Course Description
Economic analysis is combined with historical narrative to explore the evolution of the United States' economy from its agrarian origins to its current status as an industrialized nation. Basic economic reasoning is used to explain the course, sources, and consequences of United States economic change, with particular emphasis on the twentieth century.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
A course project or additional exam will be required of graduate students.
Athena Title
ECN HIST OF US
Prerequisite
ECON 4010
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Economic analysis is combined with historical narrative to explore the evolution of the U.S. economy from its agrarian origins to its current status as an industrialized nation. Basic economic reasoning is used to explain the course, sources, and consequences of U.S. economic change, with particular emphasis on the twentieth century.
Topical Outline
The Interdisciplinary Method of Economic History Agriculture North and South Establishing the Infrastructure: Immigration, Transport, Land Policy, Labor and Property Rights Creating Financial Infrastructure Industrialization Before the Civil War The Civil War and the Emerging American Economy Growth and Expansion: Immigration and Railroads The Rise of Big Business and Populism Banks, Workers, Trade First Appearance of the Regulated Economy: WWI Last Days of Laissez-Faire: The Roaring Twenties Depression and War: Emergencies and the Command Economy The Great Expansion: The U.S. Economy, 1945-present Government and Business Since the Depression Today's Economy in Historical Perspective What's Next for the American Economy? Technology, Globalism and Services
Syllabus