Monism, Dualism, and Pluralism in American History

893 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Factors that militate against objectivity of history

It seems readily apparent that monism is without a doubt the very worst way to approach history, Societies and cultures are not one dimensional, but rather are made up of a tapestry of factors. Thus looking at just one aspect gives the historian only a myopic sense of what was going on or what people were thinking at a particular time or place in history. While this is typically thought of as being the consensus history of the great white men, however other schools of historical thought can also be viewed objectively, as being equally narrow in scope. One simply can not expect to garner a panoramic perspective of history by looking at it solely from one perspective. Its illogical to think that a private in Washington's army saw the war from the same perspective as Washington did or likewise that a dock worker or recently emancipated indentured servant saw things from the same perspective as a wealthy shipyard owner, merchant, or planter. Thus to look at a chapter of history solely from the viewpoint of any of those will never create a full portrait of the events which transpired. This perspective does allow for minute investigation of a one aspect of the historical record, but only within a limited context.
George Bancroft the first well known American historian in the nineteenth century followed this perspective to weave the “great patriotic myth” of the founding of America and its rise to a blossoming world power. In this era when the country was experiencing tremendous growth both in population and territory, many few that the expression of a unique national identity was needed to bind the widely diversified and rapidly growing population with the ideals of American republicanism. This vision of course neglects the fact that w...

... middle of paper ...

...iated there. Also there are advancements in science and technology to consider too, as well as the effects on the environment and its ecology caused those advancements, coupled with the expansive growth in the nation's population in the 19th and 20th centuries. One can even add climactic changes to this mix as well, although in terms of the revolutionary era that is not so much of an issue, however it played a huge part in subsequent times. It quickly becomes clear that looking at all of this becomes a project of enormous magnitude and there lies a problem with even this best model of the three. In purely academic terms, in which the goal is to get to the absolute truth and essence of history this is without a doubt the best method for looking at history, however the monumental task of exploring fully even a single aspect of history can take years, maybe a lifetime.

Show More
Related

  • Book Review of Edmund S. Morgan's The Birth of the Republic, 1763-89.

    596 Words  | 2 Pages

    The author cites works that he says helped him form his ideas consciously and subconsciously; first of which is George Bancroft's History of the United States of America (Vol. 2); in which Bancroft answers the question "How did the United States come into being as a nation dedicated to principles of liberty and equality?" with utter confidence, according to Morgan.2 Bancroft was born in the post-revolution era in Massachusetts; his father was a revolutionary soldier and an author, which may have made his work biased toward the Patriots rather than the loyalists.

    Read More

  • Jon Butler Becoming America Summary

    794 Words  | 2 Pages

    In “Becoming America: The Revolution Before 1776”, Jon Butler argues that there was massive economic and a political transformation occurred in the era of 1680 and 1770 which had been less examined to the American colonial history. In this book, Butler makes a strong argument for the early modernism of American society which helps to define the growth of American identity. The transformation improved the American socioeconomic character and demonstrated itself almost in every aspect of colonial life. I totally agree with the Jon Butler’s argument that the victories and defeats of the revolutionary war would not define America; it was the middle years of the colonial period that would. And his arguments in this book also challenge the existing history. Butler supports his argument from his own note which he collected from by researching huge amount of specialized history books.

    Read More

  • Book Review: Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis

    1427 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the book Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis, the author relates the stories of six crucial historic events that manage to capture the flavor and fervor of the revolutionary generation and its great leaders. While each chapter or story can be read separately and completely understood, they do relate to a broader common theme. One of Ellis' main purposes in writing the book was to illustrate the early stages and tribulations of the American government and its system through his use of well blended stories. The idea that a republican government of this nature was completely unprecedented is emphasized through out the book. Ellis discusses the unique problems that the revolutionary generation experienced as a result of governing under the new concept of a democracy. These problems included- the interpretation of constitutional powers, the regulation of governmental power through checks and balances, the first presidential elections, the surprising emergence of political parties, states rights vs. federal authority, and the issue of slavery in a otherwise free society. Ellis dives even deeper into the subject by exposing the readers to true insight of the major players of the founding generation. The book attempts to capture the ideals of the early revolutionary generation leaders and their conflicting political viewpoints. The personalities of Hamilton, Burr, Adams, Washington, Madison, and Jefferson are presented in great detail. Ellis exposes the reality of the internal and partisan conflict endured by each of these figures in relation to each other. Ellis emphasizes that despite these difficult hurdles, the young American nation survived its early stages because of its great collection of charismatic leaders and their ability to ...

    Read More

  • Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave

    1297 Words  | 3 Pages

    Henretta, James A., Rebecca Edwards, and Robert Self. America: A Concise History.( Boston: Bedford, St. Martin's, 2006),

    Read More

  • Rereading America Summary

    1772 Words  | 4 Pages

    In the book, “Rereading America” by, Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle, it starts off on page 210 describing a well educated Black Man of the times in 1960s. “Born Malcolm Little; Malcolm X was one of the most articulate and powerful leaders of Black America during the 1960s. A street hustler convicted of robbery in 1946, he spent seven years in prison, where he educated himself and became a disciple of Elijah Muhammad, founder of the Nation of Islam” (p.210). Here I want to focus on the strength of a single black man in the 60’s and what it was like to be uneducated as an African American. The many struggles of a black person in general were enough, but a black man had it hard.

    Read More

  • Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation

    1120 Words  | 3 Pages

    America was born and survived, its rough road into a nation, through a series of events, or moments in history. The founding brother’s book is about a few important figures during and after the American Revolution. These important figures consisted of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, John Adams, George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. Each of these men, contributed to the building of America in one way or another. The book breaks these contributions into a few short stories, to help understand what these important figures did.

    Read More

  • The Role of Ideals and Self-Interest in the History of America

    1192 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout history, beginning when settlers first arrived in America, every event that took place became part of American history. Ideals, as described by Dr. Margolies, History Professor at Virginia Wesleyan College, are "motivating, lofty goals". Some of these ideals, which shaped American history, included life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as protected by the Constitution. Self-interest, a second influential factor in American history, is shown through the gaining of benefits for oneself. Although it is debatable which of these two influential factors was more dominant in American history, the possibility arises that they coincide with one another revealed by many documented events.

    Read More

  • The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

    970 Words  | 2 Pages

    Henretta, James A. and David Brody. America: A Concise History, Volume I: To 1877. 4th ed. Boston:

    Read More

  • The Gilded Age Analysis

    642 Words  | 2 Pages

    Alan Trachtenberg, professor of American studies at Yale and author of The Incorporation of America, argues that the system of incorporation unhinged the idea of national identity that all American’s had previously shared. As a result, incorporation became the catalyst for the great debate about what it meant to actually be American, and who was capable of labeling themselves as such. Throughout his work Trachtenberg consistently tackles the ideas of cultural identity and how those ideas struggled against one another to be the supreme definition of Americanism. This work not only brings to life the issue of identity, but it attempts to synthesize various scholarly works into a cohesive work on the Gilded Age. It demonstrates that concepts developed during the incorporation of the time period have formed the basis for the American cultural, economic, and political superstructure.

    Read More

  • American History : The Revolutionary War

    1037 Words  | 3 Pages

    As an American observes the life around him, noting the many advancements made in merely the last century, he must wonder how America climbed to such a level. The 21st century technology, the military and political power, education and ethics, all came from such meager beginnings, solidified by the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War proved to be a significant turning point in the history of our country, but what caused America to win? What were some of the most significant factors in the victory of these American patriots? By examining these three particular factors, America’s military assets, it’s aid from other countries, and its own spirit of independence, one’s understanding of the Revolutionary War, an essential root of this nation, is truly increased.

    Read More

  • Imperialism in America

    1186 Words  | 3 Pages

    At the turn of the century, America and the views of its people were changing. Many different ideas were surfacing about issues that affected the country as a whole. The Republican Party, led by William McKinley, were concentrating on the expansion of the United States and looking to excel in power and commerce. The Democratic Party at this time was led by William Jennings Bryan, who was absorbed in a sponge of morality and was concerned with the rights of man. The nation’s self-interest was divided into different ideas between the two parties. At this time imperialism and anti-imperialism were the dominant topics regarding America’s destiny.

    Read More

  • Rereading America

    878 Words  | 2 Pages

    Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing written by; Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle, Eighth Edition, published April, 2007 by Bedford/St. Martin’s, is a textbook about writing and critical thinking. In the first chapter of Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing, “Thinking Critically, Challenging Cultural Myths”, the Authors begin by setting a relatable scene of what it’s like for a college student. How a new found independence can be overwhelming, especially with regards to critical thinking, showing that what we have learned, needs to be re-evaluated and that an open mind in essential. "What Is Critical Thinking" In this section of the chapter the editors explain what it means to be a critical thinker. They explain that critical thinking is not just studying dates and facts, but rather taking those facts and examining them. The editors then proceed by explaining how having an open mind, and taking others' perspectives into account when formulating our own opinions on what the author is trying to say to us is important. A critical thinker takes all aspects into account and reflects on personal experience as well. The editors also point out that different cultural experiences bring different opinions. They suggest that we need to become active learners, continuously questioning the meaning behind everything, testing not only the theories of others but also our own experiences and analyzing the text rather than going for the obvious. They show that thinking outside the box is the epitome of critical thinking. Basically, we need to step outside our comfort zones and what we have always been taught. The editors also suggest that we need to re-evaluate our per...

    Read More

  • American Culture and Drug Use: 1800-1850

    1019 Words  | 3 Pages

    The early to mid-nineteenth century in America held promise for the young burgeoning nation. Dealing with the growing pains that every new country faces, America would expand its land territory, enter into another war with England, struggle with slavery, and move westward into California and the Northwest Territory. In 1800, America was just 25 years old, an infant in a world made up of mature governments and countries such as England, France, and Spain. Although the Capitol had just been moved from one city center of Philadelphia to another in Washington D.C., America was mostly rural and full of farm...

    Read More

  • Four Freedoms

    2334 Words  | 5 Pages

    ... An American History of the World. 4th ed. of the book. W.W. Norton, 2012, 671. 2.)

    Read More

  • How Did George Washington Influence America

    1925 Words  | 4 Pages

    American history began as a result of the actions and decisions of the leaders in the colonies who represented the constituents and their beliefs. These leaders fought vigorously for the right to do what they thought best for their country. This powerful belief led them into a clouded battle field that they came out of victorious. Many of these leaders were commanders, diplomats, rich upperclassmen, but they were also the embodiment of the people and what they desired. One of these men in specific, guided the Americans to-be through the

    Read More

More about Monism, Dualism, and Pluralism in American History

Open Document