The American Civil War was the worst political crisis and most bloody military conflict in the history of the United States. Although the North crushed the Confederacy, its post-war Reconstruction policy was a costly political failure that consigned the freed slaves to second-class citizenship. This course examines the military course of the Civil War, its effects upon civilians, and the internal politics of the Union and the Confederacy. The emancipation of the slaves, and the role of Abraham Lincoln in that process, forms an important topic. We then examine the goals of Reconstruction, black political empowerment in the South, and southern white resistance to racial equality leading to the defeat of the Republican Party. The seminar also considers how the Civil War and Reconstruction have been depicted in film, literature, and popular culture, and how different generations have interpreted the meaning of these conflicts.
Timetable
Semester II, see timetables.
Method of Instruction
Seminar; attendance is compulsory zie studiereglement Instituut voor Geschiedenis, art 2).
Course objectives
To gain an understanding of the main historiographical problems of the Civil War and Reconstruction through study of secondary literature and primary sources. The development of research and writing skills through a study of relevant literature on a chosen topic.The development of presentational skills by means of an oral report.
Required reading
James M. McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era (Penguin).
Eric Foner, A Short History of Reconstruction (Penguin).
Examination
Long essay (5.000 words) to be submiitted by 31 May (80%)
Seminar presentation (20%)
Information
Prof. dr. A. Fairclough, a.fairclough@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Blackboard/webpage
Yes. Gives access to syllabus, bibliography, documentary sources, and additional texts.
Application Courses, Seminars and Exams
Exchange students can enrol via U-Twist for lecture courses.
Lecture courses
Enrolment is possible from1 July to 1 September for lecture courses in the first semester.
Enrolment is possible from 1 December to 1 February for lecture courses in the second semester.
Exchange students can enrol via email ( t.w.chao@hum.leidenuniv.nl) for seminars.
Seminars
Enrolment is possible from 1 July to 15 August for seminars in the first semester.
Enrolment is possible from 1 December to 15 January for seminars in the second semester.