History of the United States Book Reviews

History of the United States by Charles Austin Beard Book Summary

This superb history of the USA by Charles Austin Beard and his wife Mary Ritter Beard sequentially covers the nation's history from colonial times to World War I.
First published in 1921, the book was lauded by critics as a perfect example of an introductory history to the United States of America. Well-researched at every juncture, the central thesis of this text is that economic power is what shapes the destiny and path of history. The book supports this hypothesis by referencing the emphasis on trade and commerce which accompanied the USA's rise. The authors also acknowledge the role personal ideologies and convictions have in history; an example of this being the Founding Fathers leading the revolt against Britain's colonial rule, essentially risking their lives and fortunes on a single, great gambit. 
Concurrent with the economic rise and territorial expansion which underscores the United States progress from colonial grouping to world power, the case for the gain of civil rights in areas which had previously not experienced them is put. At the time of writing, democracy had been broadly embraced, or at least tolerated, by all states in the continental USA as well as the colonial territories it had acquired overseas. 
The tone of the book is frank and straightforward, with a succession of points stated with clarity. The voices of the authors are seldom impinged by excursions into dry facts, over-explanation or tangential discussions. The sources drawn from are broad but authoritative, although certain opinions - namely that it was economics rather than the burning issue of slavery that was pivotal in causing the American Civil War - have fallen out of favor. 
This edition includes the original tables, appendices and notes found in the 1921 edition, letting the reader comprehend what is an accessible, high quality text which may be read either from start to finish or retained as a reference guide.

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