I'm a an engineer working in Oil and Gas. I'm from Brazil. I have been in the States for over a year but realized there are a lot of things that I don't know. Like when and why they said "The British are coming"? Why they threw tea in the Boston harbor? I have a general understanding of the civil war, like it was about slavery but at the same time wasn't.

Thanks for the reply. I'll look into those references.

Hello! The American Revolution is a very good place to start when it comes to the basics of American History. The Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, the Constitution, all of it is relevant to today's society and there is much focus on these factors in US history. The American Civil War has had an impact as well on America and I recommend reading about the conflict too.

In short, I would read about the Revolution to get the real basics of this country's founding principles and I would strive to get the many cultures of America remembered by region. North, South, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, all have different cultures within the same country, not all are the same.

Start at the Revolution if you want the basics, but if you want more of how today's society is shaped by our history I would read over everything about the United States. I would like to ask, if you don't mind, what brought you to America and how you're enjoying it so far?

Where are you from as well? I ask because I'm just interested. I understand if you don't want to answer these questions.

Have a good one.