Summaries of books about U.S. History:
The Kennedy Detail
JFK's Secret Service Agents Break Their Silence
Gerald Blaine|Lisa McCubbin
The book provides a firsthand account of President John F. Kennedy's assassination from the perspective of his Secret Service agents, revealing their experiences, the emotional impact of the event, and their feelings of guilt and responsibility. It offers a detailed narrative of the days leading up to and following the tragedy, based on interviews with the agents who were there to protect the president.
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Close to Shore
The Terrifying Shark Attacks of 1916
Michael Capuzzo
The book recounts a series of deadly shark attacks that occurred along the New Jersey coast in the summer of 1916, which inspired widespread fear and fascination with sharks. It delves into the impact of these attacks on the American psyche, the ensuing shark hunts, and the scientific and media response of the time.
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Founding Mothers
The Women Who Raised Our Nation
Cokie Roberts
The book shines a light on the influential women of the American Revolution who played crucial roles in the nation's founding, from raising funds and managing businesses to influencing political decisions. It highlights the stories and contributions of figures such as Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, and Mercy Otis Warren, among others, who have often been overlooked in traditional historical narratives.
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Of Plymouth Plantation
William Bradford
The book is a detailed historical account of the experiences of the Pilgrims who settled at Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, beginning with the Separatist congregation's departure from England in 1620, through their voyage on the Mayflower, and their subsequent struggles and successes in the New World up until 1647. It provides insights into the Pilgrims' religious convictions, their relationships with Native American tribes, and the governance and daily life of the early colony.
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Titanic 1912
The original news reporting of the sinking of the Titanic
Ken Rossignol
The book presents a compilation of original newspaper articles and reports from the time of the Titanic disaster, providing contemporary accounts and perspectives on the events surrounding the sinking. It offers readers insight into the historical media coverage, public reactions, and the unfolding narrative as understood by the world in 1912.
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Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving
A Harvest Story from Colonial America of How One Native American's Friendship Saved the Pilgrims
Eric Metaxas
The book recounts the story of Squanto, a Patuxet Native American who helps the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony survive their first year in the New World by teaching them vital farming and fishing techniques. It emphasizes Squanto's role in facilitating the first Thanksgiving celebration, highlighting his friendship and the spirit of gratitude shared between the Native Americans and the settlers.
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The Great Crash 1929
John Kenneth Galbraith
The book provides a detailed analysis of the factors leading to the stock market crash of 1929, exploring the speculative financial practices and economic policies of the time. It also examines the aftermath of the crash and its role as a precursor to the Great Depression, offering insights into the human and institutional behaviors that contributed to the financial catastrophe.
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The Gulf
The Making of An American Sea
Jack E. Davis
The book provides a comprehensive history of the Gulf of Mexico, exploring its critical role in the environmental, economic, and cultural life of the United States. It delves into the interactions between humans and the Gulf's ecosystem, highlighting the impact of industry, development, and environmental challenges on this vital body of water.
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Before the Mayflower
A History of the Negro in America 1619-1962
Lerone Bennett
The book chronicles the experiences and contributions of African Americans from their arrival in the United States as slaves in 1619 through the civil rights movement of the 1960s. It delves into the social, political, and cultural history of Black Americans, highlighting their struggles for freedom and equality amidst systemic racism and oppression.
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The Second Founding
How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution
Eric Foner
The book examines the transformative impact of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments on the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery, established equal protection under the law, and protected voting rights, respectively. It explores the Reconstruction era's legislative and social battles, and how these amendments reshaped the nation's legal and political landscape in the aftermath of the Civil War.
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