1. Common Themes in American History
Mr. Hickman

2. There are 12 common themes that are found throughout American History
1. American Diversity- (race, class, ethnicity, and gender)
2. American Identity- ideas about the “national character”, ideas about American “exceptionalism”, regional differences, what it means to be “an American”.
3. Culture- diverse individual and collective expression through literature, art, philosophy, music, theatre, film…

3. 4. Demographic Changes- birth, marriage, death rates; life expectancy and family patterns, population size, density, immigration, migration.
5. Economic Transformations- changes in trade, commerce, technology. Capitalist development, labor and unions, and consumerism.
6. Environment- natural resources (consumption and conservation), impact of population growth, industrialization, pollution, urban/suburban expansion

4. 7. Globalization- engagement with the rest of the world (from 15th century to present), colonialism, mercantilism, market development, imperialism, cultural exchange.
8. Politics and Citizenship- Colonial and revolutionary legacies, political traditions, democratic growth, defining citizenship, civil rights.
9. Reform- Diverse movement on a broad range of issues
10. Religion- Variety of religious beliefs and practices, influence of religion on politics, economics, and society as a whole

5. 11. Slavery and Its Legacies- Systems of slave labor and other forms of “unfree” labor. The economics of slavery, long-term impact of slavery, and patterns of resistance.
12. War and Diplomacy- armed conflict from pre-colonial period to 21st century, impact of war on foreign policy, politics, economy and society.

6. Common Themes American Diversity American Identity Culture
Demographic Changes
Economic Transformations
Environment
Globalization
Politics and Citizenship
Reform
Religion
Slavery and Its Legacies
War and Diplomacy

7. Essay Assignment- Homework
Based on your knowledge of American History, write an essay explaining which of 12 common themes best define the history of America.
I would recommend at least 3 themes that stand out as most significant
Give specific examples from history to justify your answers