HIS 162LR – US History II
HIS 162LR – US History II is a course that delves into the history of the United States from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to the present day. This is a period that saw significant changes in American society, culture, politics, and economy. The course aims to help students understand the key events, people, and ideas that have shaped the country’s development over the past 150 years.
The course is typically divided into several thematic units that cover different aspects of US history. These may include Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, the Progressive Era, World War I and its aftermath, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary America. Each unit explores different historical phenomena and themes, such as race, gender, class, politics, and culture, and encourages students to critically examine them from multiple perspectives.
The Reconstruction Era
The Reconstruction Era is one of the most important periods in US history, as it marked the beginning of the country’s efforts to rebuild and reunify after the Civil War. The course explores the challenges faced by the federal government and African Americans in this period, including the implementation of new laws, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and the struggle for civil rights. Students learn about the key figures of the era, such as Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, and Frederick Douglass, and examine the impact of Reconstruction on American society and politics.
The Gilded Age
The Gilded Age was a time of rapid industrialization and economic growth in the United States, but it was also marked by political corruption, social inequality, and labor unrest. The course explores the rise of big business, the development of new technologies, and the emergence of new social classes. It also covers the major political and social movements of the era, such as populism, progressivism, and labor unions, and examines their impact on American society and politics.
The Progressive Era
The Progressive Era was a time of social and political reform in the United States, as Americans sought to address the problems of urbanization, industrialization, and corruption. The course covers the major reforms of the era, such as the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration, the creation of national parks, and the enactment of child labor laws. It also explores the key figures of the era, such as Jane Addams, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson, and examines the impact of progressivism on American society and politics.
World War I and its aftermath
World War I was a pivotal event in US history, as it marked the country’s emergence as a global superpower. The course explores the causes and consequences of the war, as well as the impact of US involvement on American society and politics. It also covers the major political and social movements of the era, such as isolationism, pacifism, and the Red Scare, and examines their impact on American society and politics.
The Great Depression
The Great Depression was a period of economic hardship and social dislocation in the United States, as millions of Americans lost their jobs, homes, and savings. The course explores the causes and consequences of the depression, as well as the major political and social movements of the era, such as the New Deal, labor unions, and the rise of fascism in Europe. It also covers the key figures of the era, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Huey Long, and John Steinbeck, and examines the impact of the depression on American society and politics.
World War II
World War II was a global conflict that had a profound impact on US history, as it marked the country’s emergence as a dominant world power. The course explores the causes and consequences of the war, as well as the impact of US involvement on American society and politics. It also
World War II continued from where the First World War left off and was fought on multiple fronts, including in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The course covers the major events of the war, such as the invasion of Normandy, the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Holocaust. It also explores the key figures of the era, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Adolf Hitler, and examines the impact of the war on American society and politics.
The Cold War
The Cold War was a period of political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted from the end of World War II until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The course explores the causes and consequences of the Cold War, as well as the major events and strategies of the era, such as the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. It also covers the key figures of the era, such as Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev, and Ronald Reagan, and examines the impact of the Cold War on American society and politics.
The Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement was a period of social and political activism aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. The course explores the major events and figures of the movement, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and Martin Luther King Jr. It also examines the impact of the movement on American society and politics, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.
Contemporary America
The course concludes with an examination of contemporary America, including its political, social, and economic challenges. It covers topics such as the rise of neoliberalism, the war on terror, the Great Recession, and the Black Lives Matter movement. It also explores the key figures of the era, such as Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden, and examines the impact of current events on American society and politics.
In summary, HIS 162LR – US History II is a course that covers the major events, people, and ideas that have shaped American society and politics since the end of the Civil War. It offers students a comprehensive and critical perspective on US history, and encourages them to examine historical phenomena and themes from multiple perspectives. Through this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that have made the United States the country it is today.
The course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of American history and its impact on the world. It encourages critical thinking and analysis of historical events, allowing students to explore the underlying causes and consequences of significant events and movements.
In addition to lectures and readings, the course may also incorporate a variety of multimedia resources, including documentaries, films, and primary sources such as letters, speeches, and newspaper articles. These resources offer a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience, allowing students to immerse themselves in the historical context of the time period.
Throughout the course, students will develop a range of skills, including critical thinking, research, and analysis. They will also learn how to construct effective arguments and present their ideas in a clear and concise manner. These skills are invaluable in any field of study, as well as in professional and personal life.
The course is open to students of all majors and backgrounds, regardless of their prior knowledge of American history. It provides an excellent foundation for further study in history or related fields, such as political science, sociology, or anthropology. It is also an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing careers in fields such as law, journalism, or public service.
In conclusion, HIS 162LR – US History II is an essential course for any student who wants to gain a deeper understanding of American history and its impact on the world. It covers a broad range of topics and themes, providing students with a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the United States. Whether you are a history major or simply interested in exploring the complexities of American history, this course is an excellent choice.