Americans had many different ideas about what the United States might become after slavery ended. Politicians, intellectuals, freed slaves, and former rebels all understood that the settlement of the Western frontier would figure prominently in any plans. Politicians struggled to lead while balancing the desires of their constituents. Intellectuals tried to make sense of the demands of a rapidly modernizing world of scientific, ecological, and political change. The settling of half a continent figured prominently in the challenges of some of the most crucial decades in American history. Successes came simultaneously with failures. The West was never wilder as the American system strained under threats from modernity, expansion, reconstruction, scientific racism, progressivism, and populism.

This program will be conducted as a discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings, and with Dr. Stephen Tootle facilitating the conversation, instead of lecturing or presenting. Registrants, therefore, are highly encouraged to read all the documents in advance and come ready with questions. Teachers will receive a Letter of Attendance at the conclusion of the seminar.