This document provides an overview of topics to be covered in a unit on US history, including early exploration of America, how the US became a nation, the Civil War, the Great Depression, and the Cold War. It defines key vocabulary terms and explains the importance of understanding time order when studying history. It provides examples of how to identify time order clues in passages and how to rewrite passages using time order transition words to clarify sequence of events.

1.  1. GED Practice (Social Studies)
 2. US History- Finding Facts
 3. Understanding Time Order: Columbus
 4. Homework

2.  In this unit, you will learn about:
 The early exploration of America
 How the US became a nation
 The Civil War
 The Great Depression
 The Cold War
 How the Cold War Ended

3.  Vocabulary
 Fifteenth century- the years from 1401-1500
 Trade- to exchange goods for other goods
 Merchant- person who buys and sells things
 Route- a way to get somewhere
 Settle- to make a place a home
 Conquistador- Spanish word for conqueror
 Claim- to take ownership
 Northwest Passage- a sea route through North
America to Asia
 Colony- a group of people who settle in one
country but are governed by another

4.  5. European countries wanted to find a sea route to
India and China because
 A trip by ship would be easier and faster
 6. Which Native American group built a vast system of
roads?
 The Incas
 7. What did Columbus name the islands that he sailed
to in 1492?
 The Indies

5.  When you study history, you need to
understand Time Order (Chronological Order)
 Clues for Time Order:
 Before, after, later, next, then, first, second, soon,
later, finally
 Exercise 1- Read the paragraph and underline
key time order words

6.  When you read a passage, ask yourself the
following questions:
 1. What are the important events?
 2. Are there clues in the text that indicate the
order events took place?

7.  Which passage is written using time order?
 Passage 2 

8.  Rewrite the second paragraph from exercise
2. Begin EACH sentence with a time order key
word.
 For seven years, Columbus tried to find
someone to pay for his trips. First, he asked
John II of Portugal for money. After that, he
wrote to Henry VI of England. Finally, he met
with Spain’s Queen Isabella.

9.  Read “From Colonies to States” and answer
the questions on page 19.