HIST 361
REVOLUTIONARY AMERICA
History 361. Revolutionary America (A)
Three hours lecture (3).
Prerequisite: 3 hours of History at the 100-level
Study and analysis of the causes of the Revolution, the War for Independence, the Confederation period and the formation and ratification of the Constitution.
The course chronologically traces the rising conflict between the American colonies and England, the war itself, the successes and failings of the Confederation Period and the creation of a new constitution and government. Military strategy and the battles of the war for independence receive substantial treatment but a greater stress is placed on the political, economics, social and religious developments during the period. Throughout the course a strong emphasis is placed on the interpretive debates that have interested historians over time.
Specific Topics for the Course Include the Following:
I. The American Colonies and the British Empire, 1750-1763
A. The French, Spanish and British Rivalry
B. The French and Indian War
C. British Colonial Administration in 1763
II. Imperial-colonial Relations, 1763-1775
A. Major Acts 1763-1765 and American Reaction
B. The Townshend Acts and American Reaction Through 1773
C. The Tea Act, Intolerable Acts and American Reaction Through 1775.
III. The Beginning of Revolution, 1774-1776
A. Economic Independence and the First Continental Congress
B. Military Independence: Lexington and Bunker Hill
C. Political Independence and the Declaration of Independence
IV. The War for Independence
A. New York to Saratoga, 1776-1777
B. Saratoga to King's Mountain, 1778-1780
C. King's Mountain to Yorktown, 1780-1781
V. Revolutionary Politics
A. The Second Continental Congress
B. The Articles of Confederation
C. State Constitutions and Governments
VI. The Economic and Social Revolution
A. Economic Aspects and Results of the Revolution
B. Social Aspects and Results of the Revolution
C. The Loyalists
VII. The Confederation Period
A. The Confederation Government
B. Foreign Affairs
C. Western Lands
VIII. The Constitutional Convention
A. Background and Weaknesses of the Confederation Period
B. Make-up of the Convention
C. Convention Decisions
IX. Ratification of the Constitution
A. Federalist Papers and Pro-Constitution Efforts
B. Anti-Federalist Efforts
C. The Ratification Battle
The course combines a variety of strategies to investigate the American Revolution and its aftermath. There is a very strong emphasis on reviewing historical interpretation regarding the coming of the Revolution, its consequences, and its long range effects. Class discussion (often student-led) plays a major role in this area. Lectures provide a review of the latest historical thinking on the period. The term paper requires student analysis, organization and interpretive development. The readings provide both background information and require at times substantial critical analysis and evaluation. Class projects involving the use of primary sources expose students directly to the events and thinking of the period.
The Goals of the Course Are:
1. Students will acquire a broad background of knowledge on the Revolutionary Era.
2. Students will acquire a knowledge of research, organizational and critical thinking abilities.
3. Students will gain an understanding of the interpretive debates among historians of the period.
4. Students will acquire better writing and oral communication skills.
5. Students will be able to use primary source materials.
Graded assignments generally include midterm and final exams, a research paper, book review(s), class projects, debates and a class participation grade.
None.
Date Action Reviewed by
January 2005 Reviewed and Approved by Charles McClellan