New Spirits: Americans in the Gilded Age, 1865-1905

by Rebecca Edwards

New Americans in the Gilded Age, 1865-1905 provides a fascinating look at one of the most crucial chapters in U.S. history. Rejecting the stereotype of a "Gilded Age" dominated by "robber barons," author Rebecca Edwards invites us to look more closely at the period when the United
States became a modern industrial nation and asserted its place as a leader on the world stage. Employing a concise, engaging narrative, Edwards recounts the contradictions of the era, including stories of tragedy and injustice alongside tales of humor, endurance, and triumph. She offers a balanced
perspective that considers a number of different viewpoints, including those of native-born Anglos, Native Americans, African Americans, and an array of Asian, Mexican, and European immigrants. Beginning with Emancipation and ending with the first deployment of U.S. troops overseas, New Spirits
traces the roots of today's diverse and conflicted nation. Organized around major themes, the text consists of three parts. Opening with the legacies of the Civil War, Part I focuses on the era's political and economic transformations. Part II explores upheavals in family life, scientific thought,
and religious faith. Part III follows the depression of the 1890s and its aftermath. The book reveals a world of hopeful immigrants and striving professionals; generations in conflict with one another; a new West and South; and religious, political, intellectual, and sexual experimentation. Offering
a fresh, sweeping narrative, New Spirits is ideal for readers seeking an introduction to this critical epoch, and for undergraduate and graduate courses on the Gilded Age, the Progressive Era, and 20th-century U.S. history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, American, Reference, Read For School

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[David Withun · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[sube · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cut and dry introduction to the "long progressive age" - the author does not distinguish between the gilded & progressive era, for good reason in my view. Gives an overview on social, economic and political developments - only 300 pages, so not that deep.

[Sydney Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edwards is a skillful writer, and I greatly appreciated her perspective. Her use of evidence was spectacular and the commentary she provided was incredible. I would recommend this as a great source of information about this period and all of its specific details.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Edwards challenges the notion of a dichotomy between a Gilded Age and a Progressive Era on the grounds that the period from 1865 to 1905 was more continuous than discontinuous. (6-7) She prefers to think of the period as a "'long Progressive Era'...characterized throughout by economic and political integration, the building of nationwide networks for reform and protest, and use of government for new ends" or as "a seedbed of ideas that achieved full growth in later decades." (7) She argues that "almost all the major ideas and thinkers of the Progressive Era had gained national prominence by 1900." (7)

She nevertheless presents the 1890s as a turning point, largely because "wars of incorporation" became more intense and expanded beyond the nation's borders. She argues that by the 1890s "the United States had become something different from what it had once been, and different from what most Americans still believed it to be. The fires of incorporation, both at home and abroad, left future generations a legacy of material progress and hope, but also violence and confusion." (199) As this passage suggests, she renders a mixed judgment on the period.

[Bailey Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid history of a period of American history that faced rapid changes. In 1865 a still agrarian America had just ended the Civil War and was embarking on projects of Indian removal, by 1905 America would see the rise of mass consumer goods, industrialization, and rapid technological growth. Despite Horatio Alger stories, those advances were concentrated at the top and life expectancies dropped during this period compared to 100 years prior. During this period the wealthiest 9% of Americans controlled 71% of its wealth. Today the richest 10% of Americans control 68% of the wealth.

[Brighton Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a textbook for a class on the subject. I appreciated it quick read and shortness compared to many other text books. Edwards captures various aspects of the Gilded Age that can be missed in previous surface level courses.

[meghan rulli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good and very informative but I don’t feel like she accurately demonstrates that the gilded age was part of a long progressive era

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating book that dives into topics not usually studied during this crucial time period often referred to as the Gilded Age of America, Edwards deals with such topics from sports to sex. How have these things came to be, and how were they progressing throughout this age? How did they differ from men to woman, and why were they different on the west coast in comparison to the east coast?

Edwards 'New Spirits' truly is a delight to read as one learns not just about the Gilded Age, but the people who lived during this 'age,' and what they did and why. A must read for the American historian, or layperson with an interest in 'Industrial America.'

Brent M. McCulley (10/17/13)

[Zack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edwards talks in this book about taking a different few of the Gilded Age and wants the reader to ignore there general stereotypes about what the time period really stood for. It does well to incorporate many different views from a variety of sources of different class and racial backgrounds. That is the up. The down is that the book is a bit dry and not the most fun read. Overall, it left me feeling "meh".

[Matthew Rohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very solid and remarkably concise overview of the "Gilded Age" in American history, examining the era from a range of historical perspectives and focusing on an impressive variety of topics from political to social history. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for an overview of the era

[Lenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book that read like a college text book. Had tons of names of authors who wrote about that era. A huge compendium of facts and incidents concerning those years. Must have been a lot of work for the author to compile all that information.

[Elaine]

16.69 amazon 16.49 half

[Jim Swike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read about the History of the Gilded Age, not just a text book read, but greatread from cover to cover especially for lovers of history.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty heavy read, but a ton of new material...

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with good information.