OF THE UNITED STATES BY WILLIAM M. DAVIDSON SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, TOPEKA. KANSAS CHICAGO SCOTT, FORESMAN AND COMPANY 1902 EducT 709.02.320 Ꮴ HARVARD CO LEGE LIBRAR GIFT CF GINN & COMPANY COPYRIGHT, 1902, BY ROBT. O. LAW CO., PRINTERS AND BINDERS, CHICAGO MARSH, AITKEN & CURTIS COMPANY, CHICAGO PREFACE No other nation in the history of the world presents a more thrilling narrative than does the United States of America. As we glance back across the centuries, the name America, as first written four centuries ago, is seen but dimly through the mist of history. To-day it is written in large letters on the map of the world. Its opportunities have multiplied and grown with the centuries, likewise its responsibilities. The rapid march of events in the national life the past few years has brought it into a larger place in the eyes of the civilized world than ever before. As teachers, we must realize this, and our boys and girls must be made to feel, as they pursue the narrative of our country's history, that they themselves are in its very current. As they contemplate our country's struggles, and its glorious achievements, they must be made to feel that the perpetuity of national life depends upon the uprightness of individual life: that no nation is truly great, nor can ever remain great, except it be founded upon pure and happy homes, and upon that nobility of character which reveals itself at all times and everywhere in the integrity of both the private and the public life of each individual citizen of the republic. The writer of this book has tried to tell simply and plainly the story of our country's history. The sources from which he has drawn his material include all the standard histories of the United States, to all of which he acknowledges his indebtedness. His thanks are especially due to Professor E. E. Sparks of the University of Chicago, who inspired him to undertake the task of telling the story of his country's progress, and who gave full permission to use from his |