Few forces shaped the social, political, and economic development of the United States more than race-based slavery. In this course, we will examine the origins, rise, and social/economic impact of what was once known as America’s “peculiar institution,” analyze the process whereby slavery in America came to be based on race, detail what the institution of slavery looked like day to day for the slaves who endured it, and trace the impact of the abolitionist movement. We will also discuss slavery in the Tri-States, where the institution and the struggle against it was far more central to the national story than many of us here realize. Through our discussions we will see that any attempt to understand American history is incomplete without a detailed and honest discussion of slavery. 

(Part 2, Part 1 is held on October 31st)

$4 admission