AMERICA The Story of Us Book 2: Creating The West

by Kevin Baker

America has broken free from England and established itself as an independent nation. Newly minted citizens as well as European settlers, hungry for new opportunities, push west through the heartland, finding a geographic cornucopia seemingly rich with natural resources and abundant space. This enhanced e-book traces the momentous development of the American West as it intertwines with the complicated and tragic history of the Native American. Integrating compelling written narrative with short video clips from the acclaimed HISTORY series, as well as exclusive production stills, full color maps and charts, and other historical images, this enhanced e-book brings the creation of the American West to life like never before.A vast continent lies to the west of the Appalachian Mountains, waiting to be explored and exploited. The American Pioneer is born. For those who set out to confront these land following trailblazers like Lewis and Clark, Daniel Boone, and mountain men like Jedediah Smith the conquest of the West is a story of courage and hardship that forges the character of America. Thomas Jefferson closes the deal of the century with the Louisiana Purchase and millions of Americans keep heading ever westward. Countless Native Americans are forced from their homes and massacred at Wounded Knee and along the Trail of Tears. Mexican general Santa Anna takes the Alamo, but loses a third of his Mexican territories in the war that followed a decade later. Despite the hardships of journey by wagon train, the allure of adventure, opportunity, and economic gain is too strong to stop the onslaught of pioneers. While some struggle to create new lives, others are rewarded with riches on a scale never before seen, as the world rushes in to mine California gold. This idea known as America now stretches from “sea to shining sea.” Understanding the true origins of the American West is easy with this enhanced e-book from HISTORY.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2012

About the author

Kevin Baker is the author of the New York, City of Fire trilogy: Dreamland, Paradise Alley, and Strivers Row. Most recently, he's been writing about politics for Harper's Magazine and the New York Observer.

Reviews

[SheLove2Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This covers the period of America's great expansion. History buffs will find it lacking in substance but for a quick and interesting look at our history, this is a nice afternoon read. 54 pages enhanced with video.

[Shane Grier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as book one.

[Scott Schluter · Rating 2 out of 5]

cliff notes history