Western Civ. III

Course Description

This course examines the history of the United States from its origins through the Civil War, tracing how Greco-Roman, Judeo-Christian, and English traditions synthesized into a unique American experiment in self-government. Students will explore how foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution enshrined principles of universal human dignity, equality under the law, and limited government. Through the lens of key figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the course investigates the fragile nature of liberty and the deep sectional divisions over slavery and statehood that threatened the Union. Ultimately, students will analyze how the cataclysm of the Civil War served to redeem the republic from its founding contradiction and fulfill its original vision for human freedom.