HIST 214 The American Civil War

This course, covering the period roughly from 1850 to 1877, examines the origins of the Civil War, the war itself, and the period of Reconstruction.  The class meetings and readings will focus on the transformation wrought by the war, analyzing in particular the impact of the war on society, politics, and culture.  Although there will be some discussion of military events and the military experience of some of the participants, this is not a course in military history.  We will pay special attention to the following themes: the imperfections in the republic that led to war; the centrality of slavery and emancipation before and during the war; the war as a revolutionary experience for individuals and institutions; and the meanings and legacies of reunion.