The Revolutionary Era: Primary Documents on Events from 1776 to 1800

(Hardback)

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From 1776 to 1800, the United States ceased to be a fantastic dream and became a stable reality. Newspapers were increasingly the public's major source of information about people and events outside of their community. The press reflected the issues of the day. Its foremost concern was naturally the armed struggle with Britain. The press covered the conflict, providing both patriot and loyalist interpretations of the battles and personalities. Yet after the British withdrew, a host of new challenges confronted the United States, including the Articles of Confederation, Shay's Rebellion, the Bill of the Rights, the Whiskey Rebellion, slavery, women's roles, the French Revolution, the XYZ Affair, the Sedition Act, and more. Again, the press not only purveyed the facts. It became a political tool trumpeting the viewpoint of Republicans and Federalists, ushering in a new era of American journalism. Beginning with an extensive overview essay of the period, this book focuses on 26 pressing issues of the war and the early republic. Each issue is presented with an introductory essay and multiple primary documents from the newspapers of the day, which illustrate both sides of the debate. This is a perfect resource for students interested in the Revolutionary War, the birth of the new nation, and the actual opinions and words of those involved.

Reviews

"Here is a useful undergraduate or introductory guide to the views of the early press on twenty-six separate topics....[t]his volume offers easy access to important issues and events of American history that are helpful to both history students as well as students of communication history....[t]he originality of the volume and the ease of its organization may prompt its purchase by libraries, including those that serve high school students, as a useful reference work."-American Journalism
Here is a useful undergraduate or introductory guide to the views of the early press on twenty-six separate topics....[t]his volume offers easy access to important issues and events of American history that are helpful to both history students as well as students of communication history....[t]he originality of the volume and the ease of its organization may prompt its purchase by libraries, including those that serve high school students, as a useful reference work.-American Journalism

Author Bio

CAROL SUE HUMPHREY is Professor of History at Oklahoma Baptist University. She is the author of This Popular Engine: The Role of New England Newspapers During the American Revolution and The Press of the Young Republic, 1783-1833 (Greenwood, 1996).