HIST1002.1: Introduction to American History

American history is vast and complex. Through this 3-week course, you will explore some of its key moments - examining domestic history and foreign relations.

You will investigate the background to the modern history of the United States, including the Civil War, Reconstruction, segregation and the black experience, and US expansion and foreign policy into the 19th century.

Explore the post-Civil War period including Lincoln’s death

We’ll start off by looking at the background to the modern history of the United States. We will also explore some of the burning issues that drove this nation apart in the middle of the nineteenth century; divisions that culminated in the Civil War 1861-1865.

You’ll explore the idea of ‘Reconstruction’ after the war, the declaration of independence, Civil War propaganda, and the death of President Abraham Lincoln.

Learn about racial segregation and the rise of a new black consciousness

After 1877, further efforts were made to segregate the South and take power away from black citizens, and you’ll be exploring this alongside convict leasing and racist assumptions of the time.

You’ll also explore the rise of a new black consciousness echoing across America, led by the voices of W.E.B Dubois and Booker T. Washington.

Discover American foreign policy

In the final week, we’ll be tackling US foreign expansion and the new developments in American foreign relations after the Civil War.

Evaluating America’s place in the world between 1877 and 1914, you’ll finish off by exploring US involvement in WW1.