History of the USA: Independence to Civil War — DU History Honours Previous Year Question Papers

1. Explain the emergence of the Old Colonial labour systems with particular reference to the indigenous tribes, and the shift that took place towards the alternative indentured and black labour in the making of early colonial society in America. 2. Analyse the causes of the American Revolution based on the shifts in British policy, along with changes that had taken place in American society over a period of time. 3. Trace either the passive resistance shown by the Cherokees or the rebellious approach of the Shawnee against the expansionist designs of the American settlers on their ancestral lands. (Write only on one) 4. Examine the causes of the War of 1812 from the perspective of whether it was a war of necessity. 5. Analyse the phrase "Manifest Destiny". What factors were most important in drawing Americans to the West? 6. Evaluate the profitability and the efficiency of slavery that made it into an entrenched institution of the southern states of America 7. Examine the different forms of resistance and rebellion initiated by the enslaved blacks against the institution of Chattel slavery to overcome their physical and mental abuse, and enslaved women who faced sexual abuse and separation of family members. 8. Discuss the causes of the American Civil War from the perspective of the economics of slavery and the political control of that system that led to the conflict.