Prelude to the Century, 1870-1900 (Our American Century)

By Time-Life Books

Book Overview

People you remember. Moments you'll never forget. Our American Century is a series of books chronicling our lives in powerful time capsules, from the dawn of the century -- when horses outnumbered cars 21 million to eight thousand -- to its close.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0783555121
• ISBN13: 9780783555126
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Time Life Education
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 1.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

When America really became a Nation

The editors of Time-Life Books have done a super job in putting together a comprehensive look at the period between 1870-1900.This period starts 5 years after the Civil War and covers the next 30 years up to the beginning of the 20th Century. During this period,it was necessary to expand throughout the country and prepare for the great industrial development that was to follow.It was a hard time.Greatly ravished by the Civil War,facing extreme hardships from the weather,Indians,Land Barons,Outlaws,many uncontrolable diseases,floods and fires; the people faced it all and developed their country.Though many years behind Europe,with nothing but spirit, hard work and sacrifice,they turned America into the world's most powerful country. The book is loaded with excellent photographs,and one should not forget that photography was still in its infantcy during the Civil War. Even by 1900,the country was still waiting for the automobile and while Railroads were up and running,electricity and the telephone was still new.The book details the development of the Frontier and the West,the East having already been established. The book also covers the whole country in areas of Cycling,Occupations,Education,The Press,The Victorian Lifestyle,Nostrums,City Building,and finally Amusements and Pastimes. When yuu see how much developed in that short time of 30 years,you are left wondering if as much has ever taken place in such a short time.It also seems that government had little to do with it, except possibly with the Railroads,but to get out of the way and let the people get on with building their nation. Time-Life have published many fine books over the years and this is another good example of their efforts.

Good Information

I felt that this book had much information to share about this certain time period, 1870-1900. I had to do a huge report on this exact time period, and i found this book to be an excellent source of information, and it was very helpful to me.