Growth of a Nation: Securing the Republic

Part of the Growth of a Nation series, Securing the Republic covers the period of 1800–1814, focusing on issues that arose during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, including the war of 1812. As the new century dawned, the United States was not even a teenager yet (the country was 11 years old at that point, with only 15 stars and stripes on the flag). Those who consider today's politics divisive will find the struggles of the early founders illuminating, where sharp divisions on the best way to govern led to great distrust and hostility between the Federalist and Republican parties, resulting in a vicious battle for the White House (with Jefferson winning his office by a slim margin). In addition to Jefferson, the two opposing parties, and the War of 1812, the bite-size segments here explore a number of other topics, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and Tecumseh's War. Other titles in the series include Democracy in America, Expansion and Reform, and Manifest Destiny. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (C. Block)