The Civil War and Reconstruction 1861–1865: A New Birth of Freedom
Learn about the political, social, and economic changes in the Union and the Confederacy and the Civil War’s long-term economic and intellectual impact.
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Course Description
Explore the political, social, and economic changes that unfolded during the Civil War, focusing on non-military aspects.
Analyze key topics such as the road to emancipation, the role of black soldiers, the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, internal dissent, changing women's position, and the war's long-term impact on the economy and intellectual thought.
Develop a nuanced understanding of the Civil War era, examining questions of power, citizenship, freedom, and equality.
Engage with the politics of history, critically evaluating historical interpretations and their relation to the present social order.
This is the second of three courses in the The Civil War and Reconstruction series:
- The Civil War and Reconstruction 1850–1861: A House Divided
The Civil War and Reconstruction 1861–1865: A New Birth of Freedom
- The Civil War and Reconstruction 1865–1890: The Unfinished Revolution
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the American Civil War, encompassing both individual engagements and the broader nature of the military conflict.
Explore the political, social, and economic changes that transpired in the Union and the Confederacy, including the path to emancipation and the contributions of black soldiers.
Analyze the leadership of Abraham Lincoln during the war and the presence of internal dissent in both Northern and Southern societies.
Examine the evolving roles and positions of women within the context of the Civil War, as well as the long-term economic and intellectual impact of the conflict.
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to the Civil War
Module 2: The first year of the war
Module 3: The coming of emancipation
Module 4: The Black soldier
Module 5: The confederacy
Module 6: The impact of the Civil War
Module 7: Toward Union victory
Module 8: Beginnings of reconstruction and the end of the war
Instructors
Eric Foner is a prominent historian and DeWitt Clinton Professor of History at Columbia University. He has served as president of the American Historical Association, Organization of American Historians, and Society of American Historians. Foner's focus is on the intersections of intellectual, political, social history, and American race relations. He has authored or edited over twenty books, including The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery, which was awarded the Bancroft Prize, Pulitzer Prize for History, and The Lincoln Prize. Foner's most recent book, Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad, is widely available. Foner has also been recognized for his outstanding teaching, receiving the Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching from Columbia University. As a co-curator of two award-winning historical exhibitions and through frequent appearances in various media, he aims to bring historical knowledge to a broad public.
Please note that there are no instructors or course assistants actively monitoring this course.