Course Description

Instructor: Wendy Venet

This course considers significant changes in America from 1800-1900 that transformed our country politically, economically, and socially.  Themes include the evolution of the political party system, the growth in power and prestige of the presidency, the development of the market economy, the impact of wars, and major social changes that led to a more pluralistic society.  Each class will be framed chronologically around four major turning points which show the development of the nation we know today.   

Bio: Wendy Venet is Professor Emerita of Nineteenth Century U.S. History, Georgia State University. She is the author, editor, or co-editor of eight books. In 2004-2005 she served on the advisory board of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library which opened to the public in Springfield, Illinois in 2005.