New Mexico History
New Mexico History traces the state's history from before statehood to the present. Students learn about the indigenous and Hispanic peoples who influenced New Mexican culture and tradition. They examine how these cultures and traditions influenced the creation of New Mexico's state constitution and its state and local governments. Students explore New Mexico's role in World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, as well as the African American, Hispanic American, and Native American civil rights movements of the 20th century. As the course moves into the 21st century, students probe New Mexico's shifting demographics and ideologies, its current role in domestic politics, and the state's efforts to preserve both its cultural traditions and scarce resources.
The course emphasizes the development of historical analysis skills such as using chronology and periodization, understanding context and bias within historical evidence, conducting historical research, and employing geographical thinking. These skills are applied in written assignments that guide learners step-by-step through problem-solving activities.
This course is built to the New Mexico 9-12 Social Studies standards.