History 237 - War/Violence in Early N. Amer.

What are the origins of violence? What counts as violence: outright bloodshed, or more subtle forms of coercion and domination as well? This course extends the definition of violence beyond conventional military engagements, and discusses 'Indian War' captivities, Native slavery, ritual torture, persecution of Quakers and witches, and the mass-scale deaths and dislocations caused by the transatlantic slave trade. The course concludes with the American Revolution and moral arguments for the just use of force, and an assessment of the complexities of waging peace.