Life in colonial America was often a struggle for survival and an object lesson in adaptation. The early years of colonization-fraught with disease, starvation, and conflict with Native Americans-progressed to the development of regional communities in the form of agricultural plantations in the South and industrial port cities in the Northeast. The legalization of slavery and the signing of the Declaration of Independence were among many of the significant events of this period. Characterized by religious and political fervor, this tumultuous time in American history established many of the standards by which we live and govern today.

General editor Rodney P. Carlisle earned a B.A. in history from Harvard University and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a former chair of the history department at Rutgers University in Camden, New Jersey, where he taught for more than 30 years, specializing in 20th-century history. Carlisle is now professor emeritus there. He has written and edited many articles and more than 10 books on history, including The Thirties in Facts On File's Day by Day series.

A comprehensive look at the people, customs, and trends of the colonial and revolutionary era.Praise for the hardcover edition:"...a worthwhile addition..."—American Reference Books AnnualLife in colonial America was often a struggle for survival and a constant lesson in adaptation. The early years of colonization—fraught with disease, starvation, and conflict with Native Americans—progressed to the development of regional communities in the form of agricultural plantations in the South and industrial port cities in the Northeast. The legalization of slavery and the signing of the Declaration of Independence were among many of the significant events of this period. Characterized by religious and political fervor, this tumultuous time in American history established many of the standards by which we live and govern today.The Colonial and Revolutionary Eradelves into the way ordinary Americans lived, covering everything from the foods people ate to how they dressed and popular pastimes. Black-and-white photographs and boxed features throughout complete this user-friendly new book.Coverage includes:

• Crime and violence
• Entertainment and sports
• Labor and employment
• Military and wars
• Religion
• Science and technology
• and more.

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Excerpted from Colonial and Revolutionary Era
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