REQUIRED TEXT:

A History of the American People (Paul Johnson)

Johnson's History of the American People is not a conventional textbook. There are no maps and no illustrations. However, unlike the vast majority of textbooks, it is well written: impressive enough to become a national bestseller. Another advantage is that Johnson, an Englishman, has an interesting "outsider" perspective on American history. His interpretation of American history is well worth considering, and you will find his insights useful as you prepare essays for the midterm and final exams.

Please read all of Part Five for the first midterm and Parts Six and Seven for the second midterm.  Read Part Eight for the final exam.  The page numbers below will help somewhat in showing you what material goes with each of the assigned study questions.  Read the material in Johnson's order, however, NOT in the order suggested below.
    
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES AND READINGS:

Mon.   Introduction (Johnson, pp. xiii-xv)
6/9       The United States of America: The Last, Best, Hope of the World?

Tue.     Politics and the Presidency 1876-1900 (Johnson, pp. 499-507)
6/10     Business and Industry in the Late 19th Century (pp. 532-568)

Wed.    The Labor Movement (pp. 598-601)
6/11     Urbanization and its Results (pp. 569-578)

Thu.     Agriculture in the Late 19th Century
6/12     The Populists (pp. 607-613)

Fri.      American Expansion (pp. 515-531)
6/13     The American Empire (pp. 614-626)

Mon.   ******** MIDTERM I ********
6/16      (Be sure to bring a blue book)


Tue.     The Progressives
6/17      Teddy Roosevelt and the Square Deal

Wed.     Woodrow Wilson (pp. 627-639)
6/18       World War I and its Impact on American Society (pp. 639-654)

Thu.      Harding (pp. 655-656)
6/19      Coolidge (pp. 712-726)

Fri.       The Great Depression (pp. 727-747)
6/20      Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal (pp. 747-767)

Mon.    American Isolation 1919-1941
6/23      America Saves the World (pp. 768-792)

Tue      The Cold War (pp. 792-845)
6/24     The Jelly Donut (pp. 845-869)

Wed.    ******** MIDTERM II ********
6/25    (Be sure to bring a blue book)

Thu.      Lyndon Johnson and the Great Society (pp. 869-887)
6/26      The Civil Rights Movement (pp. 891-897)

Fri.       Not Quite Tricky Enough:
6/27      The Nixon Presidency (pp. 887-904)

Mon.    Why not the Best?
6/30       The Ford anc Carter Administrations (pp. 904-925)

Tue.      The Unfinished Revolution:
7/1        Reagan, Bush, and the Conservative Resurgence (pp. 917-935)
        
Wed.      Taking a Good Look in the Mirror:
7/2          The Clinton and Bush II Presidencies (pp. 935-940)
 
Thu.         *** Final Examination ***
7/3           (Be sure to bring a blue book)

GRADING:

Your grade for this course will be based primarily on two "midterm" exams and a final exam, each of which will count approximately 30% when I determine your final grade.  In addition, I will take into account attendance and participation.

EXAM FORMAT:

Midterm and Final Exams: 8 ID'S, 1 essay
    
ID'S will be selected from the terms put on the board at the beginning of each lecture.  You will be asked not only to identify the terms, but also to explain their historical significance.  I am impressed when students can show how the ID terms relate to important themes discussed in this class.

Essay questions will deal with major themes discussed in the lectures.  Most often, the exam question will be a generalization I have made in class with the additional word, "comment."

A student who studies hard and does the required reading should have plenty to say in response to each of these questions.  You will be given two hours for each exam.  Most students will need the full time to do a good job.

What is a good job?  I tell students over and over again that a good essay consists of a series of good generalizations based on the exam question and backed up with specific support from the lectures and the readings.  I am particularly impressed when students include in their essays references to primary source material.

PLEASE NOTE:  Any student caught cheating in this class at any time (even on a two-point “sign your name” quiz) will receive a failing grade for the course. 

Cheating includes the use of any notes during midterm or final exams.  Please place no marks of any kind on or in your blue book before I give the signal to begin taking the exams. 

It is not cheating to study with another student, to share notes, or to prepare essays or ID's together. However, if you do study with another student, be sure you do not sit next to each other during the exam. 

NSU DISABILITY POLICY:

Northern State University recognizes its responsibility for creating an institutional climate in which students with disabilities can thrive.  If you have any type of disability for which you require accommodations, please contact Karen Gerety at the NSU Office of Disability Services (626-2371, Student Center 217) as soon as possible to discuss your particular needs.

BOARD OF REGENTS ACADEMIC FREEDOM POLICY:

Under Board of Regents and University policy student academic performance may be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Students who believe that an academic evaluation reflects prejudiced or capricious consideration of student opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards should contact the academic dean administratively in charge of the class to initiate a review of the evaluation 

MIDTERM I--STUDY GUIDE

POTENTIAL ID’S:

ANDERSONVILLE, SHERMAN, RECONSTRUCTION, KU KLUX CLAN, CARPETBAGGERS AND SCALAWAGS, ANDREW JOHNSON, 14th AMENDMENT, ULYSSES S.GRANT

STALWARTS, (ROSCOE CONKLING), (JAMES G. BLAINE), HAYES, COMPROMISE OF 1877, GARFIELD, ARTHUR, MUGWUMPS, PENDLETON ACT, CLEVELAND

CREDIT MOBILIER, (ERIE WAR), CARNEGIE, J.P. MORGAN, ROCKEFELLER, KNIGHTS OF LABOR, (HAYMARKET RIOT), (A.F.L), (HOMESTEAD STRIKE), PULLMAN RIOTS, (EUGENE DEBS), SHERMAN ANTITRUST ACT

BOSS TWEED, SALVATION ARMY, (D. L. MOODY), WCTU, THOMAS NAST, GRANGE, BRYAN, POPULISTS, OMAHA CONVENTION, (COXEY'S ARMY), CLEVELAND, MCKINLEY, MARK HANNA

CRAZY HORSE, RED CLOUD’S WAR, WOUNDED KNEE, TIMBER AND STONE ACT, THE MAINE, SPANISH AMERICAN WAR, HEARST, PLATT AMENDMENT

POTENTIAL ESSAY QUESTIONS:

1.  The Civil War came close to destroying the framework of government set up by our founding fathers.  Even in 1877, America had not fully recovered from the Civil War, and the continuation of republican government, something we take for granted, was probably not as certain as it seems to us in retrospect.  Comment.

2.  The presidential campaigns of the last quarter of the 19th century were characterized, not only by mudslinging, but by violence, corruption, and outright fraud.  In view of this, it is not surprising that the men elected to the presidency during this period were seldom great leaders.  It is perhaps more surprising that these men were as statesmanlike as they were.  Comment.

3.  The late 19th century was a time of phenomenal growth in business and industry.  Along with this growth came all the problems typically associated with industrialization.  Both the blessings and the problems or industrialization are often attributed to the "free enterprise" system, a system where government maintains a laissez-faire attitude toward business and economics.  But it is doubtful if the economic system of the late 19th century can truly be characterized as one of "free enterprise."  Comment.

4.  Both city dwellers and farmers struggled with enormous problems as America transformed itself into an urban society in the 19th century.  There were, however, many attempts at reform--some fairly successful, others rather disappointing.  Comment.

5.  The growth of the United States during its history has been phenomenal.  In some ways, this is good.  Expansion and growth are signs of a healthy, confident society.  But the tendency of the U.S. to expand its geographical boundaries has from time to time had its negative aspects as well.  Both positive and negative aspects of the U.S. tendency to expansion are evident in the 1865-1900 period.  Comment.
 
   
MIDTERM II--STUDY GUIDE

POTENTIAL ID'S:

BRYAN, MCKINLEY, THEODORE ROOSEVELT, SQUARE DEAL, PANAMA CANAL, TAFT, LA FOLLETTE, BULL MOOSE PARTY, WILSON, FOURTEEN POINTS, LEAGUE OF NATIONS, GEORGE CREEL, AMENDMENT XIX, AMENDMENT XVIII

PROHIBITION, HARDING, COOLIDGE, SACCO AND VANZETTI, SCOPES TRIAL, BRYAN, ANDREW MELLON, HOOVER

FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT, NEW DEAL, FIRESIDE CHATS, FDIC, SEC, CCC, NATIONAL RECOVERY ACT, AGRICULTURAL ADJUSTMENT ACT, FHA

NYE COMMISSION, NEUTRALITY ACTS, LEND-LEASE, STALIN, PEARL HARBOR, NORMANDY INVASION, HIROSHIMA, YALTA, POTSDAM

YALTA, POTSDAM, TRUMAN, MARSHALL PLAN, MACARTHUR, KOREAN WAR, COLD WAR, EISENHOWER, MCCARTHY, DIEM, CASTRO, SPUTNIK, JOE KENNEDY, JACK KENNEDY, NEW FRONTIER, ROBERT S. MCNAMARA, BERLIN CRISIS, CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS, BAY OF PIGS

POTENTIAL ESSAY QUESTIONS:

1.  In the early years of the 20th century, crusaders of various types took on all of the many evils plaguing American society-- crime, disease, corruption, poverty, ignorance, and injustice--and won!  At least, sort of.  Comment.

2.  While there is a general consensus on which figures and events of the 1920's and 1930's are particularly important, there are major differences in interpreting just about every one of these figures and events.  Comment.

3.  Franklin D. Roosevelt promised the American people a "new deal," and he gave them just that.  Roosevelt's presidency saw many fundamental changes in the American political system.  These changes made Roosevelt a hero to many, and Roosevelt is one of the most loved presidents in American history--with good reason.  But many would argue that Roosevelt's "New Deal" was a raw deal, and Roosevelt also has the distinction of being one of the most hated of American presidents--with good reason!  Comment.

4. During the period after World War I, Americans tended to regard that war as a great mistake, and they were determined not to make such a mistake again.  America’s refusal to get involved in foreign conflicts made it seem like the country would forever be a pacifist, isolationist, and even cowardly nation.  World War II showed that this was not quite the case. Comment.
 
5. During the years that followed World War II, America reluctantly accepted its responsibilities as a major player in world affairs.  Despite sometimes disappointing leadership and more than a few major blunders, the country was still moderately successful in leading the free world through the difficult years of what is often called the Cold War. Comment.

FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE

POTENTIAL ID'S:

LYNDON JOHNSON, THE GREAT SOCIETY, BARRY GOLDWATER, WAR ON POVERTY, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTS OF 1964 AND 1965, BROWN VS. BOARD OF EDUCATION, MARTIN LUTHER KING, BLACK PANTHERS, ELDRIDGE CLEAVER, ELIJAH MUHAMMAD, MALCOLM X, GULF OF TONKIN RESOLUTIONS, TET OFFENSIVE

RICHARD NIXON, CHECKERS SPEECH, AGNEW, (EUGENE MCCARTHY), (BOBBY KENNEDY), GEORGE WALLACE, GEORGE MCGOVERN, WATERGATE

GERALD FORD, WIN!, SALT, DETENTE, KHMER ROUGE, OPEC, JIMMY CARTER, BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIANS, HELSINKI ACCORDS

RONALD REAGAN, SDI, IRAN-CONTRA, ROBERT BORK, (TED KENNEDY), SUPPLY SIDE ECONOMICS, AIDS, GEORGE BUSH, "READ MY LIPS," (DAN QUAYLE), GULF WAR

BILL CLINTON, WHITEWATER, HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, KOSOVO, CONTRACT WITH AMERICA, (CHINAGATE), PARDONGATE, GEORGE W. BUSH, (BUSH V. GORE), (JOHN KERRY), WAR ON TERROR

POTENTIAL ESSAY QUESTIONS:

1.  Lyndon Johnson did everything in his power to turn America into a "Great Society."  Unfortunately, his well-intended programs did little to alleviate the problems American society faced, and may actually have increased the turmoil of the 1960's.  Comment.

2.  Richard Nixon was an exceptionally competent president and no more immoral than any other president of the last sixty years. He was often a true statesman, putting the good of his country far above personal advantage.   Nixon was also a clever politician, as his nickname "Tricky Dick" suggests.  But Nixon was not quite clever enough, not quite tricky enough to overcome the hostility of his political enemies.  Comment.

3.  While Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter were both decent men, neither of them was an exceptionally great leader. Neither of them seemed to have a clear vision of what America should be, nor did either succeed in keeping their promises to the American people.  Comment.

4.  Ronald Reagan and George Bush put together a new political coalition, a coalition which enabled them to reverse some of the damage done to America by 20 years of liberal social and economic policies.  However, despite the many successes of Reagan and Bush, the two men left their "conservative revolution" far from complete.  Comment.

5.  No matter what one thinks of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush as statesmen, it is clear that both of them are great politicians--and illustrations of the general rule that nations get the leaders they deserve. Comment.