How a new American identity was forged by immigration and expansion a century ago.In Barbarian Virtues; Matthew Frye Jacobson offers a keenly argued and persuasive history of the close relationship between immigration and America's newly expansionist ambitions at the turn of the twentieth century. Jacobson draws upon political documents; novels; travelogues; academic treatises; and art as he recasts American political life. In so doing; he shows how today's attitudes about "Americanism" -- from Border Watch to the Gulf War -- were set in this crucial period; when the dynamics of industrialization rapidly accelerated the rate at which Americans were coming in contact with foreign peoples.
#1428443 in Books The University of North Carolina Press 2009-10-15 2009-10-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.20 x .80 x 6.10l; 1.15 #File Name: 0807859672352 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Stephen G. Hall’s A Faithful Account of the Race ...By Jake ZirkleStephen G. Hall’s A Faithful Account of the Race: African American Historical Writing in Nineteenth-Century America highlights the often overlooked aspects of African American history. Assistant professor of history at the Ohio State University; Stephen G. Hall uses a variety of written works by African American intellectuals to reexamine the manner in which African American history is viewed. Hall’s goal is to incorporate early African American historical writings into the generally twentieth century-dominated field of African American history. A Faithful Account of Race falls under both definitions of historiography given by Caroline Hoefferle in her work; The Essential Historiography Reader. She defines historiography as both “the review of various histories which have been written about a certain subjectâ€; as well as “the critical examination of the various philosophies; theories; and methods which have been used by historians over timeâ€. (Hoefferle; 2) Hall successfully reviews and analyzes a substantial amount of historical works pertaining to African American history; while also examining the methods used by the various writers he is reviewing. Hall raises some very interesting; thought-provoking questions as he weaves his narrative throughout this work. Particularly compelling is the section regarding early African American intellectuals and their use of Biblical and ancient sources to legitimize their plea for equality. The arguments pertaining to the perceived lack of civilization amongst the slave population were of particular interest because of Hall’s ability to make the reader see the issue from the perspective of those being discriminated. By showing the emphasis placed upon Greek and Roman history by white intellectuals; Hall then highlights the works of African American intellectuals who use Biblical and ancient history to show the importance of Africa to the western world; as well as proving their capacity for civilization. Hall has successfully created a work that bridges the gap between the early African American historical writers and their more studied twentieth century counterparts. He demonstrates his passion for the subject; as well as a deep understanding of the material he is conveying to the reader. This book is just as important to the study of African American history as the works he describes.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy SteveAn outstanding book by a very knowledgable writer.
