The ten lessons in this unit deal with important topics in the history of America between 1840 and 1865. The birth of baseball, the Mexican War, the Irish potato famine and the immigration of the Irish, the development of religious movements, such as the Shakers, Mormons, Spiritualism, and Adventism during the 1840s, and the development of early businesses are examined. Also included are lessons on the opening of Japan to American trade by Commodore Perry, the Amistad, women and nursing during the Civil War, camp life in the North and South during the Civil War, and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Academic activities include essay writing, role-playing, journal writing, illustrating, dramatizing, discussing, and analyzing art.