IN PERSON: How did the original colonists come to decide that they could govern themselves without the aid or interference of Great Britain, its king and its parliament? This course traces the development of the British American colonies from their earliest settlements in 1607 to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. We will explore how the colonies evolved politically, economically and socially, and how their relationships with Britain shaped the unique identity that would come to define “America.” Beginning with early European exploration and England’s entry into New World colonization, we’ll examine the challenges settlers faced, the influence of British governance and the ways colonists built new systems of trade, community and self-rule. Each colony’s contributions to emerging ideas of representative government and personal liberty will be discussed, providing insight into how the views in 13 distinct colonies grew into one movement for independence. | Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 25.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
