The Beginnings of the American Tradition

In this section you will find all sorts of aids to your understanding of who the important literary figures were in the early days of America, what they believed in and their impact on what we are as Americans today. There will be biographical sketches, quizzes, worksheets, and other websites to help you. Best of luck and if you have any questions or concerns, contact your instructor or email: Jay Edwards.

Introduction

(1492 - 1640)

 [Background material] [Essay information] [Old World/New World Exchange] [Corn: Builder of Cities] [Potato: How It Shaped the World] [Those Who Crucify Columbus Ignore His Historical Context] [The Truth About Columbus] [Columbus Should Not Be Deemed a 'Bad Guy'] [Rally Protests Chief's Arrival] [How Can You Call a Takeover a Discovery? ] [Who Was First and Was It Flat or Round?] [Puritan Forefathers? Maybe Not]
Captain John Smith (1579 or 1580 - 1631) [Biography] [The General History of Virginia -- Background & Summary] [Quiz] [The Real Pocahontas]
William Bradford (1590 - 1657) [Biography] [Puritan Beliefs] [Quiz] [Of Plymouth Plantation --Summary & Background] [Plymouth Rock] [Puritan Joke #1] [Puritan Joke #2]
Anne Bradstreet (c. 1612 - 1672) [Biography] ["To My Dear and Loving Husband"] ["The Author To Her Book"] ["House Burning"] ["A Letter To Her Husband"] [Biography #2]
Jonathan Edwards (1703 - 1758) [Biography] [ Edwards's Ideas] ["Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God -- Text][Quiz] ["Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God -- Background, Summary & Tone"]
Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790) [Biography] [Quiz] [Quotations and Aphorisms] [Autobiography] [Epitaph] [Franklin's Will Bequeaths Millions] [Printed History Brings Big Bucks] ["The Way to Wealth"] [Biography #2]
 

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