Building the American Republic, Volume 2: A Narrative History from 1877

Building the American Republic, Volume 2 spans the United States' development from 1877 through recent decades. The narrative begins in the aftermath of Reconstruction and traces the nation's path through industrialization, two world wars, social movements, and global conflicts. The text examines major political shifts and economic transformations that reshaped American society, from the rise of industrial capitalism to the emergence of the modern regulatory state. Key figures and events are presented within their full historical context, connecting local developments to national and international trends. Professor Dailey integrates social and cultural history alongside political narratives, exploring changes in American life through urbanization, immigration, technological advancement, and evolving gender roles. The book maintains a focus on how different groups of Americans experienced and influenced these transformations. This volume reveals the complex interplay between progress and resistance that has characterized American democracy, while highlighting recurring tensions between federal power and states' rights, individual liberty and collective responsibility, and competing visions of the nation's purpose.

Readers note this textbook's comprehensive coverage of post-1877 American history while maintaining accessibility for students. Many praise its focus on social movements and inclusion of perspectives from women, minorities, and working class Americans. Likes: - Clear chronological organization - Integration of primary source documents - Detailed coverage of labor movements and economic history - Free open-access digital version - Effective maps and illustrations Dislikes: - Some sections feel rushed, particularly post-WWII content - Limited coverage of foreign policy compared to domestic issues - Few discussion questions or student exercises - Print version is expensive ($75+) Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (27 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Sample review: "Does an excellent job weaving together political, social and economic narratives. The writing is engaging but doesn't sacrifice academic rigor. My students respond well to the primary sources." - College professor on Amazon

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🔷 Jane Dailey is a professor at the University of Chicago and specializes in American history with a focus on race, politics, and law in the post-Civil War United States 🔷 The book is available completely free as an open educational resource through the University of Chicago Press, making it accessible to students and general readers worldwide 🔷 The narrative begins in 1877 - the year that marked the end of Reconstruction - and carries through to contemporary American history, including the Obama presidency 🔷 Despite covering complex historical topics, the book incorporates personal stories and cultural elements, including discussions of music, literature, and sports to illuminate the American experience 🔷 The companion volume (Volume 1) covers American history from pre-colonial times through 1877, creating a comprehensive two-part series that spans the entire American historical narrative