Introduction

Contexts

The Revolutionary Movement

War & the Emergence of a Nation

Constitutions for a Republic 

Empire of Liberty: Legacy of the Founding Generation

     Topics are the  focus of class sessions. Class presentations will vary from lecture to discussion, most often combining both. I offer these notes as a supplement NOT a substitute for your own class notes. When a topic cannot be completed in class meetings, you will be expected to catch up by using these online notes and the discussion Forum. The Forum gives a chance to participate in missed classes by asking questions and making comments on the material.

Introduction

THE FOUNDERS AND THE AMERICAN MYTH: Themes and Interpretations

Contexts

I. THE GEORGIAN WORLD     

II.  THE FIRST BRITISH EMPIRE AND MERCANTILISM

III. POLITICAL TRADITIONS AND STRUCTURE

IV. SEARCH FOR A NEW IMPERIAL POLICY

The Revolutionary Movement

V. PERSONALITIES & POLITICS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT

VI. THE STAMP ACT AND THE FIRST CRISIS

VII. THE TOWNSHEND DUTIES AND THE SECOND CRISIS

VIII. STRUGGLES FOR POWER AND TECHNIQUES OF OPPOSITION

IX. IDEOLOGY AND SELF INTEREST

X. FROM FINAL CRISIS TO WAR

War and the Emergence of a Nation

XI. THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

XII. DECISION FOR INDEPENDENCE

XIII. KING OR CONGRESS: LOYALISTS, PATRIOTS, OUTSIDERS

XIV. THE POLITICS OF WAGING WAR

V. WAR AND THE CREATION OF A NATION

VI. BRITISH WHIGS INTO AMERICAN REPUBLICANS

Constitutions for a Republic

VII. CONSTITUTIONAL EXPERIMENTS IN A NEW REPUBLIC

XI. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION & THE POLITICS OF RATIFICATION

XIII. VIEWING THE CONSTITUTION

XIV. THE ISSUE OF ORIGINAL INTENT

Empire of Liberty: Legacy of the Founding Generation

XIII. INHERITING A REVOLUTIONARY TRADITION

XIV. ROOTS OF THE AMERICAN DREAM: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

XV. SOCIAL ORDER AND PERSONAL LIFE

XVI. NATIONAL  IDENTITY AND REFORM MOVEMENTS