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Academic Seminars

Young America and the Transformation of the Democratic Party, 1828-1861

Yonatan Eyal

Friday, October 5, 2007, at 4:30 p.m.
Elmarion Room, Goddard-Daniels House
190 Salisbury Street, Worcester, Massachusetts

PRÉCIS: This seminar will examine the unique role played by a cultural and political movement known as "Young America," which arose within the U.S. Democratic party during the 1840s and 1850s. It argues that members of this group changed what it meant to be a Democrat. They moved the party toward new economic thinking, greater engagement with the world, a more active reform attitude, and a new view of the U.S. Constitution, thus playing a role in the coming of the American Civil War. Young America is traditionally examined in terms of its impact in literature and culture, but rarely in terms of its political thought. The paper will also address the author's new research interests related to the political manifestations of romanticism in nineteenth-century America.

Refreshments will be provided during the discussion of the paper.

If you plan on attending, please RSVP to Ann-Cathrine Rapp at 508-471-2135 or arapp[at]mwa.org.