American history and government

Front matter

c.

V

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Preface

In the writing of American liistor}^ certain things are to be striven for, while certain other things are to be avoided. A mere narrative of events is not in accord with the modem demand for an historical treatment which offers a far more extended discussion of social customs, of economic questions, of cause and eifect, and of things that concern the life of the people.

On the other hand, this demand may be misinterpreted and the response of the historical writer may present the opposite extreme in the matter. Through sight and sound, the jDublic has never been offered so much action as in the present. The child also' demands action, and he should have it — in reasonable degrC'C. Through the interest aroused by action in narrative, he may be led almost unconsciously to a desire to know why that action occurred and what was, or is, the effect of it. Either extreme is likely to provoke an unfavorable reaction against any persistent, or persisting, love of historical reading — which for the mind and imagination, has, perhaps, unsurpassed cultural value.

Some of the things to be avoided in the presentation of American history are provincialism, partisan prejudice, and sectionalism. The author of this volume has taken peculiar pains to submit to men and women of opposite sympathies Avliat may be called the ''mooted matters." Sometimes this was done by paragraphs, sometimes by topics, and in some instances, by chapters. Distinguished historians, as well as men and women prominent in public vi PREFACE

life, have endorsed or approved those passag^es which present a new treatment or a different perspective and proportion.

Again, the author of a brief history may gather and present all the essential facts, and yet may be far from securing an. arrangement of these facts which offers the greatest possible adherence to continuity, a basic law of composition. Hence, in historical narrative, the absence of interest is not infrequently due to the presence of discursive material. On the other hand, the proper subordination of this discursive matter as frequently enhances the interest of the subject. Such a process of selection imposes a tenfold burden upon the author; but it shortens the volume; and, in the case of a textbook, relieves the pupil of unnecessary burdens, improves the chances of the teacher in arousing an interest in the subject, whilst greater opportunity is given to the teacher to suggest special reading on topics of interest or value in accordance with circumstances or conditions.

M. P. A.

February, 1921.

Contents

CHAPTER PAGE

I. Genesis of the United States 1

II. Beginnings of New England ; 35