WEST History: The History of the Americas - Videos & Lessons

About This Chapter

Let us help you review the history of the Americas. These video lessons and quizzes will cover topics from the ancient Aztec Empire to Operation Desert Storm to help you prepare for the Washington Educator Skills Test (WEST) History exam.

WEST History: The History of the Americas - Chapter Summary

Use the lessons in this chapter to reinforce what you know or to learn new facts about the ancient and modern histories of the Americas. The lessons will address major conflicts, movements and diplomatic events that shaped Northern and Southern America. Once you have successfully reviewed this material, you should possess the knowledge needed to answer these types of world history questions found on the WEST History exam:

Relating the rise and fall of the Aztec Empire
Describing the challenges that faced the Jamestown settlement
Detailing events that led to the American Revolution
Identifying Latin American revolutions in Haiti, Mexico and South and Central America
Summarizing the causes and impact of the Mexican Revolution
Understanding events that followed General Lee's surrender during the Civil War
Listing the effects of World War II and describing how the United Nations was created
Defining the Cold and Gulf Wars and how each of these ended

Though these lessons cover a lot of history, the videos are generally brief and engaging. Self-assessment quizzes allow you to gauge your understanding of the material using the same multiple choice format you'll encounter on the actual WEST History exam.

WEST History: The History of the Americas - Chapter Objectives

The WEST History exam measures your comprehension of U.S. and world history facts as well as social studies concepts. Using the History of the Americas chapter can help you answer questions that could appear throughout the world history or U.S. history domains of the exam, which each account for 36% of the entire test. The History exam is computer-administered and requires the completion of 110 multiple choice questions. Washington State uses WEST exams to assess prospective teachers. A passing score of 240 is required for this exam.

10 Lessons in Chapter 39: WEST History: The History of the Americas

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1. The Rise of the Aztecs

In this lesson, you will explore the rise of the great Mesoamerican civilization, the Aztec Empire. Then, you will be able to test your understanding about Aztec history with a brief quiz.

2. The Defeat of the Aztecs

In this lesson, you will explore the defeat of the powerful Aztec Empire, and then test your understanding about the Aztecs, the Spanish conquest of Mexico, and empires in Central America.

3. Jamestown: Conflict in the New World

This lesson focuses on the settlement of Jamestown and the conflicts that occurred between the native populations and the English settlers. While exploring this topic, it will highlight England's response to the troubles that plagued the settlement.

4. Causes of the American Revolution: Events & Turning Points

In this lesson, we explore the causes and the initial battles of the American Revolution, from the end of the French and Indian War up until the Declaration of Independence in July, 1776.

5. Independence Movements in Latin America: Examples & Impact

This lesson will explore the 19th century Latin American revolutions. In doing so, it will highlight the roles L'Ouverture, Hidalgo, and Bolivar played in bringing freedom to Haiti, Mexico, and South America.

6. The Mexican Revolution: Causes & Initial Events

The Mexican Revolution started in response to the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz. In this video, we look at the causes of the Revolution, and then explore the initial events that led to the removal of Diaz.

7. The Mexican Revolution: Aftermath & Effects

In this video, we examine the civil war that broke out in Mexico after Porfirio Diaz was removed from power as the various parties competed with each other for power. A quiz will follow.

8. The End of the Civil War: Summary & Timeline

Contrary to popular belief, the Civil War did not end when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House. It actually continued for over two months. In this lesson, we will examine the final days of the Civil War.

9. WWII Aftermath & the Creation of the United Nations

In this lesson, we will look at the aftermath of the Second World War and the formation of the United Nations. We will identify why the United Nations was created and explore the organization's function and structure in the post-war world.

10. The End of the Cold War and Desert Storm

In this lesson, we will learn about the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War - also known as Desert Storm. We'll learn what led to these events and highlight the key themes associated with them.

Chapter Practice Exam

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Practice Final Exam

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