This course provides a survey of significant political, social, economic trends, and institutions in New York State from early settlement to the present. It gives a geographical and historical understanding of the State as well as how New York became the Empire State, molding its own unique identity while playing a major role in shaping and influencing the nation and the world. Attention to the changing pattern of land holding, the development of a democratic commonwealth, urbanism, immigration, industrialism, political feuds, and political factions are addressed along with local history.
