Minorities

While we often define Minorities by color, religion or culture, the best definition involves concepts of power and influence. By definition, minorities lack access to the tools of influence that the majority has. The story of the collective struggle by minority groups to increase their access mirrors the broader study of U.S. History. During our study of Minorities, we will look at three themes:

In looking at historical events thematically, we hope to bridge the gap between the past and the future. The colors, religions and cultures will change. The particulars and patterns of Repression, Resistance and Reform will not.

Chapter 3.2	Chapter 8.2
Define the plantation economy - cash crops and labor	Roots of abolition - Garrison and the Liberator
The slave trade and its origins	Role of Free blacks - Walker and Douglass
Stono Rebellion - The South tightens their grip...why?	Effect of Turner's rebellion on pro-slavery forces
Chapter 9.2	Chapter 7.3
Define and understand Manifest Destiny;	Indian Removal Act was "generous" according to Jackson. Why?
The failures of the Fort Laramie Treaty;	The Cherokee win in court...then Jackson moves them anyway;
The trails that were laid that doomed Native Americans.	The Trail of Tears
Chapter 13.1	Pgs. 264-265
The importance of the Buffalo and massacre at Sand Creek;	Palmyra and the foundations of Mormonism
Gold, Homestead Act spells disaster for N.A.	Joseph Smith and the model town at Nauvoo
Final Chapters: Custer's Last Stand and Wounded Knee	Brigham Young and the Trail of Hope to Utah
Dawes Act, assimilation and the Carlisle Indian School