AMH 2070 - Florida History

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2008 (400)

Course Description

This course outlines chronologically the economic, social, geographic and political background of Florida from the time of discovery through settlement, colonization and statehood. Florida's role in the Civil War and Reconstruction Period is reviewed and the state's agricultural development into the 20th century is described. Current issues including the impact of urbanization, tourism, and industrialization are emphasized.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will understand the major events of Florida's history during the Indian and European Colonial periods by:
    1. listing the anthropological evidence of early cultures.
    2. identifying the various Indian tribes which lived in Florida.
    3. describing the cultural variations among the Indian tribes.
    4. summarizing the impact of Spanish exploration and settlement on Florida and its inhabitants.
    5. outlining the numerous wars between contending European colonial powers in Florida.
    6. describing the impact of the English annexation of Florida.
    7. recognizing the contributions of the pre-statehood peoples to the development of Florida.
  2. The student will understand Florida history during the period from U.S. territorial status through statehood by:
    1. identifying problem areas for Florida including the immigration of white people and their effect on the Indian and Black populations.
    2. summarizing the impact of the War of 1812 on Florida.
    3. interpreting the territorial experience including:
      1. Andrew Jackson's influence
      2. growth and development as a territory
      3. the Seminole Wars
      4. the impact of Jackson's proteges who remained in Florida
      5. the benefits and drawbacks of admitting Florida into the Union;
    4. examining entry into the Union including:
      1. the politics of the admission process for Florida
      2. the major personalities who played a role in Florida's admission to the Union;
    5. summarizing Florida's early years of statehood including:
      1. economic, political and social aspects of Ante-Bellum Florida
      2. the role of Blacks and Indians
      3. culture, education and the arts.
  3. The student will understand the events which preceded Florida's entry into the Confederacy, its role in the War Between the States, and the effects of Reconstruction by:
    1. outlining the arguments for and against Florida's entry into the Confederacy.
    2. explaining Florida's role during the War.
    3. describing the impact of the War on Florida.
    4. summarizing the Reconstruction period including:
      1. the Freedman's Bureau and Black Codes
      2. Radical Reconstruction and Republican rule
      3. the election of 1876.
    5. explaining the impact of the railroad boom on Florida and recognizing the influence of:
      1. Chipley, Plant and Flagler;
      2. agriculture, mining and timber.
    6. reviewing the political and economic aspects of Recovery.
  4. The student will understand the role Florida played in the Spanish-American War and the impact of that role in the early 20th century by:
    1. describing the background of the crisis among Cuba, Spain and the U.S..
    2. recognizing the significant role Tampa played in this period.
    3. discussing the influence and significance of the Broward era.
    4. interpreting the initial effort of conservation and its impact on the Everglades.
    5. outlining the impact of Progressive politics on Florida.
    6. listing the effects of World War I on Florida.
  5. The student will understand the impact of the Roaring Twenties, the Depression and World War II on Florida by:
    1. interpreting the effects of the land boom, urbanization and the hurricanes of 1926 and 1928 on Florida.
    2. describing the social and educational changes of the period.
    3. identifying the events of the Depression and their effect on Florida.
    4. summarizing the New Deal and Florida including:
      1. its achievements
      2. transportation developments
      3. scientific advancements and developing Florida's natural resources
      4. political and taxation changes;
    5. describing the impact of World War II on Florida including:
      1. Florida's role in the war effort
      2. the Holland administration
      3. emerging leaders such as Caldwell and Pepper
      4. the atomic age.
  6. The student will understand the wide range of current problems facing Florida as it enters the 21st century by:
    1. examining current problems including:
      1. population growth
      2. educational issues
      3. economic growth
      4. tourism
      5. environmental issues
      6. the elderly and their needs
      7. racial and ethnic issues;
    2. interpreting the political climate including:
      1. the Collins years
      2. Kirk and the rise of the Republican Party
      3. Askew and Graham and Democratic reaction
      4. issues of taxation, the lottery, and casinos;
    3. recognizing the effect of the coming of Disney World and the growth of theme parks.
    4. predicting Florida's course into the 21st century.
  7. The student will understand the role of the Suncoast in the history of Florida by:
    1. outlining major historical events from the 16th century to the present.
    2. tracing major economic, political and social events of the area in the period since World War II.
    3. distinguishing among the various counties and cities in the Suncoast region.
  8. The student will understand the influence of geography and geology on the historical development of Florida by:
    1. reviewing salient points of the Florida peninsula including physical makeup, size and general geographical characteristics.
    2. identifying the location of major Indian and European forts, mission, and settlements.
    3. identifying major geological characteristics of Florida.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

DBT 7/16/87 Effective Session 19871 3 YR C&I Review 1992-93 3 Yr. C&I Review 1996-97 3 Yr. Review 2000. Flex Access 20031. 3 Year Review 2004. 3 Year Review 2008.
C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Fall 2008 (400)