The Early Republic and Antebellum America: An Encyclopedia of Social, Political, Cultural, and Economic History

This encyclopedia takes as its starting point the end of the American Revolution and the events that led to the signing of the U.S. Constitution and the subsequent negotiations over the ratification of that document. For the first generation of professional, academically trained historians who practiced their craft in the decades immediately following the Civil War, that document was unquestionably a triumph.

The hundreds of signed articles in these volumes examine American history and culture during the years 1781-1861. Four introductory essays consider "Politics and Political Culture," "Economy and Economic Policy," "Foreign Affairs," and "The Road to Civil War," while A-Z entries survey an array of topics from historic events, treaties, and elections to industries, laws, and the states. Biographical entries are also included, along with an examination of cultural topics such as sports, spas, and alcohol and temperance. All entries are cross-referenced and include suggestions for further research. Throughout the volumes, sidebars, charts, and black-and-white maps and reproductions of photos, advertisements, paintings, and broadsides add useful information. The more than 80 pages of documents in volume four reflect the variety of political, economic, and social entries, and the 10 chronologies cover such topics as slavery, territorial expansion, economics, Native Americans, and religion. An extensive glossary and bibliography complete the set.

Excellent organization, a detailed table of contents and index, a list of sidebars, and a topic finder make this set particularly user friendly. This solid resource supports U.S. history standards for high school students, making it a particularly valuable addition.