American History II From the Civil War to Barack Obama

Alex Freuck M.A. Office Hours: Tues 11:00 – 12:00 (5/E/7)

Why study American History?

“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. […] This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.”

“What, then, is this American, this new man?” “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” 1.“Exceptional” 2.God-given right to expand 3.A country founded on “equal rights” 4.“Classless society” 5.Defines a new form of imperialism

Aim of this course 1.You will gain an understanding of significant themes, concepts, and “foundations” in North American history (Nation, Freedom, Patriotism, American Exceptionalism, American Dream, Manifest Destiny), and will notice patterns of change and/or continuity over the centuries 2.You will be able to analyze and at times criticize these concepts that have shaped and continue to shape the nation 3.You will gain an awareness of the contributions of different historical sub-disciplines (including social, political and economic history) 4.You will be introduced to some key primary documents in North American history, and gain experience in reading such documents for the meanings and evidence that they contain. (Texts on WueCampus2)

1.In order to obtain a "Schein" you have to attend the course on a regular basis. (max of TWO absences) Requirements 2.Needless to say, you are expected to read the texts in time for class and be prepared for discussions! Quiet class = graded reading tests 3.“expert presentations” (30 minutes MAX) 4.Final Exam

Expert Presentations 1.Every group will be asked to do a short (30 minutes at most) presentation of one of the texts for this class. 2.Center on a handout (3-4 pages) which contains the basic information in keywords.  it should be interesting, creative and vivid. 3.Present your topic as freely as possible. You may also use PowerPoint presentations to support your report. 4.Please send me the handout to your presentation (along with your questions) by Wednesday one week before the date of your presentation. 5.You will also need to come to my office hour so we can discuss your questions. If you don’t show up and I don’t receive and , I will assume that you have decided to leave the course.

America; the story so far 1492:1607:1620:1763:1770:1774:1775:1776:1781:1789:1803: Columbus reaches the Bahamas British establish Jamestown Colony (Virginia) Plymouth Colony is founded (Mayflower; Pilgrims) Proclamation restricts settlement West of Appalachians Boston Massacre First Continental Congress Battles of Lexington and Concord Declaration of Independence British surrender at Yorktown Washington inaugurated as President Louisiana Purchase

1819: Florida ceded by Spain 1820: Missouri Compromise 1823: Monroe Doctrine 1830: Indian Removal Act  1831 – 1838: Trail of Tears 1845: Annexation of Texas 1846 – 1848: Mexican – American War

“From sea to shining sea”

Homework: Read Abraham Lincoln, “The Emancipation Proclamation” (R); “The Gettysburg Address” (R);