Beginnings of the American People   By: Carl Lotus Becker (1873-1945)

In "Beginnings of the American People" by Carl Lotus Becker, readers are taken on an intriguing journey through the earliest roots of American history. The author presents a meticulously researched narrative exploring the societal, political, and cultural factors that shaped the United States into what it is today.

Becker's writing style is engaging and accessible, making this book an excellent choice for both scholars and general readers interested in delving deeper into American history. From the very beginning, the author captures the reader's attention by discussing the Native American tribes that inhabited the continent long before the arrival of Europeans. He presents a comprehensive overview of their diverse cultures and explores the consequences of their encounter with European settlers.

One of the standout features of this book is Becker's ability to condense complex historical events into concise, easy-to-follow explanations. Rather than overwhelming readers with excessive details, he presents a clear and organized account of major historical milestones and their implications. This allows readers to gain a complete understanding of the significance of each event without getting lost in excessive information.

Moreover, Becker's analysis of the origins of democratic ideas in early America is especially insightful. He explores the development of American political thought, emphasizing the influence of Enlightenment thinkers on the founding fathers. By examining the philosophical underpinnings of the American Revolution, Becker helps readers understand how the ideals of liberty and democracy shaped the formation of the nation.

The author's inclusion of primary sources further enriches the reading experience, allowing readers to directly engage with the voices of those who lived during this transformative period. By including excerpts from letters, diaries, and historical records, Becker paints a vivid picture of daily life and the struggles faced by individuals in colonial America.

While Becker's book is undoubtedly comprehensive, some readers may find the sheer amount of historical information overwhelming at times. Additionally, the lack of visual aids, such as maps or illustrations, may make it challenging for readers to visualize geographic or spatial elements of the narrative.

Overall, "Beginnings of the American People" is an impressive work that expertly navigates the complex origins of the United States. Carl Lotus Becker's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book an essential resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of American history. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a student looking to expand your knowledge, this book serves as a valuable and enlightening guide to the foundations of the American nation.

First Page:

In the following volumes the authors seek to present a brief account of the beginnings, development, and final unity of the people of the United States. There are many histories of the country, many biographies which are in large measure histories; but these are exhaustive works traversing minutely certain periods, like Rhodes's History of the United States from 1850 to 1877 , or Nicolay and Hay's Abraham Lincoln: A History ; or they are shorter "patriotic" accounts which seek to prove something, or which fail to tell the whole story. Important as these classes of historical literature are, they hardly suffice for the teachers of advanced college classes, or for business and professional men who would like to know how the isolated European plantations or corporations in North America became in so short a time the great and wealthy nation of to day... Continue reading book >>