Makers of the nation

Preface

The course of study for fifth-year pupils, as outlined by the Committee of Eight of the American Historical Association, comprises one hundred years of our national life, from the struggle opening the Revolution to the death of Lincoln. The century 1765 to 1865 offers ten decades crowded with great characters, filled with momentous events, rich in moral and economic content. Heroes of all types are here: the frontiersmen, Boone and Clark, Crockett and Kit Carson ; the statesmen, Adams and Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln ; the inventors, Whitney and Morse ; the men of great business sagacity, Peter Cooper and DeWitt Chnton ; the generals, Lee and Jackson, Grant and Sheridan. Furthermore, a study of five mammoth industries of the United States offers a closing chapter of economic value, in harmony with the present day recognition of the importance of industrial history.

The endeavor in this book has been to present historical facts by clear, vivid narrative, which at times becomes dramatic in character. Moreover, the language is such as is easily read and understood by a child of ten. Whenever practicable, the causal relation is emphasized.

The Committee of Eight makes the following recommendation: " In Grades IV and V the biographical element should receive emphasis. Leaders, heroes,

6 PREFACE

and patriots should be identified with great movements and important situations. But in every case the share of the leader should be made the strong feature ; for in that way historic truth makes its strongest appeal to the young." In accordance with this suggestion the few poHtical documents or institutions which are studied in this volume are hnked with the careers of the men who were most concerned with their creation, — as the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, and the Constitution with George Washington.

The moral education of the young is perhaps the object of keenest concern to-day. Books, pamphlets, magazine articles, suggested courses in citizenship, good will, and character building are being projected in many sections of the country. It has been well said by the Committee of Eight that ^' the moral element is of surpassing importance in history. Truth has its supreme embodiment in personality. Therefore special emphasis should be given to personal force, because it is truth in the concrete and the great life principles as they have been embodied in individual men that win the deep interest of the boy or girl in the grammar school."

To reveal these " great Kfe principles " is the aim that has been constantly in the mind of the author. The hope is that " Makers of the Nation " may furnish some shght aid to teachers who are endeavoring to estabHsh worthy ideals in these junior citizens in our schools.

Contents

Samuel Adams, "The Brain of the Revolution"

Benjamin Franklin, the "Grand Old Man" of America

Paul Revere, the Messenger of the Revolution