This course will survey the history of the United States from the time the nation struggled to heal from the wounds of fratricidal war, to the closing of the frontier, to the struggle to come to terms with is place in the world community, and finally, to the modern period as the United States continues to wrestle with and define its global mission. Against this larger backdrop we will explore the history of the women and men who struggled daily with the circumstances unique to their color and class, while trying to create better lives for themselves. Readings will include selected primary sources, contemporary historical scholarship, novels, and memoirs. Evaluation will be based on class participation, two short papers (5-7 pages) and a final exam. Group A