn

  • Trace the complete arc of American history from colonial settlements through the founding of the nation and establishment of democratic principles
  • Understand the causes and consequences of America's most defining conflict—the Civil War—and its lasting impact on race and national identity
  • Analyze how America transformed from an agrarian society into an industrial superpower that shaped global events in the 20th century
  • Examine the civil rights movements and social justice struggles that continue to define American society and political discourse
  • Develop critical thinking skills to connect historical events with contemporary issues and understand America's ongoing evolution

Discover how thirteen colonies transformed into a revolutionary nation, exploring the founding principles, key figures, and constitutional framework that shaped American democracy.

Founding Brothers cover
Founding Brothers

Pulitzer Prize-winning exploration of pivotal moments and relationships among America's Founding Fathers during the nation's formative years.

9 m
Benjamin Franklin cover
Benjamin Franklin

In-depth biography of America's founding father

12 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2source 3source 4
6 sources
America's Founding Contradictions: The Real Story

Explore the messy, complicated truth behind American history - from revolutionary ideals built on slavery to modern movements fighting for true equality. Discover how the founders' contradictions still shape our democracy today.

20 m

Examine America's westward expansion, the brutal realities of slavery, and the devastating Civil War that nearly destroyed the nation before Reconstruction attempted to rebuild it.

Team of Rivals cover
Team of Rivals

Lincoln's cabinet and the Civil War

7 m
Uncle Tom's Cabin cover
Uncle Tom's Cabin

A powerful abolitionist novel that exposed the horrors of slavery and sparked intense debate in antebellum America.

9 m
podcast cover
The Republic for which it stands : the United States during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, 1865-1896 | WorldCat.orgThe Rise of Industrial America, 1877-1900 | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American HistoryReconstruction - Civil War End, Changes & Act of 1867Overview | Rise of Industrial America, 1876-1900 - Library of Congress
6 sources
America's Second Founding: Reconstruction to Gilded Age

Explore how post-Civil War America grappled with freedom, democracy, and identity from 1865-1900. Discover the rise and fall of Reconstruction, industrial transformation, and reform movements that still shape us today.

9 m

Trace America's transformation from an agricultural society into an industrial giant and world power through the Gilded Age, Progressive Era, Great Depression, and two World Wars.

The Grapes of Wrath cover
The Grapes of Wrath

A powerful chronicle of the Dust Bowl migration, depicting one family's struggle against poverty and injustice in Depression-era America.

8 m
The Great Gatsby cover
The Great Gatsby

A tale of love, greed, and the American Dream, set in the roaring twenties.

8 m
podcast cover
World War II | Facts, Summary, History, Dates, Combatants, & CausesSecond World War - causes, major events, and its global impactsource 3What Were the Consequences of WWII?
6 sources
WWII: The War That Remade Everything

Explore how World War II transformed our world in just six years - from cavalry charges to atomic bombs, reshaping technology, politics, and civilization itself through the deadliest conflict in human history.

15 m

Understand modern America through the lens of civil rights movements, social upheaval, and ongoing struggles for equality that continue to shape the nation today.

The New Jim Crow cover
The New Jim Crow

A powerful exposé of mass incarceration as a modern system of racial control, challenging notions of colorblindness in America.

9 m
The Soul of America cover
The Soul of America

A historian's inspiring look at how America has overcome division and fear throughout its history to progress forward.

9 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2source 3source 4
6 sources
Critical Race Theory: Beyond the Myths

Lena and Eli break down what critical race theory actually is, exploring how race was invented as a tool of control and how systems like mass incarceration maintain racial hierarchies today. Drawing from powerful voices like Ibram Kendi, Michelle Alexander, and James Baldwin, they reveal how underst

32 m

Users also liked

History of USA

History of USA

LEARNING PLAN

History of USA

This comprehensive survey of American history is essential for anyone seeking to understand the forces that shaped the United States and continue to influence global politics today. Perfect for students, educators, professionals working in policy or international relations, and engaged citizens who want to contextualize current events through historical understanding.

1 h 49 m4 Sections
United States history

United States history

LEARNING PLAN

United States history

This comprehensive survey of U.S. history provides essential context for understanding contemporary American society, politics, and culture. It's ideal for students, professionals, new citizens, or anyone seeking to grasp how historical forces shaped modern America and continue to influence current events. By examining pivotal moments from colonization through the present day, learners gain the historical literacy needed to participate meaningfully in civic life and national conversations.

2 h 37 m4 Sections
Explore our national history

Explore our national history

LEARNING PLAN

Explore our national history

This learning plan provides essential context for understanding America's political, social, and cultural landscape today. It's ideal for citizens seeking to engage more meaningfully in civic life, students building foundational historical knowledge, or anyone wanting to understand how past events shape current national debates and democratic challenges.

1 h 52 m4 Sections
Study ancient to modern hist

Study ancient to modern hist

LEARNING PLAN

Study ancient to modern hist

This comprehensive historical journey is essential for anyone seeking to understand how our modern world came to be and why contemporary societies function as they do. It's ideal for students, professionals in policy or international relations, educators, and curious learners who want to develop informed perspectives on current events through the lens of historical patterns. Understanding this historical arc provides critical context for navigating today's complex global challenges and recognizing recurring themes in human civilization.

2 h 39 m4 Sections

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

See More Stories?

How people are talking about BeFreed across the web
Start your learning journey, now