The Routledge History of Nineteenth-Century America

The Routledge History of Nineteenth-Century America provides an important overview of the main themes within the study of the long nineteenth century in American History. By broadly incorporating the latest research to give an up-to-date overview of the whole era, the book explores the major advances that have taken place in the past few decades. During the nineteenth century, from the Constitutional era to World War I, the United States went from enslaving African Americans to emancipating them; from a citizenry comprised of wealthy men to one of broad political participation; from a rural, agricultural economy to one driven by industry and urban centers; and from a nation patched together through unreliable transportation to a country bound by communication and transportation networks. And at the center of that development was the Civil War, an event that changed the character and direction of the nation forever.

The Routledge History of Nineteenth Century America shows how the 19th century defined much of our modern world, by focusing on themes that run throughout the century: immigration, slavery and racism, women's rights, literature and culture, urbanization, and more. This important collection presents a comprehensive survey of the current state of the field. It will be essential reading for all those interested in the development of modern America.

Jonathan Daniel Wells is Professor of Afroamerican and African Studies at the University of Michigan.