American History Stories: 200 Elementary Stories of American History

American History Stories: 200 Elementary Stories of American History ​by Mara L. Pratt

This stories from the history of America were written over a century ago. It is quickly obvious with sentiments that differ from modern views. It starts with Columbus shown as the one person who thought the world was round, while others thought it was flat.

The Civil War was discussed with a balanced, yet modern approach. While the Confederate officers were treated with respect, they were lamented for supporting the "evil" cause of slavery. The book also made clear there were many people at the time that would have preferred not to have a war, and just let the south separate. The southerners were seen as being loyal primarily to their state, while the northerners were loyal first to their country. Even with those loyalties it was only through some subterfuge that some states were able to overcome popular opinion and secede.

Even with the anti-slavery slant, the black slaves, were seen as somewhat inferior. Though those was in part due to the prohibitions on education. Slave holders were not uniform. Some were kind and treated slaves as part of the household. (The author compared these slaves to household servants of the day.) Others were absolutely cruel. The different military leaders were also different in their view. Some might free slaves, while others might flog them for attempting to escape. The book also tells the story of a leader who did not believe the cruelty in Uncle Tom's Cabin, until he saw how things were in New Orleans. 

It is interesting to read the history as seen by people who more closely lived it.