Slavery, Antebellum Politics, and Westward Expansion, Part Two

Description

Professor Lucas E. Morel examines the interrelationship of political decisions and pressures, westward expansion, and the issue of slavery in the antebellum U.S. and how these forces combined to lead to the Civil War. This lecture continues from the lecture "Slavery, Antebellum Politics, and Westward Expansion, Part One."

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session five, and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Slavery, Antebellum Politics, and Westward Expansion, Part One

Description

Professor Lucas E. Morel examines the interrelationship of political decisions and pressures, westward expansion, and the issue of slavery in the antebellum U.S. and how these forces combined to lead to the Civil War.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session four, and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

What the President was Supposed to Be and What He Has Become

Description

Professors John Moser and David Tucker discuss the development of the presidency as an institution in the United States, looking at the intentions of the Founding Fathers in creating the institution and what it has evolved into over time.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session nine, and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Presidential Greatness

Description

Professor Sidney Milkis talks about what U.S. citizens have historically considered "greatness" in presidents, and their desire to be led by such "great" figures. Milkis asks what qualities define this "greatness."

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesday, June 19th, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm session; and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Power: Andrew Jackson

Description

Professor David Tucker examines the presidency of Andrew Jackson and his image as a powerful, forceful president. Tucker looks at Jackson's veto of the Bank Bill; and examines the general perception of presidents—why they are perceived as they are, and what qualities are seen as representative of good "character" in a president.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session 5, and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of the text.

A Library for California

Description

This lecture follows the history of the Bancroft Library, the leading research library for California and Western American history. It details Hubert Howe Bancroft's collection of historical materials, starting in 1859; continues with Bancroft's sale of the collection to the University of California in 1905; and then follows the library's development and leadership to 2005.

To listen to this lecture, scroll down to "A Library for California," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

Like America Only More So: The Origins and Power of California's Image

Description

This lecture provides a narrative account of the rapid migration to and development of California during the Gold Rush years, from 1849 through 1884. It describes the wild scramble for profit, exploitation of resources, and relative lawlessness during the early years, while also emphasizing the role of farmers in the Gold Rush—first as supporters of the miners, and then in conflict with the miners.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to "Like America Only More So: The Origins and Power of California's Image," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

The California Mission as Symbol and Myth

Description

An overview of the history of Catholic missions in California, from their establishment during imperial Spain's colonization of the region through the push for their restoration and preservation in the 1800s. The presentation places an emphasis on the changing role and popular perceptions of the missions and on their effects on Native American populations.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to "The California Mission as Symbol and Myth," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

National Archives and Records Administration: Great Lakes Region [IL]

Description

If you happen to be looking for federal primary sources from Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, or Illinois, a good spot to check is the Chicago office of the National Archives and Records Administration. Records available include bankruptcy records, Chinese Exclusion case files from Chicago and St. Paul, Michigan and Illinois Selective Service System Name Index records, and naturalization records. Other topics represented in the collections include, but aren't limited to, African American history, Depression era history, disasters, espionage, and maritime history.

Consider looking through the site's finding aids to get a sense of the collections available on location.

When visiting, be ready with an official photo ID and willingness to fill out a short form concerning your interests. Leave your pens behind (pencils are permitted), and prepare to leave your belongings in a locker or in your car.

Looking for more directed opportunities? Check out the archives' upcoming events. If you teach in Illinois or Indiana, you may even be eligible for continuing education credit.

Just for Students and Educators

In addition to the aforementioned public programs, there are workshops designed specifically for teachers. Find them (and more opportunities) under the Workshops heading.

Archivists are ready and willing to help your students define their research topics and select appropriate primary sources, for National History Day projects or other endeavors.

National Archives and Records Administration: Rocky Mountain Region [CO]

Description

The National Archives and Records Administration: Rocky Mountain Region offers access to federal photographs, paper documents, architectural drawings, and maps created in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana between 1847 and the 1990s, as well as to archival materials from North and South Dakota created after 1972. Topics represented include homesteading, Indian agencies, reclamation projects, mining, naturalizations, the World War II homefront, territorial court records, railroads, bankruptcy, genealogy, and national parks, among others.

With so many topics, how can you find what you need? Luckily, the region offers a list of online finding guides, specific to their holdings.

In addition, the region offers tours of the facilities, presentations of their holdings and services to students, and internship opportunities. Tours and presentations require appointments, and presentations can be made at the Lakewood, Colorado, facility or elsewhere. Availability of presentations made anywhere other than the main facility is subject to travel budget considerations.

Just for Students and Educators

NARA's Rocky Mountain Region branch is dedicated to providing professional development opportunities for educators. With advance notice, the archives provides three workshops—"Using Online Resources of the National Archives," "Hands-On History: Incorporating Primary Sources in the Classroom," and "Finding Primary Source Documents at the Rocky Mountain Regional Archives." All workshops are free. However, off-site workshops outside of the Denver metro area may require payment of travel and expense fees.

Archivists are also available to assist in student research for National History Day projects and other undertakings.

Online Resources

The archives is currently creating primary source document lessons for each of its constituent states. Each lesson includes one or more primary sources, background information on the source, suggested teaching activities, and a description of the document's relationship to national and state standards. Lessons are available in CD and .PDF formats.

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