Oxford History Of The United States

The Oxford History of the United States is a comprehensive and authoritative series of books that chronicle the history of the United States from the earliest colonial times to the present day. The series, which was launched in the 1980s, is published by Oxford University Press and has become a benchmark for historical scholarship and accuracy. Each volume in the series is written by a leading historian and provides a detailed and engaging narrative of a specific period in American history.

Overview of the Series

The Oxford History of the United States consists of twelve volumes, each of which covers a distinct era in American history. The series begins with the earliest colonial period and continues through the Revolution, the early national period, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the twentieth century. The volumes are written in a clear and accessible style, making them suitable for both scholars and general readers. The series has been widely praised for its thorough research, balanced perspectives, and engaging narratives.

Key Volumes in the Series

Some of the most notable volumes in the series include British North America, 1763-1867 by Philip Lawson, which explores the complexities of colonial life and the origins of the American Revolution; The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789 by Robert Middlekauff, which provides a comprehensive account of the Revolution and its aftermath; and What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 by Daniel Walker Howe, which examines the significant social, economic, and cultural changes that occurred during the early nineteenth century.

Other notable volumes include Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James M. McPherson, which is a Pulitzer Prize-winning account of the Civil War and Reconstruction; The American Century and Beyond: U.S. Foreign Relations, 1893-2014 by George C. Herring, which provides a comprehensive overview of American foreign policy from the late nineteenth century to the present day; and Restless Giant: The United States from Watergate to Bush v. Gore by James T. Patterson, which explores the significant social, cultural, and political changes that occurred in the United States during the late twentieth century.

Impact and Significance

The Oxford History of the United States series has had a profound impact on the field of American history. The series has been widely praised for its balanced and comprehensive approach to historical narrative, and its volumes have won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize. The series has also been influential in shaping the way that American history is taught and understood, both in academic and popular contexts.

Contributions to Historical Scholarship

The Oxford History of the United States series has made significant contributions to historical scholarship in several areas. First, the series has helped to shape the field of American history by providing a comprehensive and authoritative narrative of the nation’s past. Second, the series has pushed the boundaries of historical scholarship by incorporating new methodologies, perspectives, and sources into its volumes. Finally, the series has helped to promote a more nuanced and balanced understanding of American history, one that takes into account the complex and often contradictory nature of historical events and processes.

The series has also been notable for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The volumes in the series have sought to incorporate the experiences and perspectives of a wide range of individuals and groups, including women, African Americans, Native Americans, and immigrants. This approach has helped to create a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of American history, one that reflects the complexity and diversity of the nation's past.