Discovering the American Past: A Look at the Evidence, Vol. 1: To 1877

by William Bruce Wheeler, Susan Becker

This primary source reader in the popular Discovering series contains a multi-part pedagogical framework that guides students through the process of historical inquiry and explanation. The text emphasizes historical study as interpretation rather than memorization of data.The Sixth Edition integrates new documents and revised coverage throughout. Appearing in Volumes I and II, the Reconstruction chapter uncovers the work ethic of farmers and workers in the West and North following the Civil War. Each chapter is organized within the same pedagogical framework: The Problem, Background, The Method, The Evidence, Questions to Consider, and Epilogue.

Genres: History, American History

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Peter Paquette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Background: This is a textbook, so keep that in mind. I am one of those people who saw this in a bookstore and thought “Yeah a history book sounds fun”. If you aren’t this person, you won’t like the book. If you are a student, I thought it was very educational and fun. But I wasn’t forced to read it, so there’s that.

I like that the book either directly references primary sources, or the next closes things to it for most of its historical examples. Very rarely did I think that a statement was the author’s own opinion, but rather was a historical fact. I liked my history books when I was in high school, but this would not have been a bad one to use as an alternative.

[Amaranta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Chapter 2: THE THREAT OF ANNE HUTCHINSON

It is interesting to read a book that ask you to answer some questions and pay attention to certain details (i think it is not necessary for me because eng. lit. student?? hahaa but this is what i had to read)
For me it was obvious since the first line that Anne was accused not for breaking the law but for having so much power and being a woman.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have trauma from this book in class

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite. But it did help me decipher between really hard primary and secondary sources.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty well done. Organized and to the point. Great for seniors or freshmen in college.