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Nevins's Chronicle: The American Union in Crisis

An exhaustive exploration of the tumultuous mid-19th century American history, focusing on the Civil War and its antecedents, as meticulously documented by historian Allan Nevins.

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The Grand Narrative: Ordeal of the Union

A Monumental Historical Series

The "Ordeal of the Union" is a seminal eight-volume series of books dedicated to the intricate tapestry of mid-19th century American history. Penned by the distinguished historian Allan Nevins, this comprehensive work delves deeply into the critical period leading up to, during, and immediately following the American Civil War. Published between 1947 and 1971, the series represents a monumental effort to capture the complexities and profound challenges faced by the United States during this transformative era.

Series Structure and Scope

While the entire collection is commonly referred to as "Ordeal of the Union," it is strategically divided into distinct thematic and chronological segments:

Series Overview

Author Allan Nevins
Language English
Published 1947-1971
No. of books 8

The series was intended to extend into the Reconstruction era, though these final volumes remained unwritten due to Nevins's passing.

The Eight Pillars of the Union

Chronological Progression

Nevins meticulously structured the series to guide the reader through the escalating tensions and eventual conflict. The eight volumes, each a deep dive into specific periods, collectively form a cohesive narrative arc:

  1. Ordeal of the Union: Fruits of Manifest Destiny, 1847โ€“1852 (1947)
  2. Ordeal of the Union: A House Dividing, 1852โ€“1857 (1947)
  3. The Emergence of Lincoln: Douglas, Buchanan, and Party Chaos, 1857โ€“1859 (1950)
  4. The Emergence of Lincoln: Prologue to Civil War, 1859โ€“1861 (1950)
  5. The War for the Union: The Improvised War, 1861โ€“1862 (1959)
  6. The War for the Union: War Becomes Revolution, 1862โ€“1863 (1960)
  7. The War for the Union: The Organized War, 1863โ€“1864 (1971)
  8. The War for the Union: The Organized War to Victory, 1864โ€“1865 (1971)

The final two volumes, published posthumously, represent the culmination of Nevins's extensive research into the Union's struggle.

Allan Nevins: The Chronicler

A Master of American History

Allan Nevins (1890โ€“1971) was a towering figure in 20th-century American historiography, renowned for his meticulous research and compelling narrative style. A two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Nevins dedicated much of his career to illuminating pivotal moments in American history. The "Ordeal of the Union" series stands as a testament to his scholarly rigor and his profound commitment to understanding the forces that shaped the nation, particularly the profound crisis of the Civil War and its complex origins.

Accolades and Recognition

National Book Award Distinction

The profound scholarship and narrative depth of Allan Nevins's work were recognized with prestigious accolades. The final two volumes of the "Ordeal of the Union" series, published in 1971โ€”The War for the Union: The Organized War, 1863โ€“1864 and The War for the Union: The Organized War to Victory, 1864โ€“1865โ€”were jointly honored with the United States National Book Award for History in 1972. This award underscored the series' significant contribution to the understanding and interpretation of American history.

Enduring Significance

Shaping Historical Understanding

The "Ordeal of the Union" series remains a cornerstone in the study of the American Civil War and its preceding decades. Nevins's comprehensive approach, characterized by exhaustive research and a balanced perspective, provided an unparalleled synthesis of political, social, and military history. His work continues to inform scholars and students alike, offering critical insights into the profound challenges and eventual resolution of the Union's greatest crisis. The series is celebrated for its detailed examination of the period's complexities and its contribution to the ongoing discourse on American identity and governance.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Ordeal of the Union Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It aims to provide a scholarly overview suitable for higher education students.

This is not professional historical interpretation. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting primary sources, engaging with peer-reviewed historical scholarship, or seeking advice from qualified historians or academic institutions. Always refer to original academic works and consult with experts for in-depth historical analysis.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.