Major Problems in American History, Volume I
Book details
Summary
Description
Designed to encourage critical thinking about history, the MAJOR PROBLEMS IN AMERICAN HISTORY series introduces you to both primary sources and analytical essays on important topics in U.S. history. This collection serves as the primary anthology for the introductory survey course, covering the subject's entire chronological span. Comprehensive topical coverage includes politics, economics, labor, gender, culture, and social trends. The fourth edition has been revised to reflect two new historiographical trends: the emergence of the history of religion as an exceptionally lively field and the internationalization of American history. Several chapters include images, songs, and poems to give you a better "feel" for the time period and events under discussion. Key pedagogical elements of the Major Problems format have been retained: chapter introductions, headnotes, and suggested readings.
Reader reviews
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My home schooled high schoolers are using this resource alongside 'America: A Narrative History' by Tindell and 'A Different Mirror' by Takaki. We also use several of Mintz's 'Voices' series for primary source materials, though if I'd found this first, I may not have purchased those as well. I like this collection because it includes voices from different walks of life, ethnicities, etc. The introductions are nice for getting some context, and the authors seem to be trying to avoid injecting their opinions.
Very well organized. It is primary source materials (all writings) in chronological order with historical period overviews/introductions that put the eras into context.
I cannot find anything not to like. It is a serious attempt to provide primary source materials in context while avoiding inherent bias as much as anyone could. It might be a bit much for many people who haven't had the benefit of schooling that helps them do close reading and analysis. I am an autodidact from a poor background with little education, and my kids are college level home schooled students. These are perfect for our needs.
