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Patrick Henry: Forgotten Founder

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Course Summary

This course, taught by renowned historian and author, Henry Louis Gates Jr., explores the complex history of African-Americans from slavery to the present day.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the history of African-Americans from a renowned expert in the field
Gain a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of slavery and racism on American society
Explore the contributions of African-Americans to American culture and society

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

Historian
- USA: $63,680
- India: ₹3,49,315
- Spain: €22,900
Professor of African-American Studies
- USA: $72,470
- India: ₹6,37,700
- Spain: €42,100
Museum Curator
- USA: $49,850
- India: ₹5,00,000
- Spain: €32,800

Learning Outcomes

Gain a comprehensive understanding of African-American history
Develop critical thinking skills through analysis of historical events
Acquire knowledge and understanding of the impact of slavery and racism on American society

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

No prior knowledge of African-American history is required
Students should be prepared to engage in critical thinking and analysis

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

African-American History: From Emancipation to the Present
The Civil Rights Movement

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Ta-Nehisi Coates
Angela Davis

Related Books

Description

“Give me liberty, or give me death:” Remembering Patrick Henry, the Forgotten Founder

Patrick Henry was enormously popular during the American Revolution. Even Thomas Jefferson, who over time developed a deep loathing of Henry (some would say jealousy), had to admit that “it is not now easy to say what we should have done without Patrick Henry.” Edmund Randolph, a patriot leader in his own right, explained that “It was Patrick Henry … awakening the genius of his country, and binding a band of patriots together to hurl defiance at the tyranny of so formidable a nation as Great Britain.” Yet, today, Patrick Henry is ill-remembered; most Americans might recall at best perhaps a snippet from a famous speech: “give me liberty, or give me death.” The reasons for our historic forgetfulness are several: after the Revolution, Henry chose to oppose ratification of the U.S. Constitution, believing that it created a distant and too-powerful government, and he refused proffered position in George Washington’s administration, diminishing his historic memory. Equally important, Henry died in 1799 shortly after a political campaign in which, at Washington’s behest, he opposed Jefferson’s and James Madison’s ill-advised radical states’ rights attack on the U.S. government, and Jefferson spent the next twenty-six years systematically attacking Henry’s legacy. Patrick Henry, who helped to ignite a revolution, deserves better. This course will explore how he over¬came challenges to reach the pinnacle of Virginia politics and unite Americans behind a challenge to Britain – the eighteenth century’s super-power, why he opposed the U.S. Constitu¬tion, and why he then came out of retirement to defend the people’s Constitution against the attacks of Jefferson and Madison. Participants should evaluate Henry’s role in proclaiming a revolution and consider whether he had an equally important role in saving it. The course should also develop an improved appreciation for the complex political, economic, and religious forces that shaped the early republic. As a biographical course, it also demonstrates how personalities play an important role in even the most foundational national history. Image Attribution: The background image for this webpage is Patrick Henry before the Virginia House of Burgesses by Peter F. Rothermel (1851) with special thanks to the owner, the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation. The painting of Patrick Henry's 1765 "Caesar had his Brutus" speech (discussed in the second lecture) is entirely romanticized -- neither Henry nor the House of Burgesses looked at all like this -- but it does show that hagiography of Henry, almost god-like veneration, began shortly after this death.

Outline

Course Introduction
Course Introduction
Links to Patrick Henry Resources
Patrick Henry's Family Tree

Patrick Henry: Failure and Success
Patrick Henry: Failure and Success
Patrick Henry's Education
The Problem of Slavery
Virginia's Newest Lawyer
The Parson's Cause: Background
The Parson's Cause: "Treason!"
Conclusion: Patrick Henry Failures and Successes
Henry's early life

Revolutionary Henry
Revolutionary Henry
The Stamp Act Resolves: "Treason!"
Successful Lawyer
The Coming of the Revolution
"Give me liberty, or give me death"
Colonel Henry, Governor Henry
Governor Jefferson Flees
Conclusion: Thomas Jefferson versus Patrick Henry
Revolutionary Henry

Constitutional Henry
Constitutional Henry
Post-war Legislator and the Failed Religious Assessment
Governor Henry, Again
The "Critical Period"
Patrick Henry and the Constitutional Convention
Challenges to the Proposed Constitution
Patrick Henry, Anti-Federalist
The Anti-Federalists Challenge the Constitution
The Anti-Federalists' Influence
Loyal Opposition
Conclusion: Constitutional Henry
Constitutional Henry

Patrick Henry Legacy
Patrick Henry Legacy
Retirement: Children, Education, and Land
Religion in Retirement (and the French Revolution)
Virginia's Leading Lawyer
Offers of Political Office
The Politics of the 1790s: France and England
The Alien & Sedition Acts; the Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions
Patrick Henry, Federalist
Henry's Last Speech
Patrick Henry's Death
Historic Memory
Historic Legacy
Patrick Henry Legacy

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the story of King Henry VIII in this engaging and informative course on Coursera. Users have praised the course for its thoroughness and engaging content, making it perfect for history buffs and those interested in the Tudor era. One key aspect that many users thought was good is the course's focus on the lesser-known aspects of Henry's life and reign, providing a more complete understanding of this fascinating historical figure.

Pros from User Reviews

Thorough content that covers all aspects of Henry's life and reign
Engaging and informative lectures that keep users interested
Great for history buffs and those interested in the Tudor era
Provides a more complete understanding of Henry VIII beyond his widely-known reputation

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the pacing to be slow and wished for more concise lectures
May not be suitable for those with little interest in history
Some technical issues reported with the Coursera platform

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Patrick Henry: Forgotten Founder

“Give me liberty, or give me death:” Remembering Patrick Henry, the Forgotten Founder Patrick Henry was enormously popular during the American Revolution....

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