Synopsis "american exceptionalism (in English)"
Eleven Generations of An American Family in History. This 540 plus page book is a lively but scholarly social, economic and political history of North America (parts of the United States and Canada). The period covered spans from English origins in the 1500's and 1600's to the present. A special effort has been made to include references to women, Native Americans, Blacks, Asians and Hispanics. The book has been partially reviewed by established authorities and authors and class room tested at OLLI at the American University, Washington, D.C. This history covers the initial settlement and subsequent major developments by generations in New England, New Netherlands (now New York), and Virginia. Later movements to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Nova Scotia, Maryland and further south are covered as well. After the Revolution, migration to and living in the mid-west -- West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Iowa are discussed. The dramatic flight to the far west - Oregon and California is detailed. More recent trends show a nationalization and even internationalization of the country as well as great gains in ethnic inclusion and world wide in migration. The story is told through a historical analysis of events, movements and populations. Some topics covered include: the English reformation, the Mayflower voyage, Jamestown settlement, the economy, migrations, farming, establishment of towns and cities, role of women, Native Americans, Blacks, marriage, divorce, literacy and higher education, art, religious belief, government, diet, slavery, wars and rebellions, natural and man made disasters and epidemics, social movements, technological change, the fight for civil rights and suffrage, and suburban development. Biographical information on famous and ordinary persons will also be discussed along with events and movements. Biographies were gathered through extensive academic and genealogical research. They cover ethnic origins, migration, residence, occupation, land holdings, wealth, military, political and religious offices, marriage, children and death. A wide range of ethnicity is discussed including English, Dutch, Blacks, Scots-Irish, Scots, German, Irish, French, Jews, Italians, Asians and Hispanics. Many religious denominations are covered including Congregationalists, Baptists, Dutch Reformed, Quakers, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Anglicans/Episcopalians, Catholics, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, Pentecostals, Jews, Christian Orthodox and Asian religions. Extensive use of recent social data from the Pew Foundation is used with regards to current trends. Lastly, the book reviews history to examine the term "American Exceptionalism". It is found that there is much substance to this term in view of the unique American political stability, economic success, religious innovation and ability overtime to include diverse groups, despite very dark passages relating to Native Americans, slaves, Asian and other ethnic exclusion or indifference in the past.
