Who Wrote American History?

American history is a vast and complex subject that has been studied and written by many individuals over the years. However, the question of who wrote American history is not a straightforward one.

This is because different people have contributed to the writing of American history in various ways. In this article, we will explore who wrote American history and how they did it.

The First Historians

The first historians of America were the Native Americans. They passed down their history orally from generation to generation through stories, songs, and dances. Unfortunately, much of this history was lost when Europeans arrived in America.

Colonial Period

During the colonial period, European explorers and colonizers began writing about America. Some of these early writers include John Smith, William Bradford, and Thomas Hariot. They wrote about their experiences in America and documented the interactions between Europeans and Native Americans.

The Revolutionary War

The Revolutionary War marked a turning point in American history. It was during this period that some of the most famous American writers emerged.

These writers include Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Alexander Hamilton. They wrote about the ideas that inspired the revolution and helped shape America’s founding principles.

The Civil War

The Civil War was another significant event in American history that produced many great writers. Among them were Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Ulysses S. Grant. They wrote about slavery, abolitionism, and civil rights issues that defined this period.

Modern Era

In the modern era, many historians have contributed to our understanding of American history. These include Howard Zinn, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David McCullough among others who have written extensively on various periods in American history from different perspectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of who wrote American history is a complicated one. Native Americans, European explorers and colonizers, founding fathers, civil war writers, and modern historians have all contributed to our understanding of American history.

Each has brought their unique perspective and insights into the story of America. It is through their writing that we can appreciate the rich and complex history of this great nation.