HIST 338
ENGLISH HISTORY SINCE 1687

1. Catalog Entry

HIST 338. English History since 1687. (B)
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisite: Three hours of history at 100 level.

Familiarizes students with development of social, religious and political influences that have made the modern British Commonwealth.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

I. Revolution of 1688

A. Restoration Monarchy

1. Parliament
2. Political parties
3. Failure of stuart leadership

B. Revolution

1. Causes
2. Consequences

C. England After Revolution

1. Development of consensus
2. Limitation of monarchy

a. Political
b. Legal
c. Economic

D. Intellectual Developments

1. Literature
2. Political thought
3. Scientific thought

II. Georgian England

A. Political Consensus

1. Parliament
2. Crown
3. Unrest

B. Life and Culture

1. Literature
2. Religion
3. Enlightenment

C. Late Century Discontent

1. Wilkes and reform
2. Utilitarianism
3. Movement towards reform

a. Economical reform
b. C. J. Fox and the radicals 

D. Empire and Europe

1. American Revolution
2. French Revolution

a. Reaction at home
b. Liberalism abroad

III. Post Revolution England, 1815-183O

A. Reaction

1. Suppression of press, speech, assembly
2. Tax burdens regressive
3. Refusal to reform

B. Development of Radicalism

1. Middle class--propaganda
2. Lower class--violence

a. Role of religion
b. Socialism

C. Tory Reform

1. Prisons and police
2. Foreign policy
3. Catholic and Jewish emancipation

IV. Era of Reform

A. Parliamentary Reform of 1832

1. Bill of 1867
2. Bill of 1884-85

B. Domestic Reform

1. City government
2. Courts
3. Housing and sanitation
4. Factory
5. Slavery

V. Developing Prosperity--Mid 18OOs

A. Who benefitted?

1. Various classes

B. "Victorianism"
C. "Self Help" Values of Life
D. Discontent

1. Chartism to socialism

VI. Development of Democracy, 1867-191O

A. Political
B. Economic

1. Socialist
2. Marxist

C. In Darkest England
D. Empire Again

VII. 2Oth Century England

A. The Good Years, 19OO-1914
B. War

1. Business as usual
2. Total mobilization

C. Between the Wars

1. Economics

a. Land fit for heroes
b. Depression

2. Foreign policy

a. League
b. Germany
c. France

3. Role of political parties
4. Drift to war

D. WW II--"Their Finest Hour"

1. Early phase

a. Poland, Norway, and France
b. Blitz

2. New Allies

a. U.S.--"end of the beginning"
b. Russia

3. Victory in Europe

a. England's role
b. The price England paid

VIII. The Welfare State

A. Nationalization

1. Coal
2. Industry
3. Transportation

B. National Health Service
C. Education
D. "The Establishment"
E. England's Role as Minor Power

1. United Nations
2. Suez crisis
3. Pull-back from east
4. Future?

F. England's Role and Contribution

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The class meets the equivalent of three hours a week. A textbook and a reading book of original source material are required. Teaching involves a mix of lecture and discussion. Visual aids are primarily maps and graphs. A research paper or research in courthouse records (deeds and wills), or extensive monograph reading is required of all students. Quality of research and writing, rather than length, are emphasized. Papers are footnoted according to the discipline of the student's major. 

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

The courses in English History emphasize the role of ideas, the individual and the community in developing of English history. Common law and governmental institutions are followed from primitive Germanic origins to modern democracy. The role of individuals in shaping these changes is emphasized.

Successful students will have a knowledge of and better understanding of:

1. The role of ideas in shaping change.
2. The role of "consent of the community" that will lead to law, constitutionalism and democracy.
3. Have knowledge of and appreciate the struggle and sacrifices for self-government.
4. Realize that all societies and governments, including the English model, have shortcomings.
5. Understand that adapting to gradual change can strengthen a society and avoid revolution.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment includes essay test and final exam, discussion of required readings and evaluation of written research papers. Emphasis is placed on class attendance and regular study as opposed to cramming for tests and exams.

6. Other Course Information

None.

7. Review and Approval

Date Action Reviewed by
January 2005 Reviewed and Approved by Charles McClellan