The United States The Modern World

The course covers a historical timeframe from the 17th through the 21st centuries. The arrival of the Mayflower at Plymouth in 1620 marks the beginning of this course`s coverage of American history; the signing of the Mayflower compact marked the establishment of self-determining government in northeast America. The European view of "America" clearly began to differ from those of the pilgrims and other settlers, and it culminated in the American revolution of 1776 which established a new geopolitical entity, though there was still no unified concept of the United States of America. The formation of the US was to continue to develop over the next century. The second part of the course emphasizes the empire-building aspects of the US`s history and its role in the modern era. Over a few lectures, American empire building programs will be compared and changes in US strategies and perceptions of their role as an emerging political and military superpower discussed. Also covered in this course are the socioeconomic transformations which were taking place within the US during its rise to prominence in the international arena. Rapid industrialization and the formation and flourishing of cities should be observed and examined in tandem with US development into a global superpower. The impact of US imperialism is not restricted to the political, economic, and military spheres, but also extends to the cultural sphere. The last lecture will bring the subject to the 21st century and explores the US role in the future.