Lecture Topics

To view the lectures, right click on the links below, save the files, and then open them with Adobe Acrobat Reader [free download here]. Other links may be followed by clicking on them.

Topic One: Two Worlds Collide
The first quarter of this course examines 1) human evolution and migration; 2) the development of two hemispheric worlds around 10,000 years ago; 3) the development of Amerindian cultures in the Americas; 4) the development of European cultures in Eurasia; 5) the contact experience; 6) the establishment of the Spanish colonial system in the Americas; 7) the English delay in coloniazation between 1497 and 1558.

I. The Creation of Two Worlds [pdf]

A. Supplemental Links: First Americans Debate

B. Supplemental Map on the First American Debate

II. The Amerindian World [pdf]

III. The European World on the Eve of Contact and
The Age of Exploration and Contact [pdf]

A. Columbus Through First Contact

B. Columbus: Hero or Villan

IV. The Spanish Colonial System [pdf]

A. Supplemental Links: Spanish Colonial World

B. Controversial Atlantic Slave Numbers [pdf]

V. The English Delay, 1497-1558 [pdf]

Topic Two: British Colonial America
The second quarter of this course examines the British colonial system in North America. Instead of covering every one of the thirteen colonies, we will examine the three dominant colonies -- Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania -- in detail. Virginia will be our representative for the Southern colonies; Massachusetts will be our representative for the New England colonies; and, Pennsylvania will be our representative for the middle colonies. On your exam, you will be asked to compare and contrast these three colonial types.

I. British Colonial Stirrings [pdf]

II. Virginia Settlement, 1607-24 [pdf]

III. Virginia Development, 1642-1750 [pdf]

IV. Massachusetts Settlement, 1629-1640 [pdf]

V. Massachusetts Development, 1640-1750 [pdf]

VI. Pennsylvania Settlement, 1681-1690 [pdf]

VII. Pennsylvania Development, 1690-1750 [pdf]

VIII. British North America in 1750 [pdf]

Topic Three: The American Revolutionary Era, 1763-1789
The third quarter of this course covers the cause, course, and outcome of the American Revolution. We will pay special attention to the early "conservative" arguments made by the colonials. Then, we will cover in detail the natural rights/social contract philosophy on which the Declaration of Independence rests. In addition, we will cover the Revolutionary War, the Confederation Era, and the period of Shay's Rebellion. Finally, we will examine the creation of the American Constitution and the early workings of the new republican government in America.

I. British Colonial Theory and Practice [pdf]

II. New British Measures & the Conservative Colonial Stance [pdf] [outline]

A. Stamp Act & Virtual Representation [here]

B. Townshend Duties & John Dickinson [here]

III. The Radical Revolution [pdf]

IV. The War of Independence [pdf]

A. Weapons and Tactics [pdf]

B. Movie Review: The Patriot [here]

C. Military Actions During the War [here]

D. Battles of the American Revolution [here]

E. More on Weapons of the Revolution [here]

V. The Confederation Period [pdf]

VI. The Philadelphia Convention and U.S. Constitution [pdf]

VII. The Battle over Ratification [pdf]