AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 1763-1787
(HIST 512)
Dr. R. Cray
Dickson Hall room 417
Office Hours:  Wednesday, 11:30-12:30, 4:00-5:00; Friday 7:25-8:25

The American Revolution has been described many ways.  It was a war for independence; it was a revolution to see who would rule at home.  The Revolution witnessed a radical movement surface, and it saw conservative elites reassert their traditional authority.  So how revolutionary was the Revolution?  A simple answer continues to elude us in the twenty-first century.  Indeed, how the Revolution played itself out in the independent states depended on such matters as region, class, and timing - more than one variable was at work.  As such, the Revolution fascinates and puzzles, with historians debating its causes, course, and consequences.  We will try to look at these issues in order to understand better this conflict that delivered an independent republic in a world of monarchies.

Course Books:

Edmund Morgan, The Birth of the Republic.
Robert Gross, The Minutemen and their World.
Woody Holton, Forced Founders.
Jessica Warner, The Incendiary.
Richard Brookhiser, Gentleman Revolutionary..

Since this is a seminar class, we will spend much of our time discussing and arguing about the readings.  As such, you should examine the books closely, note their points, consider their evidence, and assess their overall  arguments.  Do they work in other words?  Or are they pushing certain points too far?  Lectures will occasionally supplement discussion, and I may pass distribute handouts.

There will be a short paper between five and six pages based on class readings and discussions.  In addition, students will write a twelve to fifteen page term paper on an approved topic.  All papers must include primary source material, reprinted or original, and you may not use the Internet for this material.  Be sure to identify a historical question and theme that is worth pursuing - one that merits our attention in other words.  You will present a short oral report and outline on your proposed topic.  Another oral report will follow the completion of your term paper.  Please note that everyone must make copies of their introduction for the class to read.  Failure to comply with class assignments will result in penalties.

Grades:  Short Paper = 40%; Term Paper = 60%.  I will consider class participation and paper presentations as a component of the grade as well.

Class Schedule:

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