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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.

ByCommunity User
2 h 37 m
12 coursesUpdated 3 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 United States 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 United States history.

What You'll Learn

  • Trace America's journey from colonial settlements to modern superpower, understanding the key events, figures, and ideas that shaped the nation
  • Analyze the contradictions between founding ideals and historical realities, including slavery, civil rights, and the ongoing struggle for equality
  • Examine how wars, economic transformations, and social movements redefined American identity and global influence
  • Develop critical thinking skills to connect historical patterns to contemporary issues like political polarization and social justice
  • Gain perspective on how past compromises and conflicts continue to shape current debates about democracy, freedom, and national unity

Discover how colonial settlements, revolutionary ideals, and the founding fathers transformed thirteen colonies into a new republic—understanding the contradictions and compromises that shaped America's earliest years.

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
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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

Explore the turbulent 19th century as the nation grappled with slavery, fought a devastating civil war, and struggled to define freedom during Reconstruction—events whose legacies continue to shape America today.

Team of Rivals cover
Team of Rivals

Lincoln's cabinet and the Civil War

7 m
The 1619 Project cover
The 1619 Project

A groundbreaking reexamination of American history through the lens of slavery and its enduring impact on society.

10 m
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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

Follow America's transformation into a global superpower through two world wars, economic upheaval, the Cold War, and social movements that redefined what it means to be American.

The Best and the Brightest cover
The Best and the Brightest

Brilliant minds, catastrophic decisions: how America stumbled into Vietnam

9 m
The Cold War cover
The Cold War

A concise yet comprehensive exploration of the Cold War's origins, global impact, and lasting legacy on international relations.

9 m
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source 1Cold War | Dates, Definition, Timeline, Summary, Era, & Factssource 3Cold War - Wikipedia
6 sources
Cold War: Superpowers, Spies, and Nuclear Brinkmanship

Explore the fascinating 45-year standoff between the US and Soviet Union through gripping spy stories, nuclear crises, and the dramatic events that reshaped our world without a single direct shot fired.

19 m

Examine how America navigates the complexities of the 21st century—from cultural shifts and political polarization to ongoing struggles for justice and the search for national unity.

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
When the Clock Broke cover
When the Clock Broke

A gripping exploration of 1990s America, unveiling the roots of today's political turmoil and populist resentments.

9 m
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The 1619 ProjectDemocracy AwakeningFounding Brothers7 Tipping Points That Saved the World
7 sources
Unlocking America's Past

Discover how to meaningfully connect with American history, from foundational events to untold stories, and understand how our collective past shapes today's society and your personal experience.

35 m

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

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

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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

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

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

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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117

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

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

@Matt, YC alum
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108

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

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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254
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17

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

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

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

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

@Jaded_Falcon
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@OojasSalunke
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@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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