Summaries of books about U.S. History:
The Lost Boys of Montauk
The True Story of the Wind Blown, Four Men Who Vanished at Sea, and the Survivors They Left Behind
Amanda M. Fairbanks
The book explores the tragic 1984 disappearance of four young men aboard the fishing vessel Wind Blown off the coast of Long Island, delving into the lives, dreams, and the socioeconomic backdrop of the fishing community. It also examines the impact of the loss on the families and the Montauk community, revealing the enduring mysteries and emotional reverberations of the event.
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109 East Palace
Robert Oppenheimer and the Secret City of Los Alamos
Jennet Conant
The book delves into the clandestine operations and personal dramas surrounding the Manhattan Project, centered on the remote Los Alamos laboratory where scientists, led by Robert Oppenheimer, raced to develop the atomic bomb during World War II. It provides an intimate look at the lives of the brilliant minds and their families living in secrecy while grappling with the moral implications of their work.
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Songs of America
Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation
Jon Meacham|Tim McGraw
The book explores the role of music in shaping the American experience, delving into iconic songs that have reflected the country's political climate, struggles, and aspirations. It examines how these anthems have been instrumental in protest movements, wars, and celebrations, influencing patriotism and social change throughout U.S. history.
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FDR
Jean Edward Smith
The biography chronicles the life of Franklin D. Roosevelt, from his aristocratic upbringing to his transformative presidency during the Great Depression and World War II. It delves into his personal challenges, political strategies, and the lasting impact of his New Deal policies on American society.
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The Plot to Seize the White House
The Shocking TRUE Story of the Conspiracy to Overthrow F.D.R.
Jules Archer
The book details a 1933 conspiracy by a group of wealthy businessmen to stage a coup against President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install a fascist regime in the United States. It investigates the alleged involvement of prominent figures, the plot's exposure by retired Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler, and the subsequent Congressional investigation.
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The First Tycoon
The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt
T.J. Stiles
The book chronicles the life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, from his humble beginnings to becoming one of America's wealthiest and most powerful industrialists, focusing on his influence on the country's economic landscape. It delves into his role in developing the transportation industry, including steamships and railroads, and his impact on shaping modern capitalism.
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The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth
Mountaineer, Scout, and Pioneer, and Chief of the Crow Nation of Indians
James Pierson Beckwourth
The book is an autobiographical account detailing the colorful and adventurous life of James Beckwourth, an African American who became a notable mountain man, fur trader, and explorer in the American West. It chronicles his experiences, including his time living with the Crow Nation, where he rose to become a respected chief, and his various encounters on the frontier.
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Train
The Definitive Visual History
DK
The book provides a comprehensive visual exploration of the history of trains, showcasing the evolution of locomotive technology and railway transportation from the early steam engines to modern high-speed trains. It features detailed photographs, illustrations, and historical insights, covering iconic trains, influential engineers, and the impact of railroads on society and commerce.
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Jack Hinson's One-Man War
Tom C. McKenney
The book chronicles the true story of a Civil War-era farmer in Tennessee who becomes a deadly sniper, seeking vengeance against Union soldiers after the unjust death of his sons. It details his transformation from a neutral civilian to a skilled marksman, conducting a personal vendetta and evading capture throughout the war.
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The Cause
The American Revolution and its Discontents, 1773-1783
Joseph J. Ellis
The book delves into the complex and often conflicting motivations behind the American Revolution, examining the perspectives of various factions including loyalists, patriots, and neutral parties. It explores the decade-long struggle to define the meaning of American independence, highlighting the challenges and ideological battles that shaped the emerging nation.
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