Assignment: Tennessee History

1. Name the nine geological units of Tennessee from east to west. What are the three grand divisions and their boundaries? Give the main rivers and/or tributaries that are included in the grand divisions. Where were the Native Americans located in state and what treaties were designed to remove or open up the area for white settlement from pre-statehood to the 19th century?

2. During antebellum (1820-1860), Tennessee's population and economy were explosive. Discuss political, social (religious and cultural), and economic factors that occurred, in Tennessee, during the period. Cite any important revenues, landmarks, and customs. What role did the state play in the reform movement of the time and who were people of interest that made the movement a success or failure? Also, give any intrastate differences that determined the growth or failure of the state during the period.

Consider: Andrew Jackson and the Golden Age of politics
Institutions created as a result of the reform movement
Growth of the state, cotton and slavery

3. Explain why and how slavery was established in Tennessee and discuss what living under slavery was like for Tennessee blacks. Also, discuss the black experience during the Civil War. Were any major strides made by Tennessee blacks and if so by whom and what were they?

Consider: The role of secular religion for Blacks
Institutions created for and by Blacks
Differing mentalities of Blacks in the three Grand Divisions

4. What was Tennessee's role in the Civil War? What factors were exclusive to Tennessee's involvement in the process of the war? Why was Tennessee a prize to both the Union and Confederate states? Discuss any battles that were key to the fall of Tennessee and individuals that were involved in the battles. Was reconstruction a success or failure in Tennessee, why or why not?