“Slavery, slavery, slavery”

   “Slavery, slavery, slavery” is repeated in the majority of lectures in this course. We accept as students of history that the cause of the U.S. Civil War was slavery, but why is the central cause and theme of that monumental conflict which killed over 700,000 Americans minimalized? Why is slavery taught almost as an afterthought by most teachers? Using your understanding of historical retelling and “the purpose of the past,” offer a thoughtful reflection on the use or omission of history and how this and other historic events shape American identity and culture.  Jolted by the raid by John Brown on Harpers Ferry, the South became convinced that its entire way of life, based on slave labor was irretrievably threatened by the election to the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Was Lincoln’s opposition to spread of slavery into the Western territories the prime motivation for Southern politicians to support secession and establishment of the Confederate States of America? In a careful examination of the events and politicians of the time (1859-1861) explain the cause of the U.S. Civil War.  The Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson is our nation’s founding text. It has been referenced as one of the world’s premier statement on justice and citizenship. However, the document and the writer are full of contradictions. Using research and material that offers a specific understanding of the colonial world between 1774 and 1777, examine Jefferson’s understanding of equality and individual liberty. Expand your analysis to include the Sons of Liberty, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin which may offer additional insight to Thomas Jefferson’s task to write the “Declaration of the Causes and Necessity to Taking Up Arms” for the Continental Congress.