Visions of 19th Century America: Finding overview in depth and coherence in complexity

Nineteenth Century America is an extremely complex period for students to understand. Whilst the American West and the Civil War have been GCSE and A Level staples for a long time, both have always taken quite a narrow look at the United States. This session aims to explore ways of ensuring that GCSE students can understand C19th America as an
unfolding narrative without sacrificing the human stories which make this such a fascinating period of history. The session will also explore how helping students to appreciate the complexity of C19th American mentalities actually enables them to see the period more coherently. There will be a particular focus on getting students to understand the slavery, the American Civil War and Reconstruction in these terms. Plenty of resources and practical strategies will be on offer.