The Early American Republic,

1787-1848

Dr. Bob Wettemann
Office:  Old Main 207
Office Hours: MW 9:00-10:00, 1:00-2:30; T-Th 10:30-12:00, or by appointment
Phone:  793-3864 or 677-6640 (emergencies only)
Email:  rwettemann@mcm.edu

Course Description:

This course examines the history of the United States from the adoption of the Constitution of 1787 through the Mexican War.  It emphasizes the growth and development of American nationalism, the emergence and evolution of political parties, their institutions and practices, and the major personalities involved with their formation and/or dissolution.  The course also covers issues such as economic growth, reform, expansion, and civil-military relations.

Required Texts:

Risjord, Thomas Jefferson
Hatch, The Democratization of American Christianity
Watson, Liberty and Power
Winders, Mr. Polk’s Army

Articles: (On reserve in the Library)
Wettemann, “A Part or Apart:  The Alleged Isolation of Antebellum U.S. Army Officers,” American Nineteenth Century History 7 (June 2006): 193-217.

Grading Scale:

600 points will be offered throughout the course of the semester.  Grades will be determined as follows:

Exams: 

There will be four exams, three exams worth 100 points administered on 25 September, 20 October and 13 November and a final worth 200 points administered on 11 December at 8:00.  Each exam will be essay format and will cover material gleaned from the lectures and any and all outside readings.  YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BRING A NEW, PRISTINE BLUE BOOK FOR EACH EXAM.  Purchase a blue book in advance of the test date.  The final exam will also include a comprehensive component based upon one of the four subject areas:

1.      Evolution of the political party system.

2.      Evolution and position of U.S. foreign policy.

3.      Growth of American Sectionalism.

4.      Expansionism, and definition of American boundaries.

 Early Republic Film Database: 

On August 30, you are tasked with developing a film database of commercially-produced feature films (not documentaries) that deal with material relating to the content of this course as listed in the Course Content section below.  You will turn this assignment in on Monday, September 4.  For each film, you must list the film title and date of release, principle actors and/or actresses, director, a brief synopsis of the film (3-5 sentences in length).  Up to 50 points may be awarded for this exercise, with points being based upon the number of films on your list, coupled with the number of films unique to your list.  Thus, it is to your advantage to work independently and develop as long and as comprehensive a list as possible. 

Discussion/Participation:

You are expected to attend class and participate in any and all class discussions, exercises and quizzes.  You will be allowed 2 unexcused absences.  For each subsequent absence, you will be assessed a 5 point penalty.  Up to 50 points will be awarded for exceptional attendance and participation in class discussions. 

Weekly Course Content, and Important Dates

28 August:  Introduction, The First Congress – Begin reading Risjord, Jefferson
1 September:  Film Database due at beginning of class
4 September:  Emergence of the First Party System
11 September: The Jeffersonian Revolution
18 September:  Burr, Exploration and the Indians
25 September:  Exam I – Begin reading Hatch, Democratization of American Christianity
27 September:  War of 1812
2 October:  War of 1812/American Society and Culture
9 October:  Rise of American Nationalism/Homecoming
16 October:  Panic of 1819/Missouri Compromise
20 October:  Exam II – Begin reading Watson, Liberty and Power
23 October:  Monroe Doctrine/Economic Nationalism/Internal Improvements
30 October:  Rise of Andrew Jackson
6 November:  Jackson Administration
13 November:  Exam III – Begin reading Winders, Mr. Polk’s Army
15 November:  The Slavery Question
20 November:  Article Discussion/Thanksgiving
27 November:  Martin Van Buren/Reform and the Collapse of the Whig Party
4 December:  Polk and the Mexican War
11 December 8:00 a.m. – Exam IV/Final