American Issues: A Primary Source Reader in United States History, Volume I: To 1877

Compelling readers to grapple with the same ambiguous raw materials that historians process to reach their own conclusions, this enlightening study of American history presents an anthology of primary documents, letters, and articles in which participants and contemporary observers express their opinions, make their observations, and reach their conclusions about events and issues of their own day that affected the nation and the American society as a whole. Presents a diverse array of original readings and documents that capture the essence and character of America's history from its early settlement days to 1887. Addresses a range of political questions, and social, cultural, economic, and gender problems and issues—providing differing and often conflicting/contrasting points of view regarding particular issues. Discusses native Americans, patriots vs. loyalists, the Constitution, Federalist vs. Republicans, capital vs. labor, the Jacksonian democracy, the ferment of reform, defining the American character, the Mexican War, slavery and the “Old South” , the clash of sections, the Civil War, and the reconstruction period. Part of a two-volume series. For historians and all American history buffs.

This is an anthology of primary documents — the raw materials of history — in which participants and contemporary observers express their opinions, make observations, and reach their own conclusions about events and issues of their own day that affected the nation and American society. The readings span the American past and deal with political, social, cultural, and economic problems. Each section presents differing and often opposing points of view drawing attention to the complexity and diversity of the American past.

Irwin Unger and Robert R. Tomes raise questions that force readers to confront the disparity, intricacy, and apparent contradictions contained in what they often assume about their history. The readings are arranged in a strategic manner and are accompanied by text and questions designed to stimulate analytical and critical thinking, active learning, and the formulation of mature judgments. Most of all, students and readers can form their own conclusions from these interesting and often provocative documents.