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. American Economy