This survey course introduces students to major events, topics, themes, and approaches in modern American history. Tracing the evolution of U.S. political, cultural, and social institutions from the conclusion of Reconstruction in 1877 to the unleashing of the War on Terror, this course focuses on (1) the uneven and contradictory transformations wrought by the development of modern American capitalism; (2) the freedom struggles waged by groups structurally subordinate on account of race, social class, gender inequalities, sexuality, ability, and citizenship; (3) the country’s shifting position in the world, in particular its relations with decolonizing and anti-imperialist states and movements, and the connections between its domestic and foreign realms. By the end of this course, students should also be able to develop historically informed frameworks for understanding the U.S. today and hone the skills for conducting historical research and analysis.