United States History to 1877

Catalog description

Primarily a reading seminar, this course focuses on United States history from the 17th century to 1877, emphasizing the profound ways that the British American colonies and then the United States changed through numerous social, cultural, economic, and political revolutions. In particular, the course investigates transitions from the colonial period through the road to the Revolution, the Early National period, the Jacksonian Era, the sectional conflict, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students will examine the growth and impact of the institution of slavery; territorial expansion; cross-cultural encounters; social, cultural, economic, and political revolutions; the consolidation of capitalism; and the impact of reform movements on the colonies and nation.