Ordeal of the Union - The Fruits of Manifest Destiny by Allan Nevins
Our armies in Mexico had won victory after victory. But victory in war does not invariably spell an untroubled peace. This was the lesson that America was to learn for the first time in the years from 1847 to 1852. And this is the theme of the first volume of The Ordeal of the Union, in which Allan Nevins explores the state of our civilizations after the war with Mexico. In 1848 Zachary Taylor, the military hero of the hour, was elected president. His own brother admitted he had no political principles. In 1850 Taylor died of cholera morbus, induced by over-indulging in ice water, milk, and cherries, and Millard Fillmore, who had “limited powers of mind,” took his place in the White House. California was admitted to the Union as a Free State, but only after Clay and Webster fought their valiant fight for the Compromise of 1850. The Compromise is, of course, the major political issue in this volume. But Allan Nevins has not restricted his interests to the political scene. Every aspect of American life is touched upon, including the state of education, popular culture, religion, and the impulse toward reform. Most important of all the reform movements was the anti-slavery campaign. Here Allan Nevins shows both his fairmindedness and his talents as a chronicler of the times. This the first volume of Allan Nevins’ most important contribution to American history, a ten-volume survey of American life from the Mexican War through Reconstruction.
This hardcover book is in good condition with slight imperfections to the dust jacket and minor discoloration on bottom inside corner. Pages in very good condition with owner’s inscription inside cover.
Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons
Publication Date: 1947
