U.S. History 1763 - 1877:

The Short and Long of It

by Benjamin C. Eales

          1745 Full Pages           276 Historical Images
Over 100 Battle Maps 30 Sound Files

1. Format: The E-Book's format is topical, but in chronological order. Each chapter begins with a list of topical questions that are asked and answered in that order in the chapter. The answers are of two types: Short and Long. The first answer is a short answer, which may also serve as a quick review of the topic. The other answer, preceded by three asterisks, is more comprehensive. The author has tried to keep the material as concise as possible without omitting significant material.

2. Social and Political Issues just prior to the Revolution and those of each administration following it are analyzed and explained in answers to the topical questions. Where interpretations differ, their differences are noted, along with the current historically acceptable points of view allowing the reader to decide the veracity of each for himself.

3. Minority Involvement in peace and wartime America, is duly noted, especially where such involvement has been neglected in past history texts.

4. The Physical Expansion of the United States: and its significance is explained throughout the applicable chapters.

5. Biographical Sketches of all the presidents and many of the significant persons that make up our historical fabric are included, two such examples are: the details of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the colorful life of Nicholas Philip Trist, belatedly recognized by Congress.

6. Wars and Battles are not neglected. Included are the significant battles of the Revolution, Indian hostilities, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the Civil War. These are covered in terms of causes, strategy and significance, along with the outstanding persons involved. Approximately 100 maps cover the various positions of the combatants and surrounding landmarks. There are also accurate maps showing the locations of major battles for those who may plan to visit these historical sites.. There are seventeen chapters describing the battles of the Civil War.

7. Reconstruction is treated in three chapters, Wartime, Presidential, and Congressional Reconstruction. Although officially declared ended in 1877, Reconstruction is still underway in the U. S. There is also an in depth look at the Electoral College, following the contested election of President Hayes.

8. Economics At Work: Each applicable chapter has a section entitled "Economics at Work." Here the economic principles in each of these chapters are analyzed and explained. As in the following cases:
Mercantilism.
Paper money vs. the Gold Standard.
Land policies, from the Articles of Confederation to the end of Reconstruction.
Sectionalism, including the views of the agrarians vs. the industrialists. the Western interests vs. those of the East, the Southwest vs. the Northwest interests, the issue of slavery that came close to splitting the Union, as well as many other sectional differences within and between the states.
Foreign policy changes, as the United States evolved from an underdeveloped country to a leading contender in world trade.
Tariff and taxes, successes and failures.
Classical economists and their influence on American policy makers.
Money and Banking Systems including that of the Bank of England, the First and Second Banks of the United States to the Federal Reserve System.
Financial Policies From Hamilton, Jefferson, and Jackson, to those of the North and South in the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Depression and Inflation periods.
Speculators, including both Heroes and Rogues.

9. Questions to Consider: Each chapter will end with "Questions to Consider." Most of these questions are argumentative. Some can be answered within the confines of this book and some are open to further research. They are intended to elicit thoughtful consideration.

**10. Time Line: The 18 page Time Line is linked by "Thumbnail"from any place in the book and can be used to keep events in their proper order. The students as well as teachers will find this a handy feature.

11. Index: This E-Book utilizes the "Find or "Search" feature of the Adobe Reader program.

12. The Bibliography: The Bibliography is extensive and is up to date in the historic writings covering this book's time span.

This book may be read in .pdf format using Adobe Reader which is available on the Internet as a quick, simple and free download for laptop or home PC's. Instructions for downloading can be found on Adobe's web site. To download Adobe Reader  click here.

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