From the 1850s to the 1870s, monumental struggles over slavery, race, political authority, economy, the Constitution, and the very dimensions of the United States roiled North America. A bloody sectional war and the emancipation of millions of African Americans catalyzed profound change. A highly contested process to restructure the nation on a continental scale ensued. To comprehend these revolutionary times, we weave together the stories of the freedom seekers and enslavers, soldiers and civilians, the battlefront and the home front. The inspiring potential and tragic limits of what Lincoln called a 'new birth of freedom' drive our inquiry.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |