What can homespun cloth; stuffed birds; quince jelly; and ginseng reveal about the formation of early American national identity? In this wide-ranging and bold new interpretation of American history and its Founding Fathers; Kariann Akemi Yokota shows that political independence from Britain fueled anxieties among the Americans about their cultural inferiority and continuing dependence on the mother country. Caught between their desire to emulate the mother country and an awareness that they lived an ocean away on the periphery of the known world; they went to great lengths to convince themselves and others of their refinement. Taking a transnational approach to American history; Yokota examines a wealth of evidence from geography; the decorative arts; intellectual history; science; and technology to underscore that the process of "unbecoming British" was not an easy one. Indeed; the new nation struggled to define itself economically; politically; and culturally in what could be called America's postcolonial period. Out of this confusion of hope and exploitation; insecurity and vision; a uniquely American identity emerged.
#475777 in Books State House Press 1998-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .50 x 6.00l; .54 #File Name: 188666109X144 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The failed Union attempt to establish a foothold in coastal TexasBy Joe OwenIn 1862; the Union Navy under Admiral David Farrugut tried to invade the Texas Coast to strengthen the Union Blockade of all goods being shipped to Texas to supply the Confederacy. He attempted to invade and blockade various Texas Coastal towns such as Corpus Christi; Sabine Pass; Galveston; and Port Lavaca. After initially having success in occupying Galveston; it was short lived. While Union Sailors were waiting for supplies; the Confederate Cavalry and Infantry under General John B. Magruder seized the opportunity to drive the Union back to the sea. The Confederates had the "cottonclads"; a lightly armored and armed platforms for Confederate sharpshooters to shoot and attack the Union forces on the shore and also to bombard various Union coastal defenses around Galveston and Sabine Pass. In the end; the Confederates capture or destroy four Union warships; three supply vessels and for a short time lift the Federal Blockade of the Texas Gulf Coast.President Lyndon B. Johnson's grandfather; Private Sam Ely Johnson Sr. was a cavalryman in the 26th Texas Cavalry DeBray's Regiment) and participated in the Battle of Galveston. Private Johnson was noted for his bravery in the battle and his excellent tenacity in saving a wounded soldier while under fire. Later in life; Private Johnson told his Civil War experiences to his grandson Lyndon who was captivated with his grandfather's Civil War experiences.Donald Frazier has written an excellent summary about the Battle Of Galveston and the failed Union attempt to invade and block Texas from the Gulf Coast. This is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in Texas Civil War History; the Western Theatre of The Civil War; and Civil War Nautical History.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A Quick ReadBy Stephen FoxI found that Cottonclads! was a quick read as I finished it in one day. This book really helps to paint a picture of the state of affairs along the Texas Gulf Coast during the Civil War.The book places special emphasis on the Battle of Galveston; which freed this important Texas port from Union control. Additional chapters cover battles at nearby Sabine Pass.What I liked most about this book was its ability to get me to think about Galveston in a different way. I had never thought of what this city was like in the 19th Century; but the book claims that it was the largest city in Texas. When the Union Army occupied the city; it was with the intent to legitimize a Union-backed government there and to use the city as a base of operations for Union troops to penetrate deeper into Texas. In the end; the Union penetration of Texas failed; just as Sibley's Brigade failed to take the desert Southwest. It was only fitting that the regiments of Sibley's brigade were present at the freeing of Galveston from Union control.I recommend this book as a starting point in learning about the Union blockade of the Confederacy and the Rebels' efforts to thwart it.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. An informative account of naval operations along TexasBy Cory GilbertCottonclads! The Battle of Galveston and the Defense of the Texas Coast presents a good account of the many naval operations along Texas. The book has good details; it includes battles ranging from Galveston to Sabine Pass. The book provides a good starting point for the interested reader to research and learn more.
