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Colonial America: From Wilderness to Civilization

6 lessons

3.5h total length

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Journey to the New World and discover the origins of the American spirit.

The American Founding is the greatest political achievement in history. The republic founded in the wake of revolution did not appear or succeed by chance. It was the product of the habits of self-government and the virtuous character that the Americans had formed during their colonial experience. This is the story of those first 150 years during which our forefathers carved civilization out of wilderness.

In this documentary course, Hillsdale professors of politics and history explain the religious, political, cultural, and economic disputes that shaped a uniquely American culture. Discover how our ancestors forged a prosperous society and developed the manly spirit of republicanism.

In "Colonial America: From Wilderness to Civilization," professors of history and politics guide us through the perilous journey of the Mayflower and the grueling winters of Cape Cod. They explore the ideas of religious liberty and natural rights, as well as the brutal conflicts, such as the wars on the frontier and the French and Indian War. Through this appreciation of the colonial experience, you will learn how the unique American spirit was shaped.

This course consists of six documentary episodes, each approximately 30 minutes. Complete the episodes and the accompanying quizzes to receive the certificate of completion. Supplement your learning with the corresponding study guides and readings. Take the course at a pace that best suits your learning and schedule.

Enroll in "Colonial America: From Wilderness to Civilization" today to learn about the American character.

Taught by:

Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, Professor of History and Politics

John W. Grant, Associate Professor of Politics

Wilfred McClay, Professor of History

Paul Moreno, Professor of History

Kevin Slack, Associate Professor of Politics

Thomas G. West, Professor of Politics

Released 2025

Lessons in this course

39:51

lesson 1

A City Upon a Hill

The Pilgrims and the Puritans were the first settlers in New England. They emigrated for religious liberty. While the settlers faced extreme danger and toils, their exertions yielded prosperous towns for their families.

39:41

lesson 2

Forging the American Character

The Quakers settled Pennsylvania to escape persecution. The middle colonists had the greatest variety of Christian sects and diversity of European ancestry. Their central location helped form an American Character epitomized by Benjamin Franklin.

29:00

lesson 3

Nature and Liberty

The southern colonies centered around agriculture. Virginia was founded by a corporation and settled by ambitious men rather than families. As American colonists carved a prosperous society out of the wilderness, natural rights ideas and political theories took hold.

30:12

lesson 4

Frontier Wars

As the colonists built their civilization amid diverse native tribes, with their own web of alliances, European influences on the colonists and various tribes spurred further conflict.

37:03

lesson 5

Awakening a People

The Glorious Revolution and the Great Awakening infused the colonies with a spirit of individual liberty and responsibility and spread a growing sense of American identity through the colonies.

34:34

lesson 6

The French and Indian War

As France and Britain struggled for control over the New World, the English colonists in America realized that their fellow countrymen in England did not view them as equals.

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What Current Students Are Saying

Takes the student through the full context of the course subject matter. Wonderful insight into how we strayed and its consequences and offers a solution.

— Don from Nevada

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