Introduction to American History

History Terminology

• Historiography – the study of how history is written and researched

• Political history – history told as the story of a developing nation

• Cultural/social history – history told through the experiences of women and other minority groups

• Economic history – history told as the story of buying and selling goods

Types of Historical Study

• Global/transnational history – history of a specific nation within the context of broader world events and themes

• Feminist/gender theory – a framework for exploring the experiences of women throughout history; applies across geographic boundaries with cultural interpretations

• Cross-cultural – the exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases when differing cultures interact

Why Study History?

• History is the story of human beings; shows patterns and concepts that are “universal”

• History explains the way one culture interacts with another culture, and the consequences and benefits of that exchange

• History demonstrates how every day work, family, life, and customs have changed over time

What is DifferentAbout U.S. History?

• America is considered an “experiment” in history

• Development of a strong world power within a short time period (200+ years)

• Nation built on the history and traditions of other cultures from around the world

• America’s story is one of conflict and struggle; society built on violence and revolution

Recommended Readings

• A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn

• Don’t Know Much About History: Everything You Need to Know About American History but Never Learned by Kenneth C. Davis

• Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen