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:
- Ordeal of the Union: Fruits of Manifest Destiny, 1847โ1852 (1947)
- Ordeal of the Union: A House Dividing, 1852โ1857 (1947)
- The Emergence of Lincoln: Douglas, Buchanan, and Party Chaos, 1857โ1859 (1950)
- The Emergence of Lincoln: Prologue to Civil War, 1859โ1861 (1950)
- The War for the Union: The Improvised War, 1861โ1862 (1959)
- The War for the Union: War Becomes Revolution, 1862โ1863 (1960)
- The War for the Union: The Organized War, 1863โ1864 (1971)
- The War for the Union: The Organized War to Victory, 1864โ1865 (1971)
The final two volumes, published posthumously, represent the culmination of Nevins's extensive research into the Union's struggle.
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 1971โThe War for the Union: The Organized War, 1863โ1864 and The War for the Union: The Organized War to Victory, 1864โ1865โwere 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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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.
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