US History to 1877

This course explores the key events, people, and ideas that shaped the United States from its pre-colonial beginnings through Reconstruction in 1877. We will examine the social, political, and economic forces that influenced the country's development, including Indigenous cultures, European colonization, the American Revolution, the establishment of the Constitution, westward expansion, and the Civil War. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how these events have shaped the American identity and the nation’s enduring struggles for equality, freedom, and democracy. Throughout the course, we will engage with primary source documents, historical narratives, and cultural artifacts to better understand the diverse perspectives of those who lived during this time. By the end, students will be able to critically analyze how historical events are interconnected and their lasting impact on the present day. Key topics include: - Indigenous Peoples and European Encounters - The Atlantic Slave Trade and the Rise of Slavery in America - The American Revolution and the Foundations of the Republic - The Constitution and Early American Politics - Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion - Social Reform Movements and the Road to Civil War - The Civil War: Causes, Conflicts, and Consequences - Reconstruction and the Struggle for a New America This course is designed to encourage active participation, critical thinking, and a nuanced appreciation for the complexities of America's early history.