OSHER 367 - Creation of the American Republic

"The Past is Prologue." Never has that inscription on the National Archives building had more relevance. After nearly 250 years, the values and visions that led to the creation of our country remain vital to understanding the pressing issues of today--individual liberties, equality, race, citizenship, states' rights, governmental procedures and powers, and even the meaning of America. This course will examine in depth the American Revolutionary era, 1763-1789, a tumultuous time in which a remarkable generation would forever change the course of history, first by declaring independence and then with the Constitution of 1787, creating the first democratic republic in modern history. A plethora of illustrations accompanying lectures will enable students to "see" historical events and people, and "relive" history by reading contemporary documents that convey what people of the time actually said about the events of the day.