"The American People: A Study in National Psychology" by Alfred Maurice Low
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| The American People: A Study in National Psychology |
The book is a comprehensive examination of the formation and development of the American identity. Published in 1909, the book delves into the various factors that have shaped the American character, from the influence of environment on race to the impact of Puritanism on the nation's political and social landscape.
Low begins by exploring the idea of the American people as a new race, highlighting the ways in which the diverse backgrounds of immigrants have blended together to create a unique national identity. He discusses the role of environment in shaping race, noting how the climate and geography of the United States have influenced the development of its inhabitants.
The author then turns his attention to the influence of Puritanism on American society, arguing that the Puritans played a crucial role in the formation of American democracy.
He examines the Puritan belief system and its impact on political thought, highlighting the ways in which Puritan values have shaped American ideals of freedom and individualism.
Low also addresses the myth of Puritan hatred of color, arguing that this stereotype is unfounded and that the Puritans were more concerned with moral and religious purity than with racial prejudice. He explores the foundations of the American character, pointing to the role of tobacco and slavery in shaping the nation's economy and social structure.
The author goes on to discuss the development of Virginia as an aristocratic oligarchy and the establishment of the first Catholic colony in America. He examines the ways in which these early settlements influenced the course of American history and shaped the nation's cultural and political landscape.
Overall, "The American People: A Study in National Psychology" offers a detailed and insightful analysis of the factors that have contributed to the formation of the American identity. Low's exploration of race, environment, Puritanism, and colonial history provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex forces that have shaped the American character.
This is volume 1 hosted on Google drive
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