Civil War Prelude: A House Divided (1850-1861)
The turbulent 1850s witnessed escalating tensions over slavery, states' rights, and expansion, ultimately setting the stage for America's devastating conflict.
The turbulent 1850s witnessed escalating tensions over slavery, states' rights, and expansion, ultimately setting the stage for America's devastating conflict.
This introductory course examines the political and social history of the United States from 1850 to 1861, focusing on the events and issues that led to the Civil War. It covers the role of slavery in the national economy, the political crisis over slavery expansion, and key events such as the Dred Scott decision and John Brown's raid. The course also explores how historians have interpreted this pivotal era.
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What you'll learn
Understand the political and social landscape of 1850s America
Analyze slavery's role in the southern and national economies
Examine how slavery expansion dominated national politics
Explore key events like Bleeding Kansas and the Dred Scott decision
Understand Lincoln's rise to national prominence
Analyze the failure of political leaders to resolve the growing crisis
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
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Limited Access access
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There are 10 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive examination of the crucial decade leading up to the American Civil War, from 1850 to 1861. It explores the political, social, and economic factors that contributed to the growing crisis in the United States. Key topics include the role of slavery in the southern and national economies, the political struggle over slavery expansion, the rise of the Republican Party, and the emergence of Abraham Lincoln as a national figure. The course covers pivotal events such as Bleeding Kansas, the Dred Scott decision, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry. It also examines how generations of historians have interpreted this critical period in American history. Students will engage with primary sources from Columbia's Rare Book and Manuscript Library, developing skills in historical analysis.
Setting the Stage
Module 1
American Slavery
Module 2
Historians and the Coming of the Civil War
Module 3
Territorial Expansion and Sectional Conflict
Module 4
Immigration and Nativism
Module 5
Rise of the Republican Party
Module 6
The Buchanan Administration
Module 7
The Emergence of Lincoln
Module 8
The Gathering Storm
Module 9
The Secession Crisis
Module 10
Fee Structure
Instructors
6 Courses
Preeminent Historian of American Civil War and Reconstruction Era
Eric Foner, the DeWitt Clinton Professor of History at Columbia University, is one of the most distinguished historians in the United States. His research focuses on the intersections of intellectual, political, and social history, particularly American race relations, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era. Foner's prolific career includes authoring over twenty books, with notable works such as "Gateway To Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad" (2015) and the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery" (2010). As the only person to serve as president of all three major professional historical organizations in his field, Foner's influence extends beyond academia. He is renowned for his public engagement, including curating historical exhibitions and frequent media appearances. At Columbia, Foner teaches a comprehensive series on the Civil War and Reconstruction, sharing his expertise with students and the public alike. His work has significantly shaped modern understanding of 19th century American history, cementing his status as a leading authority on this crucial period in U.S. history.
6 Courses
Graduate Student and Writer on American History and Politics
Tim Shenk is a graduate student in history at Columbia University, bringing a fresh perspective to the study of American history and politics. His academic pursuits are complemented by his work as a writer, with publications in notable outlets such as The Nation, Dissent, and Jacobin. Shenk's scholarly interests are evident in his authorship of "Maurice Dobb: Political Economist," demonstrating his engagement with economic history and political thought. At Columbia, he contributes to the instruction of a comprehensive series on the Civil War and Reconstruction era, including courses on the pivotal periods of 1850-1861, 1861-1865, and 1865-1890. This involvement in teaching underscores his developing expertise in 19th-century American history, particularly the tumultuous Civil War and Reconstruction periods. Shenk's combination of academic study, published writing, and teaching experience positions him as an emerging voice in the field of American historical scholarship.
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4.9 course rating
17 ratings
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