Summaries of books about U.S. History:
Death in Yellowstone
Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park
Lee H. Whittlesey
The book chronicles a range of fatal and bizarre incidents within Yellowstone National Park, from animal attacks to geothermal mishaps. It provides historical accounts of human encounters with the park's natural dangers, exploring themes of tragedy and the consequences of reckless behavior.
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Born Fighting
How the Scots-Irish Shaped America
Jim Webb
The book traces the cultural, political, and military impact of the Scots-Irish people from their roots in Scotland through their migration to America, where they played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's identity. It explores their enduring legacy, characterized by a strong sense of individualism and a rebellious spirit, which influenced American democracy, military leadership, and cultural norms.
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The Electra Story
The Dramatic History of Aviation's Most Controversial Airliner
Robert J Serling
The book chronicles the development, deployment, and challenges faced by the Lockheed L-188 Electra, an American turboprop airliner, including its technical issues and the infamous crashes that marred its reputation. It delves into the investigations, the resulting modifications to the aircraft, and the impact on the aviation industry and public perception.
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Rising Tide
The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America
John M. Barry
The book chronicles the catastrophic 1927 flood of the Mississippi River, detailing its impact on the affected regions and the lives of millions of people. It also explores the flood's influence on American society and politics, including the role it played in shaping government policy and the nascent civil rights movement.
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Gettysburg
The Last Invasion
Allen C. Guelzo
The book provides a detailed account of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, analyzing the strategies, leadership, and experiences of both Union and Confederate forces. It offers a narrative that delves into the three-day conflict, its historical context, and the pivotal moments that led to a turning point in the war.
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His Excellency
George Washington
Joseph J. Ellis
The book provides a comprehensive biography of George Washington, exploring his life from his early years, military career, and presidency, to his lasting legacy as a founding father of the United States. It delves into his character, leadership style, and the complex challenges he faced while shaping the nation.
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The Train to Crystal City
FDR's Secret Prisoner Exchange Program and America's Only Family Internment Camp During World War II
Jan Jarboe Russell
The book uncovers the history of a family internment camp in Crystal City, Texas, where Japanese, German, and Italian Americans were detained during World War II. It details the experiences of the internees and the secret government program that exchanged these prisoners for Americans held overseas.
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Argo
How the CIA and Hollywood Pulled Off the Most Audacious Rescue in History
Antonio Mendez|Matt Baglio
The book recounts the true story of a covert operation during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, where CIA operative Tony Mendez devised an ingenious plan to rescue six American diplomats by posing as a Hollywood film crew. It details the collaboration between the CIA and Hollywood insiders to fabricate a fake movie project, which provided the cover needed to smuggle the Americans out of Tehran.
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The Fall of the House of Dixie
The Civil War and the Social Revolution That Transformed the South
Bruce Levine
The book delves into the transformation of Southern society during the Civil War, exploring how the conflict upended the entrenched social order, leading to the collapse of the Confederacy and the end of slavery. It examines the roles of various actors, including slaves, politicians, and soldiers, in precipitating these seismic shifts.
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Labyrinth of Ice
The Triumphant and Tragic Greely Polar Expedition
Buddy Levy
The book chronicles the harrowing 1881 Arctic voyage of the USS Jeannette and the Greely Expedition, detailing their struggle for survival against extreme weather, ice entrapment, and dwindling supplies. It recounts the crew's endurance, scientific accomplishments, and the tragic outcomes, including starvation and loss of life, as they attempted to reach the Farthest North.
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