HIS 151 - U.S. History to 1877

A. Understand the major events, themes, and trends of U.S. history from its origins to through Reconstruction.

1. Identify and describe the key events, themes, and trends that have shaped U.S. history from its earliest beginnings to the end of the Reconstruction period.
2. Analyze the social, political, economic, and cultural forces that have influenced the development of U.S. history.
3. Evaluate the continuity and change of U.S. history over time.
4. Recognize and appreciate the diversity of U.S. history and its complex nature.

B. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through examination of primary and secondary sources related to U.S. history.

1. Evaluate primary and secondary sources related to U.S. history from its origins to the end of Reconstruction.
2. Analyze the historical context, author’s perspective, bias, and reliability of primary and secondary sources.
3. Synthesize evidence from primary and secondary sources to support arguments and interpretations.
4. Construct clear and logical arguments based on evidence.
5. Demonstrate effective communication skills through writing, discussion, and presentation of historical ideas and arguments.

C. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different historical interpretations and form their own interpretations based on evidence and analysis.

1. Analyze and compare different interpretations of the American Revolution, including Whig and Neo-Whig interpretations.
2. Analyze and compare different interpretations of the causes and consequences of the Civil War, including the Lost Cause and Reconstructionist interpretations.
3. Analyze and compare different interpretations of the role of slavery in American society and politics, including the pro-slavery and abolitionist perspectives.
4. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different historical interpretations, and identify the evidence and reasoning behind them.
5. Formulate their own interpretations of historical events and themes based on evidence, analysis, and historical context.

D. Examine the impact of the ideas of the Founding Fathers, leaders, and philosophical thinkers of the era.

1. Evaluate the ideas of key Founding Fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, and how they influenced the creation of the United States Constitution.
2. Analyze the impact of Enlightenment philosophers, such as John Locke and Montesquieu, on the political ideas of the Founding Fathers.
3. Examine the role of influential leaders of the era, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, in shaping American political and cultural identity.
4. Investigate the impact of the ideas of Thomas Paine, including his influential work “Common Sense,” on the American Revolution and the creation of the United States.
5. Examine the role of women, such as Abigail Adams and Mercy Otis Warren, in shaping the political ideas of the era and advocating for women’s rights.

E. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the United States before 1877.

1. Analyze the economic strengths and weaknesses of the United States before 1877, including the impact of slavery and industrialization on the economy.
2. Examine the political strengths and weaknesses of the United States before 1877, including the challenges of forming a stable and effective national government.
3. Investigate the role of territorial expansion and westward expansion in shaping the strengths and weaknesses of the United States before 1877.
4. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the United States in relation to other global powers before 1877, including the impact of international trade and diplomacy.
5. Explore the role of technological innovation, such as the steam engine and telegraph, in shaping the strengths and weaknesses of the United States before 1877.