ERA 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
America: Experiment or Destiny, by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
Guiding Questions
Does the United States have a mission to expand freedom and democracy?
What motivates America’s desire for global intervention?
Is the “Calvinist ideal” antithetical to democratic principles?
Focus Question: To what extent does the “vision” of the Founders influence contemporary American society?
Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze
Teacher-to-Teacher
This is a somewhat lengthy and difficult piece. I recommend it for AP courses only. As it refers to most of United States history, it should be introduced near the end of the course. The foundation for this unit is dependent upon students having a clear sense of the distinction between "experiment" and "destiny." Hence, a limited excursion into the realm of philosophy and how much control humanity really possesses is essential. Washington’s quote referring to both “destiny” and “experiment” should be considered as the basis for an analytical/interpretive essay.
- America: Experiment or Destiny? (June 1977 | Volume: 28, Issue: 4) articles_ah
- Portrait of John Calvin historical_images
- Portrait of Benjamin Franklin historical_images
- Portrait of Alexander Hamilton historical_images
- American Progress by John Gast historical_documents
- Harriet Beecher Stowe- Short Biography historical_documents
- "City Upon a Hill" Speech historical_documents