Encyclopedia of U.S. Political History

This title includes unparalleled coverage of U.S. political development through a unique chronological framework. "Encyclopedia of U.S. Political History" explores the events, policies, activities, institutions, groups, people, and movements that have created and shaped political life in the United States. With contributions from scholars in the fields of history and political science, this seven-volume set provides students, researchers, and scholars the opportunity to examine the political evolution of the United States from the 1500s to the present day. With greater coverage than any other resource, "The Encyclopedia of U.S. Political History" identifies and illuminates patterns and interrelations that will expand the reader's understanding of American political institutions, culture, behavior, and change. Focusing on both government and history, the encyclopedia brings exceptional breadth and depth to the topic with more than 100 essays for each of the critical time periods covered. With each volume covering one of seven time periods that correspond to key eras in American history, the essays and articles in this authoritative encyclopedia focus on the following themes of political history: The three branches of government; elections and political parties; legal and constitutional histories; political movements and philosophies, and key political figures; economics; military politics; international relations, treaties, and alliances; and, regional histories. This title is organized chronologically by political eras. It is reader's guide for easy-topic searching across volumes. It includes maps, photographs, and tables that enhance the text. It includes signed entries by a stellar group of contributors. Volume 1 Colonial Beginnings through Revolution 1500-1783. Volume Editor: Andrew Robertson, Herbert H. Lehman College. The colonial period witnessed the transformation of thirteen distinct colonies into an independent federated republic. This volume discusses the diversity of the colonial political experience a diversity that modern scholars have found defies easy synthesis as well as the long-term conflicts, policies, and events that led to revolution, and the ideas underlying independence. Volume 2 The Early Republic 1784-1840. Volume Editor: Michael A. Morrison, Purdue University. No period in the history of the United States was more critical to the foundation and shaping of American politics than the early American republic. This volume discusses the era of Confederation, the shaping of the U.S. Constitution, and the development of the party system.