HIS 313 Expansion and Conflict, US, 1828-1861 This course enables each student to become familiar with the major themes of history in the period and how these themes influence current events and impact contemporary problems. Emphasis will be placed on individual lives in order to gain perspective on contemporary times. The course title refers to the theme that expansion led to conflict with Native Americans and eventually to the Civil War. Discussion begins with the life and career of Andrew Jackson and how he symbolized his age. Jackson's policy of removal of Native Americans will be analyzed. Henry Clay's life and career will be considered and his American System evaluated. Slavery will be studied in depth, along with abolitionism and other reform movements in antebellum America. There will be three essay exams, and interactive class discussion will include three book reviews, videos, and contemporary documents for critical analysis. Websites:
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