Topics in US Social History: The American Revolution and the Spirit of '76

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TTopics in US Social History Current topic description: John Adams believed that the American Revolution started before the war even began. He insisted that "the Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people."  Students in this course will examine the American Revolution from different perspectives and through current scholarship to gain deeper insight into the events, people, and ideas that shaped it. Students will also have the opportunity to analyze how successive generations have memorialized the Revolution through local and national celebrations, material and print culture, and media. As this semiquincentennial year draws to a close, explore the Spirit of '76 and its ongoing and often contested legacy in the United States today.