The main content of the course is an introduction to a number of fundamental issues in the history of the United States and the Latin American countries from circa 1770 to circa 1930. Among the topics addressed in relation to the USA are the War of Independence, the struggle for the American constitution and the development of political institutions, the nation’s geographic expansion in the 19th century, immigration, the conflicts between pioneers and Native Americans, slavery and the conflict between the North and the South, culminating in the American Civil War (1861-65), the reconstruction of the Union, industrialization and its social consequences, the “Progressive Era” with its social and political reforms, the USA’s relations with the great powers of Europe and its Latin American neighbours, including the significance of World War I for American society.

In relation to Latin America, the topics covered include the struggles for independence and the creation of nation states, popular movements and the creation of national identity, monoculture, export culture and neo-colonialism, immigration and relations between the Indian populations and the new states. The Mexican Revolution is also dealt with, among other political processes. The course also draws attention to the relations between the USA and the Latin American countries, including the Monroe Doctrine (1823), the Mexican-American War, and the Spanish-American War.

As part of the course, a general introduction is given to the concept of ‘America’ as a hemisphere (‘The/Las Americas’) seen in a current and historical perspective that takes its point of departure in topics such as ‘Indian culture’, the encounter between Europe and the New World, slavery and ‘Afro-America’, inter-American relations, American identities, etc.

See semester plan.