An elementary history of the United States

Preface

It is the aim of this work to set forth the main facts of American History, particularly the earlier periods, in such a way as to attract and interest pupils of the earlier grammar grades.

It is now very generally acknowledged that history is best approached through biography. Personal incident is more attractive to every one, and especially to children, than any narrative of events can possibly be. Most of the book, therefore, has been given to biographical sketches of representative makers of the nation.

Effort has been made to choose those men who would best illustrate the most important phases of national growth. Some of these phases are : the difficulties and dangers of exploration, and how they were overcome by earnestness and perseverance ; the risks and hardships of settlement, and how they were met and conquered ; the independence and patriotism of the colonists, and how they triumphed ; the effect of environment upon character ; the development of the people in politics and government and in social life; and the progress of invention and its effect upon national development.

It has not been thought advisable to break the continuity of the narrative by dividing the text into sections, or to insert many dates or foot-notes, or to add analyses and appendices. At the end of each chapter an OutHne is given to summarize what has been said, and a few quesiv Preface.

tions added in the line of suggestion. Each teacher will use questions adapted to the age of the pupils and the circumstances of the occasion.

The main idea in illustrating the book has been to give the most authentic representations possible of the man, the place, or the thing described, so as to round out and complete the mental impression gained from the text. A few illustrations which may be called imaginative have been admitted ; these are chiefly after paintings, based upon authentic knowledge and information, or which are among our national heirlooms.

The maps have been made as simple as possible, and sometimes purely diagrammatic in character ; and, for the sake of clearness, only such details given in them as are called for by the story.

Haverford, Pa., July, 1900.