1. Themes of the Course
1) The development of a democratic society in America
a) the transformation of English colonies into “America”
b) the consequences of the American Revolution
c) the development of a democratic culture
2) the problem of slavery in a society devoted to "liberty."
a) the warping influence of slavery
b) the causes of the Civil War

2. GRADING 3 Exams = 25% each 1 Paper = 25%
Exams will be 50% essay, 50% ID

3. SAMPLE EXAM QUESTIONS
Imagine a conversation between Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Thomas Jefferson on the institution of slavery and the potential of slaves to become useful citizens. In what ways would they agree? Where would they disagree?
I have claimed that, properly understood, Uncle Tom’s Cabin sums up the entire history of the first half of the 19th century in the United States. Explain the historical context of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s understanding of the role of
a) women in family life and public affairs
b) the limits of democratic politics
c) the future of African-Americans
Identify the following, being sure to discuss the importance of each:
Fort Ticonderoga
Deerfield, MA
Nat Turner
Lydia Maria Child
John Cotton

4. Sample Paper Questions
In what ways was the American Revolution “radical,” according to Gordon Wood? Wood argues that the Revolution itself was a transformative experience. Does he succeed in making his case?
What does Nathan Hatch believe was the relationship between Christianity and democracy in the Early Republic?