This course will focus on the local history of the Kansas City region from the beginning of European settlement to the present. Students will learn about local Native American tribes and the effect of European settlement on their development, the controversies surrounding the admission of Missouri and Kansas into the United States, Kansas City’s role in westward expansion, the Civil War and its effects on the region, the emergence of the Populist movement in Kansas, the involvement of Kansas City in World War I, the development of Jazz in Kansas City, the rise of organized crime during Prohibition, the Pendergast Political Machine during the Roaring 20s and Great Depression, the Truman and Eisenhower Presidencies, the growth of the suburbs in Kansas City area, desegregation and its effect on Kansas City and the region, Walt Disney’s influence on the entertainment industry, and other local topics. The purpose of this course will be to further develop students’ skills in historical research, deepen their knowledge of American history, and immerse them in the history of our local region. Special focus will be placed on encouraging students to visit local history sites, like the National Frontier Trails Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the National World War I Museum, and the Truman Library.
Deals
We encourage families to apply for financial aid. Visit our website for application information.