We all know that history is relevant, but what you may not know is how helpful it is to study history. Not only does learning about history help us learn more about the world around us, but it can also help us understand our place in the world and the role that we play in it.
Many people create YouTube videos aimed at giving historical knowledge in today’s society because while viewing history films is interesting, reading books can also be equally gratifying. By reading books, you can gain a better understanding of the past and how it has influenced our reality. Among the books that we recommend to read is The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West by David McCullough. As you read this book, you will get a better knowledge of a pivotal and dramatic chapter in American history: the settling of the Northwest Territories by fearless pioneers, which has far-reaching ramifications for our present and future.
What makes the book worth reading?
The book ranked #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. It also won a Pulitzer Prize for the history section. This book is a masterpiece of American history that readers can’t help but fall in love with. It tells the story of these brave pioneers who faced incredible hardships to build America. The book contains one chapter from our nation’s past and how it reflects on today’s society, especially regarding some key topics like democracy or freedom — the same ideals these hardworking pioneers fought for when settling this undeveloped land back then which still matter so much more than 200 years later.
Overview of the book
As part of Britain’s recognition that the newly-created United States was an independent nation, they granted America ownership over this vast Northwest territory. The land encompassing Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Manasseh Cutler, a Massachusetts priest, was essential in allowing Revolutionary War veterans and their families to settle in this vast territory. Three outstanding criteria were included in the Northwest Ordinance: religious freedom, free universal education, and, most significantly, the banning of slavery.
The heroes are so admirable that the villains are more interesting than those in previous novels, which is unusual for a McCullough book. Captain Pipe, a Delaware Indian leader who initially welcomed Putnam and his supporters to Ohio. However, he betrayed them in the early 1790s by joining the Shawnees, Miami, and other Native Americans in resisting settlement. McCullough included a chapter about a historic event when Aaron Burr embarked on a misguided scheme. He was a disgraced former vice president and murderer of Alexander Hamilton who passed through Marietta on his way to Mississippi where he undertook an ill-fated scheme to create an independent republic by splitting some of the western territories from the United States.
The way McCullough tells his story makes sense. Cutler and Putnam’s efforts to expand American colonization beyond the Ohio River were successful precisely because they were honorable men. The nation-building attempts of deceitful Native Americans like Pipe and confidence men like Burr, on the other hand, failed because they were corrupt.
Ending Note
McCullough weaves an engaging story about the settling of America that is both educational and inspirational. The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West is a story about the people of America, notably their forefathers who came to this country in search of a better life. The book simplifies a complex civics lesson which may serve as an inspiration for today’s young readers. McCullough walks us through the successes and failings of past generations in order to inspire future generations with their commitment to doing what is right.
