The GED is an American exam that leads to a high school equivalency credential. The Social Studies test covers civics and government, U.S. history, economics and geography. Here are the key stages of American history to know, and a method to revise them.
The colonies and independence
In the 17th and 18th centuries, thirteen British colonies developed on the East Coast. Tensions with Great Britain, especially over taxes, led to the War of Independence. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
The Constitution and the Bill of Rights
The Constitution, written in 1787, organises the country into three branches: legislative (Congress), executive (the President) and judicial (the Supreme Court), which check and balance each other. The first ten amendments, called the Bill of Rights (1791), protect fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech.
The Civil War
From 1861 to 1865, the Northern and Southern states fought each other, notably over slavery. After the North's victory, the 13th Amendment (1865) abolished slavery.
The 20th century
The United States took part in both World Wars, went through the Great Depression of the 1930s, then the Cold War. The civil rights movement fought segregation: the Brown v. Board of Education ruling (1954) declared school segregation unconstitutional, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination.
How to revise
The test mostly asks you to understand documents: texts, maps, graphs, cartoons. Practise identifying the main idea and the author's point of view. Make a simple timeline, and learn key vocabulary with spaced repetition. If English is not your first language, our tips to prepare for an exam in a foreign language will help too.
Frequently asked questions
What is GED Social Studies?
One of the GED tests, an American high school equivalency exam. It covers civics, U.S. history, economics and geography.
Do I need to learn many dates?
A few key dates are enough; the test mostly asks you to understand and analyse documents.
Can I take the GED outside the United States?
The GED is mainly for the United States and some other countries: check the official GED website for current conditions.