History 397WE - ST-War & New England 1600-1848

During the American Revolution, New Englanders dominated the American army and privateers, but New England's reputation as a military center rapidly declined thereafter. By 1820 Andrew Jackson was the chief military hero and Massachusetts began building the Bunker Hill Monument to remember the past glory. This course studies the origins, development, and decline of the New England settler military in frequent battle with Indian, French, Mexican, and British antagonists on land and sea. Emphasis will be on the strategies, tactics, and economic/political/ military organization of New Englanders and their opponents? violence in context of European developments. Less a study of battles than of war and society. Gender roles, political economy, and youth will be emphasized. Note: The Civil War will not be studied (it is a subject unto itself).

Open to Seniors, Juniors & Sophomores only. Four or five paperbacks will be read and three to four papers (one optional) will be assigned.