1. Introduction to US HistoryAfter The Civil War Historical Methods Periodization Themes

2. HM: The Problem of Evidence Primary Secondary Tertiary Bias

3. HM: The Problem of Objectivity Source Bias Historian Bias Is Objective History Possible?

4. HM: The Problem of Causation Great Men? Impersonal Forces

5. HM: The Problem of Motives Deciphering Witness Statements Lack of Witness Statements Actions Speak Louder Than Words Economic vs. Idealistic

6. Periodization: Rise of Industrial America (1865-1918) Economy: Industry replaces Agriculture International: America expands hesitantly beyond the Continental 48 Political: All White Males Vote; Black Men’s Voting Rights are often restricted. Religion: Class-Segregated, Denominational, Catholics vs. Protestants Social: Rise of the Cities

7. Periodization: Rise of the Superpowers (1918-1945) Economy: America is one of the leading Industrial powers despite Great Depression International: America tries and fails to remain isolationist, fighting two world wars Political: White men and women can vote, Black and Asian men and women face discrimination Religion: Class-Segregated, Denominational, Rise of Fundamentalism Social: Class Conflict

8. Periodization: The Cold War (1945-1991) Economy: America is the biggest economy on Earth International: America fights the Cold War Political: Civil rights reforms, bipartisan foreign policy Religion: Religious groups become more politically activist Social: Civil Rights Movements and rise of new Conservatism.

9. Periodization: The Current Age of Uncertainty (1991-Now) Economy: Transitioning to a Service Economy, Problems of Globalization International: America as the Last Superpower, Problem of Terrorism Political: The Imperial Presidency and ‘Gridlock’, a 50% nation Religion: The Religious Right, Declining Religiosity Social: ‘The Culture Wars’

10. Themes How to Do History The Effects of the Civil War The Industrialization of America Imperialism and Trade Urbanization and American Life Gender and Race Relations Reform Movements Imperialism and the Rise of American Power (And its Limits) Prosperity and Change in the 50s and 60s The Age of Uncertainty

11. America Since 1945: A Brief Look Post-War Prosperity –Full Time Employment –Only Undamaged Economy –Rise of Middle Class and Higher Education Beginning of Cold War –Massive Military Expenditures –America Creates Institutions –The Fear of Nuclear Holocaust –State Actors are Primary Foes

12. America Since 1945: A Brief Look Cold War and Colonialism –Post WWII, the old European colonies fight for Independence –Many turn to Communists for help because US allies with their old masters –Rise of the ‘neutral bloc’ –US often props up Dictators who are anti-Communist –Cuba and Vietnam

13. America Since 1945: A Brief Look Social Ferment –Minority groups now begin to challenge their oppression--women, blacks, Indians, Asians, etc. –They make some gains –But this leads to the problem of rising expectations, which creates radicalism –This creates a conservative backlash

14. America Since 1945: A Brief Look The Bottom Falls Out (1970s) –America loses its industrial advantages –Real Wages Stop Growing –Oil Crisis –Stagflation –Defeat in Vietnam –The Hostage Crisis

15. America Since 1945: A Brief Look The End of the Cold War –Reagan’s Strategy of Confrontation and its Limits –Gorbachev –Soviet Collapse –The End of the USSR

16. America Since 1945: A Brief Look The Culture Wars: America Moves Right? –Response to Radicalism and Social Uncertainty –Response to Economic Uncertainty –Response to Vietnam –Feminism and Abortion –Gay Rights –‘Family Values’ –Rise of Religious Right –Crime and Punishment –Welfare Reform

17. America Since 1945: A Brief Look The Age of Uncertainty –Race, Gender, and Sexuality Uncertainty –What Guides Our International Politics? –The Problem of Terrorism –Security vs. Liberty –The Imperial Presidency

18. American Economy