131-079 Slavery & Freedom in the USA: 1790-1900

Usually 25 points of first year history, see Prerequisites.

The subject will examine the history of the United States during the 19th century, focusing on the consequences of the existence of slavery in a free society. The subject moves from the institution of slavery itself and the distinctiveness of southern society, to the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the plight of the freed slaves after 1865. Students should develop a knowledge of the consequences of slavery for the north and for the American understanding of freedom; the relationship of slavery to the democratic and republican ideals of the early republic; the institution of slavery; the emergence of the abolitionist movement; and the ways in which other subordinated groups in American society - such as women, or organised labour - also thought of themselves as struggling to make a transition from slavery to freedom. Finally we will examine the relationship of late 19th century understandings of market freedoms to earlier republicanism.

Class participation and written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.