The Journal of American History (1907): Nationhood in Retrospect
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Published in 1907, The Journal of American History by the National Historical Society represents an early attempt to systematize the story of the United States for a broad readership. It blends scholarly essays, documentary records, and narrative accounts to trace the nation’s development from colonial beginnings to modern industrial power.
Themes and Content
- Colonial Foundations: Essays on the Pilgrims, Puritans, and the shaping of early American society.
- Revolutionary Struggles: Accounts of independence, the Constitution, and the emergence of republican ideals.
- Civil War and Reconstruction: Reflections on conflict, emancipation, and the challenges of rebuilding.
- Modern America (1907): Industrial growth, immigration, and the rise of the U.S. as a global power.
Historical Significance
- Serves as a snapshot of American historiography in the early 20th century, when national pride and identity were central themes.
- Reflects the progressive era’s optimism, emphasizing democracy, expansion, and cultural unity.
- Provides a documentary record of how Americans viewed their own history before the upheavals of World War I.
The Journal of American History (1907): A Nation’s Story Told by Itself
From introduction
historical organization was established to carry on, more perfectly, the popular, patriotic, and historical work begun by The Journal of American History. It was recognized that the Magazine would serve as the ideal official organ of such a society, through which its activities could be conducted, and that the support of the society would, in turn, ensure the continuance of the Magazine. This proposal was placed before the subscribers of The Journal of American History in several circular letters sent out in December 1914 and the early part of 1915. In numerous responses received, the organization of a national historical society to take over The Journal of American History was enthusiastically urged, with promises of hearty co‑operation.
Acting upon these suggestions, the work of enrolling Founders of such a national organization was begun, and progress was made so rapidly that The National Historical Society was incorporated at Washington, D.C., under the laws of the District of Columbia, on April 26, 1915. Elsewhere in this Number are printed the objects of the Society, taken from the Articles of Incorporation, one of which is “to acquire The Journal of American History, and to publish the same as the official organ of the Society, and to publish or promote the publication of whatever else may seem advisable in furtherance of the objects of the Society.” By November 1915, the Foundership body of The National Historical Society had grown so considerable that the Executive Committee decided to take over The Journal of American History, in accordance with the wishes of the Society’s Founders, and this was accordingly done. With the present Number, therefore, the Founders of The National Historical Society are receiving the first issue of their own Magazine.
All those who have joined in the notable patriotic work of founding The National Historical Society will have their names permanently enrolled upon the Society’s books and recorded in The Journal of American History as Original Founders of The National Historical Society. It has also been deemed advisable that the period of enrolling Original Founders be extended throughout the formative stage, until The National Historical Society shall have acquired, as its permanent home, suitable national headquarters.