Of the People: A History of the United States, Volume 1: To 1877
Author Description
Of the People: A History of the United States, Fourth Edition, does more than tell the history of America--of its people and places, of its dealings and ideals. It also unfolds the story of American democracy, carefully marking how this country's evolution has been anything but certain, from its complex beginnings to its modern challenges. This comprehensive survey focuses on the social and political lives of people--some famous, some ordinary--revealing the compelling story of America's democracy from an individual perspective, from across the landscapes of diverse communities, and ultimately from within the larger context of the world.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This text investigates the evolution of American democracy by examining the intersection of social experiences and political structures from the nation's inception through 1877. The authors, a collective of distinguished historians and educators, utilize a multi-perspective framework to analyze how ordinary citizens and prominent figures shaped the country's development. By synthesizing diverse community narratives with broader geopolitical contexts, the work argues that the trajectory of American democracy has been consistently uncertain and contested.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Comprehensive chronological coverage of American history from pre-colonial beginnings to the end of Reconstruction in 1877.
- Analysis of the interplay between individual agency and national political institutions.
- Integration of social, cultural, and political history to provide a holistic view of the American experience.
Scope Limits
- The text focuses primarily on the United States, with international context provided only as it directly impacts domestic development.
- This volume concludes at 1877, excluding the subsequent industrial and global expansion of the late 19th and 20th centuries.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Academic reviewers and educators frequently cite this text as a balanced, student-oriented survey that effectively humanizes historical events. Experts highlight the clarity of the prose and the inclusion of diverse perspectives as key strengths for undergraduate instruction.
Page Count:
648
Publication Date:
2018-09-14
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190910623
ISBN-13:
9780190910624
History
Academic Textbook
Social History
United States
American Studies
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