1. Important points for the exam
Colonies, essentially capitalistic ventures coupled with empire building, but designed in an original way (royal charters, private money)
Essential dates of settlement and early colonization
Inversion of the labor/land ratio which had several consequences on the way settlement took place and, later on, on social relations in the future American societies.
Strong British inheritance, however a certain amount of local initiative, and impact of specific local cultures (eg the congregationalist spirit in NE).
Not “democracy” in the 21st century meaning of the term.
The idea of independence was a very late development and the result of European problems : North America was a European “battleground” where all European issues produced effects.
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

2. Important points for the exam
The late emergence of any form of “revolutionary” or secessionist spirit in the Colonies.
The effect of European politics on the precipitation of secession/indepedence (7-years War)
The great difference between the three important moments in the birth of the United States (1776, 1777, 1787)
The content of the main parts of the “Unanimous Declaration of the 13 united states of America,” especially the most important statement of “intellectual basis” (slide)
What the “federalism” of the Constitution means, and the principles upon which this Federal constitution is based (slides)
The principles of double separation of powers (national/state) and between branches. Checks and balances.
The contents of some amendments: 1, 2, 10.
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf

3. Important points for the exam
The nature (composition, waves, chronology) of immigration and its effect on American society at the end of the century.
The problems of the Gilded Age
What Progressivism means in this historical context (its characteristics)
The continuities and differences between the turn-of-century and the 1920s
Economic growth but not for all
The many characteristics of the development of cities.
The cultural and social characteristics of the 1920s: industrial development but also social tensions, cultural openings and cultural closure. Leisure, women, but growth of fundamentalism, prohibition
Control of immigration via a quota system
The growth of cities: specialization of spaces and reorganization of political life (corruption)
LEA 2 Cours de civilisation américaine J. Kempf