In this course, students will learn about the political, constitutional, and social history of the American colonies and the United States from 1754-55 (the outbreak of the Seven Years War and the year of Alexander Hamilton’s birth) to 1804 (the year Hamilton died and Thomas Jefferson, one of his chief rivals, won re-election to the presidency). Hamilton will be our guide to the many events and transformations that occurred during this period. The course is not, however, a narrowly-focused biographical course about Hamilton. Students will read a wide range of primary sources, exploring the ideas and experiences of both famous and ordinary people. These sources will allow students to consider multiple perspectives on historical moments and transformations. Topics covered include: the Seven Years War and other events leading up to the American Revolution, the politics of American independence, the Revolutionary War, the development of state and national republics, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the role of ordinary people in the politics of the time period, the problem of slavery in the new nation, Native American power and loss, diplomatic affairs, the impact of revolutions in France and Haiti, the rise of partisan politics in expected and unexpected places, and the expansion of American sovereignty and settlement on the North American continent.
**Students should fill out this Google form before submitting a permission request.
Faculty: Sarah Gronningsater