Georgia State History
This course is a survey of Georgia history from pre-historic times to the
present. It will begin with a chapter on basic facts about Georgia, and
continue with the history of early inhabitants, colonization, the Civil
War era, Georgia in the New South, and Georgia in the Twentieth Century.
The course will conclude with a chapter examining the famous sons and
daughters of Georgia.
Charles A. Millson received a B.A. in History from gree/xgad-Hardeman University
in 1987.
Basic Information about Georgia
This basic information will give us a perspective of where our state
fits in the larger scheme of America in terms of geography, population,
and politics. While this chapter is presented first, it is not
necessary to answer these items before attempting the other chapters in
this course.
- Prehistory and Early Humans of Georgia
Georgia's story starts long before Europeans or even Native Americans
lived here. The way the land developed affected the lives of those who
settled here. This chapter will recount the struggle of the Native
American inhabitants to make Georgia a hospitable place to live.
- Europeans Encounter Georgia
The Native Americans of Georgia had highly developed civilizations by
the time Columbus made his voyages to the New World. This chapter
details the early encounters between these Native Americans and the
explorers who followed Columbus here, and recounts the early battles
that raged between the Europeans for Georgia's land.
- English Colonization and Life in Colonial Georgia
As the English began to gain control of the land between the Carolinas
and Spanish Florida, many people began to move into the area because
the land was not expensive and the soil was good. Thus began colonization
of the area. This chapter will look at that settlement, and examine the
day-to-day life in the new colony.
- Georgia in the Revolution
Like the other colonies of England, Georgia began to feel some resentment
toward the "Mother Country." This chapter details Georgia's contributions
in the American Revolution. Special attention is given to the people who
helped shape the new nation and who fought the political and military
battles to gain independence.
- Georgia in the Infant Republic
In the years after the Revolution, Georgia was important in the settlement
of the southeastern United States. This chapter tells that story, and
shows how Georgia contributed to the success of the new nation.
- The Plantation Society and Secession
As Georgia grew in the early 1800's, a peculiar institution grew along
with it. Slavery had become a part of the society of the state. This
chapter will examine the plantation system from the perspectives of
both slaves and owners, and will detail the events leading up to the
secession of Georgia before the Civil War.
- Georgia in the Second American Revolution
The Civil War was a turning point in the history of the state as well as
the nation. This chapter pays special attention to the people, battles,
and effects of this great struggle between North and South. Consideration
will be given to the effect the war had on the common Georgian.
- Reconstruction in Georgia
The Reconstruction period was supposed to change Georgia and rebuild the
state's economy. Both objectives were successful, but the changes were
not always the best for the state and its people. This chapter will
detail this difficult time in our state.
- Georgia as Part of the New South
The Civil War had forced the south to start new industries and generally
change their way of life. No more would the south rely only on cotton
to make money, although that crop was still important. These changes
caused society itself to change. This period of change is called the
New South. This chapter will chronicle these changes.
- The Progressive Era in Georgia
The Progressive Era on a national scale tried to reform institutions such
as schools, factories, and prisons. In Georgia, this reform movement was
not always so successful. Many groups were not included in this effort
to reform in Georgia and found themselves on the outside of society.
Chapter 11 will take a look at this period.
- Georgia in Boom and Bust
The 1920's were a time of economic boom. Along with the financial good
times, many people began to change their morals. Many conservative
groups in Georgia and elsewhere rose to challenge this loosening of values
in society. The Great Depression in the 1930's brought severe hardship to
rich and poor alike in Georgia. These two decades will be examined in
this chapter.
- Georgia in the World War II Era
The World War II era brought renewed prosperity to Georgia and the rest
of America. The increased production of factories as they met the demands
for war materials brought jobs and money to the state. Yet again, along
with the war, changes came to Georgia. Chapter 13 tells this story.
- Georgia Since World War II
The years since World War II have seen Georgia and America become affluent
and powerful. More changes have occurred in the fifty years since the war
than in almost all the years before. Georgia continues to grow and change
daily. What these changes were and will be are described in this chapter.
- Georgia State Government
Georgia's state government is unique since it is tailored to fit the needs
of the people of our state. The government is only as effective or powerful
as the people who make it work. This includes not only the elected or
appointed officials, but also the citizens who vote or work to make the
government better. One way to make our state government better is to
learn how it works. That is what this chapter will help you to do.
- Famous Sons and Daughters of Georgia
This chapter will be about the people-men and women-who have made Georgia
or United States history. These Georgians have helped to make our state
and nation what it is. This chapter will help you see that Georgia has
been the home to many important and significant people.