American History to 1865

Catalog description

This course explores early American and United States history through 1865, with attention to politics, society, economy, culture, and gender. Following an overview of Turtle Island (a Native designation for North America) before European contact, likely topics to be considered include the European colonization process; the creation and expansion of the United States; the evolution of quasi-democratic institutions; Native resistance, accommodation, and resilience; the rise and fall of the institution of African slavery in the Atlantic world; early industrialization; and the causes and outcomes of the Civil War. Fall Only.