The Cataclysm of the Union investigates the meaning of the Civil War era, a signal event in both American and world history. Using primary source material, the multifaceted questions regarding this period will be explored: What caused the war? Is secession constitutional? What was Lincoln’s view on Slavery? What was the rationale for the Emancipation Proclamation? Did Lincoln violate the constitution as a wartime president? Did reconstruction fail? (3 credit hours)
