American Revolution, written in 2002 by Gordon Wood on this seminal event, won the Bancroft Prize that is awarded annually by Columbia University for its distinguished portrayal of American history. In a short 166 pages, Wood conquers over 20 years in a very concise and interesting way -- despite the fact that this topic has been covered time and time again, often in a very dry fashion.
The American Revolution is divided into seven parts: "Origins," "American Resistance," "Revolution," "Constitution-making and War," "Republicanism," "Republican Society," and "The Federal Constitution." Wood's book starts with a description of the contributing causes that led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776, including the increasing strained affairs between the British and the colonists who were rapidly becoming more independent. As John Adams said, "the Revolution was affected before the war commenced." It was a change "in the minds and hearts of the people." The strength of British leadership was further diluted by a decentralization of colonists. Where most of the settlers first lived on the coasts, as time went on they began moving out further into the rural areas. Meanwhile, the standard of living increased, as prices soared for exports of colonist agriculture and manufactured products. Then the paternalistic structure of the colonial society was eroded forever when the British passed the Stamp Act in 1765, which levied a tax on legal documents, almanacs, newspapers and almost every other type of paper used by the settlers. Although the 1766 Parliament repealed the act, relationships would never be the same, and Americans became even more sensitive to any other taxation. The Tea Act struck the final blow to positive interactions.
In retaliation to the Tea Act, the colonists assembled the Continental Congress to announce their grievances. By 1775, the crisis had magnified so much that no hopes were seen for agreement between the two parties. Common Sense by...
American Revolution Over the past few years, a number of historians have written about the first years of the American experience. In most cases, they either rave about the actions of the patriots: How this was unlike any other time in world history -- when being bullied, it is necessary to take the defensive. Or, they take a much more negative view: This whole event should not be blown out of
American Revolution New American History is full of many relevant events that have made a significant impact on the American History. Despite all the relevant things, it should be noted that America itself might not have been conceived if it had not been for the struggles that took place in the American Revolution. It was the starting point of the American history and the time when people were beginning to find
American Revolution: A History" by Gordon S. Wood. Specifically, it will contain a narrative review of the book. Wood's book is a modern look at history, and at the results of the American Revolution. While there are numerous books on the subject, this one is relatively easy to read and understand, and short enough not to put off the reader. It is an excellent reference for anyone interested in
Race and Ethnic Inclusion and Exclusion In Ira Berlin's (1998) Many Thousands Gone: The First Two Centuries of Slavery in North America, the author shows how groups in the U.S. struggled to exclude other groups. White people made a serious effort to exclude black people from anything other than the most menial jobs for a very long time (Davidson, 2005; Gasorek, 1998). The desire to exclude was based on skin color
Economy of Colonial America Brief chronology of the initial economic developments of the colonies Jamestown, Virginia colony was first to show signs of economic growth Massachusetts Bay colonists buy corn from Indians Literature generalizations and postulations on economy of colonies Puritanism may have helped shape the capitalistic society to evolve The strength of the British Navy altered colonial approach to economic growth Colonial farmers' efforts were more towards self-sufficiency than wealth Rate of Economic Growth in colonies Colonial economy
Veterans & Retirees; Is Government Keeping its Promise This study aimed at exploring the experiences and perceptions of Veterans belonging to Lousiana and Mississippi about three variables; the accessibility of organization; the accessibility of benefits and availability and adequacy of the facilities being provided by government through VA. The respondents were also asked to suggest whether there is a need for improvement and what should VA do to provide benefits and
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