“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.