The first semester of this two-semester survey of American history begins with a study of indigenous peoples. It then examines the colonial encounters among European settlers, aboriginal inhabitants, and Africans; the growth of the English colonies in the context of the Atlantic World; tensions between the colonies and England culminating in the Revolution; the emergence of the first American republic, 1783–1844; sectional rivalries and westward expansion; the collapse of the “second party system” (Democrats v. Whigs); Civil War and Reconstruction. The course emphasizes written analysis of primary and secondary sources.
Foundations Program
This course fulfills the History requirement on the Social and Historical Pillar in the Foundations Program.
Semester Offered
Fall
Spring