
People of the American Frontier
The Coming of the American Revolution
Walter S. Dunn Jr.(Author)
Praeger Publishers Inc
Published on 28. February 2005
Book
Hardback
248 pages
978-0-275-98181-5 (ISBN)
Description
Life on the frontier in the decades before the Revolution was extremely difficult and uncertain. It was a world populated by Native Americans, merchants, fur traders, land speculators, soldiers and settlers-including women, slaves, and indentured servants. Each of these groups depended on the others in some way, and collectively they formed the patchwork that was life on the frontier. Using a wealth of material culled from primary sources, Dunn paints a vivid picture of a world caught up in the winds of change, a world poised on the edge of revolution.
Life on the frontier in the decades before the Revolution was extremely difficult and uncertain. It was a world populated by Indians, merchants, fur traders, land speculators, soldiers and settlers-including women, slaves, and indentured servants. Each of these groups depended on the others in some way, and collectively they formed the patchwork that was life on the frontier. Using a wealth of material culled from primary sources, Dunn paints a vivid picture of a world caught up in the winds of change, a world poised on the edge of revolution.
In the 15 years preceding the American Revolution, the existence of the frontier exerted a dominant influence on the colonial economy. The possibility of new territory in the West and the removal of the French army offered an enormous opportunity for economic expansion but such prospects were not without risk. Farmers worked endlessly to clear a few scant acres for production. Traders struggled to reach remote areas to bargain with local tribes. Merchants weighted the possibilities for enormous profit with huge risk. Native Americans faced increasing encroachment upon their traditional lands. Women and slaves played a greater role in opening the frontier than many sources have indicated.
Life on the frontier in the decades before the Revolution was extremely difficult and uncertain. It was a world populated by Indians, merchants, fur traders, land speculators, soldiers and settlers-including women, slaves, and indentured servants. Each of these groups depended on the others in some way, and collectively they formed the patchwork that was life on the frontier. Using a wealth of material culled from primary sources, Dunn paints a vivid picture of a world caught up in the winds of change, a world poised on the edge of revolution.
In the 15 years preceding the American Revolution, the existence of the frontier exerted a dominant influence on the colonial economy. The possibility of new territory in the West and the removal of the French army offered an enormous opportunity for economic expansion but such prospects were not without risk. Farmers worked endlessly to clear a few scant acres for production. Traders struggled to reach remote areas to bargain with local tribes. Merchants weighted the possibilities for enormous profit with huge risk. Native Americans faced increasing encroachment upon their traditional lands. Women and slaves played a greater role in opening the frontier than many sources have indicated.
Reviews / Votes
This work offers an in-depth look at life on the American frontier in the decades leading up to the Revolutionary War....[t]here is a wealth of information to be found here....[a] useful resource for research papers. Recommended. * Library Media Connection * [P]resents an informative and often surprising survey that provides valuable insight into areas often neglected by other historians. Relying heavily on primary sources, Dunn illustrates the grinding life of solitary farmers, the rapidly evolving culture of various Native American groups, and the role of women and slaves in the economy. This is a well-researched and very readable examination of frontier life that has value for both specialists and general readers with an interest in the period. * Booklist *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
Interest Age: From 7 to 17 years
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
543 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-275-98181-5 (9780275981815)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
02/2005
1st Edition
Praeger Publishers Inc
€55.99
Available for download
Person
Walter S. Dunn, Jr. is an independent writer and researcher. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His recent publications include Opening New Markets: The British Army and the American Frontier, 1764-1768 (2002).
Content
Preface
Introduction
The Indians
The French Farmers
The French Traders
The Settlers
The New York Traders
The Pennsylvania Traders
The Merchants
Illinois
The Women
The Slaves and Indentured Servants
The Army
Conclusion
Introduction
The Indians
The French Farmers
The French Traders
The Settlers
The New York Traders
The Pennsylvania Traders
The Merchants
Illinois
The Women
The Slaves and Indentured Servants
The Army
Conclusion