Discuss in a 10 – 12 page paper your understanding of American Capitalism based on what you’ve learned in the course, that is, from the lectures, readings, and class discussions.

This course will explore the history of American capitalism from the American Revolution to the early twenty-first century. To provide depth to the overview of American Capitalism, the course will focus on several important chronological periods and topics, including the American Revolution, the emergence of a market economy, slavery, industrialization, managerial capitalism, class structure, modern financial institutions, and the distribution of wealth.

Students at the completion of the course should have a broad understanding of the role of markets in American capitalist development; the nature of the American political economy (the relationship between government and the economy); corporate management; and the influence of class on politics, economics, society, and culture. Overall, the course seeks to provide students with a well-developed understanding of the establishment of American capitalism and how it continues to affect American life now.